Event Location:
28 Westhampton Way
Richmond, Virginia
Abstract:
This presentation will explore the evolution of storage architectures, reviewing the technology inflection points and core business drivers that have propelled the transitions from direct attached to monolithic to modular storage solutions. We are at the beginning of the next major technology inflection driving enterprise storage. Solid state drives (SSDs) promise to solve the performance challenges inherent in spinning disks, rendering traditional storage architectures obsolete. But SSDs by themselves are not the solution. The next decade will be dominated by storage architectures designed from the ground up to leverage the best characteristics of flash and disk. Will these new solutions be able to simultaneously deliver high performance and high capacity primary storage? And can they improve data protection, improving recovery point and recovery time objectives with far less cost and complexity? Learn the answer and examine real-world case studies in this informative session.
Speaker(s): Nimble Storage,
Abstract:
SQL Server is easier to administrate than any other relational database on the market. But “easier than everyone else” doesn’t mean it’s easy, nor does it mean is problem free. After all, many apps are growing from small, home-grown applications every year, with green IT professionals encountering issues that others had tackled and solved years ago. Why not learn from those who first blazed the trails of database administration, so that we don’t make the same mistakes over and over again. There is a short list of mistakes that, if you know of them in advance, will make your life much easier. Once you apply the lessons learned from this session, you’ll find yourself performing at a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness than before.
Speaker(s): Kevin Kline,
Abstract:
You don't want to settle for being an average Report Developer, right? In this highly interactive session we'll discuss various development, standardization, deployment, and documentation practices that will make your SSRS development life easier, your output of higher quality, increase maintainability, and ultimately save you time. Audience participation and sharing of experiences is encouraged as we cover choices you have for datasets, sorting, grouping, filtering, calculations, parameters, deployment, and delivery. This session focuses primarily on SQL Server Reporting Services 2012, although some concepts may apply to other BI tools as well. Join us for this this session and take your reporting skills to the next level!
Speaker(s): Melissa Coates,
Abstract:
Unit testing is a widely accepted best practice, yet it is difficult to do well with SSIS packages. This session will focus on both the practice of test driven development as it applies to SSIS, and the tools for actually implementing it. It will cover in depth how to set up your development environment to support test driven development and what techniques can be used to make this practical for SSIS. You will also see how to automate the testing of SSIS packages, using the open source ssisUnit framework. The session will cover several of the common questions about automated unit testing, including how to handle test data , how to set up the environment for multiple developers, and how to make tests flexible.
Speaker(s): John Welch,
Abstract:
A highly interactive and popular session where attendees evaluate the options and best practices of common and advanced design issues, such as: * Natural vs. Surrogate keys * Classwords and other Naming Standards * Varchar Minimums *Identity Crisis * Who Calls the Shots and Who Does What? ...and others. Bring your votes, your debates, and your opinions.
Speaker(s): Karen Lopez,
Abstract:
Mike Hillwig is known as the Cranky DBA. You probably have pain points in your environment that make you cranky, too. Mike has lots of horror stories to tell about bad SQL Server implementations and practices. More importantly, he has developed a list of 12 key tips for managing your SQL Server environment. By following these tips, you’ll make your DBAs, developers, and system administrators a little less cranky.
Speaker(s): Mike Hillwig,
Abstract:
Join us for this Women in Technology (WIT) panel to discuss career tips, promotion opportunities, and moving your profession forward. Each member will share their background and then will answer questions in an interactive QA session. Both men and women are welcome to attend this informative event!
Speaker(s): Jessica Moss,
Abstract:
Common Table Expressions (CTEs) serve two main functions: first they remove the clutter of subqueries out of the FROM clause while simultaneously making them easy to reference multiple times by alias if need be, and second they make it possible to do recursive queries. Learn the basics of using CTEs to streamline T-SQL code and to query self-referential tables.
Speaker(s): Geoff Johnson,
Abstract:
Data Quality (DQ) tools are typically expensive and difficult to integrate into your ETL and governance plans but it doesn't have to be that way. During this fun, highly-interactive session, Kevin Hazzard (Microsoft Windows Azure MVP and author of the book Metaprogramming in .NET), will show you how to implement a modular, highly resilient DQ foundation from the tools you already own, no matter which version of SQL Server you're using today. At the end of this discussion, Kevin will give you a copy of his schema and his standard DQ function library that you can use in your own databases.
Speaker(s): Kevin Hazzard,
Abstract:
Have you ever wondered what an index actually looks like and performs under the covers? In this talk I'll discuss Index Internals, and how SQL Server creates, maintains, and uses indexes internally for normal operations. I’ll be discussing topics such as index data structures, query optimization (briefly) and maintaining indexes and statistics.
Speaker(s): Tim Chapman,
Abstract:
In a world where separation of responsibilities becomes more and more important, the borders between DBAs and developers have grown wider than ever. For the developer seeking to employ the services of SQL Server, Interaction with one or more DBAs at certain stages of the development life cycle is nearly a given. This session discusses tips and techniques to follow that can ensure these interactions are civil, and maybe even pleasant. This topic includes tips on TSQL scripting, deployment techniques, bad habits to avoid and beginning execution plan analysis.
Speaker(s): Jason Hall,
Abstract:
Poor database performance is Achilles' heel of any system. Better and faster hardware can improve systems to a certain point. However, for truly great performing systems, there is no substitute for properly written queries and designed indexes. In this session we'll take a look at some common query performance killers, along with some no so obvious things that we can do to our queries to make them as fast as possible.
Speaker(s): Tim Chapman,
Abstract:
I spend a large portion of each day looking through performance reports and dashboards from various organizations around the world. I've identified some very common performance problems and/or misunderstandings that tend to have easy, though not always obvious, solutions. I intend to share the whys and hows of these issues with anyone who would like to attend during a SQLSaturday session.
Speaker(s): Jason Hall,
Abstract:
During this talk I'll walk you through the process actually used to migrate a client's systems from hosted in a company closet to multiple Microsoft Azure data centers. Along the way we'll discuss the planning that went into the migration, the testing we went through, the pain points we hit, all the way to up and running in the cloud. This session covers the roadmap, we won't go through the actual migration itself...that took almost a year to complete.
Speaker(s): Shannon Lowder,
Abstract:
We are going to examine a variety of oopsies MANY developers fall prey too - some obvious, some pretty subtle and some down right sneaky! Lots of code examples with the bad AND good code presented. I GUARANTEE that you will find things here that will either prevent you from getting bad data, throwing unwanted errors or vastly improving your database application's performance. I have given this talk over FORTY times now and it is always very highly rated!
Speaker(s): Kevin Boles,
Abstract:
Just because you're using an Azure SQL database does not mean you can avoid tuning queries. Microsoft has throttling in place that could seriously impact your systems if your queries are using up lots of resources. This session will introduce you to the tools you have available to identify poor performing queries, such as dynamic management objects and others. You'll learn how to understand why a query is running slow using the Azure Portal execution plans. This understanding will enable you to fix your poorly performing queries. All in the cloud.
Speaker(s): Grant Fritchey,
Abstract:
Have you heard about all of the new Availability Group features in SQL 2012? Thinking about implementing a DR solution, but don't know where to start. In this presentation you'll learn all about the new DR features in SQL Server 2012 and see them in practice.
Speaker(s): Joseph D'Antoni,
Abstract:
As the newest version of SQL Server, 2012 is introducing many new BI features. This session will look at what has changed in SSIS 2012 and how to best leverage these new features to get the most for your ETL effort!
Speaker(s): Paul Rizza,
Abstract:
In a world...where DBAs are blamed, mistreated, and overworked...one man...WILL. GET. EVEN. In this entertaining and impractical follow-up to the entertaining and impractical Revenge: The SQL, Rob Volk will show you even more impractical but oh-so-tempting ways to get back at those who abuse SQL Server and make you clean it up. Techniques will cover: preventing sa use, preventing ad-hoc SQL, cursors and missing WHERE clauses, and the ever-popular trigger mayhem. And if you stay for the after-credits sequence you may encounter the evil twins, duplicate primary keys!
Speaker(s): Rob Volk,
Abstract:
You've fallen into a job that requires you to manage a SQL Server Database Management System. Now you have to keep these databases on their feet. You've heard of this concept called a backup, and it sounds great, but you sure don't know what it is. This session is for you. We're going to go over backups, right from the beginning, so that when you come out of this session you can go back to your systems and set up backups, log backups, differentials, and anything else you might need. Further, you'll know how to recover your database in the event of an actual failure. The fundamentals you need to get a good backup in place and then be able to restore it will be covered in this session.
Speaker(s): Grant Fritchey,
Abstract:
Once you’ve loaded your data into a star schema and built an Analysis Services 2008 R2 cube around it, you are ready to harness the power of multi-dimensional analysis. Then, what are your next steps? You need to decide how to create and display reports. Should you go with Reporting Services, PowerView or another reporting tool? This session will explore and demonstrate the different reporting options for deriving business intelligence. (Co-presented with Jessica Moss)
Speaker(s): Philip Noakes,
Abstract:
Too often reports sent on a daily basis end up in a mail filter. Only a small percentage of the reports are actually necessary for someone to take action. How happy would your users be if you could only provide the report when they actually needed to look at it? You can, by using subscriptions and alerts in Reporting Services 2012. This session will provide a comparison of regular subscriptions, data-driven subscriptions, and data-driven alerts in Reporting Services 2012 in SharePoint Integrated mode. Attend this session to learn how to provide reports that will be read rather than filtered.
Speaker(s): Jessica Moss,
Abstract:
Compare and contrast how each Microsoft BI tool satisfies requirements for visualization, interactivity, data sources, formatting, printing, and exporting. We'll explore the strengths and limitations of each tool for creating dashboards scorecards with PerformancePoint, Reporting Services, Excel, and Power View. This session will help you with things to consider when selecting one tool in the Microsoft BI stack versus another.
Speaker(s): Melissa Coates,
Abstract:
Head starting to explode from all the technical information you’re absorbing? Come spend a session with us while we play games with Reporting Services…literally! Come watch as Stacia Misner and a special guest introduce you to some word play, all wrapped up in SQL Server Reporting Services. She'll push the limits with what can be built in SSRS and show you how to have fun while doing it. Board games and SQL…who could ask for more?
Speaker(s): Stacia Varga,
Abstract:
In this hour long session We'll delve into the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and what implications it has for us as data professionals. We'll discuss SQL Server best practices that can help protect ourselves, our company, and the people whom we serve. We'll also dive into several features in SQL Server that can help in this endeavor.
Speaker(s): Brandon Leach,
Abstract:
It can quickly become overwhelming to track all of your SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) packages for loading data. Trying to figure out ‘what ran when’ and ‘who did what’ are tasks we've all had to face. CapTech Consulting has successfully solved these common data management problems by implementing a data management framework for multiple organizations. Come to this lunchtime session to learn how to implement your own SSIS framework and to never worry about your SSIS packages again!
Speaker(s): Jessica Moss,
Abstract:
The discussion will cover beginner and intermediate SQL Server based XML for data export. The discussion will start by covering basic XML generation via SQL Server and XML schema validation, moving on to intermediate XML export. It will then go into a more advanced topic of utilizing XSLT to create robust data import scripts via xlst and xquery/xpath.
Speaker(s): Paul Oster,
Abstract:
A database is a very resource intensive by its very nature and one of the most resource intensive applications you will ever virtualize. If best practices are not followed, the database will never perform as needed. This presentation will teach the DBA how to virtualize a business critical application like SQL server 2012. It will be based upon experience learned using VMWare as the virtualization platform. But many of the lessons taught will carry over to any virtualized platform.
Speaker(s): Michael Corey,
Abstract:
Life is all about choices, and when it comes to SQL Server it is no different. If you don't have a methodology for researching questions and resolving issues then you need to get one, and soon. Join SQL Server MCM and MVP Thomas LaRock from Confio Software as he helps guide you while YOU make the choices in this interactive performance tuning adventure.
Speaker(s): Thomas LaRock,
Abstract:
Much like other recent installments of SQL Server, SQL 2012 provides a wealth of new capabilities in the arena of Business Intelligence. Come join A.J. Mee, a veteran Microsoft BI specialist, to review the key advances that SQL Server 2012 brings to enterprise BI scenarios, including: · Power View · BI Semantic Model (BISM) · Data Quality Services · Master Data Management · Columnstore Index
Speaker(s): A.J. Mee,
Abstract:
If you don't have the chance to work on different kinds of projects, it can be tough to grow all the necessary skills to further your career. Take control of the situation by building a virtual lab at home. We'll begin the session by talking about why you might want to build a lab, and what you'll need to complete the task - nothing more than your home computer and free software. We'll review the basics of virtualization as it relates to VirtualBox. Finally, we'll dive into an example of building a Windows Server 2012 cluster, and talk about how you can use these networking and server skills to advance your SQL Server education.
Speaker(s): Matt Velic,
Abstract:
Wondering how all that big data is going to be moved around? Or how you are going to move any of it into your SQL Server environment? Come to this session, and learn about some of the familiar and not so similar tools you can use for moving big data. We’ll compare the options, discuss how they can work with your existing Microsoft technologies, and provide some guidance on when to use each of the tools.
Speaker(s): John Welch,
Abstract:
Business Intelligence Markup Language provides a powerful solution for creating and managing SSIS Design Patterns. Andy Leonard, one of the authors of SSIS Design Patterns, demonstrates the flexibility of BIML in this session.
Speaker(s): Andy Leonard,
Abstract:
For the first time since SQL 7 there is a compelling reason for EVERY SQL Server user to upgrade to the next version and this time around the reason is Windowing Functions. And these are NOT limited to Enterprise Edition, like so many other really useful and important features! The range of data processing needs that can be very efficiently and cleanly solved with these tools is stunning. In this demo-packed session we will cover as many features as we can pack into an hour's time, and you can take the demo code back home with you to review at your leisure!
Speaker(s): Kevin Boles,
Abstract:
Considering a promotion into management? This session will teach you the fundamental skills needed to effectively lead an IT team. Topics include motivational skills, communication skills and project/job tracking skills. Attendees will learn: 1. What are the fundamental ways that a new leader can build credibility and trust with their team? 2. What are the unique ways in which IT people are motivated? 3. How can a leader effectively communicate with their IT team using a variety of communication channels? 4. How steps can a leader take to ensure that their IT team is achieving optimum effectiveness?
Speaker(s): Kevin Kline,
Abstract:
Everyone wants a dream job that they enjoy going to each week. However finding that job, and getting yourself hired can be hard for most people. Steve Jones will give you practical tips and suggestions in this session that show you how to better market yourself, how to get the attention of employers, and help improve the chances that the job you want will get offered to you. Learn about networking, blogging, and more.
Speaker(s): Steve Jones,
Abstract:
Dealing with bad data is a painful and expensive experience. In this session we will jump into SQL Server 2012 for a hands-on demonstration of cleansing and correcting data with SQL Server Data Quality Services (DQS) and Integrations Services (SSIS). We will dive into DQS knowledge-driven approach, reusability, cleansing and matching, and explore the collaboration opportunities between data stewards and IT professionals. You will demonstrate how to create a knowledge base, define domains and rules to clean data, enrich data by using third-party data providers, and use the new SSIS DQS cleansing component.
Speaker(s): Rafael Salas,
Abstract:
Learn the options for encryption in SQL Server, covering hashing, symmetric keys, asymmetric keys, and encrypted communications.
Speaker(s): Steve Jones,
Abstract:
This highly-interactive, demo-intense presentation is for beginners and developers just getting started with SSIS. Attend and learn how to build SSIS packages from the ground up.
Speaker(s): Andy Leonard,
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/melissacoatesprofile
Contact: https://www.CoatesDataStrategies/blog
Melissa Coates is a data architect with a background in data warehousing and business intelligence. Her current professional focus is enterprise-level Power BI governance, deployment, security, and administration. As the owner of Coates Data Strategies, Melissa produces training and consults to help companies strengthen and sustain their data-driven initiatives. Melissa is big supporter of the technical community, and has been a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2013. You can visit Melissa's website at CoatesDataStrategies.com, which includes community resources like diagrams, blogs, and videos.
Contact: http://selectstatements.blogspot.com
Geoff is the BI Developer for Custom Data Systems, Inc., a software company offering data management for CPA associations and similar non-profit groups. He has been working with SQL Server for over fifteen years, with a focus on BI and SSRS for 6+ years. Since January of 2016 he has been designed and implemented a data warehouse solution for CDS, Inc. He is an active member of the Richmond SQL Server User Group and counts it a privilege to share what he has learned the hard way with others so they don't have to. He also occasionally blogs about his lessons learned.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonryonhall
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com/jasonhall
Jason Hall (@SQLSaurus) leads SentryOne's Product Management team, which is responsible for managing product design, development and delivery. Jason has worked in varied technology roles for over 20 years and holds industry certifications including MCSE (legacy), MCSD, MCTS, MCPD, and PMC-III.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/AndyLeonard
Contact: https://andyleonard.blog
Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data Analytics, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS trainer, consultant, developer, Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of "The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns" and author of "Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing", "Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS", "Building Custom Tasks for SSIS", and the "Stairway to Integration Services". Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesqlguru
Kevin Boles is a SQL Server expert, working exclusively with the product since v6.5. With over 25 years of database experience and over 45,000 man hours of SQL Server engine experience, he holds many related certifications, is an MCT and was a SQL Server MVP from 2007 to 2012. Kevin has been a very successful independent consultant for over 20 years. His passion is the relational engine, especially designing, building, analyzing and tuning high-performance database applications.
Contact: http://www.jessicammoss.com
Jessica M. Moss is a well-known architect, speaker, author, and Microsoft MVP of SQL Server Business Intelligence. Jessica#39;s expertise includes data warehouse modeling, Integration Services ETL, Analysis Services semantic modeling, Reporting Services report design, and helping customers across industries successfully implement and enhance their BI solutions. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with the SQL community and has co-authored numerous technical books.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-corey/
Contact: http://michaelcorey.com/
Michael is a Director Cloud Computing Evangelist for Spectrum Enterprise Navisite. In 2017, was recognized as #42 of the top 100 most influential people in the “cloud industry”. Michael's a recognized Microsoft Data Platform MVP formerly (Microsoft SQL Server MVP), recognized Oracle ACE, a recognized VMware vExpert and has worked with relational databases for over 30 years starting with Oracle Version 3. Michael is a Past President of the Independent Oracle Users Group (IOUG), A Founder of the Professional Association of SQL Server and current President of the IOUG VMware Special Interest Group. Michael is the original Oracle Press author, frequent blogger http://michaelcorey.com/, a regular columnist for the Big Data Quarterly
Contact: http://www.jessicammoss.com
Jessica M. Moss is a well-known architect, speaker, author, and Microsoft MVP of SQL Server Business Intelligence. Jessica#39;s expertise includes data warehouse modeling, Integration Services ETL, Analysis Services semantic modeling, Reporting Services report design, and helping customers across industries successfully implement and enhance their BI solutions. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with the SQL community and has co-authored numerous technical books.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/AndyLeonard
Contact: https://andyleonard.blog
Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data Analytics, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS trainer, consultant, developer, Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of "The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns" and author of "Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing", "Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS", "Building Custom Tasks for SSIS", and the "Stairway to Integration Services". Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonryonhall
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com/jasonhall
Jason Hall (@SQLSaurus) leads SentryOne's Product Management team, which is responsible for managing product design, development and delivery. Jason has worked in varied technology roles for over 20 years and holds industry certifications including MCSE (legacy), MCSD, MCTS, MCPD, and PMC-III.
Contact: http://www.captechconsulting.com/
Philip Noakes is a data integration specialist with experience in all facets of SQL Server. He has been with CapTech Consulting for the last nine years and is an MCITP in SQL Server Business Intelligence. Philip hails from the Short Pump area where he lives with his wife and 2 daughters.
Tim Chapman is a Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) and works as a dedicated field engineer (PFE) at Microsoft specializing in performance tuning and high availability. Tim is from Louisville, KY and has over 12 years of database architecture, programming, and administration experience.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/thesqlguru
Kevin Boles is a SQL Server expert, working exclusively with the product since v6.5. With over 25 years of database experience and over 45,000 man hours of SQL Server engine experience, he holds many related certifications, is an MCT and was a SQL Server MVP from 2007 to 2012. Kevin has been a very successful independent consultant for over 20 years. His passion is the relational engine, especially designing, building, analyzing and tuning high-performance database applications.
Contact: http://www.jessicammoss.com
Jessica M. Moss is a well-known architect, speaker, author, and Microsoft MVP of SQL Server Business Intelligence. Jessica#39;s expertise includes data warehouse modeling, Integration Services ETL, Analysis Services semantic modeling, Reporting Services report design, and helping customers across industries successfully implement and enhance their BI solutions. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with the SQL community and has co-authored numerous technical books.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/scarydba
Contact: http://scarydba.com
Grant Fritchey is a Data Platform MVP with over 20 years’ experience in IT, including time spent in support and development. He has worked with SQL Server since 6.0 back in 1995. He has also developed in VB, VB.NET, C#, and Java. Grant has written books for Apress and Simple-Talk. Grant presents at conferences and user groups, large and small, all over the world. He joined Redgate Software as a product evangelist in January 2011.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/prizza/
Contact: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/paulrizza/
Paul Rizza is a Senior Consultant at Microsoft Consulting Services (MCS), Lead on the MCS SQL Hiring Team, and has over 25 years’ experience consulting, teaching and developing on SQL Server platforms. Paul’s expertise includes ETLs, Dimensional modeling, architecting highly available SQL environments and performance tuning. Paul has an Undergraduate degree from UMBC and a Master’s degree both in Computer Science with a concentration in Database Theory from Johns Hopkins University.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/melissacoatesprofile
Contact: https://www.CoatesDataStrategies/blog
Melissa Coates is a data architect with a background in data warehousing and business intelligence. Her current professional focus is enterprise-level Power BI governance, deployment, security, and administration. As the owner of Coates Data Strategies, Melissa produces training and consults to help companies strengthen and sustain their data-driven initiatives. Melissa is big supporter of the technical community, and has been a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2013. You can visit Melissa's website at CoatesDataStrategies.com, which includes community resources like diagrams, blogs, and videos.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhazzard/
Contact: http://www.linchpinpeople.com/blog/
Kevin Hazzard is a Partner at Linchpin People LLC, leaders in the data integration and database wellness space. He was a long-time Microsoft MVP and the author of a book entitled Metaprogramming in .NET. Kevin also serves as an elected member of his local School Board and dedicates most of his non-professional time promoting public education.
Tim Chapman is a Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) and works as a dedicated field engineer (PFE) at Microsoft specializing in performance tuning and high availability. Tim is from Louisville, KY and has over 12 years of database architecture, programming, and administration experience.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlrockstar/
Contact: http://thomaslarock.com
Thomas LaRock is a Head Geek at SolarWinds and a Microsoft Certified Master, Data Platform MVP, VMware vExpert, and a Microsoft Certified Trainer. He has over 15 years’ experience in the IT industry in roles including programmer, developer, analyst, and database administrator.
Brandon is a veteran of IT in the healthcare industry. Originally starting out his career as a web developer, he fell in love with SQL Server and database development and administration. Currently he is manages 89+ SQL Servers for Network Health in Medford, Ma. He works closely with the developement, infrastructure, and management in and out of IT to make sure the needs of the business and its future goals are met. He is also the Chief organizer for SQLSaturday Providence, RI
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/scarydba
Contact: http://scarydba.com
Grant Fritchey is a Data Platform MVP with over 20 years’ experience in IT, including time spent in support and development. He has worked with SQL Server since 6.0 back in 1995. He has also developed in VB, VB.NET, C#, and Java. Grant has written books for Apress and Simple-Talk. Grant presents at conferences and user groups, large and small, all over the world. He joined Redgate Software as a product evangelist in January 2011.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-volk-134ba81
Contact: http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/robv/
Rob Volk is a SQL Server DBA in the Metro Atlanta area since 2001. He also moderates and answers the forums on SQLTeam.com. While an old-time cranky DBA, he no longer considers quot;business intelligencequot; an oxymoron or quot;the cloudquot; as merely atmospheric moisture, and is delightedly dipping his toes into both of these new oceans, and loves to do things in new and and unusual ways.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/way0utwest
Contact: http://www.voiceofthedba.com/
Steve Jones is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and has been working with SQL Server since version 4.2 on OS/2. After working as a DBA and developer for a variety of companies, Steve co-founded the community website SQLServerCentral.com in 2001. Since 2004, Steve has been the full-time editor of the site, ensuring it continues to be a great resource for SQL Server professionals. Over the last decade, Steve has written hundreds of articles about SQL Server for SQLServerCentral.com, SQL Server Standard magazine, SQL Server Magazine, and Database Journal.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikehillwig
Contact: http://www.mikehillwig.com
Veteran DBA Mike Hillwig is a native Pittsburgher and resident of the Boston Suburbs. He’s a DBA Manager for a financial software company that’s owned by one of the world’s largest bank. Mike has been working with SQL Server since version 7 and has a background in infrastructure and network. Today, he manages a team of DBAs around the globe.
Contact: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ajmee/
A.J. Mee is a Principal for Microsoft. He has dedicated his entire 20-year career to the field of BI and Database. He has served in varied roles from development to project management to people leadership to sales. He is a popular speaker who frequently presents on a wide variety of BI-related topics at numerous conferences and events. He came to Microsoft as part of its acquisition of ProClarity in 2006. A.J. holds a B.A. in Computer Science from LaSalle University.
Contact: http://www.nimblestorage.com
This is a sponsor supported session.
Contact: http://www.rafael-salas.com
Rafael Salas is a recognized speaker and published author with more than 17 years of experience in business intelligence and information architecture. He is the recipient of multiple industry recognition, including the Microsoft MVP Award and The Data Warehouse Institute Best Practices Award. Rafael is also an active member of the SQL Server technical community and blogs regularly at www.rafael-salas.com.
Paul Oster has worked with SQL Server and XML for over 10 years. He has developed XML/EDI systems and integrated SQL/XML/EDI based systems with various companies in Norway, Finland, Germany, Sweden, England, France, Canada, Brazil and the United States. He is currently a Database Administrator/Architect at McGuireWoods. He formerly served as Systems Manager for Lydall in Ct, Systems Manager at Penn Warehousing in Philadelphia and IT/Systems Director at CrossGlobe Group in Glen Allen, Va
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mattvelic
Contact: http://mattvelic.com
Matt Velic is a database developer for Sanametrix in Washington, DC. When not jet setting between projects at work, you can find him at a board game, a video game, or playing a guitar.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/staciavarga
Contact: http://blog.datainspirations.com
Stacia Varga is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and SSAS Maestro with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences. A consultant, educator, author, and principal of Data Inspirations, her career spans more than 30 years, with a focus on improving business practices through technology. Since 2000, Stacia has provided consulting and education services for Microsoft's Business Intelligence technologies. As Stacia Misner, she also authored several books covering the Microsoft BI stack.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kekline/
Contact: http://blogs.sentryone.com/author/kevinkline
Kevin Kline is a database and industry expert serving as Principal Program Manager at SentryOne, the industry leading SQL Server database tools vendor. A Microsoft SQL Server MVP since 2003, he is a founder and former president of PASS. Kevin is an author of many books, blogger, columnist, and popular international speaker. Kevin’s best known book is the best-selling SQL in a Nutshell and contributes monthly to Database Trends Applications magazine. He tweets at @kekline and blogs at http://Blogs.SQLSentry.com/Author/KevinKline.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johncwelch/
Contact: http://agilebi.com/jwelch
John Welch joined SentryOne in spring 2018 as VP of Engineering with the acquisition by SentryOne of the software division of Pragmatic Works. John leads the development of a suite of products that make developing, managing, and documenting data solutions easier. John has been successfully delivering IT solutions to business problems since 1994, and has been focused on business intelligence and data warehousing technologies since 2001. He is a Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP), and a frequent presenter on SQL Server and data topics. He also contributes to several open source projects and community initiatives targeted toward making data professionals work more productive.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/way0utwest
Contact: http://www.voiceofthedba.com/
Steve Jones is a Microsoft SQL Server MVP and has been working with SQL Server since version 4.2 on OS/2. After working as a DBA and developer for a variety of companies, Steve co-founded the community website SQLServerCentral.com in 2001. Since 2004, Steve has been the full-time editor of the site, ensuring it continues to be a great resource for SQL Server professionals. Over the last decade, Steve has written hundreds of articles about SQL Server for SQLServerCentral.com, SQL Server Standard magazine, SQL Server Magazine, and Database Journal.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlopez
Contact: http://datamodel.com
Karen Lopez is a Sr. Project Manager and Architect for InfoAdvisors. A frequent speaker at conferences and local user groups, she has 20+ years of experience in project and data management on large, multi-project programs. Karen is a chronic volunteer, a Data Platform MVP, and an active advocate for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and data quality. Karen’s presentations are known for their lively and interactive approach to learning. Her motto: “Love Your Data!”
Contact: http://hivemindconsulting.net
Look no further for expertise in: Business Analysis to gather the business requirements for the database; Database Architecting to design the logical design of the database; Database Development to actually build the objects needed by the business logic; finally, Database Administration to keep the database running in top form, and making sure there is a disaster recovery plan.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kekline/
Contact: http://blogs.sentryone.com/author/kevinkline
Kevin Kline is a database and industry expert serving as Principal Program Manager at SentryOne, the industry leading SQL Server database tools vendor. A Microsoft SQL Server MVP since 2003, he is a founder and former president of PASS. Kevin is an author of many books, blogger, columnist, and popular international speaker. Kevin’s best known book is the best-selling SQL in a Nutshell and contributes monthly to Database Trends Applications magazine. He tweets at @kekline and blogs at http://Blogs.SQLSentry.com/Author/KevinKline.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=3997984amp;trk=hb_tab_pro_top
Contact: http://joeydantoni.com
Joseph D'Antoni is a Senior Consultant and Microsoft Data Platform MVP with over 20 years of experience working in both Fortune 500 and smaller firms. He is a Principal Consultant for Denny Cherry Associates and lives in Malvern, PA. He is a frequent speaker at major tech events like Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, and Enterprise Data World. He blogs about all topics technology at joeydantoni.com. He believes that no single platform is the answer to all technology problems. Joseph holds a BS in Computer Information Systems from Louisiana Tech University and an MBA from North Carolina State University, and is the co-author of the Microsoft book "Introducing SQL Server 2016”.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/johncwelch/
Contact: http://agilebi.com/jwelch
John Welch joined SentryOne in spring 2018 as VP of Engineering with the acquisition by SentryOne of the software division of Pragmatic Works. John leads the development of a suite of products that make developing, managing, and documenting data solutions easier. John has been successfully delivering IT solutions to business problems since 1994, and has been focused on business intelligence and data warehousing technologies since 2001. He is a Microsoft Most Valued Professional (MVP), and a frequent presenter on SQL Server and data topics. He also contributes to several open source projects and community initiatives targeted toward making data professionals work more productive.
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event.