Event Location:
Saint Paul College
235 Marshall Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Abstract:
In this session we will explore and evaluate Healthcare data that is freely available to the public. You will see how easily we can consume and integrate the data to analyze and investigate. In the demos you will see some of the latest enhancements and features that have been included with Power BI such as ArcGIS (Esri) maps, forecasting, Top N filtering, grouping / binning, clustering, custom R visuals, and maybe a few more along the way. If you are interested in Open Data, Healthcare, or have to perform a lot of data manipulation in Excel or other tools to provide analysis for your job then this is the session for you. Leverage the free capabilities of Power BI, advanced analytics, and help simplify your everyday workload and wow your boss!
Speaker(s): Dan English,
Abstract:
Microsoft MVP and VMware vExpert David Klee leads this full-day introduction to getting the most out of the infrastructure underneath your SQL Server environment, whether on-premises or in the cloud. The focus of the course is to help those new to the enterprise server infrastructure concepts become familiar with function and purpose of each layer of the architecture around their databases, and how this knowledge can benefit them as data professionals. Participants will gain exposure to all layers of infrastructure, virtualization, and cloud underneath SQL Server, from storage all the way through to the SQL Server instance and database, and will learn how to review and engineer the entire stack with a strong emphasis on SQL Server performance.
Speaker(s): David Klee,
Abstract:
This session provides a blueprint for launching and maintaining enterprise Power BI solutions. Power BI enables self-service and personal business intelligence for the masses. Launching a Power BI solution is easy. Preparing for increasing data volumes, data variety, and evolving requirements often creates challenges for solution teams. We'll review 1) Data platform considerations: When to use Analysis Services, Direct Query, Power BI Premium? 2) Data architecture considerations unique to Power BI. Design a solution optimized for end user experience, QA, Maps, Security, Mobile, and future data sources. 3) Project management considerations such as requirements gathering, change control, and proper documentation. 4) Enterprise Governance: Administrative settings, Licensing, Sharing, Workspaces, and Apps. Attendees will get documentation templates, links to best practices articles, and reference materials so they can create their own blueprints for excellence with Power BI.
Speaker(s): Greg Beaumont,
Abstract:
When the SQL Server optimizer evaluates a query to determine how best to execute it, the statistics are quite possibly the most important tool at its disposal. But SQL Server statistics objects aren’t perfect because they only contain estimated summary information. In this session, we’ll start with an overview of what the statistics objects are, how the optimizer uses them, and some general guidelines for their maintenance. Then we’ll look at some of the issues, how to find them, and how to solve them, that can arise due to their imperfection: ascending keys (the most prevalent statistics based performance killer?), correlated predicates, skewed distribution, or downright bad summary information. There’ll be many examples, and even a stored procedure to help you find ascending keys. By applying the techniques we’ll discuss, you WILL see improved query performance.
Speaker(s): Vern Rabe,
Abstract:
This class is designed for New or Non-DBAs struggling with SQL admin tasks, and having to Google things daily. I will teach you SQL Server fundamentals so that you will have confidence in: • What makes up a SQL Server • How a database is structured • How to install and what to look out for • Finding what you need in Management Studio • SQL Security Basics • How to create and manage backups • How to create a database • Basic performance troubleshooting • Picking a Disaster Recovery option for your environment These are taught from a foundational standpoint, in simple to understand terms so that you can build on them with confidence. My teaching is heavy on interaction, with examples from years of experience/mistakes. There will be a mix of slides and demos. I will skip many advanced features that are out of scope of a beginner class, as I don't want your head to explode! Join me for the day and you will walk out with a strong grasp of SQL Admin basics!
Speaker(s): Kevin Hill,
Abstract:
This session discusses common database challenges and how they can be minimized or solved with newer DevOps practices without impacting the DBAs “safe zone”. We’ll discuss how to use these vital skills and motivate everyone towards solutions for more success in agile development environments. Development, testing, provisioning, patching, upgrading and managing will become easier with agile tools, virtualization and collaboration The take-aways from this session are to embrace DevOps basics with a “DBA twist” such as: Develop, Rinse, Repeat Test Until Your Five Year Old Can Do It Human Intervention Creates Human Error- Automate EVERYTHING. How the shorter development cycle build business success. How the DBA can do more with less. Discover the power of virtualization and powerful agile development practices providing more value to even the most senior database expert. We’ll demo different scenarios surrounding DevOps, virtualization and how to make the DBA pivotal to DevOps success.
Speaker(s): Todd Blatti,
Abstract:
Do you have many SQL instances in your enterprise? Do you have to maintain multiple dev/test/uat/pre-prod/prod environments? Need to spin up new instances often? Do you need a way to ensure these environments are all set up correctly and consistently and be notified of changes to them? If so, you need an enterprise-wide auditing system! I will be presenting my free, open source, system that does the following: 1) Collects information an all of your SQL instances daily, 2) sends you a report of any changes that have occurred (new/old/changed values), 3) lets you set up rules for all/some of servers and checks these rules on a daily basis (ie - backup compression should be turned on, Max memory should be less than 2TB, etc) and will even send you the SQL to fix any rules that failed.
Speaker(s): Nem Schlecht,
Abstract:
Cloud and Data are big buzzwords these days, but how can you make the work for you? There are so many great articles out there telling you how great the cloud and data are, but now you can experience it first hand! In this pre-con you will gain hands on experience with various data technologies in Azure and how they can come together to create a practical data solution. Technologies will include Azure SQL DB, Azure SQL DW, Azure Data Factory, Azure Data Lake, and Power BI. You will go through steps to provision an environment, extract, load, transform and gain insight from the data. You will also see how AI can be connected into this solution with minimal effort.
Speaker(s): Matt Stenzel,
Abstract:
For years it seemed that the only message SQL Server professionals were hearing was "to the Cloud.... you must get to the Cloud!". However, if you work in a highly regulated industry, or one simply averse to change, this likely was not an option for you. The good news is, Microsoft heard your feedback and has been busy incorporating Cloud connectivity, compatibility, and functionality into the box product. Come spend the hour with me and you’ll learn how to leverage the power of the Cloud with your on-premises SQL Server install. We’ll cover backup and restore options with Windows Azure Storage, using Windows Azure VMs for high availability, how to store your data files in Windows Azure Storage, and more. We’ll start with SQL Server 2012 and work our way up to the most recently released bits for SQL Server 2016. You can have the best of both worlds with a SQL Server Hybrid Cloud strategy!
Speaker(s): Paul Timmerman,
Abstract:
I bet never in your career you thought SQL Server would run on anything other than Windows. Times are changing, and are you ready? SQL Server on Linux is right around the corner! What is Linux - really? Why run your mission-critical databases on an unfamiliar operating system? This introductory session will help seasoned SQL Server DBA understand the basics of Linux and how it is different from Windows, all the way from basic management to performance monitoring. By the end of this session, you will be able to launch your own Linux-based SQL Server instance and get hands-on with this paradigm shift to see if this new platform is right for your organization.
Speaker(s): David Klee,
Abstract:
Business intelligence and data analytics are popular buzz words these days, but what does a business intelligence/data analytics project actually look like and how can you ensure its success? This session will discuss the pieces of the puzzle that make up this type of project as well as the people who need to be involved. Learn the questions to ask to determine if an organization is even ready to undertake this type of endeavor. Most important, gain an understanding of the required parts and processes that ensure the implementation and application of meaningful analytics that will actually impact an organization’s bottom line.
Speaker(s): Brian Larson,
Abstract:
Join me and get some new perspective on what your DBA is doing, and why! Targeted at the non-DBA such as BI/DW folks, Application Developers, Managers, and System Admins, this session will go over the reasons we back up our databases, our systems, etc. Considerations such as Single points of failure, High Availability/Disaster recovery, Business Continuity and others will be discussed in this interactive conversation. It will be conversation heavy, with supporting slides to download, and one Database backup demo at the end if time permits. Everyone involved in a technical role needs to at least know that the things they have created will be recoverable in the event of a disaster, or even just an "oops" moment. The CIO/CTO should know how long critical systems will be down when bad things happen. Backups are everyone's responsibility...whether asking the right questions or implementing the process.
Speaker(s): Kevin Hill,
Abstract:
This day-long session will provide instruction on each aspect of Power BI. We will cover: • Data collection using the Query Editor and the M language • Data modeling • Measures using DAX formulas • Visualizations • Deployment and management in a secure, shared environment Along the way we will look at tips and tricks as well as best practices for each of these facets of Power BI. Participants will leave with an understanding of the full range of capabilities of Power BI along with the confidence to use Power BI to create and securely share meaningful analytics.
Speaker(s): Brian Larson,
Abstract:
Application servers or services running on a cloud platform now have many options for their database engines. We discuss the various alternatives for providing Microsoft SQL Server services to cloud-based applications, including Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, and Google GCE, and multiple options within those environments. Why would you choose one approach over the other? What are the trade-offs on cost, performance, availability, security, ongoing maintenance, required skill sets, etc.
Speaker(s): Tim Plas,
Abstract:
Have a large or potentially large database that you would like to partition? Manually implementing table partitioning and the corresponding maintenance can be a lot of work, especially if you have many tables. In this presentation we look at how you would implement a partitioning solution dynamically for all tables with the designated partition column. We use a controller table so it's easy to change settings and set it up to keep a fixed number of file groups. The partition maintenance will recycle through the file groups over time as partitions are dropped and created. We do as much as possible through dynamic scripting. This solution can easily be extended for archiving but in this example we are using it to implement a data retention scheme. We look at new features in SQL 2014 such as managed lock priority and truncating partitions in SQL 2016. Assumes you have some understanding of SQL Server table partitioning and T-SQL coding.
Speaker(s): Kirby Richter,
Abstract:
We’ve all heard the rules for SQL Server like separate your data from your log, watch for a disk queue length over 2, and a low Page Life Expectancy always means memory pressure. All of these used to be true, but on today’s hardware and SQL Server versions – they are dangerously outdated. In this session, we will take on a bunch of these old “givens” of SQL Server that everybody has heard and followed, the underlying technological reasons they were true then, how today’s technology has rendered them obsolete, and what the new rules are that you need to know. So whether you are one of the old guard looking to refresh your set of working SQL Server rules or a member of the up-and-comers looking for the facts to win over the old guard, this session is for you.
Speaker(s): Maxwell Myrick,
Abstract:
Few subjects in Microsoft SQL Server inspire the same amount of Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) as Extended Events. Many DBA's continue to use Profiler and SQL Trace even though they have been deprecated for years. Why is this? Extended Events started out in SQL Server 2008 with no user interface and only a few voices in the community documenting the features as they found them. Since then it has blossomed into a full feature of SQL Server and an amazingly low-impact replacement for Profiler and Trace. Come learn how to get started - the basics of sessions, events, actions, targets, packages, and more. We will look at some base scenarios where Extended Events can be very useful as well as considering a few gotchas along the way. You may never go back to Profiler again!
Speaker(s): Andy Galbraith,
Abstract:
Accomplished IT staff looking to make the next step in their career development are often tempted to abandon the traditional full-time employee role for that of a self-managed consultant. The biggest challenge is how to know which role is the best fit for you. This session will discuss the pros/cons of self-managed consulting with an eye to the skills it takes to really be successful on the outside. For those that fit, we will also cover several of the hidden traps of consulting, what you need to get started, and the six skills that you absolutely have to have (or rent) to make a go of it. Whether you are looking at this type of move near-term or just keeping your options open, this talk will give you the real-life lessons to make that next step with confidence.
Speaker(s): Maxwell Myrick,
Abstract:
This session with provide a high level overview of what SQL Server Analysis Services is and what you need to know to get started. It will cover the fundamentals of Dimensions, Measures, how to view the data as well as the role of SSAS in the enterprise. The sessions with also provide a few scenarios demonstrating the benefits of using SSAS.
Speaker(s): Dave Bland,
Abstract:
SSDT has been around for a while, but a lot of people don’t use the tool to its full capabilities. In this session, we will cover writing unit tests, good deployment script writing practices, T4 and command variables. This session requires a good understanding of T-SQL and Visual Studios.
Speaker(s): Eric Strom,
Abstract:
The world's most powerful virtualization platform, VMware vSphere, contains a number of hidden gems that DBAs can use to make their SQL Servers more highly available and perform better. The demos in this session have been developed to illustrate a few key capabilities of VMware vSphere and VMware NSX that can be used to enhance the overall SQL Server implementation. Features such as vSphere vMotion, vSphere HA, Distributed Resource Scheduler and Fault Tolerance are complimentary to all the features and capabilities of SQL Server and create an unparalleled combination of the world’s top RDBMS and the world’s most complete and effective virtualization proposition. With network virtualization NSX can provide security enhancements unachievable with any other technology and can streamline SQL server deployment automation processes. Please join us for this demonstration of advanced vSphere and NSX feature functionality and an explanation as to how this enhances your SQL Server environment.
Speaker(s): David Klee,
Abstract:
Data Lake is a big buzz word these days. if you aren't careful, that lake can quickly turn into a swamp that takes the value away from your data. What does it take to actually make one and not have a data swamp? In this session we will talk about what a data lake looks like, what is needed to make a data lake and best practices in building and maintaining one.
Speaker(s): Matt Stenzel,
Abstract:
If you've seen an execution plan but didn't know how to read it, this session is for you. The goal of this session to learn how SQL Server is interpreting your query into an execution plan. We'll discuss execution plan internals, how SQL Server estimates the cost of your query, and what a graphical execution plan is displaying through its operators. Learning to read an execution plan is a great way to begin troubleshooting performance. At the end, we will take a look at how SQL Server 2016 provides more tools for exploring execution plans.
Speaker(s): Arthur Daniels III,
Abstract:
Business Intelligence has sat pretty comfortably on the same laurels for well over a decade however that landscape has been disrupted by the surfacing new Azure tools, Power BI, and now Power BI on premise. With so many new tools and features things can get pretty intimidating, especially for those with additional considerations and regulations. It can however open new doors to organizations who were previously unable to fully utilize BI. Through presentation, demo, and open discussion we attempt to navigate classic BI Architecture and the available options there in, as well as touch upon the future of BI with Big Data tools as they continue to develop.
Speaker(s): George Bryant,
Abstract:
Thank you for attending SQLSaturday #682
Speaker(s): Riley Major,
Abstract:
Everybody loves a free lunch. Come to this session to learn about all the SQL Server freebees.
Speaker(s): Cecil Spivey,
Abstract:
So many ways to handle database information on Azure: Table Storage, NoSQL, CosmosDB, SQL as VM’s, multiple flavors of SQL-as-a-service, open-source SQL-as-a-service, data lake, Azure Data Warehouse, etc. How and why should I choose one (or a particular combination) over the others? What’s so special about each one?
Speaker(s): Tim Plas,
Abstract:
If you have used a database, chances are almost certain you've utilized indexes as well. In this presentation I will discuss both Rowstore and Columnstore Indexes and why they are important to anyone that interacts with a database. This session will cover what they are, how they are utilized, how best to take advantage of them, and even when they can be problematic. It is my intention to help anyone become more comfortable with indexes and understand what they can do for you and your role, be it a DBA, Developer, or BI Professional.
Speaker(s): John Eisbrener,
Abstract:
A witty and highly entertaining session about requirements documents for reporting an ETL projects from a developers perspective. Reporting Projects https://www.experts-exchange.com/articles/12209/Requirements-Document-Template-for-a-Reporting-Project.html ETL Projects https://www.experts-exchange.com/articles/26539/Requirements-Document-Template-for-an-ETL-Project.html
Speaker(s): Jim Horn,
Abstract:
Drew Skwiers-Koballa - Utilizing Azure Functions with SQL Server/SQL Database Panel Discussion with PASSMN Board Members Jim Dorame, Jim Horn, Cecil Spivey, Chris Kramer, and Riley Major.
Speaker(s): Jim Horn,
Abstract:
Transactional Replication gets a bad rap for being fragile and somewhat difficult to manage. Given that reputation, we decided to try to accomplish some of the same things that it does using alternative means. Let me regale you with the tale of that journey. You may come out of it with a newfound appreciation of Replication or you may find yourself asking "that's pretty neat!". Only one way to find out, though…
Speaker(s): Ben Thul,
Abstract:
Azure HDInsight lets you spin up an enterprise-class PaaS Hadoop cluster in minutes. But once you have the cluster, what can a SQL Server database professional do with it? in this session you will learn all about the the big 3 SQL data access applications found in HDInsight - Hive, Phoenix, and SparkSQL. We'll discuss their respective engines, how they work, and and when you should choose each tool to accomplish your use cases. Ample demos, scripts, and DDL will be included.
Speaker(s): Bill Preachuk,
Abstract:
Take your T-SQL skills to the next level. Regardless of your current level there will be something here you'll be glad you didn't miss. Basics like avoiding cursors in iterative tasks and multi-database executions are the tip of the iceberg. If queries are basic arithmetic then this is basic algebra. First we see how coding style affects maintainability then dive into several types of encapsulation, parameterization and tricks with values, cross apply, pivot and more .
Speaker(s): Rick Bielawski,
Abstract:
Mitchell Hamann - SQL Server Up! Building SQL Server VM's with Vagrant http://www.sqlsaturday.com/682/Sessions/Details.aspx?sid=68247 Daniel Crowson - No Budget "Good Enough" SQL Server Monitoring http://www.sqlsaturday.com/682/Sessions/Details.aspx?sid=68270 Constantine Kokkinos - Testing Your Backups Are Safe in One Step http://www.sqlsaturday.com/682/Sessions/Details.aspx?sid=68267
Speaker(s): Jim Horn,
Abstract:
In this session we will give an overview of what Table Partitioning is, how can it be used to move large amounts of data quickly and how can it be used with a data archiving strategy to quickly and easily drop archived data from a table. We will discuss the practical applications of table partitioning using scripts to generate new table partitions, move a partition to another table and discussion on how this can benefit you. In this demo heavy session, attendees will be provided with scripts to get setup quickly so they can begin using the strategies to take control of rapid data archival
Speaker(s): Eric Zierdt,
Abstract:
The role of data and IT professionals is evolving from simply responding to requests about business to one of helping shape the business strategy. The integration of these professionals into the strategy process is a transformation that presents communication challenges and requires more visibility by people typically known to be introverts. In this session we will discuss some of the barriers causing relationship pains as well as some techniques and strategies to begin building stronger relationships with the managers and end users so data can thrive and customer satisfaction can proliferate.
Speaker(s): Joshua Warne,
Abstract:
Welcome to the exciting journey of designing and implementing Data Driven Business Solutions with SQL stack and PowerBI. During this session, you will learn how classic data warehouse architecture is implemented with new tools and features. You will dive into good practices to discover common pitfalls and advantages in physical architecture and rise to tell a story about Business with data visualizations.
Speaker(s): Anton Rozenson,
Abstract:
What are these docker things my developers keep talking about? What's with all the excitement for SQL Server 2017 on Linux? In this session, we take a look at the current state of container technology, how it applies to SQL Server 2017, and what changes you can expect to see in the future of managing your SQL Server installations upgrades.
Speaker(s): Chris Kramer,
Abstract:
In this presentation we will explain and demonstrate how to use advanced analytics using Power BI's built-in tools for clustering, regression, forecasting, and R-scripted visuals.
Speaker(s): Lily Vergara,
Abstract:
Welcome to SQLSaturday #682
Speaker(s): Riley Major,
Abstract:
This is a hands-on session where attendees will gain practical experience on a walking tour of Microsoft’s Power BI platform from source Data to Dashboard deployment. This session will acquaint you with the agile and capable Power BI terrain including the two major components of the Microsoft Power BI platform; Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service.
Speaker(s): Teal Derheim,
Abstract:
Nutanix Sponsor Session
Speaker(s): Mike Matthews,
Abstract:
As Data Science becomes more prevalent, operationalizing models built by Data Scientists as in-database analytics using SQL R Server often falls to the IT Staff. In this talk, we discuss the process of translating a standalone model to R Server, pros and cons of different approaches, and potential pitfalls.
Speaker(s): Matthew Simonson,
Abstract:
As it becomes more likely that our SQL Servers are virtualized, viewing it as part of a complex system becomes more important. Learn the key components to the SQL Ecosystem, and how they interact with other aspects of your IT environment. I'll show you a few gotchas and a few neat things you can possibly take advantage of. We'll also talk about some key communication points across teams, and ways to facilitate the flow of information.
Speaker(s): Amanda Crisp,
Abstract:
Come to this session to get your toes wet with machine learning. What are the types of questions it can answer? What are the types of models it can produce? What are some the of techniques used? There will be practical demos using Azure Machine Learning as well. Enough info to get you started, or enough to quit while you're ahead, either way, you'll come out with some concrete ideas of what ML is all about.
Speaker(s): Jared Zagelbaum,
Abstract:
Most data projects have a need to bring in data via an Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) process such as SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS). In this session, you will see some of the most common SSIS design patterns, as well as some tips and best practices for avoiding bottlenecks in your SSIS packages.
Speaker(s): John Thompson,
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Kevin3NF
Contact: http://www.dallasdbas.com/Blog
I have been working with Microsoft Database technologies since 1994, in Design, Data Modeling, Development and Administration. 18 years of that time have been with SQL Server, going all the way back to 6.5. I find that I am most passionate about the Admin and HA/DR side, but will still dive into design when called upon. The Azure cloud is exciting and I believe is the future of SQL Server. I love teaching new and accidental DBAs all of the things I didn't know when I started.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrgbryant
George has over a decade of experience in the Business Intelligence industry and is an active member of the BI community across the Midwest. His knowledge spans multiple industries including, retail, manufacturing, finance, and medical, however recent years has seen him focus on the analytics in sports. George specializes in BI architecture and end to end development in order to deliver advanced analytics and metrics to multiple organizations across the country. In recent years George has focused on and worked primarily in the Azure cloud, utilizing both established and recent offerings.
Lily Vergara is a Microsoft Certified Solution Expert in Data Management and Analytics. She has experience building business intelligence and advanced analytics solutions using Microsoft SQL Server, Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Integration Services, Power BI Desktop/Service, PowerPivot, Azure ML, and R Server. She has experience working in government, health insurance, manufacturing, restaurant, and retail.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/vern-rabe/a/ba3/980
Contact: http://www.rabedata.com
Vern Rabe is an independent SQL Server consultant and contract trainer in Portland, OR, and leader of the Oregon Data Community user group, formerly OregonSQL. He has attained MCSE, MCITP (both Administration and Development), and MCT certifications, among others. Vern has been passionate about databases since 1992 and has worked with SQL Server since version 4.21a. He provides broad technical SQL Server knowledge gained from the mixture of academic and practical experiences acquired from his classroom instructing and varied consulting contracts. Vern regularly presents technical sessions at SQL Server user group meetings, SQLSaturdays, and PASS Summit.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/teal-derheim-83b34523
A business intelligence professional experienced in developing and implementing report application solutions to provide effective analysis of complex business data. I have a passion for creating durable and stylized solutions to complex data challenges through technical innovation.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileymajor
Contact: http://www.Scribnasium.com/
Riley Major is an Enterprise Architect based in the Twin Cities, MN metro area who enjoys collaborating with business leaders to design technical solutions and working with technology professionals to build them. He's been programming and designing databases since he was a kid and doing so professionally for 20 years. He has a special place in his heart for T-SQL in SQL Server and loves to share that enthusiasm.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/andy-galbraith/5/149/98b
Contact: http://nebraskasql.blogspot.com/
I’m a forty-something Microsoft SQL Server DBA of 18+ years, a devoted husband, and a father of three young boys (all aged eight and under!) I have been a DBA at a public university, at a major bank, at a healthcare system, and I now work as a consultant with customers across the United States. I write and speak primarily about the tips and tricks that I discover along my SQL Server journey.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncthompson82/
John Thompson is developer who has been working in the Microsoft BI space for 5+ years. During that time, he has worked with SQL, SSIS, SSRS, and SSAS in a variety of industries, and has integrated numerous systems. He is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert in Data Management and Analytics, and with his Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting, he understands both the technical the business side of many issues faced.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tplas
Tim is a Principal Consultant at Virteva, in Mpls MN. His current focus areas are cloud architecture / engineering / migration, operational-DBA services (esp. HA/DR), server migrations, server virtualization, and storage. His experience over the past 25+ years has been primarily with server / data-center infrastructure, including being CTO / co-founder of a successful hosting company. Tim has held a variety of MS certifications since 1994.
Contact: https://www.DBA-Art.com
Arthur Daniels is a Premier Field Engineer (PFE) at Microsoft. He has focused on diagnosing and optimizing performance on very large databases in mission critical environments.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredzagelbaum?
Contact: https://jaredzagelbaum.wordpress.com
With over 10 years of experience using the Microsoft Data Platform suite, Jared’s main areas of focus include data lake architecture, machine learning, and application embedded analytics. Jared regularly speaks at user groups and events across the Midwest, as well as blogs and provides technical review for SQL Server publications.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-eisbrener/4/356/b36/
Contact: http://www.dbatlas.com
John is a DBA (Default Blame Assignee) with over a decade of experience breaking and subsequently fixing, database solutions. He maintains separate swear jars for Oracle, Postgres, and Greenplum, but keeps the largest container reserved for SQL Server. When not accumulating loose change for his children's college funds, John can be found trying to help others with their database solutions as the Principal Consultant for DB Atlas, speaking at various SQL Saturdays throughout the Midwest, or helping out with his local PASS chapter meetings in Madison, WI.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaklee
Contact: http://davidklee.net
David Klee is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with a lifelong passion for technology. David spends his days focusing on the convergence of data and infrastructure as the Founder of Heraflux Technologies. His areas of expertise include cloud, virtualization, performance, and business continuity. David speaks at a number of national and regional technology related events, including PASS Summit, VMware VMworld, SQLBits, SQL Saturday events, and many SQL Server User Groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhorn
Contact: http://www.jimhorn.biz
Microsoft-based database developer specializing in Business Intelligence, ETL, and Dashboard solutions using Microsoft SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, and the Power BI suite. Have worked as a developer, staff manager, production support manager, and internal and external consultant. I regularly answer questions and write article on Experts-Exchange.com Presented at SQL Saturday #238 (2013, Minnesota), #453 (2015, Minnesota), and at various local chapters. Email jim at jimhorn dot biz, twitter @sqljimbo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdorame
Contact: http://www.jamesdorame.com/
Jim Dorame has been working with SQL Server for over 20 years. Over those years he has learned a great deal from the SQL community. He has also given back to the community in the hopes that he may help someone in their career. He is always looking for something to learn and luckily Microsoft keeps adding to SQL Server.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaklee
Contact: http://davidklee.net
David Klee is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with a lifelong passion for technology. David spends his days focusing on the convergence of data and infrastructure as the Founder of Heraflux Technologies. His areas of expertise include cloud, virtualization, performance, and business continuity. David speaks at a number of national and regional technology related events, including PASS Summit, VMware VMworld, SQLBits, SQL Saturday events, and many SQL Server User Groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhorn
Contact: http://www.jimhorn.biz
Microsoft-based database developer specializing in Business Intelligence, ETL, and Dashboard solutions using Microsoft SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, and the Power BI suite. Have worked as a developer, staff manager, production support manager, and internal and external consultant. I regularly answer questions and write article on Experts-Exchange.com Presented at SQL Saturday #238 (2013, Minnesota), #453 (2015, Minnesota), and at various local chapters. Email jim at jimhorn dot biz, twitter @sqljimbo
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/davidaklee
Contact: http://davidklee.net
David Klee is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware vExpert with a lifelong passion for technology. David spends his days focusing on the convergence of data and infrastructure as the Founder of Heraflux Technologies. His areas of expertise include cloud, virtualization, performance, and business continuity. David speaks at a number of national and regional technology related events, including PASS Summit, VMware VMworld, SQLBits, SQL Saturday events, and many SQL Server User Groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sqlha
Contact: http://sqlha.com/blog
Max Myrick is a SQL Server consultant whose experience includes 15 years at Microsoft with 5 years on the SQL Server development team where he ran the SQL Customer Lab and then the Sustained Engineering team. He was an founding member of Microsoft#39;s Mission Critical team where he worked with the largest SQL Server applications worldwide for almost a decade. Max was a regular speaker for Microsoft and has continued to speak at various PASS and other SQL Conferences since becoming a managing partner of SQLHA LLC.
Mike is a Microsoft/SQL Server Solutions Architect at Nutanix. Mike has over 20 years of experience with SQL Server as a developer, a DBA and an architect. Mike has presented SQL Server related topics at local PASS user group meetings as well as other technical events.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlarsonscs
Contact: http://sqlmag.com/author/brian-larson
Brian Larson is Chief Creative Officer/Partner at Superior Consulting Services and has presented at SQL Server Connections, PASS Summit, and the Microsoft BI Conference. As a consultant to Microsoft, Brian contributed to the original code base of Reporting Services. Brian is the author of “Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Reporting Services: 5th Edition” and “Delivering Business Intelligence with SQL Server 2016: 4th Edition”, as well as the forthcoming “Data Analysis with Microsoft Power BI.”
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimhorn
Contact: http://www.jimhorn.biz
Microsoft-based database developer specializing in Business Intelligence, ETL, and Dashboard solutions using Microsoft SQL Server, SSIS, SSRS, and the Power BI suite. Have worked as a developer, staff manager, production support manager, and internal and external consultant. I regularly answer questions and write article on Experts-Exchange.com Presented at SQL Saturday #238 (2013, Minnesota), #453 (2015, Minnesota), and at various local chapters. Email jim at jimhorn dot biz, twitter @sqljimbo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stenzelmatt
Matt Stenzel is a Data Platform Technical Specialist at Microsoft. He has been using Microsoft tools for over 10 years. He is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate and has held positions as a Developer, DBA and Architect with several Fortune 500 companies before joining Microsoft. He now works with customers across the North Central District to implement data platform solutions that will provide business value. Matt is passionate about helping businesses turn data into insights and realizing the value of their data. He has helped numerous customers realize value from on-prem and cloud solutions dealing with structured and unstructured data using the Microsoft Data Platform and Azure.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-skwiers-koballa
Contact: https://www.drewsk.tech/
Drew Skwiers-Koballa is a program manager for SQL tools at Microsoft and an open source advocate. He spent nearly a decade as a database administrator and developer, building several extensions for Azure Data Studio prior to joining Microsoft. He is currently working on experiences for DBAs and database developers.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Kevin3NF
Contact: http://www.dallasdbas.com/Blog
I have been working with Microsoft Database technologies since 1994, in Design, Data Modeling, Development and Administration. 18 years of that time have been with SQL Server, going all the way back to 6.5. I find that I am most passionate about the Admin and HA/DR side, but will still dive into design when called upon. The Azure cloud is exciting and I believe is the future of SQL Server. I love teaching new and accidental DBAs all of the things I didn't know when I started.
Cecil is a DBA Engineer in the Twin Cities. He has been working in IT for over 20 years and was a consultant and a programmer/developer for many years until he was converted to the dark side.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-preachuk/1/a53/954
Bill Preachuk is employed by Hortonworks as a Hadoop Solutions Engineer. He is also a SQL Server MCTS with plenty of years spent in the SQL Server DBA/Developer/DW trenches. Bill has been in IT since 1991 and has presented at PASS Summit , multiple SQL Saturdays, and PASS/Hadoop/Analytics user group meetings in the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, Iowa, Winnipeg, and Ukraine. He also served 2 years on the Board of PASSMN - The Minnesota SQL Server User Group.
Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/author/mndba/
Paul is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and the Lead SQL Server DBA at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paul has fifteen years of experience in database administration and currently the Chapter Leader of the Minnesota SQL Server User Group, PASSMN. Paul is an active member of the PASS community and routinely speaks at user group meetings and SQL Saturday conferences.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstrate/
Contact: http://www.jasonstrate.com/
Jason Strate is a SQL Server Solutions Architect with Pragmatic Works. He is also a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and MCM. He has over 15 years of experience developing, architecting, and managing data platforms. Jason writes, blogs, and presents on SQL Server.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardbielawski
Rick has 35 years experience as a systems, applications and database architect having designed major systems for such institutions as NASDAQ, Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ecolab and Emperex. He holds multiple certifications including MCITP and MCSE in Business Intelligence and Data Platform. Rick currently designs database systems for custom software applications and likes speaking at local user groups and SQL Saturday events.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ckokkinos/
Contact: https://constantinekokkinos.com
Constantine Kokkinos is a technophile, DBA, and all around nice guy. He spends the bulk of his time either performance tuning databases or using PowerShell to automate anything he can. A lifelong love of tech led him to creating a short lived social network startup which kicked off his software career. He moved on to become a Certified Apple Trainer, and now works as a DBA at a fast-growing payroll services company. Recently, he has fallen in love with dbatools and is the go-to bug killer, as well as providing essential git support for the team. He loves to share his knowledge and experience with technical newcomers to help jumpstart their careers or personal projects.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kirby-richter/16/437/729/
Kirby Richter is a Minnesota SQL Server Professional with 20 years’ experience. Currently Principal Database Architect at Dell Storage, specializing in Database Administration, large databases and Performance Tuning. Working with all versions of SQL Server since 6.5 Enjoys Development, Database Administration and Business Intelligence. Presents periodically at local events. Hobbies include kayaking, camping and amateur Astronomy.
I#39;ve been working with SQL Server for 15 years (since SQL 6.5!). I especially enjoy internals and figuring out how SQL works. I live in Minneapolis and am currently the only DBA for a specialty construction holding company. I#39;m a SQL Saturday addict.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/ericzierdt
Contact: http://ericemployed.blogspot.com
Eric is a level 70 Data Slayer, who has worked with SQL Server since 2000. Eric has worked with benefit systems, real estate data, marketing, game data, and medical device data. Eric enjoys performance tuning, T-SQL programming, and SQL Server Administration.
SQL Server DBA with a love of Powershell and automation. Bonus points for any day that also involves T-SQL performance tuning and/or creative problem solving.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewasimonson/
Matthew Simonson is a data scientist at Nihilent Technologies specializing in advanced analytics. After earning a PhD in Statistical Genetics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he held a position as a postdoctoral research fellow at Mayo Clinic's division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, and has been working as a data scientist since 2014. He has planned, executed, and delivered several projects, and contributed to multiple projects in a customer-oriented setting.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/denglishbi
Contact: http://denglishbi.wordpress.com
Dan is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, author, technical editor, and community leader. He has been developing with Microsoft technologies for over 20 years, and over 15 years with Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence. He has been working with SQL Server since version 6.5 and now using 2017 and in Azure. Dan is the chapter leader for the PASS Business Analytics virtual group and on the executive leadership team for the MN Microsoft BI user group.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchell-hamann-84913516
Contact: http://www.mitchellhamann.com
I love technology and I love to learn, anytime I have the opportunity to tear something down and rebuild it is a good day for me. Most languages I know are self-taught. My goal has been to start as a network administrator and expand upon my skills to be a competent developer and admin. I am a writer at heart, I have a great imagination and I try to flex all of my sills to work with one another. My imagination extends from my writing into my coding and problem-solving skills. If there is anything that I love it is working on intense problems that are frustrating and coming out on top by thinking outside the box.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tplas
Tim is a Principal Consultant at Virteva, in Mpls MN. His current focus areas are cloud architecture / engineering / migration, operational-DBA services (esp. HA/DR), server migrations, server virtualization, and storage. His experience over the past 25+ years has been primarily with server / data-center infrastructure, including being CTO / co-founder of a successful hosting company. Tim has held a variety of MS certifications since 1994.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-bland-sql-server
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 SQL Saturday 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
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-strom-mn
Contact: http://www.coveringdata.com/covering-data-consulting-blog/
Covering Data Consulting founder and lead consultant Eric Strom has been working with SQL Server his entire professional career. Eric has over 15 years of Database Administration, development and architecture, in a variety of capacities. He founded Covering Data Consulting in 2012 as a way to focus on the parts of SQL Server he loves and to help businesses. Eric is one of a few people in the Twin Cities to earn the prestigious Microsoft Certified Master certification for SQL Server. He has also presented at the local MN PASS professional organization as well as serve on the board in 2009 and 2010. When not working on SQL Server, Eric is having fun with his kids or playing games with friends.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anton-rozenson-503a917
Anton Rozenson has over 17 years of information technology experience, focusing in the business intelligence arena. He has worked both in the consulting industry as well as directly with companies in various roles from Programmer Analyst, Developer, Data Architect, Manager and Solutions Architect.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sqlha
Contact: http://sqlha.com/blog
Max Myrick is a SQL Server consultant whose experience includes 15 years at Microsoft with 5 years on the SQL Server development team where he ran the SQL Customer Lab and then the Sustained Engineering team. He was an founding member of Microsoft#39;s Mission Critical team where he worked with the largest SQL Server applications worldwide for almost a decade. Max was a regular speaker for Microsoft and has continued to speak at various PASS and other SQL Conferences since becoming a managing partner of SQLHA LLC.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kramer1007/
Chris Kramer is a Senior Database Administrator at Digi-Key Electronics in Thief River Falls, MN. He started working with SQL Server in 2009 dealing with SQL 2000 and up dealing with clustering, architecture, backups, and virtualization. He mainly focuses on performance and architecture but also deals with other technology stacks including Hadoop, MongoDB and MemSQL. He graduated from North Dakota State University with a BS in Computer Science. In his free time, he enjoys golf, video games, watching football, and riding motorcycles.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=368401119amp;trk=hp-identity-name
Joshua Warne is a Business Intelligence Analyst with the Fishback Financial Corporation in Brookings, SD. He has a Master’s in Economics and provides reporting and analytics for projects that involve process enhancements, product development, and customer research. Joshua is also Founder and Director of the (605) SQL User Group and is lead organizer of SQL Saturday Sioux Falls.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/brianlarsonscs
Contact: http://sqlmag.com/author/brian-larson
Brian Larson is Chief Creative Officer/Partner at Superior Consulting Services and has presented at SQL Server Connections, PASS Summit, and the Microsoft BI Conference. As a consultant to Microsoft, Brian contributed to the original code base of Reporting Services. Brian is the author of “Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Reporting Services: 5th Edition” and “Delivering Business Intelligence with SQL Server 2016: 4th Edition”, as well as the forthcoming “Data Analysis with Microsoft Power BI.”
I've been a Server Administrator and DBA for 20+ years and have worked with multiple operating systems (UNIX variants, Mac OS X and Windows) and database engines (MySQL/MariaDB, Oracle, PostgreSQL, SQLite, and MSSQL). I currently work a lot with PowerShell and automation as well as supervising a group of awesome systems administrators. I've worked for a large state university system, a start-up company, and everything in-between (including my own consulting company). I currently work for Border States Electric as an I.T. Supervisor.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddblatti
Todd Blatti currently serves as the Director of Solution Architecture at Delphix for the Central US and Canada. For over twenty years, Todd has consulted to commercial accounts across North America in leading business change and creating competitive IT landscapes. Todd is equally adept at discussing business value with C-level executives as debating technical requirements with operations staff. With senior roles at Oracle and IBM, Todd has extensive experience in IT Architecture, Engineered/Converged Systems, Data Virtualization, Security, and other enterprise software technologies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileymajor
Contact: http://www.Scribnasium.com/
Riley Major is an Enterprise Architect based in the Twin Cities, MN metro area who enjoys collaborating with business leaders to design technical solutions and working with technology professionals to build them. He's been programming and designing databases since he was a kid and doing so professionally for 20 years. He has a special place in his heart for T-SQL in SQL Server and loves to share that enthusiasm.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bill-preachuk/1/a53/954
Bill Preachuk is employed by Hortonworks as a Hadoop Solutions Engineer. He is also a SQL Server MCTS with plenty of years spent in the SQL Server DBA/Developer/DW trenches. Bill has been in IT since 1991 and has presented at PASS Summit , multiple SQL Saturdays, and PASS/Hadoop/Analytics user group meetings in the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, Iowa, Winnipeg, and Ukraine. He also served 2 years on the Board of PASSMN - The Minnesota SQL Server User Group.
Contact: http://www.spartansql.com
Born naked and defenseless, he overcame these obstacles to become a mender of broken things, seeker of magic rings, and occasional watcher of slow pings.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stenzelmatt
Matt Stenzel is a Data Platform Technical Specialist at Microsoft. He has been using Microsoft tools for over 10 years. He is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate and has held positions as a Developer, DBA and Architect with several Fortune 500 companies before joining Microsoft. He now works with customers across the North Central District to implement data platform solutions that will provide business value. Matt is passionate about helping businesses turn data into insights and realizing the value of their data. He has helped numerous customers realize value from on-prem and cloud solutions dealing with structured and unstructured data using the Microsoft Data Platform and Azure.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregbeaumont
As a Technology Solutions Professional at Microsoft I am constantly working to both inspire and create Digital Transformation using Analytics. Architecting solutions, training technologists, and never passing up an opportunity to design something new using Microsoft tools such as Power BI, Azure, SQL Server, Streaming Data and Azure Machine Learning.
Contact: http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/author/mndba/
Paul is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and the Lead SQL Server DBA at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Paul has fifteen years of experience in database administration and currently the Chapter Leader of the Minnesota SQL Server User Group, PASSMN. Paul is an active member of the PASS community and routinely speaks at user group meetings and SQL Saturday conferences.
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event.
New Horizons Computer Learning Center - Minnesota