SQLSaturday #933 - Nashville 2020
Event Date: 01/18/2020 00:00:00
Event Location:
- Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
- 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro
- Nashville, Tennessee
This event has completed. All data shown below is from the historical XML public data available.
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: Turn Runbooks into Notebooks: Handling Maintenance and Emergencies with Azure Data Studio
Abstract: On-call DBAs have all had that phone call in the middle of the night: “the database is down, fix it now!” We start scrambling to piece together various scripts to analyze the emergency, mitigate the issues, and kick off a failover or similar fix to make the database happy and healthy once again. Even scheduled maintenance likely requires us to download scripts from a ticket, run the scripts, and screenshot the results for documentation. What if I told you that Azure Data Studio’s notebooks allow you to execute T-SQL and PowerShell together to handle these processes from a single document that documents its own results and can be stored directly in source control? Join me in this demo-heavy session to see how we can handle real-world on-call situations using Azure Data Studio notebooks.
Speaker(s):
- Matt Gordon
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s334
Title: Using Open Source Software to Collect Performance Metrics
Abstract: Ever had a manager standing over your shoulder, wanting to know why an instance is running slow or if it can handle additional workload? If only you knew what performance metrics to collect and had them for your existing instances to answer these questions.
In this session, we will discuss sp_whoisactive and Query Store to track what queries are running. Then, we will be combining three open source tools – Telegraf, InfluxDB, and Grafana – into an inexpensive and easy to set up system that collects performance metrics you can use to troubleshoot issues and answer important questions about your SQL Server instances, including your Linux SQL Server instances, Azure Managed Instances, and Azure SQL Databases. Attendees will see how easy it is to get good performance data and visualize it interactively, and combine with other tools to troubleshoot issues. Finally, we will look at a problem I solved using this solution as an example.
Speaker(s):
- Tracy Boggiano
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s316
Title: A DBAs Guide to the Proper Handling of Corruption
Abstract: Corruption can strike at any time. As DBAs, how we alert, investigate, and respond can have a profound impact on our company. In this session we will learn how to detect and respond to various types of corruption. In this introductory session for beginners we will introduce the concepts around how to monitor and respond to corruption incidents in our databases.
First we will focus on ways to detect corruption early. This will include understanding tools available to us like DBCC CheckDB as well as the importance of testing our backups. We’ll also look at some sample scripts to automate corruption checks and common alerts we should have set up on our instances.
Then we will move onto how to properly manage an incident and discuss some common examples of corruption. We’ll look at how we can analyze the situation safely as well as point out various pitfalls that trip people up. We’ll also discuss when and how we may be able to fix corruption vs restoring the database.
Speaker(s):
- Brandon Leach
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s330
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: Database Application Development - s213
Title: D.R.E.A.M (Data Rules Everything Around Me) - creating a data-driven business culture
Abstract: Deploying a new Big Data initiative is a daunting undertaking in its own right, which can lead many business leaders to forget a crucial piece of the puzzle - changing company culture. What good is new technology if it does not align with the way people in the organization actually make decisions? This session dives into how company leadership can effectively get organization members not just tolerant of, but EXCITED about new technology initiatives. Attendees will learn:
- Where a data-driven culture really starts
- Why so many companies fail miserably at obtaining the “data-driven culture”
- The single MOST important factor that determines a successful culture shift
Speaker(s):
- Holly Rachel
Track and Room: Professional Development - s260
Title: Data Virtualization with PolyBase
Abstract: PolyBase is Microsoft’s data virtualization technology, allowing you to integrate SQL Server with external systems such as Hadoop and Azure Blob Storage. As of SQL Server 2019, PolyBase also allows you to connect to diverse systems such as Oracle, MongoDB, Cosmos DB, Teradata, Apache Spark, and even other SQL Server instances. In this talk, we will walk through the mechanics of PolyBase, showing how we can write T-SQL queries to access data from heterogeneous sources. We will investigate the Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) and other resources needed to tease out what the PolyBase engine is doing behind the scenes and where to go when things break down. Finally, we will look at several interesting use cases for PolyBase in the modern data environment.
Speaker(s):
- Kevin Feasel
Track and Room: Database Application Development - s334
Title: Performance Tuning Azure SQL Databases
Abstract: Performance tuning is a critical skill for both DBAs and Developers, and it becomes even more critical when there’s a monthly cost attached to the performance of the database. How do you get the best out of that database when both the hardware and operating system are in someone else’s hands? Fortunately, Azure SQL Database provides several features that can be leveraged for quick and easy performance gains.
In this session, we’ll cover three key performance tuning features; Automatic Tuning, Intelligent Insights, and Extended Events. Each of these will be reviewed specifically with a focus on how it applies to Azure SQL Databases. Attendees will learn how to take advantage of each of these features, allowing them to save both time and money, and ensuring that their Azure SQL Databases are performing at their best.
Speaker(s):
- David Maxwell
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s332
Title: Checking in on Tabular Models: Making Them Work Better
Abstract: We’ve all seen, and probably created, a few tabular models that are just dog-slow. For the people just starting with tabular models to those who’ve been around the block a few times with them, we’ll go over a few ways in which I’ve sped up tabular models to be leaner and faster.
Speaker(s):
- Kevin Wilkie
Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - s301
Title: Learn How to Master DATETIME Functions Like a Boss in 59.5 Minutes or Less
Abstract: Do you know the dates of the 1st Monday, 2nd Tuesday, 3rd Wednesday, and 4th Thursday of any month between the 22 weeks and 47 weeks of any given year? Do you know the date that Daylight Savings starts in Nashville 4 years from now?
Yup, those were silly questions. However, there is nothing trivial about working within the complexity of dates and times. Trains, Planes, and sometimes at automobile races depend on precise and accurate date-time recordings.
In this demo-heavy presentation, we will answer the following questions and more: When to use DATETIME and DATETIME2 and why. How do you filter date ranges that will make SQL Server run faster? How language and date formatting affect EVERYTHING. What’s the best way to work with functions relating to the current date and time. What’s the best way to properly use SWITCHOFFSET, TODATETIMEOFFSET and AT TIME ZONE Functions.
So stop wasting time and get on board because it’s about time for the plane to depart.
Speaker(s):
- Peter Doyle
Track and Room: Database Application Development - s339
Title: Lessons Learned from a Successful Enterprise Power BI Deployment
Abstract: Power BI is an amazing tool for end-user analytics and reporting, but if you don’t architect for it correctly it may not work right as an enterprise reporting solution. Come to this session to get actual implementation details from a real deployment that was completed for a mid-sized company (1,500+ employees) and is being used daily by more than half of the employees after only a few months of being live in production. Using demos and actual documentation you will see what you need to think of for a project like this. We will be covering architecture, implementation, governance, change control, and support to get a Power BI enterprise deployment working successfully from someone that has done it! Azure Analysis Services, Power BI Pro, and Power BI Premium will be discussed and how each is being used in this solution as well.
Speaker(s):
- Steve Wake
Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - s332
Title: SQL Server Database Security: Do Your Part, Be Security Smart!
Abstract: How can you make sure your SQL Server data doesn’t get in the wrong hands? What are some common SQL Server specific security considerations? What are the best practices? When and where should they be implemented? What techniques for security can be used in SQL Server? What can I do as a DBA or Developer to ensure data is secured in all environments? Tips and troubleshooting from a real world Sr. DBA with DevOps experience will be presented to help attendees identify the most common but hardest to resolve issues. SQL Server security features, including a demo with scripts on how to use Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), will be shared.
Speaker(s):
- Julie McLain-Harper
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s339
Title: Determining the Cost to Move to Azure
Abstract: You have read all about moving to the cloud, spoken to colleagues who are on it and even attended events where they told you about how great it is, and YOU ARE SOLD! You recognize the benefits of storing your SQL Server workloads in the cloud and ready for things to happen. Everyone agrees its the right answer, however, there is one problem. Your organization need to understand the expected costs before moving forward. Understanding the cost to move to Azure and its run rate are questions several companies struggle with and has led to several choosing to stay in their current state. It is not because the cost is too high as some may expect, but oftentimes because simply no one has any idea what to expect.
In this session, I will walk you through steps that show you how to estimate the cost of your move to Azure and provide several unique considerations along the way that can have an impact on this. Next time someone asks how much, you will be ready!
Speaker(s):
- Dustin Dorsey
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s334
Title: Improve Your SSIS Deployments from 10 Minutes to 30 Seconds
Abstract: Tired of remote desktopping into your server, copying over package assets, and manually deploying your SSIS updates? Come learn how you can use PowerShell to deploy packages from anywhere in just seconds, securely. In this course, we will look at a particular PowerShell use case, the code and best practices to make it work successfully enterprise-wide, how you can leverage PowerShell in other ways, and why you might want to use it to become a more efficient DBA.
Best practices include:
- Separating PowerShell creation responsibilities between DBAs and Developer community.
- Incorporating script into source control system.
- Enhancing security while utilizing remote deployment.
Speaker(s):
- Michael McKinley
Track and Room: Powershell - s330
Title: Database Design Fundamentals
Abstract: Data should be easy to work with in SQL Server if the database has been organized as close as possible to the standards of normalization that have been proven for many years, but are often thought of as old-fashioned. Many common T-SQL programming “difficulties” are the result of struggling against these standards and can be avoided by understanding the requirements, applying normalization, as well as a healthy dose of simple common sense. In this session I will give an overview of how to design a relational database, allowing you to work with the data structures instead of against them. This will let you use SQL naturally, enabling the query engine internals to optimize your output needs without you needing to spend a lot of time thinking about it. This will mean less time trying to figure out why SUBSTRING(column,3,1) = ‘A’ is killing your performance, and more time for solving the next customer problem.
Speaker(s):
- Louis Davidson
Track and Room: Database Application Development - s316
Title: Streamline Database Deployments
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 Application Development - s332
Title: User Experience Brilliance in Power BI Dashboards
Abstract: User Experience (UX) and Design Thinking are common buzz words around the office. What do these words have to do with BI and Dashboards, anyway? Sure, Power BI itself is intuitive and user friendly, but are YOU building dashboards that people will actually use. If you want to get the business off of their beloved excel and onto your dashboards, this is how you will do it. In this session, we will explore how to start using UX and the psychology behind it to empower you with intel that will make YOUR dashboards Kick Booty! We will show examples and arm with the tools/strategies to make the best dashboards your business has ever used.
Speaker(s):
- Hilary Wilkie
Track and Room: Professional Development - s332
Title: Data Bricks, Spark, Machine Learning and Azure Synapse Analytics
Abstract: You’ve heard about Azure Data Lake and Azure Data Warehouse, now called Azure Synapse Analytics. You’ve also heard about Azure Data Factory and Azure Data Bricks. You might even have heard about Python, Spark, and Azure Machine Learning. In this fast-paced, all-demo session, we will walk through the process of ingesting data into the Data Lake, analyzing it with Spark and Machine Learning, outputting it to the Data Warehouse and reporting on it in Power BI. You will walk away with working code and an overall understanding of how all these tools can help you develop advanced analytics solutions in the modern data landscape.
Speaker(s):
- Simon Kingaby
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s260
Title: How To Be The DBA When You Don’t Have A DBA
Abstract: Not everyone has a full time Database Administrator on staff, and in many cases the responsibility of managing the database server falls on the developers. But as long as the backups are running successfully you’re good, right? Not exactly. There is ongoing maintenance required to help ensure that your databases are running smoothly. Are your statistics out of date? Are your indexes fragmented? When was the last time the databases were checked for corruption? Has your SQL Server been tuned to fit your workload, or are you still running with the less optimal default settings?
Tailored to the “Non-DBA”, this session will cover these topics and more to ensure that you can avoid some performance issues you may not even realize you’re having. Discussing server settings, database configurations, and recommended maintenance, you will leave this session with the knowledge (and scripts!) you need to help ensure that your SQL Server and databases are in top shape.
Speaker(s):
- Eric Cobb
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s316
Title: Python in SQL Server 2017 and 2019
Abstract: SQL Server 2017 and 2019 have arrived, bringing with them a host of exciting new features. Of particular interest to BI practitioners and data scientists is the integration of the Python programming language into the SQL ecosystem. This integration opens up a number of possibilities for in-database analytics and intelligent database applications, so let’s get started! In this introductory session we’ll briefly introduce the Python language and then look at how to install and administer Machine Learning Services. We’ll start to demonstrate the power of Python by showing you how to create and run simple scripts from within T-SQL. We’ll then discuss some of the powerful open source packages that are available to aid your data analyses. Finally, we’ll go through some examples of how to use Python to integrate data analytical methods in real-world situations, and wow your customers with the power of analytics!
Speaker(s):
- Chris Hyde
Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - s260
Title: Building a Strong Foundation for Data Analysis
Abstract: We are living in a world full of data but what we need is information. What is required to transform data into information? What are the foundational activities your organization needs to do in order to produce analytics that you are confident in sharing? In this session we will discuss what is needed for your organization to convert data into information, the basics of: Data Governance, Data Modeling and how to have an immediate impact using tools like Power BI to deliver value; and, Data Visualizations and telling stories with the data.
Speaker(s):
- Leslie Andrews
Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - s270
Title: The Future of Azure Data Services: What are Azure Synapse Analyti
Abstract: In this session, we will review the massive new changes in the user experience for Azure Synapse Analytics, formerly SQL Data Warehouse, and the great functionality Azure Arc can bring to your organization with hybrid Azure SQL PostgresSQL MI that can deploy to any cloud and on-premise. We will review the new features, the new user experience, talk about Kubernetes SQL, qualification for private previews, and discuss some frequently asked questions.
Speaker(s):
- Josh Luedeman
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s301
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 Architecture Management - s301
Title: Look Smart Save Money - Database Optimization, Consolidation, Capacity Planning w/ SQL Governor
Abstract: Has your manager ever come to you and said “we need to save money on our SQL Server licensing!” and/or “we need to move our SQL Server data to the cloud!”? If they haven’t, they will, so wouldn’t you like to proactively present them a plan that will save money, make you look smart, and potentially earn you a bonus or a raise? SQL Governor provides you with a comprehensive toolkit that does the heavy lifting and detailed analysis necessary to make your database consolidation and migration projects successful. Its performance analysis tools help ensure that things run smoothly before, during, and after migration and consolidation work. Join Microsoft Data Platform MVP Matt Gordon and SQL Governor Founder/CTO Jani Savolainen as they walk through war stories and case studies from the field, how SQL Governor could have helped, and how it can help you!
Speaker(s):
- Matt Gordon
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s316
Title: PowerShell for the DBA
Abstract: PowerShell is a tool used by many people in DevOps and Infrastructure. Should the DBA get on board with using PowerShell? The answer is yes - as a DBA, PowerShell can have a significant impact on tasks that would be long and tedious with just T-SQL alone. Today there are specific modules that can be incorporated into PowerShell to help in automating every-day DBA tasks. Beyond that, PowerShell can be used to do things like automate deployments and audit permissions.
In this session we will explore real-world examples and demonstrate how PowerShell can be leveraged by the DBA to not only improve efficiency but also streamline processes across an enterprise environment.
Speaker(s):
- Amy Herold
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s270
Title: The Submission of Power BI, albeit Kicking and Screaming.
Abstract: We will force Power BI to acquiesce to unreasonable demands and produce a Power BI to look like Excel. There will be conditional formatting a mixed data set and more.
Speaker(s):
- Sarah Whitworth
Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - s213
Title: Database People and DevOps: The Fundamentals
Abstract: DevOps is a software delivery philosophy that focuses on delivering quality, faster. The purpose of this session is to cover some of the basic principles of DevOps and how they apply to database development and administration. Everyone’s environment is different, but the strategies discussed within can be translated into basic tactical gains that are easy to implement.
Topics covered include:
- a (VERY) brief history of DevOps
- why DBA’s make the best DevOps engineers
- what admins can teach developers, and what developers can teach admins
Speaker(s):
- Stuart Ainsworth
Track and Room: Database Application Development - s330
Title: Pure Storage - Lunch Session
Abstract: hold
Speaker(s):
- SQLSaturday Nashville
Track and Room: Other - s332
Title: Applying Visual Design Best Practices in Power BI
Abstract: This session will focus on the how to of visual design in Power BI and equip you to take your report designs to the next level! We will create and implement custom report themes, demo how to design reports for different audiences in your organization, and explore how to use Power BI’s out of the box formatting options to help you deliver consistent and effective reports.
Speaker(s):
- Michael Hewitt
Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - s334
Title: What You’ll Love in SQL Server 2019
Abstract: Technology moves at a blinding pace and the SQL Server platform is no exception. With the release of SQL Server 2019, you will see some great improvement in the database engine of the platform. In this session, you will examine some of the new features of SQL Server 2019 such as Accelerated Database Recovery (ADR), resumable index creation, UTF-8 support, online columnstore rebuilds, an improved data truncation message, among other features. After this session you will have a better understanding how you can leverage SQL Server 2019 to enhance your database environment.
Speaker(s):
- John Morehouse
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s339
Title: Going Beyond Monitoring With SentryOne
Abstract: Hopefully, you are monitoring your SQL Servers using DIY scripts or a 3rd party tool. Active monitoring is invaluable to enable the operational DBA to identify and address issues quickly. But did you know that SentryOne offers capabilities beyond just monitoring? Join me and I’ll show you how SentryOne provides environment wide visibility and aids in managing cross-server activities. I’ll showcase how alerting can be tuned to be effective and not noise. And you’ll discover how SentryOne can give you both operational and business value to address your application challenges.
Speaker(s):
- Andy Yun
Track and Room: Other - s270
Title: T-SQL Window Function Performance in 2019
Abstract: Window functions were first introduced with SQL Server 2005 and enhanced with SQL Server 2012. They enable easy development and great performance…well, sometimes. Learn what you need to know to take full advantage of these features and enhancements to SQL Server in 2019 that make performance even better. What you don’t know can hurt you when you are using window functions.
Speaker(s):
- Kathi Kellenberger
Track and Room: Database Application Development - s270
Title: The Future Is Here for Containers!
Abstract: Demonstrate how to use docker swarm to quickly spin up many containers and persist the same data set to all of the containers. This is what every developer wants. Should your container be on premise or the cloud? Does it matter? Demonstrate how to move a container between on premise and the cloud with data.
Speaker(s):
- Marsha Pierce
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s260
Title: SQL Server in “The Cloud”: High Availability and Disaster Recover
Abstract: If you are considering moving your SQL Server instances to “The Cloud” you will need to have a plan in place for both high availability and disaster recovery. In this session, we will examine the three top public cloud providers and what they have to offer in terms of both high availability and disaster recovery. We will discuss where the providers are the same and where the differ. Some real life customer configurations will be presented. Cloud and Datacenter Management MVP Dave Bermingham will lead this session and encourages you to bring your questions specific to your environment.
Speaker(s):
- David Bermingham
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s330
Title: Performance Tuning, Getting the Biggest Bang for Your Buck
Abstract: Everyone wants to know if there are magic buttons you can push to make SQL Server run faster, better and more efficiently. In this session we will go over some of my go-to performance tricks that you can implement to get the biggest improvement with the least amount of change. When it comes to performance tuning, every second counts. We will cover memory optimization, isolation levels, trace flags, statistics, configuration changes and more. I’ll go over real life scenarios we come across as consultants and the changes we made to fix them.
Speaker(s):
- Monica Rathbun
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s301
Title: Intro to Azure Data Factory
Abstract: Working with data doesn’t need to be a hassle. Many developers hear the phrase “ETL” and shudder. Azure Data Factory makes moving data, kicking off procedures, and automating workflows easier and more streamlined than previous utilities. In my discussion, I will explain and demonstrate how to get started with Azure Data Factory, and some tips and tricks for ease of use.
Speaker(s):
- Olivia Albertson
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s334
Title: Data Visualization Tools for Entrepreneurs
Abstract: Are you an inspiring entrepreneur who wants to do more with your data? Have you ever wondered what are some of the differences between different data visualization tools that are available on the market? In this session I will discuss different data visualization tools and discuss some of pros and cons. By the end of this session you will have more information about each tool which will help you determine which is best for you!
Speaker(s):
- Sekou Tyler
Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - s213
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 and how Redgate’s tools can make your journey to DevOps easier.
Speaker(s):
- Kathi Kellenberger
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s260
Title: Inside the Database Engine
Abstract: This session is for the absolute beginner to learn the basic components of the Database Engine (Relational Engine, Storage Engine, and SQLOS) and what is the purpose of each of these three components in the execution of a simple query. The relational engine to process a query, the storage engine to access data and the SQLOS to manage resource access. The session is led by an expert Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and former Microsoft MVP who regularly teaches SQL Server certification courses.
Speaker(s):
- John Deardurff
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s213
Title: CosmosDB is the missing piece to your Data puzzle!
Abstract: You have been hearing about Azure CosmosDB but you haven’t had a chance to explore it. In this session, you will learn the key concepts of Azure Cosmos DB. I will use many analogies to explain advantages and limitations of Azure CosmosDB. By the end of this session, you will be able to setup CosmosDB and know its available tools.
I will cover the following topics in this session Why do we need another database system? How to setup Azure CosmosDB How to create database and containers. How much does it cost? Multi-Model Apis CosmosDB vs SQL Server How to Import Data into CosmosDB How to use Cosmos DB Emulator CosmosDB Limitations
Speaker(s):
- Hasan Savran
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s270
Title: An Introduction to Azure Data Studio
Abstract: This session will provide a high level overview of Azure Data Studio and highlight some of the differences from SQL Server Management Studio. We cover saved connections, how to get both the actual and estimated Execution plans, workspaces and one of my favorite features, Notebooks. We also go over what an extension is and why I would want to use them.
Speaker(s):
- Dave Bland
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s301
Title: Azure Data SQL Server: What to Use When
Abstract: In this session, you’ll learn about the different options for your SQL deployments in Azure. After this session, you should be able to: ○ Understand the benefits of SQL Server in Azure ○ Articulate the key differentiators between SQL Server on-prem, in Azure VM, in Azure SQL DB (Single database, Elastic Pools, and Managed instance), and hybrid ○ Explain the different service tiers within Azure SQL DB, and evaluate what is best for your workloads and business requirements (Serverless, Hyperscale, General Purpose, Business Critical, etc)
Speaker(s):
- Rie Irish
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s316
Title: Azure 101
Abstract: Microsoft Azure is a daunting thing to look at and think about. In this session, we’ll look at the basics of Azure, what the options are for setting up an Azure account; as well as look at how regions are broken down. We’ll take a look at the differences between Infrastructure as a Service, Platform as a Service and Software as a Service as well as the High Availability and Disaster Recovery options that are available to do with these services. We’ll finish the session off by looking at some options for Virtual Machines within Azure as well as the SQL Server offerings that are available in the platform.
Speaker(s):
- Denny Cherry
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s330
Title: Azure Data Services and Data Estate Modernization
Abstract: This presentation will cover Overview of Azure Data Strategy, Data modernization on premises, Data modernization to Azure as well and Globally Distributed Data and Cloud Scale Analytics. Attendees will learn about the different options for on premises modernization. After reviewing the option for modernization to Azure, we will cover how to migrate to the cloud using examples from the attendees. Next will be a brief overview of some of the global solutions available. Lastly, we will focus on how to ingest, store, prepare, serve, and report on all the data every company has.
Speaker(s):
- Nikki Conley
Track and Room: Cloud Database/Application Development Deployment - s305
Title: Keeping up with change in Office 365
Abstract: Every month there are dozens of changes made throughout the services in Microsoft 365. The changes can bring brand new features, but also change aspects on which your business solutions are based. How do you stay informed about the changes and prepare your environment for all the updates? How can you keep your users up-to-date with the features that are available and manage the process of change? During this session, we will discuss how IT Pros and collaboration enablers can keep up with all the changes, promote adoption with your users, and help your organization stay focused on what you do best.
Speaker(s):
- Daniel Glenn
Track and Room: Other - s305
Title: Introduction to Azure Streaming Analytics
Abstract: This session will cover what is Streaming Analytics and the various use cases. We will demonstrate the creation of a Streaming Analytics process which will output the data to a dashboard for review. The intention is to provide insights in how this technology can potentially be leveraged by the SQL community.
Speaker(s):
- Warren Sifre
Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - s305
Title: Secrets of the Plan Cache
Abstract: You have heard of a query plan, right? Perhaps even looked at one somewhere along the way. Have you ever wondered what information might be buried in the plan cache, the courses of action having that additional information might lead you to? Perhaps you have wondered what plans in the cache would benefit from those missing indexes or contemplated your cost threshold of parallelism, among other questions. This session is designed to answer just that. We will look at query plans without the pretty node icons and from there we will interrogate the plan cache thus putting its secrets to work for us.
Speaker(s):
- Peter Shore
Track and Room: Database Adminstration - s301
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 Application Development - s332
Title: Introduction to the hybrid cloud
Abstract: The Hybrid cloud is allowing workloads to move between private and public clouds as computing needs and costs change, hybrid cloud gives businesses greater flexibility and more data deployment option. The key to creating a successful hybrid cloud is to select the right hypervisor and wide-area network solution.
Speaker(s):
- Gilda Alvarez
Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - s213
Title: The Psychology of Better Power BI Reporting
Abstract: In this course we identify some common mistakes that we see in the business world using Power BI. We will identify the psychology behind the reporting techniques needed to create powerful and effective reports. The attendee will leave the class ready to write better reports using Power BI in the real world.
Speaker(s):
- Ed Watson
Track and Room: BI Analytics and Visualization - s270
Title: Moving Past Imposter Syndrome
Abstract: We have heard a lot on recognizing Imposter Syndrome and how to address it. However, what if it’s not Imposter Syndrome after all? We will discuss working scenarios and how you approach or deal with them to determine “is it you or is it me?”
Speaker(s):
- Wendy Pastrick
Track and Room: Professional Development - s316
Title: On-Site Registration non-printed SPEEDPASS
Abstract: If you didn’t print your speedpass you may stop in here to get one printed. If you didn’t register you can also register in here. If you had issues printing/paying for lunch or any other questions you may stop by.
Speaker(s):
- SQLSaturday Nashville
Track and Room: Other - s128
Title: Goin’ Fishin’ on the Azure Data Lake
Abstract: Get yer queries ready we’re goin’ fishin’ on the Azure Data Lake. Azure Data Lake is hyper-scale storage service that serves as the foundation for a Modern Data Warehouse. We’ll explore what makes this service unique, the pricing structure, and how to start storing data. Then we’ll open our tackle boxes to learn how to use tools such as HDInsight, Azure SQL DW, and Data Lake Analytics (U-SQL) to access data for processing, analytics, and machine learning.
Speaker(s):
- Spencer Swindell
Track and Room: BI Architecture Management - s339
Title: Introduction to GitHub
Abstract: Getting started with GitHub can at times be overwhelming. Especially when you’ve been working with other source control and project management systems your whole career. In this session, we will overview the below tasks to ensure your success with GitHub.
- Initial setup of a Repository in GitHub.
- Build Issue templates for new features, bugs, or custom tasks.
- Securing the check-in/merge process to your root branch.
- Integrating GitHub with other productivity tools to keep on top of changes.
Speaker(s):
- Joshua Higginbotham
Track and Room: Database Application Development - s260
Speakers
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
Kevin Wilkie
Twitter: - Oskaruth
LinkedIn: Kevin Wilkie
Contact: http://sherpaofdata.com
Kevin has 15+ years experience with SQL Server and has worked with the product since version 6.5, although he remembers with distaste the early versions of the product. He started working with SQL Server as an “Accidental” DBA, and has moved up through the ranks as a SQL Developer, a BI Associate, and Production DBA at various parts of his career. Currently, he works as a Lead Data Analyst spreading the gospel of how great data can be to anyone and everyone who will listen.
Peter Doyle
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/thepeterdoyle
LinkedIn: Peter Doyle
On Jan 12, 2019, Peter attended his first SQLSaturday and experienced an engaging and uplifting community that encouraged everyone regularly to give back. That experience resulted in teaching eleven sessions and delivering a SQL Fundamentals pre-conference the last six months of the year. He is passionate about sharing knowledge on building a solid T-SQL foundation without wasting time.
Peter’s journey from minimal Excel knowledge to writing Dynamic SQL all started from watching Youtube videos for three hours every morning before work. Managers took notice of the results and transferred him to the reporting department. A few months later, a co-worker suggested he should learn SQL Server and his world of data has never been the same.
Dustin Dorsey
Twitter: - sql_dd
LinkedIn: Dustin Dorsey
Contact: https://dustindorsey.com/
Dustin Dorsey has been architecting and managing SQL Server solutions for companies for well over a decade. While Dustin is skilled in many areas, he has a unique specialization in cost management and architecture around the data platform both on-premise and in the cloud that he has used to provide significant savings for multiple organizations and loves sharing information about this. Dustin is an avid speaker and can be seen writing articles on popular SQL websites, as well as, on his own blog at DustinDorsey.com. He is also active in the Nashville community as a local user group leader and co-organizer of his local SQLSaturday. Dustin currently serves as Director of Data Management at Lifepoint Health.
Gilda Alvarez
Twitter: - @Latina_DBA
She graduated from the University of Central Florida with MIS and Computer science degrees. She has over a decade of experience in Enterprise Information Technology solutions for several Fortune 500 companies. In depth and applied knowledge of database administration with emphasis on high availability and disaster recovery solutions, security audits, database health checks, capacity planning, resource utilization analysis and enterprise database migrations. She is a big advocate of technical and leadership education in her community. She loves to spend time with her family, friends and dance Latin music.
Simon Kingaby
Twitter: - SimonKingaby
LinkedIn: Simon Kingaby
Contact: http://omwtm.blog
Simon Kingaby has been moving data for 20 plus years. In the last few years, he’s been moving data from DB2, Oracle, Netezza and SQL Server to Azure SQL and Azure Data Warehouse, using Azure Data Factory, SSIS and SQL. At BMI, he developed a Rules Engine Sync application that uses DB2 QRep messaging and Azure ESB to move DB2 transactions to the cloud in near-real-time. Now at Deloitte on the Big Data team, he is developing ETL processes to move API, SaaS and SQL data into reporting databases on-premise and in the cloud. He is also creating SSRS and Power BI dashboards for the CIO and related Services.
Stuart Ainsworth
Twitter: - @codegumbo
LinkedIn: Stuart Ainsworth
Contact: http://codegumbo.com
Stuart Ainsworth (MA, MEd) manages a team of Service Reliability Engineers for the Gladiator Enterprise Information Security Services section of Profitstars, a division of Jack Henry and Associates. He’s a former DBA, developer, consultant, and public speaking professor. He’s one of the chapter leaders for AtlantaMDF, and a long-time organizer of SQLSaturday’s. He tweets infrequently (@codegumbo) and blogs even less often at http://codegumbo.com.
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.
Marsha Pierce
Twitter: - MarshaPierceDBA
LinkedIn: Marsha Pierce
Marsha Pierce lives in Nashville, TN. She studied Computer Science, Mathematics, and French at Belmont University. She has 23 years of experience as a DBA, which means she has broken and fixed a lot of stuff. Before joining Pure Storage, she was an architect at HCA and Asurion. She is passionate about DevOps, Storage, Performance Tuning, and Standardization.
David Bermingham
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/daveberm
LinkedIn: David Bermingham
Contact: http://clusteringformeremortals.com/
David Bermingham is recognized within the community as a high availability expert and has been honored by his peers by being elected to be a MVP in Clustering since 2010 and most recently has been recognized as a Cloud and Datacenter MVP. David’s work as technical evangelist at SIOS has him focused on evangelizing Microsoft high availability and disaster recovery solutions for both on premise and cloud deployments. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and three kids where he a school board member, scout leader and musical director of an 8-piece jazz band, M-Town.
Nikki Conley
LinkedIn: Nikki Conley
Nikki is a cloud architect with Microsoft focusing and application in Azure. She has been in a IT for over 20 years being a jack of all trades. Nikki is all things Azure and loves helping move workloads to the cloud. At 11 years old, she was accepted into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Her Patronus is a chicken.
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.
Olivia Albertson
Currently a developer at LBMC Data Insights, I work on a variety of clients and tailor each solution to their specific needs. I hold degrees in both Business and Computer Science, and pursue a deeper understanding of data principles in my free time. Outside of the data world, I enjoy kayaking, making music, and hiking.
Joshua Higginbotham
Twitter: - codenamesql
LinkedIn: Joshua Higginbotham
Contact: https://codenamesql.blog/
Joshua Higginbotham is a Data Services Manager at Republic Bank based out of Louisville, KY. He’s worked in various roles including Software Development, Database Administration, and Business Intelligence. He’s an active speaker within the SQL community and the Co-Chapter leader of the Louisville SQL Server and Power BI User Group.
Leslie Andrews
Twitter: - landrews5807
LinkedIn: Leslie Andrews
Contact: https://www.lace.technology/blog
Leslie Andrews is an IT professional with almost 20 years of experience working with databases, designing databases, as well as designing and developing applications against those databases. 2018-2019 Idera ACE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hasan Savran
Twitter: - Savranweb
LinkedIn: Hasan Savran
Contact: http://h-savran.blogspot.com/
Hasan Savran is a BI Architect at Progressive Insurance Company. He spends his days architecting cutting edge business solutions by using the latest Web and Database technologies. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer. Hasan has spoken at many SQLSaturdays, Code Camps and User groups. He is an active member of the HTML5 and WebAssembly W3C groups. He likes to write about SQL, CosmosDB, C#, and Front End development on his blog.
David Maxwell
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/dmmaxwell
LinkedIn: David Maxwell
Contact: https://dmmaxwell.wordpress.com/
David Maxwell has almost 20 years of experience with SQL Server, with a keen interest in performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting. He has experience in environments as diverse as health care institutions, auto manufacturers, and insurance companies. David has been a frequent presenter at SQLSaturday events around the United States since 2012, as well as a presenter for the DBA Fundamentals Virtual Group, the Performance Virtual Group, 24 Hours of PASS, and the annual PASS Summit. David participates in his local Columbus Ohio PASS Local Group, where he serves on the board of directors as SQLSaturday coordinator.
Matt Gordon
Twitter: - sqlatspeed
LinkedIn: Matt Gordon
Contact: http://www.sqlatspeed.com
Matt is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and has worked with SQL Server since 2000. He is the leader of the Lexington, KY PASS local group and a frequent domestic and international community speaker. He’s an IDERA ACE alumnus and 2020 Friend of Redgate. His original data professional role was as a database developer, which quickly evolved into query tuning work that further evolved into being a full-fledged DBA in the healthcare realm. He has supported several critical systems utilizing SQL Server and managed dozens of 24/7/365 SQL Server implementations. He currently utilizes that real world experience as a data platform consultant helping clients design solutions that meet their ever-changing business needs.
Denny Cherry
Twitter: - mrdenny
LinkedIn: Denny Cherry
Contact: https://www.dcac.com
Denny Cherry is the owner and principal consultant for Denny Cherry Associates Consulting and has over a decade of experience working with platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Microsoft SQL Server, Hyper-V, vSphere, and Enterprise Storage solutions. Denny’s areas of technical expertise include system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. Denny currently holds several Microsoft Certifications related to SQL Server 2000 through 2019, including being a Microsoft Certified Master, Microsoft MVP and VMware vExpert Award.
SQLSaturday Nashville
Twitter: - @SQLSatNash
Contact: http://www.sqlsatnash.com
SQLSaturday Nashville
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.
Peter Shore
Twitter: - pshore73
LinkedIn: Peter Shore
Peter Shore is a seasoned IT professional with over 25 years of experience. He took the accidentally intentional DBA plunge in 2013 and has discovered that he loves to find the stories the data has to tell. Peter is comfortable working with both physical and virtual servers, where he tries to apply best practices to attain performance improvements. He is also adept at bridging the gap between technical and business language in order to bring technology solutions to business needs.
John Morehouse
Twitter: - SQLrUs
LinkedIn: John Morehouse
Contact: http://www.sqlrus.com
John Morehouse is currently a Consultant with Denny Cherry Associates living in Louisville, Kentucky. With over 2 decades of technical experience in various industries, John now focuses on the Microsoft Data platform and specializes in Microsoft SQL Server. He is honored to be a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, VMWare vExpert, Friend of Red Gate, Sentry One PAC member Community Ambassador, and 2016 Idera Ace. John has a passion around speaking, teaching technical topics, and giving back to the technical community as much as possible. He is a user group leader, SQLSaturday organizer, and former PASS regional mentor. He is also a blogger, avid tweeter, and a frequent speaker at SQLSaturday’s as well as other conferences.
Warren Sifre
Twitter: - WAS_SQL
LinkedIn: Warren Sifre
Contact: http://www.broadstrokeconsulting.com/blog/, http://www.allegient.com
Warren Sifre has been in the IT community since 1998 and has worked in a variety of industries deploying solutions utilizing MS SQL Server in one capacity or another. In 2003, he decided to make SQL Server his mastery and has since developed skills in most defined disciplines of MS SQL. Currently he is a Principal Consultant and Technology Leader with Moser Consulting. He is responsible for BI Solution Architecture and the mentorship of team members. He has been a SQLSaturday Speaker since 2012, Azure Global Bootcamp, and many user groups in 2015 alone. He has a passion for knowledge transfer and solutions architecture, with a keen interested in Info Security.
John Deardurff
Twitter: - SQLMCT
LinkedIn: John Deardurff
Contact: https://www.sqlmct.com
John has been a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) for over 20 years teaching Azure, SQL Server, Exchange Server, and Windows Server networking courses. He is currently a SQL Premier Field Engineer for Microsoft. He is an MCT Regional Lead for the Eastern United States and a former Data Platform MVP.
Daniel Glenn
Twitter: - DanielGlenn
LinkedIn: Daniel Glenn
Contact: https://DanielGlenn.com
Daniel is a Microsoft MVP with 15 years’ experience building technology solutions, intranets and extranets. As Practice Leader for the Nashville-based InfoWorks Inc., Daniel helps organizations of all sizes solve complex data challenges by implementing Office 365 and SharePoint without the need of customization and costly investments.
Daniel is passionate about giving back and building the Microsoft technical community. Daniel holds leadership roles in various local user groups, serves as an organizer for Microsoft 365 Nashville, and is a co-host for the popular podcast 365 Message Center Show on https://MessageCenter.Show. You can follow Daniel online at https://DanielGlenn.com and @DanielGlenn on Twitter.
Dave Bland
Twitter: - @SQLDave29
LinkedIn: Dave Bland
Contact: https://www.davebland.com
Over 20 years of SQL Server experience that includes being a DBA, BI development and Application development using VB.NET. Dave currently is the Manager of the DBA team at Stericycle. Dave is a Friend of Red-Gate for 2019. He is a frequent presenter at SQLSaturday events and user groups around the country. Has been teaching SQL Server since version 2000 and is the SQL Server instructor at Harper College in Palatine, IL. Current certifications include: • Microsoft Certified Trainer • MCTS: SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance • MCTS: SQL Server 2008, BI Development and Maintenance • MCSA: SQL Server 2008 • MCSA: SQL Server 2016 • MCSE: SQL Server 2016 - BI • MCDBA: SQL Server 2000 • MCSD • MCSE: Data Management and Analytics
Brandon Leach
Twitter: - SQLServerNerd
LinkedIn: Brandon Leach
A Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Brandon manages the DB Operations team for financial company x. With a data estate of several petabytes, he puts a high focus on performance tuning and automation. He is a frequent speaker at events like conferences and user groups.
Eric Cobb
Twitter: - cfgears
LinkedIn: Eric Cobb
Contact: http://www.sqlnuggets.com
After a 14-year programming career as a web and software developer, Eric decided to move full time into the world of databases and became a SQL Server Database Administrator, earning 2 SQL Server MCSE certifications along the way, and now manages a team of SQL Server professionals.
Eric regularly presents and blogs about SQL Sever, with a focus on teaching database administration and design concepts to the developer community, and frequently speaks at Developer and Database conferences throughout the country. In 2019 Eric was selected to be a 2020 IDERA ACE, for showing a passion in helping the developer community and sharing his knowledge.
Michael Hewitt
Twitter: - mdhewitt83
Michael works as a business intelligence developer based out of Nashville, TN. My primary interests are data visualization, data storytelling, UI/UX, PowerBI, Tabular modelling, and using the technology tools available to make business better! When I’m not nerding out with data, I can be found spending time with my wife and 3 kids, serving my church community, playing drums or hiking.
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.
Hilary Wilkie
LinkedIn: Hilary Wilkie
Hilary Wilkie has worked with prominent companies like Home Depot and small solo entrepreneurs. She is a Business Analyst with a Six Sigma Black Belt and currently working at AutoVIN, a division of KAR Auction Services. Hilary has worked with professionals at all levels of business including C-level, managers, and even the warehouse person! She believes behind all good processes and software are great people; often we get so passionate about the technology we forget about the people.
Sekou Tyler
Twitter: - sqlsekou
LinkedIn: Sekou Tyler
Contact: https://sqlsekou.com
I am a data geek who is fascinated with business intelligence and data visualization best practices. I started my IT journey on the helpdesk, transitioned into a SQL Developer and now my focus is storytelling with data. I have experience with several data visualization tools (Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Amazon Quicksight, Qlik, Yellowfin, and Looker) and have worked with data in different industries, but my primary industry has been healthcare.
My other interests include speaking, mentoring, reading, spending time with my wife and hanging out with friends and family.
Ed Watson
Twitter: - http://twitter.com/SQLGator
LinkedIn: Ed Watson
Contact: http://sqlgator.com
Ed Watson is a Principal Data Platform Consultant for Improving Enterprises, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014 and like most children, Ed was born at an early age. Today, Ed specializes in the Business Intelligence stack and enjoys specializing in Power BI immensely. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and Atlanta BI user groups and is an organizer for SQLSaturday Atlanta, Atlanta BI, and Pensacola.
Rie Irish
Twitter: - IrishSQL
LinkedIn: Rie Irish
Rie lives with her family just north of Atlanta, Georgia. She worked as a SQL Server DBA, manager director for over 20 years. She’s worked in many industries including the non-profit sector, education, big pharma, and e-commerce. She was awarded the MVP in the Data Platform 3 times beginning in 2017 and gave that up to accept her role as a Senior Program Manager with Microsoft in 2019. She is very involved with the Atlanta MDF User Group, SQLSaturday Atlanta and is co-leader of the PASS Women in Tech virtual group.
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.
Steve Wake
Twitter: - stevewake
LinkedIn: Steve Wake
Contact: http://blog.wakebi.com
Steve Wake is currently the Principal BI Developer at Brown and Caldwell and has experience in consulting, advertising, media, manufacturing, retail, charities, telecommunications and financial services organizations using the full on-premises Microsoft BI stack. Recent experience with the Azure services: Analysis Services, Logic Apps, Data Factory, Databricks, Snowflake and Power BI. Steve is also very involved in the SQL community, speaking at events around the world.
SQLSaturday Nashville
Twitter: - @SQLSatNash
Contact: http://www.sqlsatnash.com
SQLSaturday Nashville
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.
Holly Rachel
Twitter: - RachelWinfree
Holly Rachel is the co-founder and CEO of Rachel + Winfree Data Analytics Consulting, a consulting firm that helps small businesses design and implement data strategies. A core part of their method is Data Coaching, which focuses on changing company culture to ensure a smooth digital transformation for the entire company. Holly is a native of Saint Louis, MO, and currently resides in Nashville, TN
Spencer Swindell
Twitter: - @SpencerSwindell
LinkedIn: Spencer Swindell
Spencer Swindell is the Lead Architect with Think Data Insights, LLC. Think Data Insights a consulting group based out of Nashville, TN that works with companies to implement and maintain their Enterprise Data Platform. Since graduating from Tennessee Tech in 2011, he has built and delivered solutions for numerous organizations in the Nashville area utilizing SQL Server and the Microsoft BI Toolset. Spencer lives in Mount Juliet with his wife and son.
Wendy Pastrick
Twitter: - @wendy_dance
Contact: http://wendyverse.blogspot.com
Wendy Pastrick is from Chicago, IL, and for the past 15 years has served as a Database Administrator supporting both development and production environments. Her many years of involvement with PASS include WIT Virtual Chapter and the Chicago Suburban User Group, serving as Regional Mentor, and as a PASS Board member since 2013. Wendy has organized several highly successful SQLSaturday events in Chicago.
Julie McLain-Harper
LinkedIn: Julie McLain-Harper
As “The Goddess of the Database”, I am a Sr DBA, Technical Professional and Microsoft Certified Trainer who has over 25 years of experience and a passion for EDUCATING, new technology, system performance and troubleshooting. My experience started with Hierarchical Databases and thankfully moved to Relational Databases, Open Systems technology, and SQL Programming. Because of my desire to give Developers a new perspective on their process of interacting with database data, I began educating co-workers and then training others in SQL Programming best practices. I have significant background as a professor/educator; a Sr. DBA; in performance tuning; as a data, app and infra architect; an Adopter of PowerShell and am MCSA Certified.
Michael McKinley
Twitter: - https://twitter.com/Mike_L_McKinley
LinkedIn: Michael McKinley
Contact: https://www.mckinley.consulting/blog
Michael McKinley is the founder of McKinley Consulting. Michael has managed projects and workstreams in consulting for the last five years, in areas including data analytics, change management, operations excellence, and supply chain transformation.
Most recently, Mr. McKinley helped HCA build an enterprise-wide analytics model for their Human Resources Group, providing insights into how to retain and promote top talent. He is currently engaged on his fourth project with HCA.
Louis Davidson
Twitter: - drsql
LinkedIn: Louis Davidson
Contact: https://www.red-gate.com/simple-talk/author/louis-davidson/
Louis Davidson has worked in the IT industry for over 25 years as a corporate database developer and architect. He has been a Microsoft SQL Server MVP for 15 years and has written five books on database design, and contributed to many other SQL Server books as an author and tech editor. He has a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. You can read more about Louis at http://drsql.org.
Chris Hyde
Twitter: - ChrisHyde325
LinkedIn: Chris Hyde
Chris Hyde is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He works as an independent SQL Server BI and DBA consultant, and is the leader of the Albuquerque PASS local user group. He is also part of the Friends of Redgate program and was a member of the Idera ACE class of 2018. He loves loud music and cricket, but usually not at the same time.
Josh Luedeman
Twitter: - http://www.twitter.com/joshluedeman
LinkedIn: Josh Luedeman
Contact: http://www.joshluedeman.com
Josh is a Sr FastTrack Engineer with the FastTrack team in the Azure Engineering Group at Microsoft. Josh focuses on Microsoft’s Cloud Scale Analytics Solutions in Azure using products like HDInsight, Data Lake, Data Factory, and DataBricks. He has worked in IT for over 10 years holding positions in Application Support, Database Administration, and Business Intelligence, in industries like Higher Education, Consulting, Manufacturing, and Software Development.
Sarah Whitworth
Twitter: - stackqSQL
LinkedIn: Sarah Whitworth
Sarah is a self starter with a passion for Information Technology. She is Microsoft Certified, carries 2 Bachelor Degrees, and is in a permanent mode of Continuous Self Improvement. Although not having spent a lot of time in the world of Data, the time she has spent has been working as; SQL DBA working through Performance Tuning, Replication and Process Automation; Analytics working with Power BI, Snowflake, SSRS, SSIS, and many other tools, Power Shell Development and more.
Monica Rathbun
Twitter: - SQLEspresso
LinkedIn: Monica Rathbun
Contact: http://www.sqlespresso.com
Monica Rathbun lives in Virginia, is a Microsoft MVP for Data Platform and Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert. She has nearly two decades of experience working with a wide variety of database platforms with a focus on SQL Server and the Microsoft Data Platform. She is a frequent speaker at IT industry conferences on topics including performance tuning and configuration management. She is the Leader of the Hampton Roads SQL Server User Group and a Mid‐Atlantic PASS Regional Mentor. She is passionate about SQL Server and the SQL Server community, doing anything she can to give back. Monica can always be found on Twitter (@sqlespresso) handing out helpful tips. You can find Monica blogging at sqlespresso.com
Matt Gordon
Twitter: - sqlatspeed
LinkedIn: Matt Gordon
Contact: http://www.sqlatspeed.com
Matt is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and has worked with SQL Server since 2000. He is the leader of the Lexington, KY PASS local group and a frequent domestic and international community speaker. He’s an IDERA ACE alumnus and 2020 Friend of Redgate. His original data professional role was as a database developer, which quickly evolved into query tuning work that further evolved into being a full-fledged DBA in the healthcare realm. He has supported several critical systems utilizing SQL Server and managed dozens of 24/7/365 SQL Server implementations. He currently utilizes that real world experience as a data platform consultant helping clients design solutions that meet their ever-changing business needs.
Sponsors
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event: