SQLSaturday #766 - Houston 2018

Event Date: 06/23/2018 00:00:00

Event Location:

San Jacinto College - South Campus
13735 Beamer Rd
Houston, Texas

This event has completed. All data shown below is from the historical XML public data available.

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

If there are any data quality issues or corrections needed, please contact the webmaster for this site or submit a pull request for the appropriate file(s).

Sessions

This is a list of sessions from the event, based on the schedule in the XML files.

Title: Indexing for performance

Abstract: Learn all you wanted to know about index design, but were afraid to ask. This session focuses on physical index structures as well as how the server chooses indexes. Note: Join optimization is a separate session

Speaker(s):

Jeffrey Garbus

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.115

Title: Dynamic SQL: Tables, Parameters and More

Abstract: Dynamic SQL is one of the best tools to have in your Developer tool chest. Dynamic SQL helps you design flexible code that can be manipulated at runtime. This session will walk you through the Pros and Cons of Dynamic SQL. Will give you the knowledge to build dynamic tables, pass in parameters and display your material in a pivot table. New this year, this session will give you the first steps to build multiple databases, alter tables dynamically across databases and do simple backups all through Dynamic SQL.

Speaker(s):

Steven Tidwell

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.142

Title: Kimball Methodology - Facts and dimensions

Abstract: We will take a deep dive into the Kimball methodology for building a true star schema data store with fact and dimension tables. We will go into the types of facts tables and what you can do with the data. We will look at the granularity that you should and need to store for analytics at every possible level. There will be files available after the presentation of everything that we will cover.

Speaker(s):

Robert Stewart

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.142

Title: From the grave: Horror stories from the Microsoft SQL Server CSS archives

Abstract: Do you like dread stories? Join me while I narrate a few horror stories from the real life, featuring the production server that was down for hours, or the Database corrupted to the bone, or the lethal demon that spreaded thru all the network. In this session, we will examinate a few stories, and how the issue was easy to avoid, if the best practices would have been there since the beggining.

Speaker(s):

Franklin Gamboa

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.149

Title: Securing SQL Server

Abstract: A default SQL Server installation is reasonably secure, but quot;reasonably securequot; doesn’t cut it in an era in which one bad line of code, one weak password, or one open port can result in your customer database ending up on Pastebin. In this talk, we will look at different methods of securing a SQL Server instance, from venerable (principle of least privilege, Transparent Data Encryption) to novel (Always Encrypted, row-level security). These tools and techniques will show us ways for developers, database administrators, and network specialists to work together to secure SQL Server instances.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Feasel

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.117

Title: Data Modeling for the Modern Data Warehouse

Abstract: A theoretical discussion on the topic of graphical data modeling using enterprise modeling tools.

I this session, we will discuss why we model data, the different modeling types, and different modeling techniques. We will explore why and when to use different modeling techniques and we will explain how to use dimensional modeling when developing data warehouses, SSAS Cubes, and Power BI Analytics.

“Real World” sample model diagrams will be used to explain these different modeling techniques in an attempt to bring a more tangible aspect to the theoretical aspects of the discussion.

Why Model Data The Value of Enterprise Data Business Benefits of Data Modeling

Different Model Types Conceptual / Logical / Physical Dimensional

Different Modeling Techniques Star Snow Flake Schema Slowly Changing Dimensions Many to Many Relationships

Speaker(s):

Ryan Casey

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.149

Title: Become the Most Valuable Player: Soft Skills for the Hard Market

Abstract: Whether you are just starting a career, advancing into senior leadership, or trying to woo a potential client, soft skills can be your ticket to success. Often times we focus on showing how smart we are instead of showing what a good team member we can be. We will discuss the role and types of soft skills needed to showcase your X-factor. Need to hone your skills? We will explore innovative and fun ways in which to do just that!

Speaker(s):

Angela Tidwell

Track and Room: Professional Development - 1.117

Title: Mastering your Resume Interview: Tips to Get Hired

Abstract: Looking for a job? Learn trade secrets from a Recruiter! Resume blunders and interview tips, this session will focus on ten most important things you can do to get hired.

Speaker(s):

Christine Assaf

Track and Room: Professional Development - 1.141

Title: Data Cleansing With SQL And R

Abstract: On a given project, data scientists can spend upwards of 80% of their time preparing, cleaning, and correcting data. In this session, we will look at different data cleansing and preparation techniques using both SQL Server and R. We will investigate the concept of tidy data and see how we can use tools in both languages to simplify research and analysis of a small but realistic data set.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Feasel

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.141

Title: Querying Semistructured Data in Azure Data Lake with USQL

Abstract: Data is exploding across enterprises. Much of it is semi-structured junk. Or is it junk? What are you going to do with it until you can find out? Microsoft’s Azure Data Lake is a cloud storage and analytical service for parking a variety of data. When you are ready, you can query that semi-structured data using an ANSI SQL language called U-SQL. In this session I will demonstrate the similarities and differences between U-SQL and T-SQL. I will demonstrate how easy it is to build a query against 21 GB of CSV files. Such queries can help you determine whether you have a gold mine in your data or a bunch of garbage before investing in a full data warehouse build.

Speaker(s):

Russel Loski

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 1.148

Title: Cloudy DBA, Amazon (AWS) and SQL Server

Abstract: Cloud (AWS, Azure, Google or whatever else out there) is a reality now and for most of the organizations question is not “if”, it is “When”.

Cloud has and will continue to transform DBA’s role from tactical to strategic. We will start our session with a quick discussion about Cloudy DBA and cloud computing fundamentals.

After that we will dive deep into Amazon and explore different options for running SQL Server database in AWS. We will compare available options, evaluate their differences and suitability for different workloads. We will also cover cloud migration approaches, connectivity, AD Authentication, backup and recovery, performance, monitoring, HA/DR, security, compliance, licensing and related best practices.

Speaker(s):

Faheem Ismat

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 1.142

Title: Environmental SQL Server Troubleshooting

Abstract: When called in to diagnose a performance issue what are the 1st things you review? Many DBAs and developers make the mistake of diving straight into the code looking for an answer. However, often times the solution is not in the code but rather in the overall environment. Environmental troubleshooting is often a quick and overlooked method for discovering and configuring SQL Server to perform at a higher level without the need for application change controls.

In this session we will discuss both performance pitfalls and optimizations that can be made to the system outside of code changes. We will diagnose configurations commonly misapplied and review best practices in SQL Server, Windows Server, and VMware!

Speaker(s):

Jeff Mlakar

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.117

Title: Cosmos DB for the Data Professional

Abstract: So, you have heard the buzz and your development team wants to use Cosmos DB. But what does that mean to you? As your company’s data architect or DBA, you are ultimately responsible for things like data security, query performance, scale, costs, and availability. Your management wants you to handle all data assets. This will be an opportunity to be introduced to Cosmos DB and understand some of the areas that matter most to a DBA in an enterprise. Not only will we cover enterprise topics, but we will create a Cosmos DB using the SQL API and demo some of the capabilities. The world of data is still changing, this is one area to understand as the technology marches on.

What you will learn - Basics of Cosmos DB, the what, where and how - Enterprise considerations for the data pro when using Cosmos DB - How to create a Cosmos DB and get more hands on experience with the technology

Speaker(s):

Steve Hughes

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 1.149

Title: How to transition from Profiler to Extended Events and why you should consider.

Abstract: Let me ask you, what comes to your mind when you hear / read phrase SQL Server Extended Events? You may be thinking: “What is it, what does it do?”, “I don’t have time to learn this”, “I already have the tool that does all I need”, “It’ll require too much coding”, “There is no way Extended Events can do what SQL Profiler does.” Why don’t we take a closer look using straightforward examples in order to figure out what it’s all about, because learning Extended Events is fun and easy.

In this session we will cover the following: – How to create an extended event session using an existing trace. – How to create XE (Extended Events) in UI (User interface) from the ground up. – How to analyze the data. – What to watch out for in terms of performance.

Speaker(s):

Dainius Sutkevicius

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.115

Title: Patterns for Managing Your Career Learning Needs

Abstract: Most of us want to “keep up” with changes in the technologies we use and most of us feel like we’re failing to do so. Can that be right? Is it possible to learn what what we need to learn in order to stay current and still have time for a life outside of work? It is!

This presentation is about patterns you can apply to how and when you learn. My goal is to give you the ideas and techniques that will help you learn effectively and do so for your entire career - something you can use for 40 years!

Attendees - bring your lists. Bring the list of stuff of you want to learn or think you should learn. Take a few minutes to write down the challenges you’ve had in ‘keeping up’. We’ll discuss some during the session and I’ll be available afterward for one on one conversations for the rest!

Speaker(s):

Andy Warren

Track and Room: Professional Development - 1.148

Title: Enterprise Row Level Security in SQL Server and Power BI

Abstract: The need for organizations to provide Row Level Security (RLS) in their applications is increasing every day, often in existing applications where code changes are not easy. Microsoft has addressed this need in SQL Server 2016/2017 and Azure SQL DB with predicate based RLS and in Power BI, as well.

This session will show how organizational asset hierarchies are leveraged together to provide predicate-based RLS on tables in SQL Server 2016/2017, Azure SQL Database and Power BI without application changes. This session will go beyond the basic RLS setups and show a real-world production setup of RLS using a small number of security records to secure large and small organizations.

Attendees will leave with a complete working demo they can take to their work and begin to use immediately. The demo will walk completely through creating the database, creating the application tables and security related tables, loading demo and security data, setting up the RLS and testing the RLS.

Speaker(s):

Jamey Johnston

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.142

Title: Tuning Like CSS: With These Tools There’s No Need Call Support

Abstract: What do you do when you have a performance or troubleshooting problem that you can’t figure out? One option is to open a support ticket with Microsoft Support (CSS). The CSS engineer will use a specific set of tools to collect and analyze workload data from your SQL Server. Based on this information they might recommend patches, configuration changes, or identify the worst-performing queries. But what if you could bypass support and do all of this analysis yourself? In this session, you’ll learn how to use battle tested tools to analyze your workload and error logs. Armed with this information, you’ll understand the root cause of the problem and propose solutions to performance and stability problems.

Speaker(s):

Kerry Tyler

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.113

Title: SQL on Linux ¦ Microsoft ♡ Linux ¦ Cloud is mostly Linux …… but I’m/WE’re Windows based?

Abstract: SQL Server on Linux - yaaay! …wait, what? …isn’t that a whole new/open world of tech and licensing options? …and they need the info when? …but I’m already overloaded + the next build of windows is … [vent away] …?!

SPOILER: You actually become MORE valuable, the more you partake in the Linux world! (interested?)

PAUSE: Windows Server folks went through this a few years ago with the Cloud. I was a guest on TechNet-Edge Radio with John Weston speaking about it, recording on www.HybridDecisions.com

AUDIENCE: Anyone (dev/pro/biz) interested in the new/open world of SQL Server on Linux (your competition/opportunity?), the newSQL DB options, and possible quick demos

SPEAKER DISCLOSURE: Tex (20+ year technologist) Zane (burgeoning technologist), are with Hybrid Decisions®/2005, a multi-competency Microsoft Gold Partner consistently since year-1 … doing Linux (originally C/Unix folks who embraced Microsoft Linux, i.e., ol’ dogs :-) … speaking on behalf of HCCUG.org/2008 «±»

Speaker(s):

Anthony {Tex} Moreign

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 1.147

Title: Monster Text Manipulation: Regular Expressions for the DBA

Abstract: Regular expressions can help you perform incredible tasks with very little effort. Need to create 1700 logins from an email request? Developers give you a single script with 300 stored procedures filled with table variables instead of temp tables? Need to move 500 databases to a different drive? Any of these tasks can take a long time to code, but regular expressions cuts that work from hours to seconds. I use regular expressions all the time and I have taken many tasks down from several days to just a few minutes. Stop writing code manually and let regular expressions do it for you. Here you’ll learn: • The most useful regular expression commands. • The appropriate times to use regular expressions. • How to use regular expressions to write code for you. • How to incorporate regular expressions into large tasks and combine them with other methods.

Speaker(s):

Sean McCown

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.115

Title: A DBA’s guide to full stack performance troubleshooting

Abstract: Performance troubleshooting is a required skill for every DBA. Knowing the deep internals of how a query functions and why SQL Server chose to run it in a certain way is important. Knowing how to design a table or configure a database to squeeze every ounce of performance is our lifeblood.

What if I told you that you may be doing this all wrong? What if all the work and laborious effort put into design or configuration don’t improve the situation because the issue was never in SQL to begin with? Truth be told, the biggest differentiator between a good DBA and a great DBA is knowing the hardware and O/S; not just SQL.

Join me as I guide you through troubleshooting SQL Server performance from tip to toe to demonstrate the common performance problems you never knew you had.

Speaker(s):

Daniel Janik

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.113

Title: Fundamentals That Will Improve Your Query Performance!

Abstract: Time and time again the same misunderstandings by developers and query writers appear when query performance issues arise. In this demo heavy presentation, we will review these specific topics such as data types, implicit conversions, sargability, and some others that all have an impact on query performance. Come join me and by the end of this session you will have the knowledge to boost your query performance!

Speaker(s):

John Wells

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.117

Title: Azure Data Factory V2 and SSIS Automation With Biml

Abstract: SSIS was originally designed to work in a world where all data was structured and on premise. As modern enterprise data projects increasingly move online, tools like Azure Data Factory (ADF) can extend SSIS capabilities to the cloud. Azure Data Factory is a flexible and powerful cloud based ETL service, but it doesn’t replace the functionality of SSIS.

In this session you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of both ETL platforms; how to use both in tandem to maximize productivity; and how both ETL platforms, as well as any supporting structures, can be be automatically generated with Biml Script.

All of the code used in this presentation can be downloaded by attendees, customized, and used in their production environments.

Speaker(s):

David Stein

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.117

Title: That’s bad mkay! (How to quantify when things aren’t right)

Abstract: We’ve all heard that things like nested views, cursors, and under/over-indexed tables are bad…but why? What is the real cost of the badness that abounds in the database world? What’s really going on when you run that query against a view of a view of a view. How can you quantify what happens when that cursor ends up running the same simple query thousands of times. And how can indexes really impact the way SQL Server decides to solve your queries. In this session we’ll talk about the basics of how to read query plans and use extended events to understand why all these things can be big resource drains on a SQL Server. Good times should be had by all.

Speaker(s):

Kris Hokanson

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.148

Title: The Independent Developer - Lessons Learned from 4+ Years of Self Employment

Abstract: In October 2013 I left my full time job with benefits and a regular paycheck. Over three years later, I’ve managed to keep my family fed and a roof over their heads. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way about the plusses (many) and minuses (a few) and challenges (many) of life as an independent software developer.

Speaker(s):

Jason Awbrey

Track and Room: Professional Development - 1.149

Title: CozyRoc: Dynamic Data Flows in SSIS Without Programming

Abstract: This session is an introduction to the unique functionality offered by COZYROC to create integration packages that dynamically map columns at runtime. The standard SSIS Data Flow Task can only use static metadata which is defined when the package is initially designed. The mapping of columns is configured and remains unchanged until the package is re-opened and design changes are made, thus costing maintenance time and effort. Data Flow Task Plus extends the capabilities of the standard Microsoft Data Flow task in that it allows you to set up dynamic data flows, thus eliminating maintenance time and effort. Changes to tables and columns are automatically incorporated at run time without the need to change and redeploy the package. Columns and fields are mapped automatically at run time. Furthermore, the initial design time and effort may be greatly reduced when dealing with huge amounts of data in a large number of files and/or databases.

Speaker(s):

Diane Schuster

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.142

Title: Change Detection in SQL Server

Abstract: Change detection is a critical component of any system that moves data from one structure to another. Most data movement mechanisms are designed to move a subset of the data – only that which is new or changed since the last load. For that to work properly, there must be a reliable system for detecting delta data touched since the most recent load.

In this session, we will review the tools and design patterns available in SQL Server for performing change detection. From source detection methods including change tracking and change data capture, to in-flight comparisons using hashed values, and even brute-force methods as a last resort, we’ll cover the spectrum of change detection tools in SQL Server.

Speaker(s):

Tim Mitchell

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.141

Title: Introduction to Linux for SQL Server Professionals

Abstract: SQL Server is now available on Linux but you only know Windows, now what? During this session we’ll introduce the Linux version of Windows commands you use on a daily basis for administering SQL Server. We’ll look at updating Linux, updating SQL Server, moving files between Windows and Linux, and backing up and restoring databases from one system to another. We’ll also look at default file locations for SQL Server and what can be moved and how to accomplish that.

Speaker(s):

Jay Falck

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.149

Title: Loading a Data Warehouse with SSIS

Abstract: Data warehouses and ETL processes are an essential part of business decision-making. In an age where big data and NoSQL solutions, traditional data warehouse architectures and ETL tools to feed them (such as SQL Server Integration Services) remain critical to providing reliable, repeatable, and auditable answers.

SQL Server Integration Services has evolved into an ideal tool for loading data warehouses. Its modular design and variety of load tools allow it to process most any data warehouse load design (full load, incremental load, or near real-time), while its data flow transformations and scripting tools make it flexible enough to handle complex reshaping and cleansing required of data warehouse loads.

In this session, we will discuss and demonstrate loading a data warehouse using SQL Server Integration Services. We will briefly cover some ETL best practices for data warehouse loads, and will demonstrate how these practices can be implemented using SSIS.

Speaker(s):

Tim Mitchell

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.149

Title: Managing Your Schema with Database Projects in Visual Studio

Abstract: Integrating databases schema changes into a Software Development Lifecycle Management (SDLC) process can be a daunting and often tedious proposition. Adding the complexity of version control to the mix complicates this scenario. Fortunately, beginning with Visual Studio 2012, Database Projects add an “easy” button to this process. In this session, you will learn about the features and capabilities of VS Database Projects and how to use them to improve the lifecycle of your database structures, even if your organization does no code management.

Speaker(s):

Kerry Tyler

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.141

Title: DIY: SQL Server Monitoring for your Enterprise

Abstract: Have you wanted monitoring tools but know it is not feasible to procure them for your whole SQL Server enterprise? In this session, you will learn how to implement multiple solutions to help you be a Proactive DBA instead of retroactive DBA. You will understand which checks should be mandatory for every SQL Server environment. You will also learn common pitfalls with implementing your own monitoring solutions and how to customize them to work for you.

Speaker(s):

John Sterrett

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.148

Title: The Benefits of Gaming

Abstract: Studies show that people today are more stressed than ever. We will discuss how playing video games can benefit your life. We will explore how to de-stress your mind, build team work strategies, exercise your body, and improve your communication skills all through play! But wait, there’s more! Video games can also be very educational! So take some time for yourself, and let’s play!

Speaker(s):

Robert Tidwell

Track and Room: Other - 1.148

Title: Learning Columnstore Indexes

Abstract: If you have a large database or data warehouse things just got a lot faster for you using Columnstore Indexes. You will learn when to use a Columnstore Index and the difference between Non-Clustered and Clustered Columnstore. We will discuss their advantages over row store indexes and get into the internals of how these new indexes are arranged and loaded.

Speaker(s):

Ryan Adams

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.141

Title: Lessons Learned from Two Years as a Devops DBA

Abstract: Join me as I talk about lessons learned from two years on a Devops team. Process, source control, changes that block, rolling back changes, out of band changes, and more! I still don’t have all the answers (or maybe even all the questions), but I can say this - DBA’s have nothing to fear and a lot to gain when an org adopts a devops culture.

Speaker(s):

Andy Warren

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.113

Title: How to build your personal brand

Abstract: You have a tremendous opportunity to build your personal brand. It doesn’t matter if you work for a large corporation, or as an independent consultant. In this session, I’ll walk you through how to leverage the learnings I’ve made while building my Guy in a Cube brand. Take an inside look at how I think about our content and how you can use that to gain attention to your brand!

Speaker(s):

Adam Saxton

Track and Room: Professional Development - 1.147

Title: SQL Azure, SQL DW, SQL Managed Instances 101

Abstract: Need more SQL but you have run out of hardware on premises? How about SQL in the cloud? In this session we will discover what Azure is with a high level overview of Azure and we will dive into three of Azure’s Data offerings, Azure SQL Database (SQL Server) and Azure SQL Datawarehouse (PDW) and our newest offering SQL Server Managed Instances. We will walk through setting up an Azure environment for the first time and how to deploy and use Azure SQL Database and Azure SQL Datawarehouse. The discussion will also include defining IaaS, PaaS and SaaS

Speaker(s):

Mark Moore

Track and Room: Other - 1.115

Title: Power BI Security Deep Dive

Abstract: One hot topic with Power BI is security, in this deep dive session, we will look at all the aspects of security of Power BI, from users, logging to where and how your data is stored and we even look at how to leverage additional Azure services to secure it even more.

Speaker(s):

Adam Saxton

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.142

Abstract: GDPR takes (took) effect on May 25th, 2018. Many companies have overlooked the implication of GDPR because they think it only affects customers in Europe. However, GDPR impacts any company that captures any personally identifiable information for any EU Member. So, if there’s a chance that you are collecting information from someone who is a citizen of any other EU Country, you are impacted. In this session, we will discuss all of the ways that you may be impacted and the steps you should be taking to become compliant before the fines start being collected.

Speaker(s):

Kim Brushaber

Track and Room: Strategy and Architecture - 1.115

Title: Automate the Pain Away with Query Store and Automatic Tuning

Abstract: Join John Sterrett, Principal Consultant at Procure SQL LLC to learn how execution plans get invalidated and why data skew could be the root cause of seeing different execution plans for the same query. We will look at the options for forcing a query to use a particular execution plan. Finally, you will learn how this complex problem can be identified and resolved simply using new features in SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server 2017 called Query Store and Automatic Tuning.

Speaker(s):

John Sterrett

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.113

Title: Beginning T-SQL

Abstract: If you work with SQL Server at all, you need to know Transact-SQL, the SQL Server programming language. During this session, we’ll design and create our own table to demonstrate key concepts, query syntax, and more. If you’ve been meaning to learn T-SQL, here’s your chance!

Speaker(s):

Jennifer McCown

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.117

Title: Azure SQL Managed Instance the New Hotness

Abstract: You can’t wait to move your databases to an Azure PaaS offering so you don’t have to patch and maintain an operating system and SQL Server. You looked at Azure SQL DB, but there are some limitations that prevent you from migrating to this service. Don’t worry, you’re not stranded. There is a new option designed to “Lift and Shift” your workload to Azure PaaS. It’s a brand new offering that just came out of private preview and into public preview. We’ll discuss this new offering, its advantages, and how you can migrate with ease.

Speaker(s):

Ryan Adams

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 1.148

Title: Populating a Data Warehouse with SSIS and Biml Patterns

Abstract: This session will demonstrate how to leverage Biml Patterns, along with SQL Server Metadata, to rapidly build SSIS packages. The focus of this session will be on populating a data warehouse, however the concepts presented could be applied to most any ETL/ETL scenarios. The components used during this session: - Biml - BimlExpress - BimlSnap On-line are all available at no charge. In addition, attendees will receive: - A complete ‘SQL Server Metadata Manager’ solution (front and back end) - A fully functional SSIS Framework. Attend to see how Biml can revolutionize your SSIS development!

Speaker(s):

Jim Miller

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.147

Title: Migration Basics

Abstract: So you’ve got SQL Server instances that need to be moved off of old hardware or need a version upgrade for functionality and support purposes. Where do we begin? What pieces do we need to consider and how are we going to get them moved? What kind of window do we need to move everything?

We’ll cover all of these things and more, as well as querying the attendees on what to do next during certain steps to ensure you have your mind in the right place. Migrations can be tedious, but if planned properly, they can be easy and expand your knowledge for SQL Server.

This session does not cover dbaas migrations

Speaker(s):

Robert Verell

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.115

Title: Get insights from data with Cognitive Services

Abstract: How can you take advantage of Artificial Intelligence without being a data scientist? Cognitive Services allow you use Artificial Intelligence to enrich your data through simple API calls. In this session, we will demonstrate the Cognitive Services and brainstorm how we can apply these to our applications.

Speaker(s):

Shawn Weisfeld

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - 1.147

Title: Introduction to Execution Plans

Abstract: In this session we will take a look at the basics of execution plans. We will discuss what they are, how they are made, and how they are used. We will explore some of the common operators seen in execution plans and their functions. Next we will look at the differences between estimated and actual execution plans. Throughout, you will be getting insight on how to read execution plans to help tune your queries. Also we will go through some of the recent changes in SQL Server that effect execution plans. Those being the new cardinality estimator, query store, and adaptive query processing.

Speaker(s):

Lance Tidwell

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.113

Title: Trusting your data

Abstract: People make decisions based on two qualities: intent and competency. Said another way: trust and data. We all think we are providing the customer with good data. But many of the systems we use to provide that data are completely opaque to the average end user. How can we win their trust?

Speaker(s):

Eric Huckabay

Track and Room: Professional Development - 1.147

Title: Consistent Deployments / Team Development

Abstract: Unless you are developing code by yourself, you face challenges of working with several team members. Different people are changing code which affects the code someone else is working on. In addition, there will be teams working on different projects at the same time. In the middle of the projects, an emergency fix needs to be deployed to Production. So where is the code, when do you shared it with others, when do you get the code that has been shared, where is the production code branch located. How do I branch and when do merge? How do I get a release branch? Let me share with you how we are handling this area of DevOps.

Speaker(s):

Thomas Norman

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.149

Title: 45 min to build your first SSRS report

Abstract: Does this sound like you? You’ve been BI curious and now you’ve been given access to SSRS and you want to make a report. Or, you’re a DBA or DBA Dev and could use a report to reduce daily task. Either way, I’ve got your back! You will learn everything you need to know to get that first report out the door quickly and how to tweak it once it’s deployed. We’ll use SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) 2016. The query makes no difference, this time it’s all about the output.

Speaker(s):

Tamera Clark

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.142

Title: Simplifying SQL Data Protection (with Rubrik)

Abstract: When you think about backups in your environment, how many servers scripts do you have to manage? Or have you ever needed to get a table back from a large database and didn’t want to argue with the storage admins about space for the restore? With Rubrik, we empower you to backup and restore your databases quickly and with ease. Come see how you can quickly protect hundreds of databases with just a few clicks or bring back a database in minutes to satisfy your most demanding executives. With Rubrik, it’s not about backing up, it’s about going forward!

Speaker(s):

Jack Bailey

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.148

Title: Proactive monitoring with Redgate SQL Monitor

Abstract: Redgate will show you how using our SQL Monitor tool allows your team to proactively manage your SQL estate through performance tuning, baselining, and getting to root cause in 5 minutes or less.

Speaker(s):

Chris Randvere

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.117

Title: #GetModern SQL Server infrastructure with Dell EMC

Abstract: Get extreme performance and flexibility with modern day infrastructure from Dell EMC.

This discussion will cover new and upcoming infrastructure technologies, such as Flash, Storage Class Memory, NVMe, and NVDIMM. These exciting new technologies can super charge your database and transaction log performance.

Speaker(s):

Craig Allen

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.141

Title: In-Memory Indexes: SpaceX® Performance!

Abstract: This session does an in-depth dive into hash, range, and columnstore indexes in the in-memory environment. It will be about 25% presentation and 75% demos with emphasis on when and how to apply in-memory indexes for stated environments/scenarios. The demos will include performance comparisons to similar disk based indexes as well as the cost in RAM for the in-memory tables and storage memory for the equivalent disk based indexes. Performance is everyone’s goal, and this session will boast your in-memory performance to Falcon Heavy® performance.

Speaker(s):

Mike Byrd

Track and Room: Application Database Development - 1.147

Title: What’s New In SQL Server 2017

Abstract: From the lead author of SQL Server 2017 Administration Inside Out by Microsoft Press, come learn in technical detail what’s new for developers, admins, and users of Microsoft SQL Server 2017, including labs and demos. We’ll discuss the new features for the platform, high availability, maintenance, and TSQL syntax.

Speaker(s):

William Assaf

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.113

Title: Monitoring Availability Groups

Abstract: Once you have successfully configured Availability Groups, what comes next? In this session, we will go beyond setup and look at how to monitor your Availability Groups. We will define and cover important metrics and alerts you need to manage a database in an Availability Group.

You will walk away from this session with tools you need to monitor your environment and know how to respond to alerts.

Speaker(s):

Tracy Boggiano

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.147

Title: Data Vault on SQL Server Tabular Model and Power BI

Abstract: In this session, you will learn the basics of building a data vault to organize and store your companies disparate data on SQL Server. Learn how Hubs, Links, and Satellite tables create options for storing a variety of data from multiple systems. The data vault structures will then be used as the data source to create views designed for SQL Server Analysis Services Tabular models. Finally, Power BI will be used to visual the data for your end users.

Speaker(s):

Derek Wilson

Track and Room: BI Platform Architecture, Development Administration - 1.141

Title: Hi, my name is Powershell, let’s be friends! An Intro to PoSH

Abstract: Powershell wants to be your friend - your very powerful friend. In this session we will go over some Powershell basics that will help get you started as well as some known “gotchas” when working in Powershell. This is a beginner session - no Powershell experience necessary. WARNING: You may get warm-fuzzies about Powershell by attending this session.

Speaker(s):

Amy Herold

Track and Room: Enterprise Database Administration Deployment - 1.115

Speakers

This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.

Adam Saxton

Twitter: - @GuyInACube

LinkedIn: Adam Saxton

Contact: https://guyinacube.com

Adam Saxton is just a guy in a cube doing the work! He is on the Power BI CAT team at Microsoft, working with customers to help adopt Power BI. He is based in Texas and started with Microsoft supporting SQL Server connectivity and Reporting Services in 2005. Adam has worked with Power BI since the beginning, on the support side, and with documentation. In addition, he produces weekly videos for his Guy in a Cube YouTube channel.

Ryan Adams

Twitter: - @ryanjadams

LinkedIn: Ryan Adams

Contact: http://www.ryanjadams.com

Ryan Adams is a Senior Premier Field Engineer for Microsoft. He works directly with customers to help them realize their business potential and accelerate their digital transformation on premises and in the cloud.

Previously, Ryan was a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and spent 19 years working for a fortune 100 company. His passion is the SQL Server Engine, High Availability, and Disaster Recovery. He also served on the Board of Directors for the North Texas SQL Server User Group, was President of the PASS Performance Virtual Chapter, was a PASS Regional Mentor, and served as a Director for the PASS organization.

Tim Mitchell

Twitter: - @Tim_Mitchell

LinkedIn: Tim Mitchell

Contact: http://www.TimMitchell.net

Tim Mitchell is a business intelligence architect, author, and trainer. He has worked with SQL Server for over a decade, specializing in data warehousing, ETL/SSIS, and reporting. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Texas AM at Commerce, and is recognized as a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Tim is a business intelligence consultant and principal at Tyleris Data Solutions.

Tim is an active community speaker and volunteer, having spoken at over 100 events including the PASS Summit, SQLBits, Dev Connections, SQL Intersection, and scores of SQLSaturdays. He blogs at TimMitchell.net, and tweets at @Tim_Mitchell.

Shawn Weisfeld

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/shawnweisfeld

LinkedIn: Shawn Weisfeld

Contact: http://www.usergroup.tv

Shawn (http://www.shawnweisfeld.com, shawn@shawnweisfeld.com) is passionate about building awesome applications and websites with .NET technologies and Azure. He is currently a Technical Evangelist for Microsoft based in Austin TX and founder of http://UserGroup.tv. Read his full bio at http://about.me/shawnweisfeld

Andy Warren

Twitter: - @sqlandy

Contact: https://sqlandy.com

Andy Warren is a SQL Server consultant and trainer based in Orlando, FL. Focusing on administration, performance tuning, and SQL Server patterns and practices, he’s been a SQL Server MVP since 2008. Andy served two terms on the PASS Board of Directors, was a founding principal in SQLServerCentral, and created both the SQLSaturday and SQLRally event models.

Jennifer McCown

Twitter: - http://www.Twitter.com/MidnightDBA

LinkedIn: Jennifer McCown

Contact: http://www.MidnightDBA.com/Jen

Jen McCown is CEO of MinionWare, LLC; a Microsoft Certified Master for SQL Server; and an independent consultant. She is Senior Editor at MidnightDBA.com, where she creates training videos, the DBAs at Midnight webshow, blogs, reviews, and podcasts. Jen is a member, volunteer, and speaker in PASS, and the PASS Women in Technology Virtual Group.

Eric Huckabay

LinkedIn: Eric Huckabay

Eric is a Director and Consultant at Improving. He works is a broad variety of technologies, both data related and less important. He has a background in Artificial Intelligence, and is currently working for a client in their Advanced Analytics department. He believes that if you don’t measure something, it makes it hard to convince other people that it exists. Thus, he spends a lot of time measuring gratitude. Many thanks!

Mark Moore

LinkedIn: Mark Moore

Contact: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/markm

Mark Moore is a Cloud Solutions Architect working for Microsoft in North Texas. Mark has been with Microsoft for 25 years serving in various roles in Services and Sales. Prior to Microsoft Mark worked at Digital Equipment Corporation serving Federal and Government customers in San Antonio, Texas. Mark currently resides with his Wife (Deanne) in the DFW area.

Kerry Tyler

Twitter: - AirborneGeek

LinkedIn: Kerry Tyler

Contact: http://airbornegeek.com

Kerry Tyler is a SQL Server, Business Intelligence, and Azure consultant. His initial IT experience was in network engineering and Windows system administration before moving into the data realm. This infrastructure background builds a firm foundation for performance tuning and cloud infrastructure design and implementation. Kerry has full-time DBA experience in SQL Server since version 2000 and business intelligence architecture since SQL Server 2005. In addition to consulting work, he delivers presentations and training on SQL Server administration, business intelligence, and Azure data and infrastructure components.

Derek Wilson

Twitter: - @derekewilson

LinkedIn: Derek Wilson

I have successfully designed, installed and deployed data management and predictive analytics projects in a variety of industries. I enjoy working on data mining and predictive solutions to take historical data and apply adaptive learning technology to predict future outcomes.

We create project that provide the most value to the business through improving service, decreasing costs or increasing revenue through architecture, design, or technology solutions.

Ryan Adams

Twitter: - @ryanjadams

LinkedIn: Ryan Adams

Contact: http://www.ryanjadams.com

Kim Brushaber

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/brushaber_idera

LinkedIn: Kim Brushaber

Kim Brushaber is the Senior Product Manager for ER/Studio Business Architect at IDERA. Kim has over 20 years of experience as a Business Analyst, Software Developer, Product Manager and IT Executive. Kim enjoys working as the translator between the business and the technical teams in an organization.

Steve Hughes

Twitter: - dataonwheels

LinkedIn: Steve Hughes

Contact: http://www.dataonwheels.com

Steve Hughes is the Director of Consulting at Pragmatic Works. In his current role, Steve manages the consultant team at Pragmatic Works and directs implementation of our cloud practices for customers. He focuses on team development and company growth with this role. In his previous role as a Principal Consultant Lead, he focused designing solutions for customers on Microsoft technologies including SQL Server, Power BI, and Azure. He has been working with technology for over 20 years with much of that time spent on creating business intelligence solutions and helping customers implement leading BI and cloud solutions. He is passionate about using data effectively and helping customers understand that data is valuable and profitable.

Tracy Boggiano

Twitter: - TracyBoggiano

LinkedIn: Tracy Boggiano

Contact: http://databasesuperhero.com

Tracy Boggiano is a Senior Database Administrator for DocuSIgn. She has spent over 20 years in IT, using SQL Server since 1999, and is currently certified as an MCSE Data Platform. Tracy has worked on SQL Server since 6.5. She has spoken at local user groups and numerous SQLSaturdays. She is currently a co-leader of a TriPASS Local Group in Raleigh, NC.

Tracy also tinkered with databases in middle school to keep her sports card collection organized. She blogs at databasesuperhero.com.

Her passion outside of SQL Server is volunteering with foster children as their advocate in court through volunteerforgal.org and being a mental health advocate as part of the PAIMI NC Advisory Council.

Adam Saxton

Twitter: - @GuyInACube

LinkedIn: Adam Saxton

Contact: https://guyinacube.com

Andy Warren

Twitter: - @sqlandy

Contact: https://sqlandy.com

Robert Tidwell

Robert is the son of SQLFamily Members Lance and Angela Tidwell. He has been very interested in being an active member of the SQLFamily and has always been ready to lend a hand at SQLSaturdays by directing traffic, taking selfies, and helping speakers and attendees find rooms and snacks. Robert is a fun 8 year old with a passion for video games, telling a great story, and making people smile. Seeing both of his parents enjoy sharing their stories through speaking engagements, he has decided to create his own presentations to share his unique experiences and views.

Jay Falck

Twitter: - @jayfalck

LinkedIn: Jay Falck

I started as a night shift computer operator out of high school. I moved to applications development after graduation from SAC. After a few years with the State as an applications developer, the manager of Systems Programming decided it would be better to have me on the inside looking out rather than on the outside trying to get in. I spent the next 14 years as a mainframe system programmer for two state agencies. In 1996 I moved to Healthcare IT and have been that ever since. I’ve spent most of the past 14 years doing ETL, performance and HIPAA security. In these various jobs, I’ve used all manner of databases including InfoTec IMP, IBM VSAM and DB2, Interbase, Informix, Universe, Oracle 9i and SQL Server from 6.0 to 2008 R2.

Tim Mitchell

Twitter: - @Tim_Mitchell

LinkedIn: Tim Mitchell

Contact: http://www.TimMitchell.net

Kerry Tyler

Twitter: - AirborneGeek

LinkedIn: Kerry Tyler

Contact: http://airbornegeek.com

John Sterrett

Twitter: - JohnSterrett

LinkedIn: John Sterrett

Contact: https://johnsterrett.com/community/

John Sterrett is a MCSE: Data Platform, Principal Consultant, and the Founder of Procure SQL LLC. John has experience presenting at community events, including Microsoft Ignite, PASS Member Summit, SQLRally, 24 Hours of PASS, SQLSaturdays, PASS Chapters, and Virtual Chapter meetings. John is a leader of the Austin SQL Server User Group and is the founder of the HADR Virtual Chapter. John’s community activities can be found at https://johnsterrett.com/community/

Dainius Sutkevicius

Dainius Sutkevicius is the Sql Server Solution Architect / Trainer working for a digital banking solution company. He is a Microsoft Certified Solution Expert in Data Management and Analytics with 17 years of experience as a SQL Server database administrator who has worked in Logistics, Telecommunications, Financial and Retail industries. Dainius enjoys working with data and teaching others by utilizing simple easy to comprehend methods.

Thomas Norman

Twitter: - ArmorDba

LinkedIn: Thomas Norman

Contact: https://armordba.com/

Tom Norman is a Database Architect at KPA with a strong fervor to protect data. He works daily to review and improve data protection methodologies while reviewing governing laws affecting finance, healthcare, and personal data. His areas of expertise include encryption, auditing, data identification, and database object deployment. He is the current leader of the PASS Virtualization Group and Vice President of the TRIPASS user group. You can read his blog at https://armordba.com/ and reach him on twitter at @armordba. Tom speaks at a number of SQLSaturday events and SQL Server user groups.

Diane Schuster

LinkedIn: Diane Schuster

Diane has worked with COZYROC since 2012. She has attended numerous SQLSaturdays to shine the light on the time-saving and capability-extending components and tasks that COZYROC offers in it’s SSIS+ library. Without even having a background in databases or SQL Server, Diane successfully configures packages in live demonstrations that use COZYROC components and tasks. She believes that, if the toolkit is this easy to use for a novice, then just imagine what a SQL Server expert can do with it!

In Diane’s data networking days, Diane performed a variety of development-related and customer-facing roles for IBM, Lucent Technologies, North Carolina State University and Connectware.

Jeff Mlakar

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/jmlakar

LinkedIn: Jeff Mlakar

Contact: http://www.mlakartechtalk.com/

Jeff Mlakar is a database professional specializing in Microsoft SQL Server. He has worked the past 15 years as a database developer and administrator (admini-loper or develo-strator…take your pick), analyst, and with Business Intelligence. A technology enthusiast – he is interested in data security and privacy topics. Jeff lives in the Raleigh-Durham area of NC.

Daniel Janik

Twitter: - @SQLSME

LinkedIn: Daniel Janik

Contact: http://www.sqltechblog.com

Daniel Janik has been supporting SQL Server for 18 years. Six of those years were at Microsoft Corporation supporting SQL Server as a Senior Premier Field Engineer (PFE) where he supported over 287 different clients with both reactive and proactive database needs. Daniel has presented at many community events and SQLSaturdays.

Jack Bailey

Experienced IT leader managing the systems engineering team at Rubrik in the TOLA region.

John Sterrett

Twitter: - JohnSterrett

LinkedIn: John Sterrett

Contact: https://johnsterrett.com/community/

Kris Hokanson

Kris has been building databases for over 20 years. Since SQL Server 7 he’s been looking for ways to shave a second (or an hour) off any query he comes across. His work experience ranges from small construction firms to fortune 200 Oil amp; Gas corporations. He has designed and administered everything from 10 MB single user databases to enterprise data warehouses using SQL Server and SSIS to consolidate data from hundreds of disparate ERP systems.

Jamey Johnston

Twitter: - STATCowboy

LinkedIn: Jamey Johnston

Contact: http://STATCowboy.com

Jamey Johnston is a Senior Data Scientist/Engineer for a large independent OG company. For over 25 years, he has worked for Fortune 500 companies architecting successful platforms in the cloud, on the edge, and on-premises for BI reporting, statistical analysis, ML, and AI. Lately, he spends his time in Azure, Python, R, Power BI, MS SQL, and SAS JMP. He holds a BS in Spatial Analysis from LSU and a Masters of Science in Analytics from Texas AM. He is a professor at the Mays Business School at Texas AM in the MS Analytics program. He is active in his PASS Local Group in Houston, co-leader of the local Power BI users group and data analytics group. He regularly speaks and volunteers at PASS events. He is also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP.

Chris Randvere

Twitter: - @devopzchris

LinkedIn: Chris Randvere

I am a Technology Sales and Solutions Engineer who puts an emphasis on assisting customers to strive for improvement within their IT environment through improved technologies. Nearly 22 years experience in Sales and Support of enterprise products found in the data center. Servers, Storage, Database, Rack Infrastructure. DevOps evangelist.

Jason Awbrey

Twitter: - @jakwbrey

LinkedIn: Jason Awbrey

Contact: http://www.awbrey.net

Jason is a Microsoft MVP and Xamarin MVP based in Houston. He runs his own one-man development shop, PostDotNet Consulting, specializing in Xamarin consulting, training, and development. In his spare time he runs the Houston Xamarin Users Group and is a Board Member of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Harris County. He lives in Spring with his wife and three kids.

Robert Verell

Twitter: - @sqlcowbell

LinkedIn: Robert Verell

Contact: http://sqlcowbell.com/wordpress/

Robert Verell is a SQL Server professional working in the Nashville area and has worked in healthcare, insurance, and banking. He found his passion for databases by learning SQL Server Integration Services and writing stored procedures, and eventually became a database administrator. Robert is a chapter lead for the Nashville SQL Server User’s Group, a volunteer for SQLSaturday, and was a finalist in the 2016 PASS Summit Speaker Idol competition.

Jim Miller

LinkedIn: Jim Miller

Contact: https://https://www.bitracks.com/blog

Jim has worked in various facets of the IT business for over 30 years, with a primary focus on data warehousing, reporting and analytics, business intelligence, data modeling (relational, multi-dimensional), ETL frameworks, database architecture, as well as database performance tuning. In previous engagements, Jim has fulfilled roles as Data Architect, DBA, IT Director, and Senior Consultant. He also has experience in account management, marketing/technical support, and software application training. Jim has also had some extraordinary opportunities to lead IT organizations, with multinational participants, on reconstruction projects based in Bosnia and Iraq.

Mike Byrd

Twitter: - ByrdNest_TX

LinkedIn: Mike Byrd

Contact: http://logicalread.solarwinds.com/?s=byrd, www.TSQLMentoring.com and SQLServerCentral.com

Former rocket scientist and USAF Fighter Pilot – now a SQL Server geek (24 years)! Past opportunities include free-lance technical writer for PC Magazine, Senior Software Manager for government sponsored munitions effectiveness committee, and insurance company CTO. Currently senior database engineer consultant for several Austin companies.

Presenter at many SQLSaturdays over last 6 years in United States, Europe, and Australia.

Specialize in SQL Server performance tuning; database (OLTP OLAP) architecture; trouble-shooting; teaching TSQL (Basic through Advanced).

Video presentations (for local SQL Server user groups or SQLSaturdays) can be found at http://usergroup.tv/videos/category/speaker/mike-byrd

Anthony {Tex} Moreign

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/AnthonyTexM

LinkedIn: Anthony {Tex} Moreign

Contact: http://www.hccug.org

{Technologist | Speaker | Writer | Founder} … 25 years counting … – Founder Chief Architect, Hybrid Decisions® Corp (www.HybridDecisions.com | 2005) – Founder President, Houston Cloud Computing User Group (www.HCCUG.org | 2008) – for more info see http://linkedin.com/in/AnthonyTexM «±»

Kevin Feasel

Twitter: - feaselkl

LinkedIn: Kevin Feasel

Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com

Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and CTO at Envizage, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather’s nice enough.

Jeffrey Garbus

LinkedIn: Jeffrey Garbus

Contact: http://mssqlperformance.blogspot.com/

Jeff has been consulting on and performing technical training for MS SQL Server since 1989, Version 4, on OS/2. Since then, he has worked extensively with each release of the product, specializing in performance and tuning, from concept through legacy system, on systems of all sizes, from small start-up company applications to multi-terabyte data warehouses.

In addition to hands-on consulting, he speaks at SQLSaturdays several times/year, has a youtube channel with free training, and has written 20 books on database management systems.

His latest book is “Transact SQL the Definitive Guide.”

Steven Tidwell

Twitter: - @SQLCodeMonkey

LinkedIn: Steven Tidwell

Contact: https://www.sqlcodemonkey.com

I am currently the Technical Lead for Client custom projects. I have been writing SQL Code starting in SQL 7. Over the years I have put on many hats, DBA, Developer, Web Developer, C#, VB.NET, Cold Fusion and Java. But at the end of the day, I prefer to write SQL. Local Chapter Leader for the South Montgomery County SQL Server User Group in Montgomery County, Texas.

Lance Tidwell

Twitter: - @Lance_LT

Contact: http://lancetidwell.com

Lance Tidwell, from the Austin, TX, area, has worked as a SQL Server DBA for the last 11 years. During his time as a DBA he has found his passion for all things SQL, but specifically for performance tuning. He has a life-long quest to always be learning new things; currently this quest has lead him to explore more about the Data Analytics/ Data Science areas.

Craig Allen

Twitter: - @msftdude

LinkedIn: Craig Allen

Contact: http://www.msftdude.com

Craig Allen is a Dell EMC mSpecialist (Microsoft Specialist). His role as a technical consultant is to help customers in understanding Dell EMC’s products for the Microsoft platform. Craig can assist in the initial planning and evaluation of Dell EMC’s Proven Solutions for Microsoft, including requirements gathering, architectural guidance, and integration considerations. 　 Craig is located in Dallas, TX and comes to Dell EMC with 25 years of experience in IT.

Faheem Ismat

LinkedIn: Faheem Ismat

Faheem Ismat, PMP and Microsoft certified IT professional, working as Lead DBA at Marathon Oil. He has worked as Sr. Software Engineer, Data Integration Lead and Sr. DBA in ADP, Alcon, Allegro and Logix. He is a multi-platform DBA (SQL Server, Oracle, Sybase, MySQL, …) and got expertise in application and data integration, HA/DR, performance tuning, migration/consolidation and securing data in rest and transit states. His past presentations at SQLSaturday and HASSUG were focused on SQL Server data security features (data masking and encryption), usage of Service Broker for live data transfer across different domains (on-premise and cloud).

Russel Loski

Twitter: - sqlmovers

LinkedIn: Russel Loski

Contact: http://www.sqlmovers.com

Russ Loski is a SQL Server BI Developer based in Dallas-Fort Worth. He current works as a Data Analytics Engineer for Navisite, a remote managed IT services company. Twenty years ago, he began working with SQL Server 6.5. He has since continued to develop applications connected to all of the versions of SQL Server. He has worked with clients in industries from insurance to healthcare, from movie theaters to American football. Russ is a regular speaker at SQLSaturday events, as well as the SQL Server Users Groups in the North Texas region. Russ likes working with data in various shapes.

Kevin Feasel

Twitter: - feaselkl

LinkedIn: Kevin Feasel

Contact: http://www.catallaxyservices.com

Ryan Casey

Twitter: - @AimYourData

LinkedIn: Ryan Casey

Contact: https://www.AimYourData.com/

Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Public Speaker, and Group Moderator

SQLSaturday Speaker @ • Houston, TX 2018 • Dallas, TX 2018, 2017 (BI), 2016, 2015 • Phoenix, AZ 2018, 2017 (BI) • Kansas City, MO 2017 • Baton Rouge, LA 2017 • Oklahoma City, OK 2016 • San Antonio, TX 2016

SQL User Group Speaker @ • NTSSUG, Dallas, TX • CACTUSS, Austin, TX • OKCSQL, Oklahoma City, OK • MSBIC, Dallas, TX • SALSSA, San Antonio, TX • FWSSUG, Fort Worth, TX

AIM Business Driven Data Solutions combines the collaborative and creative arts included in Technical Communication, the business acumen of a Harvard MBA program, and the technical discipline of object-oriented programming and business intelligence (data warehouses).

William Assaf

Twitter: - william_a_dba

LinkedIn: William Assaf

Contact: http://www.sqltact.com

William Assaf, Data Platform MVP, is a principal consultant in Baton Rouge, LA. Initially a .NET developer, and later into database administration and architecture, William currently works with clients on SQL Server and Azure SQL platform optimization, management, disaster recovery and high availability, and leads a crack multi-city team of consulting SQL DBA’s. William has written for Microsoft SQL certification exams since 2011 and was the lead author of the 2017 and 2019 editions of “SQL Server Administration Inside Out” by Microsoft Press. William is a member of the Baton Rouge User Groups board, a regional mentor for PASS, and past lead of the annual SQLSaturday Baton Rouge Planning Committee, having run one of the largest SQLSaturdays.

Tamera Clark

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/tameraclark

LinkedIn: Tamera Clark

Contact: http://tameraclark.com

Tamera Clark has been involved in the IT industry for greater than ten years, with experiences ranging from systems analysis/engineering to SQL Server and SSRS administration/development. She is an active member of the SQL Server community, participating in the Women in Technology Virtual Chapter, Co-leading the Nashville BI Chapter, assisting the Nashville PASS Chapter and serving as a Regional Mentor. Tamera is also the event chair of SQLSaturday Nashville.

Sean McCown

Twitter: - @KenpoDBA

Contact: http://www.midnightdba.com/dbarant

Sean McCown is a Certified Master with 23 years of experience in databases. He is also founder and co-owner of the MidnightDBA.com website, where he records free SQL Server training videos. He also writes the popular Minion Maintenance suite, the most configurable maintenance solution on the planet.

Angela Tidwell

Twitter: - angelatidwell

LinkedIn: Angela Tidwell

Contact: https://www.TidwellTidbits.com

Angela Tidwell is an experienced Data Professional with a love for Data Analytics, Data Science, Power BI, Python, SQL, etc. She is a dynamic and exciting speaker armed with a zest for life and quick wit; her background and unique views on the world provide the backdrop for a plethora of great stories. Utilizing her strong interpersonal skills and verbal/written communications, Angela supports SQLSaturdays across the country and blogs about her experiences in order to help other data professionals grow at TidwellTidbits.com.

Christine Assaf

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/HRTact

LinkedIn: Christine Assaf

Contact: https://www.hrtact.com

Christine Assaf is an experienced HR pro who is passionate about the mental health of employees, leadership, and organizations. She is a leadership development professional with over 15 years experience in human resources and 20 years in business management. She holds a BS in Business Management, received her HRM certification at LSU, and is finishing up her master’s degree at Colorado State University in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She is a certified DDI Trainer, experienced public speaker, and is dedicated to teaching others about ways to support a culture of “expressiveness” in the workplace that creates connectivity.

John Wells

Twitter: - @SQLServerDBA318

LinkedIn: John Wells

Contact: https://sqlrookieinthe318.wordpress.com/

I’m a DBA at Lamar Advertising in Baton Rouge. I’m a member of the Baton Rouge User Groups Board as well as a co-organizer for the ONLY SQLSaturday that serves Jambalaya for lunch! I started speaking in 2018 and enjoy everything about this powerful community! I enjoy performance tuning, helping developers with best practices and DBATools.

David Stein

Twitter: - @Made2Mentor

LinkedIn: David Stein

Contact: http://www.Made2Mentor.com

David Stein - Agile Data Warehouse Architect and Independent Consultant - has more than a decade of experience working in SQL Server Business Intelligence. He’s designed multi-terabyte, multi-tenant Data Warehouses from scratch as well as saved projects in serious jeopardy.

Amy Herold

Twitter: - @texasamy

LinkedIn: Amy Herold

Contact: http://www.sqlkitten.com/

Amy Herold is currently a Premier Field Engineer with Microsoft, specializing in APS. Prior to this, she was a Sr. Database Administrator, focusing on PowerShell and automation. She is also currently the Director of Programs for the North Texas SQL Server User Group (NTSSUG). She frequently speaks at SQLSaturday and user group events across the United States and has also participated in numerous Women in Technology sessions as a panelist. Amy currently blogs at sqlkitten.com.

Robert Stewart

Data and BI Architect at TDECU.

Franklin Gamboa

LinkedIn: Franklin Gamboa

Franklin Gamboa, MCSE, inició su carrera como desarrollador de Java, pero luego de poco tiempo se mudó al mundo del .Net, y luego a ser DBA de SQL Server, y ha estado en la plataforma de datos desde entonces. Mientras era arquitecto de bases de datos, hacía apps por diversión, ya que eso le ayudaba a entender las necesidades de los desarrolladores. Eventualmente, ingresa al equipo de CSS para SQL Server en Costa Rica.

Ha dado charlas en Estados Unidos y para algunos SQL Server user groups de Costa Rica.

SQLSaturday #766 - Houston 2018

Sessions

Title: Indexing for performance

Title: Dynamic SQL: Tables, Parameters and More

Title: Kimball Methodology - Facts and dimensions

Title: From the grave: Horror stories from the Microsoft SQL Server CSS archives

Title: Securing SQL Server

Title: Data Modeling for the Modern Data Warehouse

Title: Become the Most Valuable Player: Soft Skills for the Hard Market

Title: Mastering your Resume Interview: Tips to Get Hired

Title: Data Cleansing With SQL And R

Title: Querying Semistructured Data in Azure Data Lake with USQL

Title: Cloudy DBA, Amazon (AWS) and SQL Server

Title: Environmental SQL Server Troubleshooting

Title: Cosmos DB for the Data Professional

Title: How to transition from Profiler to Extended Events and why you should consider.

Title: Patterns for Managing Your Career Learning Needs

Title: Enterprise Row Level Security in SQL Server and Power BI

Title: Tuning Like CSS: With These Tools There’s No Need Call Support

Title: SQL on Linux ¦ Microsoft ♡ Linux ¦ Cloud is mostly Linux …… but I’m/WE’re Windows based?

Title: Monster Text Manipulation: Regular Expressions for the DBA

Title: A DBA’s guide to full stack performance troubleshooting

Title: Fundamentals That Will Improve Your Query Performance!

Title: Azure Data Factory V2 and SSIS Automation With Biml

Title: That’s bad mkay! (How to quantify when things aren’t right)

Title: The Independent Developer - Lessons Learned from 4+ Years of Self Employment

Title: CozyRoc: Dynamic Data Flows in SSIS Without Programming

Title: Change Detection in SQL Server

Title: Introduction to Linux for SQL Server Professionals

Title: Loading a Data Warehouse with SSIS

Title: Managing Your Schema with Database Projects in Visual Studio

Title: DIY: SQL Server Monitoring for your Enterprise

Title: The Benefits of Gaming

Title: Learning Columnstore Indexes

Title: Lessons Learned from Two Years as a Devops DBA

Title: How to build your personal brand

Title: SQL Azure, SQL DW, SQL Managed Instances 101

Title: Power BI Security Deep Dive

Title: GDPR: How it impacts companies outside of Europe

Title: Automate the Pain Away with Query Store and Automatic Tuning

Title: Beginning T-SQL

Title: Azure SQL Managed Instance the New Hotness

Title: Populating a Data Warehouse with SSIS and Biml Patterns

Title: Migration Basics

Title: Get insights from data with Cognitive Services

Title: Introduction to Execution Plans

Title: Trusting your data

Title: Consistent Deployments / Team Development

Title: 45 min to build your first SSRS report

Title: Simplifying SQL Data Protection (with Rubrik)

Title: Proactive monitoring with Redgate SQL Monitor

Title: #GetModern SQL Server infrastructure with Dell EMC

Title: In-Memory Indexes: SpaceX® Performance!

Title: What’s New In SQL Server 2017

Title: Monitoring Availability Groups

Title: Data Vault on SQL Server Tabular Model and Power BI

Title: Hi, my name is Powershell, let’s be friends! An Intro to PoSH

Speakers

Sponsors