SQLSaturday #855 - Albany 2019

Event Date: 07/20/2019 00:00:00

Event Location:

SUNY Albany
1400 Washington Ave
Albany, New York

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

Sessions
Speakers
Sponsors

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Sessions

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

Title: The Complete Guide to Temporary Tables and Table Variables

Abstract: It is very common to use temporary data structures in the database. In SQL Server, we can choose between temporary tables (#MyTable) and table variables (@MyTable). There are many differences between these two structures, some are obvious and well known, and some might surprise you. The main difference in terms of performance is statistics, which exist for a temporary table, but do not exist for a table variable. For that reason, there can be a huge difference in performance of a stored procedure that uses one data structure or the other. In this session, we will demonstrate the differences and analyze performance for various use cases. We will cover all kinds of ways to work with these data structures, such as OPTION (RECOMPILE) and trace flag 2453. By the end of this session you will know exactly when and how to use each one in order to achieve the desired functionality with the best performance. This is a must session for every SQL Server developer.

Speaker(s):

Guy Glantser

Track and Room: Database Development - LC07

Title: Staging data for Azure SQL services

Abstract: Most companies are faced with the ever-growing big data problem. There have been two schools of thought on how to solve this problem.

Schema on write is represented by the traditional relational database table. Only a small portion of the total data owned by the company resides in the database.

Schema on read is represented by technologies such as Hadoop or PolyBase. All data owned by the company can reside in simple storage.

Today, we will learn how to stage data using Azure blob storage which can be ingested by both techniques.

1 – Grab some big data. 2 – Create blob storage account. 3 – Copy data to container. 4 – Azure SQL database plumbing. 5 – Loading data with BULK INSERT. 6 – Azure SQL data warehouse plumbing. 7 – Loading data with POLYBASE. 8 – Azure automation with RUNBOOKS.

Speaker(s):

John Miner

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - LC07

Title: Approaching Zero: Minimizing Downtime During Deployments

Abstract: Negotiating a downtime for a release can be difficult in this modern, 24x7 world. When downtime means lost revenue, the price of taking a downtime to deploy code can run up quickly. This talk will show you a way to reduce the cost of deployment by reducing or even eliminating required downtime for database code deployment. We will show how to release new database code, update existing stored procedures, refactor and restructure tables, and even perform systemic re-architecture with no downtime and minimal blocking. We will use as a case study one release in which we modified the primary key column on 180 tables and updated over 550 stored procedures without end users noticing a thing. If you want to hit that three nines (or better) service-level agreement, this talk will help get you on the road to reduced downtime.

Speaker(s):

Kevin Feasel

Track and Room: Database Development - LC19

Title: SQL Server Reporting Services 2017 on Steroids!!

Abstract: Reporting requests that are required ‘yesterday or sooner’, oft times necessitate working more efficiently and effectively. We have all been through this at one time or another. In this hands on presentation we shall be looking some of the more challenging techniques of extracting our data from our Multidimensional and Tabular Models, in addition to our Data Mining Models. We shall be utilizing concepts of ‘Openquery()’ and ‘linked servers’ as a means to extract data, in addition to looking at the way that these two concepts can help us extract our data utilizing MDX, DMX and DAX expressions; AND YET maintain the flexibility and the ability to utilize all those wonderful techniques that may be done with T-SQL.

Speaker(s):

Steve Simon

Track and Room: Business Intelligence - LC21

Title: Advanced T-SQL Development with latest features.

Abstract: In the last releases, SQL Server development was enriched with new T-SQL features, such as STRING_AGG, STRING_SPLIT, TRANSLATE array of Ranking and Windowing functions (ROW_NUMBER, RANK, DENSE_RANK, TILE), MERGE statement, OUTPUT clause, EXCEPT and INTERSECT just to name a few. For various reasons some DBA/Developers do not utilize these new features. In this session, the audience will see demonstrations of the different practical use cases where these features can make T-SQL coding more efficient. This 100% code-based demo session highlights efficiency to utilize the latest T-SQL functions over conventional methods with the same functionality. The session will cover in depth live scenarios where these features have proven performance efficiency, code re

Speaker(s):

Alex Grinberg

Track and Room: Database Development - LC04

Title: 4 Threats to your SQL Servers - Become Default: Secure

Abstract: In our connected world, the threat landscape is rapidly increasing. Phishing is leading to severe and crippling ransomware attacks. Malicious outsiders (and insiders) have cost much downtime. Not to mention the “traditional” threats such as “oops deletes” or site crashes. How do we protect against all of this? Is this even the DBA’s role?

In this session, we’ll explore 4 types of active threats to your data and organization. We’ll talk about the various solutions available and help you see which threats you are vulnerable to if you’ve not gone far enough as we match threats and answers. Sadly, we’ll share real stories of folks who’ve lost it all from these threats.

It’s more than “take your backups, verify them, and periodically test them!” Ransomware and malicious outsiders (or insiders) eat your online backups for breakfast.

Leave prepared, not scared, as you adopt a “Default: Secure” posture and lead the charge, even if we are “only” DBAs.

Speaker(s):

Mike Walsh

Track and Room: Data Security - LC04

Title: Performance Optimization with Azure SQL Database

Abstract: The cloud is just using someone else’s compute. You still need to care about and optimize for performance. Just as a dropped call frustrates cellular customers, an app with data issues, high latency, connection timeouts will create the same frustration for users. Do you want to catch the performance issues before your customers? Do you want to automatically identify database issues and quickly drill down into details? Azure provides built in tools just to do that. In this session I will show you 4 of those tools. You will learn how these tools can provide Performance overview of a database and recommendations that can improve workload performance. Find top resource consuming queries, deeper insight into your databases resource (DTU) consumption and learn when to let Azure automatically optimize your database. At the end of this session you will walk out knowing how to identify and tune Azure SQL database performance issues with built in tools in Azure Portal.

Speaker(s):

Taiob Ali

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - LC04

Title: SQL DevOps Simplified with Production Databases

Abstract: DevOps is based on building an application binary (immutable artifact) that supports a highly reliable, repeatable engineering process. In the case of SQL Server, however, a database is already in production, and isn’t simply replaced (as an app binary), but is upgraded. Current SQL Server DevOps methods use source control to build a “development” database, with schema and objects and static data needed for functional testing. “Near production data” is used in Staging, and finally production is upgraded. This approach involves complexity, and breaks the principle of working with immutable artifacts throughout the process. Our session introduces a new approach to SQL Server DevOps, with production databases used in all stages. Production database clones are delivered more quickly than “built” databases, are more easily integrated with source control, and produces higher fidelity outcomes. Learn how leading enterprises are simplifying SQL DevOps.

Speaker(s):

Paul Stanton

Track and Room: Database Development - LC20

Title: Azure Machine Learning 101

Abstract: There are several ways to create a machine learning model. You can use R or Python or even other languages such as C#. Advanced coding skills are required no matter which language you choose. Once the solution is created, it’s often difficult to deploy.

Microsoft addresses those problems with Azure Machine Learning, or Azure ML. Azure ML has built-in transforms for cleansing and munging data. It also contains a variety of configurable machine learning models that can be used without coding. Deploying the model is easy, and users can link to it directly with Excel or a custom application can be written.

If you are experienced in machine learning but haven’t seen Azure ML or if you are curious about machine learning and data science, this session is for you.

Speaker(s):

Kathi Kellenberger

Track and Room: Data Science - LC20

Title: Overcoming Challenges with Source Control and Continuous Integration.

Abstract: Have you tried implementing source control? How has your continuous integration (CI) process gone?

This session is for developers, database administrators, database engineers, and data architects that want to automate their database deployments. Particularly for those individuals that have hit roadblocks along that way. We will discuss the differences between migration and stated-based deployment methods. We will also discuss options with branching and merging.

At the end of the session, attendees will know how to select the best deployment method for their environment. In addition, attendees will be familiar with branching and merging strategies that can be used as part of their continuous integration strategy.

Attendees should be familiar with general concepts about source control and be comfortable with Visual Studio or VS Code.

Speaker(s):

Elizabeth Noble

Track and Room: Database Development - LC20

Title: Looking “Normal” and Seeing “Stars”: Table Designs Working Together

Abstract: Most database professionals know there are two different database design patterns - normal forms for OLTP databases and star schemas for data warehouses. We tend to discuss these separately. But these two designs actually work together when we create our table schemas.

In this session, we will review the basics of both normal forms and star schemas. We’ll compare and contrast the two designs. We will then discuss how a normalized database design influences a star schema design and vice versa.

By the end of the session, you will better understand how using the two designs together gives you a greater insight to how you use your data throughout its lifecycle.

Speaker(s):

Deborah Melkin

Track and Room: Data Architecture Design - LC05

Title: Azure Databricks = Azure + Spark + Machine Learning Collaboration

Abstract: Azure Databricks is the hottest new service being offered on Azure! Designed in collaboration with Microsoft and Databricks, the creators of Apache Spark, Azure Databricks combines the best of Databricks and Azure to help customers accelerate innovation with one-click set up, streamlined workflows and an interactive workspace that enables collaboration between data scientists, data engineers, and business analysts. Databricks was founded by the creators of the Spark big data platform to make creating creating and managing clusters a snap and provide a first class secure data science team collaboration environment. In this presentation, we’ll explain key concepts and features while demonstrating this amazing service.

Speaker(s):

Bryan Cafferky

Track and Room: Data Science - LC19

Title: Successfully Virtualizing SQL Server on vSphere - Straight from the Source

Abstract: Over the years, virtualization has matured from the exotic black magic realm to become a mainstream standard IT practice. quot;Virtualize Firstquot; is now a well-accepted default practice in most enterprises and any deviation is now considered an anomaly. In spite of this trend, many IT administrators and architects still have some reservations about virtualizing SQL Server workloads. They consider SQL too quot;criticalquot; to be virtualized; they wonder and worry about scale about performance; they are looking for guidance and reassurance. If this is where you (or your clients) are today, be sure to attend this session. You will gain valuable insights from what others have done to successfully undertake similar tasks in their environments. We will talk about configuration pitfalls to avoid and also review the configuration and current performance data for some of the most demanding applications in customers environments. Got an SQL virtualization or performance question? Bring i

Speaker(s):

Deji Akomolafe

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - LC04

Title: dbatools for the Uninitiated

Abstract: You’ve just inherited a large SQL Server estate, and next month’s merger will double the number of instances you’re responsible for. Or maybe you have one big instance with thousands of databases on it. Are there backups? Are they good? Are your systems in good health?

The department just decided to reorganize and consolidate databases to prepare for an upgrade to the next release of SQL Server. How are you going to manage all this?

It’s time to automate with the dbatools Powershell module. We’ll briefly talk about the project itself, then take a tour of functions commonly used to manage SQL Server environments and data. When you leave, you’ll be ready to level up your administration toolkit and start reducing your daily workload.

Speaker(s):

Andy Levy

Track and Room: Database Administration - LC05

Title: Why candidates fail the job interview in the first minute

Abstract: In the last two decades I always had more open positions than I could fill, not because of lack of applicants, I must have interviewed close to 300 people for DBA, database developer, data architect, data modeling and other data related positions. Come to this highly interactive session to learn why 99% of the candidates failed the simplest questions and disqualified them self.

Thomas will share what he misses in resumes and how to respond to questions better.

Speaker(s):

Thomas Grohser

Track and Room: Professional/Personal Development - LC05

Title: Moving to SQL 2019- A primer for the unaware!

Abstract: SQL 2019 is here to stay. Do you know how to move to SQL 2019? In this riveting session we will learn about

New Features of SQL 2019
Why you need to migrate?
How to upgrade/move to SQL 2019
Certifying your application for SQL 2019- A tricky question and discussion
Compatibility level and things you normally wouldn’t care for!
Changes in functionality and caveats
The holy trinity: “Database Migration Guide”, “Database Experimentation Assistant” and “Query Tuning Assistant”; tools that make your life easy.
A direct look into the “MAP Toolkit” Time permitting we will demo these.

Speaker(s):

Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: Database Administration - LC21

Title: Power BI with Maps: Choose Your Destination

Abstract: A childhood dream to travel around the world fueled by reading Gulliver’s Travels stories and Robinson Crusoe attempts to survive on a deserted island. Those books were filled with geographical description and map locations. I think I always loved working with maps and I still do! There is something that could captivate your mind and propel your imagination for traveling when you immerse yourself in maps.

Power BI itself a great tool that could feed your appetite for an adventure using built-in and custom map visualizations. Let’s explore them!

Speaker(s):

Rayis Imayev

Track and Room: Business Intelligence - LC21

Title: Top 10 FREE performance troubleshooting tools for SQL Server

Abstract: Many DBAs and IT professionals are not aware of the greatness and strength of some of the FREE performance tools that are out there! Those tools, used individually or combined, can help us improve performance significantly by assisting in identifying bottlenecks. In this session I will discuss the top 10 FREE Performance Troubleshooting tools for Windows and SQL Server and will show how to use them, also providing real-world examples.

Speaker(s):

Michelle Gutzait

Track and Room: Optimization/Tuning - LC07

Title: Feeding the modern data warehouse (Power BI, Azure Data Factory and Databricks)

Abstract: When it comes to feed the modern data warehouse in Azure, we’re facing new challenges. This session will explain what id the modern data warehouse and how it can be fed using ETL 2.0 methodologies. Topics like Common Data Model and services will also be talked and demonstrated.

Speaker(s):

Christian Cote

Track and Room: Big Data - LC21

Title: Pocket-sized Server: SQL Server for under $200!

Abstract: With a growing focus on large data solutions that span terabytes and use dozens of CPUs and vast amounts of memory, sometimes the smaller solutions are overlooked, especially when considering the Internet of Things where often you may want data collection close to the data you’re collecting. At the other end of the spectrum there’s an amazing amount of power available in very small form-factors. This session will explore what can be done with cheap off the shelf “computers on a board” form factors and Linux to build cheap and easy to deploy small SQL solutions that can be useful for a variety of data collection activities.

Speaker(s):

Greg Moore

Track and Room: Database Development - LC04

Title: Add Time Intelligence to Power BI

Abstract: When is Time Period based calculations useful in Power BI? Quick answer - ALWAYS! Business users need to know measures such as: What was Sales, what was the change compared to last-year, year-to-date? Did our Expenses go down, compared to similar period last year? etc.

In this session you will learn how to use and apply DAX functions in Power BI, to develop Time and Date based dimensions and measures that will help answer such questions.

Speaker(s):

Sunil Kadimdiwan

Track and Room: Business Intelligence - LC21

Title: XML and JSON, does the DBA need it?

Abstract: This session explains internal SQL Server XML processes and demonstrates how XML shredding could help to solve issues, speed up daily performance monitoring and detect problems. The difference between XML and JSON will be demonstrated, with an in-depth look at the SQL Server - JSON integration. During the session, the audience will be provided with plenty of code examples.

Speaker(s):

Alex Grinberg

Track and Room: Database Administration - LC04

Title: Ask the Experts Panel

Abstract: This is an open session where you may show up any time and ask any technical or professional questions of our panel of speakers.

Ask the Experts is an opportunity to find answers and resources to address ongoing challenges, learn more about our speakers, and maybe stump them : )

Speaker(s):

Guy Glantser

Track and Room: Panel - LC20

Title: Let’s Dive Into SQL Server I/O To Improve T-SQL Performance

Abstract: Do you understand how SQL Server handles I/O? If not, you should. Understanding I/O is more important than ever with increasing cloud adoption, due to cloud costing models. But even on-premises, I/O has a direct impact on T-SQL performance.

Join me for a deep dive into the storage engine to understand how SQL Server handles I/O. Concepts will be paired with T-SQL examples to illustrate the practical impacts.

When you leave, you’ll be able to optimize your T-SQL reduce I/O and improve performance across the board.

Speaker(s):

Andy Yun

Track and Room: Database Development - LC07

Title: Python with SQL: A Winning Combination

Abstract: You want to learn Python but don’t know where to start? You already know SQL, and data wrangling is one of the most critical use cases for Python. Why not start with that? Good news! Python provides many ways to use good old SQL as a first class query and data manipulation language. In this session, we’ll show you how easy it is to use SQL with Python to query non relational and relational database data, to load data from SQL Server, and write it back. It’s so easy, you’ll feel like a Python pro before you know it!

Speaker(s):

Bryan Cafferky

Track and Room: Business Intelligence - LC19

Title: Lightning Talks

Abstract: Seven fast-paced 10-minutes-or-less sessions on a variety of topics:

Paresh Motiwala: Use of three free MS tools for DB migration Taiob Ali: Extended Events - How to collect the first 10 or every 4th event Andy Yun: SQL Server Performance Troubleshooting: Bottom to Top… or Top to Bottom? Ray Kim: Business Cards: The most important networking tool! Michelle Guzait: How to be a rockstar resolving almost any SQL Server emergency issue. Deborah Melkin: The Solution Isn’t the Problem Bryan Cafferky: Azure Machine Learning service and why the s is lower case

Speaker(s):

Paresh Motiwala

Track and Room: Lightning Talks - LC19

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: Database Development - LC07

Title: What is DevOps and Why Should DBAs Care?

Abstract: You may have heard the term “DevOps” a lot lately, but is this just one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around and means something different depending on who’s talking? While traditional software methodologies pit developers and operations folks like DBAs against each other, DevOps requires that they work together for a common goal. And, ultimately, shouldn’t the software project’s success be everyone’s goal? Attend this session to learn how DevOps is changing the DBAs world for the better.

Speaker(s):

Kathi Kellenberger

Track and Room: Database Administration - LC20

Title: Blogging for Success: Advancing your career by blogging

Abstract: Ever wanted to start a ‘blog, but have no idea how to do it? It’s easier than you think! A number of people have become successful by writing ‘blog articles. I originally started my ‘blog to supplement my presentations. Since then, it’s taken on a life of its own.

In this presentation, I’ll tell you how I got started with ‘blogging, where it’s taken me since then, and lessons I’ve learned along the way. We’ll discuss ‘blog platforms, how to get started, what to write about, and what to do (and what NOT to do) when writing articles.

Speaker(s):

Ray Kim

Track and Room: Professional/Personal Development - LC05

Title: Designing Accessible Power BI Reports

Abstract: We’ll look at the new features that have rolled out in response to a major push at Microsoft to make Power BI reports more accessible. What some of the different areas of accessibility to think about, and some handy tools to help you make your reports more usable for everyone.

Speaker(s):

Liz Amador

Track and Room: Analytics and Visualization - LC20

Title: Networking 101: Getting Ready for a SQL Event

Abstract: Looking to get the most out of your SQLSaturday, PASS Summit, or local user group meeting? Plan ahead! Events aren’t just about learning new things, they’re about meeting new people, networking with peers, and learning different approaches to common issues.

In this session, we’ll go over steps you can take before, during and after the event to maximize the amount of great stuff you’ll take away at the end (besides cool vendor swag). Not just keeping up on new technologies, but meeting new people, getting leads on solutions/opportunities, and an appreciation for the community you’re in and what it has to offer.

Speaker(s):

Matt Cushing

Track and Room: Professional/Personal Development - LC05

Title: From Zero to Hero: Start Machine Learning using Azure ML studio

Abstract: The session aim is to get people excited and curious more about ML without digging in coding or deep concepts.

We will explore ML Azure offering, Some ML concepts, ML Studio, create an experiment from Scratch and show how ML can target common business challenges like demand projection or price targeting

Lots of hands-on

Speaker(s):

Mohamed Mawla

Track and Room: Cloud Application Development Deployment - LC04

Title: Extend Power BI with Python

Abstract: Most developers use Power BI desktop to design the visuals and publish to the Azure service for production.

Out of the box, Power BI has 29 visuals. There are 208 custom visuals that can be down loaded from Appsource.Microsoft.com.

While there are many choices, the business problem might not have an out of the box visual that can be customized the way you want. How do you solve this problem?

This is where the custom scripting with Python visual comes in.

At the end of the presentation you will know which libraries that you can use to extend your toolbox for both on premise and the azure service.

Speaker(s):

John Miner

Track and Room: Data Science - LC21

Speakers

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

Paresh Motiwala

Twitter: - pareshmotiwala

LinkedIn: Paresh Motiwala

Contact: https://pareshmotiwala.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2amp;action=editamp;message=6amp;postpost=v2

Paresh Motiwala a Azure/Big Data enthusiast, Manager of Database Platform teams has led several large SQL implementations, migrations and upgrades. He has managed multi terabyte OLTP databases. He has also been a Sr. SQL DBA and a Solutions Architect in Fortune 100 companies. He helps/organizes and speaks at many SQLSaturdays, Azure Bootcamp, Azure Datafests and User Groups(Boston BI UG, NESQL, PASS PD VG and PASS DBA VG).

He is certified in Big Data Analytics, FinTech, PMP, Public Speaking, Business Communications. He is a avid singer, cook, open networker, and stand-up comedian. He teaches public speaking, debating, interviewing and group discussion skills and mentors children around the globe via www.circlesofgrowth.com

Mike Walsh

Twitter: - mike_walsh

LinkedIn: Mike Walsh

Contact: https://www.straightpathsql.com

Mike Walsh is an experienced SQL Server professional and has worked with SQL Server since version 6.5. He has been in the role of DBA, developer, and performance tuner, but always leans on his DBA and tuning experience. He has been awarded the SQL Server (now Data Platform) designation 6 times since 2011 and is a current MVP. He runs a SQL Server consultancy focused on DBA services and cloud enablement. He has spoken several times at PASS and regional events. In his spare time, he runs a small farm with his family in rural New Hampshire and is a call Firefighter in his small town.

Andy Levy

Twitter: - ALevyInROC

LinkedIn: Andy Levy

Contact: https://flxsql.com

Andy is a database administrator, PowerShell fan, former developer, Open Source contributor, SQLSaturday organizer and user group leader. He’s worn a number of IT hats since 1999 before landing in database administration, including web server administration and development, systems integration, and database development. When he isn’t picking queries apart and wrangling an unruly herd of databases, he can be found helping out with his son’s Boy Scout troop, making BBQ ribs for his daughter, or planning the next family vacation with his wife.

Andy Yun

Twitter: - SQLBek

LinkedIn: Andy Yun

Contact: http://sqlbek.wordpress.com

Andy Yun is a SentryOne Principal Solutions Engineer and a former Microsoft MVP. He has been working with SQL Server for nearly 20 years as both a Database Developer and Administrator. Leveraging knowledge of SQL Server Internals and extensive experience in highly transactional environments, he strives to make T-SQL leaner and meaner. Andy is extremely passionate about passing knowledge onto others, regularly speaking at User Groups, SQLSaturdays, and PASS Summit. Andy is a co-founder of the Chicago SQL Association, co-Chapter Leader of the Chicago Suburban User Group, and part of the Chicago SQLSaturday Organizing Committee.

Steve Simon

Twitter: - SQLServerBoffin

LinkedIn: Steve Simon

Contact: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/simon_says/

Steve Simon is a Database Solutions Architect with Business Knowledge Services Inc. He has been involved with database design and analysis for over 35 years. Steve has presented papers at numerous PASS Summits and PASS SQL Rallies. He is also regular presenter on the SQLSaturday circuit and he is a contributor on SQLShack.com

Christian Cote

Twitter: - Christian_SQL

LinkedIn: Christian Cote

Contact: http://bi-blogger.typepad.com/

Christian Coté is an IT professional with more than 15 years of experience working in data warehouse and business intelligence projects. Christian developed an expertise in data warehousing over the years and designed many ETL/BI processes using a range of tools on multiple platforms. He’s been presenting at several conferences and code camps. He currently co-leads the SQL Server PASS chapter in Montreal as well as Global French SQL PASS Chapter. He is also a Microsoft Data Platform Most Valuable Professional (MVP).

Sunil Kadimdiwan

Twitter: - @skadimdiwan

LinkedIn: Sunil Kadimdiwan

Contact: http://www.infotrove.com/events.html

Sunil Kadimdiwan Sunil Kadimdiwan has 25+ years’ experience in architecting and implementing database solutions. He has deep knowledge of the Microsoft SQL Server and Business Intelligence technology stack. He is a frequent speaker at SQLSaturdays, Code Camps, User Group meetings

Matt Cushing

Twitter: - Sqlkohai

LinkedIn: Matt Cushing

Contact: http://sqlkohai.com

Matt started out his career in Accounting and quickly realized he liked data a whole lot more! Starting as a help desk associate, he’s moved through support, development, data, and management positions before settling back to his passion for data.

Currently working for Applegate Farms in NJ, he loves the people he works with and for, and the company as a whole. Thanks to the input and help from the SQL community, he was able to be ready for the right opportunity in his current position as a BI developer. He also teaches a Database Management class at Rutgers University.

Ask him about the Red Sox sometime if you want your ear talked off ;).

Paul Stanton

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

LinkedIn: Paul Stanton

Contact: https://www.windocks.com/blog-2

Co-founder of Windocks, Paul is a former Microsoft engineer who is focused on delivering solutions for SQL Server development and test, including SQL Server containers and database cloning.

Paresh Motiwala

Twitter: - pareshmotiwala

LinkedIn: Paresh Motiwala

Contact: https://pareshmotiwala.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=2amp;action=editamp;message=6amp;postpost=v2

Elizabeth Noble

Twitter: - SQLZelda

LinkedIn: Elizabeth Noble

Elizabeth Noble is a Director of Database Development in the metro Atlanta area. When she was introduced to her first database over 10 years ago, it was love at first sight. Her passion is to help others improve the quality and speed of deploying database changes through automation. When she is not trying to automate all of the things, she can be found spending time with her dogs, playing disc golf, or taking a walk at the gym.

Kathi Kellenberger

Twitter: - auntkathi

LinkedIn: Kathi Kellenberger

Contact: http://auntkathisql.com

Kathi Kellenberger is the editor of Simple Talk at Redgate and a Data Platform MVP. She has worked with SQL Server for over 20 years and has authored, co-authored, or tech edited over a dozen technical books. Kathi is the co-leader of the PASS Women in Technology Virtual Group and a volunteer at LaunchCode. When Kathi isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, singing, and climbing the stairs of tall buildings. Be sure to check out her courses on Pluralsight.

Greg Moore

Twitter: - @stridergdm

LinkedIn: Greg Moore

Contact: https://blog.greenms.com

Greg Moore is a graduate of RPI. There, he majored in CompSci, but probably spent as much time hiking, canoeing, caving and rock-climbing as he did studying. He started working with SQL Server 4.21a in 1995 and has survived numerous upgrades. He’s been a Director and later VP of IT at several startups including PowerOne Media, TownNews and Traffiq and now consults. These days, when he’s not busy with playing with SQL Server or spending time with his family, he can often be found underground caving or teaching cave rescue with the NCRC. While his focus is on the operations side of DBA, his interests include DR, performance and general IT problem solving. He is the author of: IT Disaster Response: Lessons Learned in the Field.

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.

Guy Glantser

Twitter: - guy_glantser

LinkedIn: Guy Glantser

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

Guy Glantser, Data Platform MVP, is the leader of the Israeli PASS Local Group, as well as the CEO and founder of Madeira Data Solutions. His career has been focused on the Microsoft Data Platform for the past 20 years, performing various database roles as either an on-site DBA, an external consultant, or a speaker. His main area of expertise is SQL Server development and optimization. Guy is involved in many activities in the Microsoft Data Platform community. He occasionally speaks at community events, such as PASS Summit, SQLBits, SQLSaturdays, and user groups around the world. He also co-hosts the SQL Server Radio podcast.

Mohamed Mawla

Trilingual Principal Consultant amp; Team Tech lead at a global Tech Consulting Mohamed had worked with large SQL server environments such as financials and gov of hundreds of SQL server instances and enormous amounts of data. His favorite subjects are Cloud Analytics, performance tuning, High Availability, especially Replication and Disaster recovery. Certified Google Cloud and Azure Data Engineer.

When not working, Mohamed carries his cameras and takes a trip somewhere.

Bryan Cafferky

LinkedIn: Bryan Cafferky

Contact: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bryancutube256123

Bryan Cafferky is a Big Data and AI consultant. Bryan was previously a Senior Data Science Training Content Developer for Microsoft Worldwide Learning. Prior to this he was a Microsoft Data and AI Enabler for healthcare customers. He is a Microsoft 2017 Data Platform MVP and a 2016 Cloud and Data Center Management MVP. Bryan is the author of Pro PowerShell for Database Developers by Apress, available on Amazon. He leads The RI Microsoft BI User Group, and The Greater Boston Area Data Science Group. He has been working with the SQL Server stack since 1997 and implemented projects in the banking, insurance, e-commerce, utility, and health care industries. He holds a bachelor of science in computer information systems and an MBA.

Deborah Melkin

Twitter: - dgmelkin

LinkedIn: Deborah Melkin

Contact: http://debthedba.wordpress.com

Deborah Melkin has been working as a database professional with SQL Server for almost 20 years. She spends her days helping programmers with all aspects of database design, queries, performance, and deployment. In 2016, she began her blog, Deb the DBA. Soon after that, she began speaking at SQLSaturdays and user groups. Deborah is a board member of the New England SQL Server User group (NESQL) and was recently named as an IDERA ACE Class of 2020. She also won Speaker Idol at PASS Summit 2019. In her spare time, Deborah can usually be found doing something musical.

Alex Grinberg

LinkedIn: Alex Grinberg

I have more than 20 years of IT experience. My primary focus is with the latest Microsoft technologies including .NET (VB and C#), SSRS and SSIS. I provide services in tuning, optimization, analysis and development for the creation of new applications, converting legacy technologies (SQL Server, VB.NET and C# ) and site training. I have worked for CSC, VerticalNet, IDP, LSAC , and TMNAS (to name a few) and I am currently employed with Cox Automotive. I am Apress author book “XML and JSON Recipes for SQL Server”, also wrote number of articles for Simple-Talk and SQLServerCentral.com

Ray Kim

Twitter: - PianoRayK

LinkedIn: Ray Kim

Contact: https://pianorayk.wordpress.com/

Ray Kim is an advocate for documentation and technical communication. He is a co-founder of the Albany, NY SQL group (CASSUG), a member of the AlbanyUX user group, and has spoken at numerous SQLSaturdays and at PASS Summit. He has worked various positions in technology, including as a developer, webmaster, analyst, technical writer, and instructor. He holds an MS in technical communication from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a BS in computer science from Syracuse University.

A musician in his spare time, Ray plays four different instruments. He also enjoys going to ball games and doing CrossFit, and is a two-time SQLServerCentral.com fantasy football champion. He lives in Troy, NY with his wife, Lianne, and their two cats.

John Miner

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/JohnMiner3

LinkedIn: John Miner

Contact: https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlserverauthor/154/john-miner/

John Miner is currently a Data Architect at BlueMetal advising corporations on how to solve their business needs with data platform solutions.

He has over twenty five years of data processing experience, and his architecture expertise encompasses all phases of the software project life cycle, including design, development, implementation, and maintenance of systems.

He has an undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science from the University of Rhode Island. Other credentials include an up to date MCSE certificate and currently taking the Data Science program from EDX.

Before joining BlueMetal, John won the Data Platform MVP award in 2014 and 2015 for his outstanding contributions to the SQL Server community.

Liz Amador

Twitter: - @conmuchoamador

LinkedIn: Liz Amador

Contact: https://conmuchoamador.com

Liz is interested in using data for social good and making the tech space more welcoming for everyone. She blogs, teaches, and loves to read.

A Liz le interesa usar data por el bien de la sociedad, y hacer la comunidad de technologia mas abierto para todos. Ella escribe en su blog, ensena, y le encanta leer.

Kathi Kellenberger

Twitter: - auntkathi

LinkedIn: Kathi Kellenberger

Contact: http://auntkathisql.com

James Serra

Twitter: - www.twitter.com/JamesSerra

LinkedIn: James Serra

Contact: http://www.JamesSerra.com

James Serra is a big data and data warehousing solution architect at Microsoft. He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics. Previously, James was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with over 35 years of IT experience. James is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker. He is the author of the book “Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012”.

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.

Bryan Cafferky

LinkedIn: Bryan Cafferky

Contact: https://www.youtube.com/user/Bryancutube256123

Samir Behara

Twitter: - samirbehara

LinkedIn: Samir Behara

Contact: https://dotnetvibes.com/

Samir Behara is a Solution Architect with EBSCO Industries and builds software solutions using cutting edge technologies. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP with over 13 years of IT experience working on large-scale enterprise applications involving complex business functions, web integration, and data management in various domains like Insurance, Manufacturing and Publishing.

Samir is a frequent speaker at conferences such as PASS Summit, IT/Dec Connections, CodeStock, SQLSaturdays and CodeCamps. He is the Co-Chapter Lead of the Steel City SQL Server UserGroup, Birmingham, AL. He is the author of www.dotnetvibes.com

Thomas Grohser

LinkedIn: Thomas Grohser

Thomas Grohser has spent most of the past 26+ years exploring the deeper inner workings of SQL Server and its features while working for entertainment, pharmaceutical, and financial services industries. His primary focus is to architect, plan, build, and operate reliable, highly available, secure, and scalable infrastructures for SQL Server. Over the years he has managed thousands of SQL Server instances, processing trillions of rows, taking up petabytes of storage. Thomas has been a Microsoft Data Platform MVP for 9 years and has spoken regularly at conferences, SQLSaturdays, and user groups for 12 years.

Alex Grinberg

LinkedIn: Alex Grinberg

Guy Glantser

Twitter: - guy_glantser

LinkedIn: Guy Glantser

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

Taiob Ali

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

LinkedIn: Taiob Ali

Contact: http://www.sqlworldwide.com

Taiob Ali, MVP Data Platform, is an accomplished technical leader with a proven record of success. For 14 years, he has worked with the Microsoft Data Platform and MongoDB both on-premise and cloud. His experience includes all three major business sectors: finance, e-commerce, and healthcare. Taiob has hands-on experience in managing large database projects, massive data migration, intricate process design, testing and deployment, performance tuning, long term capacity planning. Taiob is currently working at “GMO LLC” as a Database Solution Manager, focusing on cloud migration, automation, improving, and streamlining operational workflow. He is a regular speaker at local and virtual PASS chapters, SQLSaturdays, and Azure conferences.

Michelle Gutzait

Twitter: - mgutzait

LinkedIn: Michelle Gutzait

Contact: http://Google me!

Involved in IT for more than 30 years as a developer, business analyst and database consultant. Worked exclusively with Microsoft SQL Server for the past 20+ years, consulting for many and diverse clients. Skills include everything related to SQL Server: infrastructure and database design, Performance tuning, security, High Availability, consolidation, Disaster Recovery, Cloud migrations and much more! Also active in the community as a speaker and a Blogger. One of the Organizers of the PASS Chapter in Montreal.

John Miner

Twitter: - https://twitter.com/JohnMiner3

LinkedIn: John Miner

Contact: https://www.mssqltips.com/sqlserverauthor/154/john-miner/

John Miner is currently a Data Architect at BlueMetal advising corporations on how to solve their business needs with data platform solutions.

Before joining BlueMetal, John won the Data Platform MVP award in 2014 and 2015 for his outstanding contributions to the SQL Server community.

Deji Akomolafe

Twitter: - @dejify

Contact: http://blogs.vmware.com/apps

Deji Akomolafe (a member of the Office of the CTO Ambassador Program and Staff Solutions Architect within VMware#39;s Global Field and Partners Readiness Group) specializes in the virtualization of Microsoft Business Critical Applications on VMware#39;s vSphere platform. Deji is a regular speaker at VMworld, Partners Exchange Conference, VMUG, SQLSaturday and EMCWorld, presenting technical subject matters related to Microsoft Applications virtualization and providing technical guidance to help clients enhance their expertise and ability to optimally virtualize and operate their critical applications.

Rayis Imayev

Twitter: - rayisimayev

LinkedIn: Rayis Imayev

Contact: http://datanrg.blogspot.ca/

Database professional with hands-on database design, data analysis, and reporting skills. I believe that I can help to make this intricate world of data to be more structured and well understood. Born in USSR; graduated and started my IT journey in Ukraine; now I work and live with my family in Toronto, Canada.

SQLSaturday #855 - Albany 2019

Sessions

Title: The Complete Guide to Temporary Tables and Table Variables

Title: Staging data for Azure SQL services

Title: Approaching Zero: Minimizing Downtime During Deployments

Title: SQL Server Reporting Services 2017 on Steroids!!

Title: Advanced T-SQL Development with latest features.

Title: 4 Threats to your SQL Servers - Become Default: Secure

Title: Performance Optimization with Azure SQL Database

Title: SQL DevOps Simplified with Production Databases

Title: Azure Machine Learning 101

Title: Overcoming Challenges with Source Control and Continuous Integration.

Title: Looking “Normal” and Seeing “Stars”: Table Designs Working Together

Title: Azure Databricks = Azure + Spark + Machine Learning Collaboration

Title: Successfully Virtualizing SQL Server on vSphere - Straight from the Source

Title: dbatools for the Uninitiated

Title: Why candidates fail the job interview in the first minute

Title: Moving to SQL 2019- A primer for the unaware!

Title: Power BI with Maps: Choose Your Destination

Title: Top 10 FREE performance troubleshooting tools for SQL Server

Title: Feeding the modern data warehouse (Power BI, Azure Data Factory and Databricks)

Title: Pocket-sized Server: SQL Server for under $200!

Title: Add Time Intelligence to Power BI

Title: XML and JSON, does the DBA need it?

Title: Ask the Experts Panel

Title: Let’s Dive Into SQL Server I/O To Improve T-SQL Performance

Title: Python with SQL: A Winning Combination

Title: Lightning Talks

Title: Fundamentals That Will Improve Your Query Performance!

Title: What is DevOps and Why Should DBAs Care?

Title: Blogging for Success: Advancing your career by blogging

Title: Designing Accessible Power BI Reports

Title: Networking 101: Getting Ready for a SQL Event

Title: From Zero to Hero: Start Machine Learning using Azure ML studio

Title: Extend Power BI with Python

Speakers

Sponsors