Event Location:
David Lipscomb University - Swang Business Center
One University Park Drive
Nashville, Tennessee
Abstract:
Attend the lunch demo and see how you can use Master Data Services and Maestro to: • Create a golden record for any subject area in a matter of minutes Leverage your Microsoft licenses, skills and infrastructure to lower license costs and FTE costs, and reduce the complexity of an MDM environment? • Understand how to implement workflow and business process solutions around the management of MDM, without having to write complex custom coding for everything? • Tackle data quality, consistency and control by empowering business and subject matter experts, without needing heavy IT resources and writing complex code or scripting • Improve data quality, data stewardship, workflow, and data sharing with any of your enterprise
Speaker(s): Gene Webb,
Abstract:
Some of the biggest challenges in any large SQL environment are maintaining consistent configurations and meeting the pressures from the business for rapid server deployments. Join us in this session to learn best practices for system settings, file system layout, and scheduling maintenance tasks. By default, SQL Server does not install with best practices for every environment. In this session, we will discuss the best practices for most SQL Server configurations, and how to automate your SQL Server builds in both physical and virtual worlds. As you may know, completely automating the build process has great benefits, but it also has great trade-offs. We will talk about lessons learned from building a private cloud at a Fortune 100 telecommunications company with thousands of servers. You will also learn how use these same methods to ensure your own server build consistency, whether your SQL Servers are in the cloud or on-premises.
Speaker(s): Joseph D'Antoni,
Abstract:
Data Warehouse workloads can be very large and taxing on your database server. With the modern demands of real-time analytics against growing volumes of data this challenge continues. When columnstore indexes and batch mode query processing were introduced in SQL Server 2012 were a performance game changer. In the 2012 implementation of columnstore, direct updating and inserting of data was not supported and other restrictions, such as data types limited the use of the feature. SQL 2014 removes those limitations—you can use a columnstore index as a clustered index, and more importantly directly perform DML against the index. Also, more query operators support batch mode, which means more of your queries can see performance benefits. You will understand the changes for 2014—and how having updateable columnstore indexes may cause changes to your process design. You will see the power of columnstore indexes in analytics, their limits, and how to include them into your system design.
Speaker(s): Joseph D'Antoni,
Abstract:
Use a Mac? Need to generate a data model for your database? Have some T-SQL you'd like to get working in an Oracle Database? These are just a few reasons you might find the development and design tools from Oracle Corp useful. Oracle SQL Developer Data Modeler is a design tool that supports SQL Server. Oracle SQL Developer is a database IDE that allows for JDBC connections to SQL Server. It also has a T-SQL to Oracle SQL PLSQL translator. In this session, Oracle SQL Developer Product Manager Jeff Smith will give an overview of both tools and show a few use cases for the SQL Server professional. By the way, all of this stuff is free. This may be your only chance to see a session with no sales pitch from your favorite vendor.
Speaker(s): Jeff Smith,
Abstract:
Learn about Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and how it can enable an efficient and optimal platform for Microsoft SQL Server. During this session we will be discussing key differentiators that place Cisco well ahead of the competition. Learn about UCS’ management model, Service Profiles, Service Profile Templates, Virtual Interface Adapters, and how they all can help to simplify and standardize SQL Server deployments. We will also discuss how these differentiators can help to drastically reduce deployment and recovery times, and how UCS provides the best of class hardware platform that can help to achieve the highest levels of consolidation and performance for both virtual and bare metal SQL Server implementations.
Speaker(s): Frank Cicalese,
Abstract:
The legendary adventurer is on the quest of a lifetime. He's found a database that holds the locations of the world's greatest relics, but there's a problem. No, it's not snakes. The database was written using an ancient format and it may hold incorrect data. Our data archaeologist must find a way move the correct data into SQL Server or risk losing our most important treasures, forever. Luckily, he has an powerful tool, data profiling. Data profiling is a way that you can identify bad data, measure inaccurate data, and know for sure that your queries are right. There are many different ways our adventurer can use data profiling. This session will show you what data profiling is and how it can help lead you to fortune and glory.
Speaker(s): Richie Rump,
Abstract:
Big Data is the new great tool in the IT Toolbox. There are so many different ways to utilize Big Data in your environment, that’s hard to know what way may be the best for your situation, even if all you want to do is create a Proof of Concept. Microsoft Azure has come to the table with their own cloud offering called HDInsight. In this session, we’ll go over HDInsight, and the differences that exist between it and other Hadoop deployments. We’ll go through the different options for deploying an HDInsight cluster. We’ll also go over using PowerShell for interacting with HDInsight, including scripts that you can use to automate the creation of an HDInsight cluster, run a Pig Script, and downloading your output file from Azure Blob Storage.
Speaker(s): Josh Luedeman,
Abstract:
This was the top scoring professional development session from the PASS Summit 2013. Ever wanted to convince the boss try something new, but didn't know where to start? Ever tried to lead your peers only to fail to achieve your goals? This session teaches you the eight techniques of influencing IT professionals, so that you can innovate and achieve change in your organization. 1. Learn about the fundamental difference between influence and authority and how you can achieve a high degree of influence without explicit authority. 2. Learn the eight techniques of influencing IT professionals, when to apply them, and how to best use them. 3. Discover the communication and procedural techniques that ensure your ideas get a hearing by bosses and peers, and how to best win support for them.
Speaker(s): Kevin Kline,
Abstract:
Stereotypes abound for different types of people in the IT world. Developers think DBAs are control freaks. DBAs think developers are unruly cowboys. How do we overcome these differences? If you’re a developer, your best strategy is to manage your DBAs’ anxieties and demonstrate your competence and credibility. Attend this session to learn about 10 techniques that developers can apply to their code which will calm your DBAs’ fears and earn their admiration. There are a short list of mistakes that, if you know of them in advance, will make your life much easier. These mistakes are the “low hanging fruit” of application design, development, and administration. 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:
What is "Windows Azure SQL Database" all about ? What does this mean for me as a DBA ? What is the process for setting up a Windows Azure database ? How would I go about migrating one of my databases to "The Cloud" ? How do I possibly leverage this new technology in my production environment ? If you are a production DBA and have contemplated one or more of these questions, this session is for you! Maybe, you have been tasked with finding out about "The Cloud". Join me in exploring the cloud where I will show you how SQL Server works in the Windows Azure SQL Database world. We will run through the simple process of configuring a Windows Azure SQL database. We will investigate the similarities and differences between on premises SQL Server and Windows Azure SQL Databases. We will even look into the DR, HA, monitoring and performance tuning options available with Windows Azure.
Speaker(s): Gareth Swanepoel,
Abstract:
Join this session to learn about traditional data mining with the power of Mahout in Hadoop and Azure Machine Learning. Mahout is a machine learning library, supported in HDinsight. HDInsight is the Microsoft service that brings Apache Hadoop to the cloud, and Mahout is a powerful tool for processing models within HDFS and MapReduce. This session will cover how data mining is implemented in the context of big data and the cloud. This session will cover the full data mining cycle: ETL,building, testing, and training data models to visualization, testing, and real-time querying. You will see how to discover patterns and make predictions, classifications, and recommendations to get all the insights from your structured and non-structured big data.
Speaker(s): Paco Gonzalez,
Abstract:
Pop quiz DBA: Your developers are running rampant in production. Logic, reason, and threats have all failed. You're on the edge. What do you do? WHAT DO YOU DO? Hint: You attend Revenge: The SQL! This session will show you how to "correct" all those bad practices. Everyone logging in as sa? Running huge cursors? Using SELECT * and ad-hoc SQL? Stop them dead, without actually killing them. Ever dropped a table, or database, or WHERE clause? You can prevent that! And if you’re tired of folks ignoring your naming conventions, make them behave with Unicode…and take your revenge! Revenge: The SQL! is fun and educational and may even have some practical use, but you’ll want to attend simply to indulge your Dark Side. Revenge: The SQL! assumes no liability and is not available in all 50 states. Do not taunt Revenge: The SQL! or Happy Fun Ball.
Speaker(s): Rob Volk,
Abstract:
Database corruption is simply a fact of a DBA's life - if you haven't seen it yet, you will. Success or failure depends on having a solid plan to deal with different types of corruption. In this session, we will discuss usage of related DBCC commands, monitoring for corruption with SQL Agent Alerts and Jobs, and when to restore versus repair. After attending this session, you will be able to check for corruption, identify different types of corruption, and take the appropriate measures for dealing with it.
Speaker(s): David Maxwell,
Abstract:
Ever encounter a table consisting only of BIGINT, CHAR(255), and NVARCHAR(MAX) columns? Did your gut tell you that this is bad, but you had difficulty explaining why? Did you know that these data type choices can be a real performance killer? Attend this session to learn how database records are stored within SQL Server, and why all data types are not created equal. Armed with that knowledge, we will then explore several performance scenarios that may be impacting your systems right now! When you leave, you will be able to explain to your colleagues why data type choices matter, assess your own systems, and implement some best practices to mitigate these performance killers.
Speaker(s): Andy Yun,
Abstract:
How secure is your BI environment? The Microsoft Business Intelligence stack contains multiple tools which each have different security configuration options and interdependencies. This session starts with a review of the security architecture of each component in the BI stack and highlights vulnerabilities in the architecture that must be addressed to properly secure your BI environment. In this session, you'll also learn about the relationship across the security settings in the BI tools, backend databases, and the Windows operating system. Building on this foundation, you'll learn what steps are necessary to apply security best practices in each component of the Microsoft BI stack.
Speaker(s): Stacia Varga,
Abstract:
Every company has a backup strategy. That backup strategy is worthless and will cause your business to fail miserably while losing valuable customer data and more importantly you will lose my order of chicken wings! In this session you will learn why backup strategies are for losers, what can I do to keep from being a loser, and how can I build a winning strategy!
Speaker(s): Ed Watson,
Abstract:
With the number of deployments of SharePoint exponentially growing every day, as a DBA, it is very likely you are going to have SharePoint databases on SQL Servers you support. This session reviews SharePoint strictly from the SQL Server perspective. You will learn how SharePoint is optimized for SQL, how to properly manage and maintain the SharePoint databases, how to optimize the SQL configuration for SharePoint, what settings in SharePoint need to be changed or not changed to maintain SQL Server performance, and supported methods for providing high availability and disaster recovery.
Speaker(s): JD Wade,
Abstract:
So you've heard of Hekaton (In-Memory OLTP) but you aren't sure where to start or if it's for you or not. Maybe you've heard or read some information and not sure what's true or not. There's a number of misconceptions out there about Hekaton. By the end of this session you'll have a better understanding of what Hekaton is and how it may be able to help you. We'll discuss the basics of Hekaton and more as well as walking through some demos to show you how to use Hekaton and what it can do as well as help you get started diving into Hekaton on your own.
Speaker(s): Brian Davis,
Abstract:
How does SQL do what it does? Take a look under the hood at how the SQL database engine works with the storage engine. What causes those waits and where do we look to resolve them!
Speaker(s): Naomi Williams,
Abstract:
Agile development is all the rage, but how do the principles apply to database administrators? This presentation will introduce the basics of the Agile Manifesto, and explain how they can be applied to non-development IT work, such as database administration, maintenance, and support. We’ll cover scrum (one of the most popular development methodologies) and kanban, and identify some of the common struggles with implementing them in an organization. This is an interactive discussion; please bring your tales of success and your horror stories.
Speaker(s): Stuart Ainsworth,
Abstract:
Nashville is the second fastest growing market for the tech industry! Join our panel as they tackle questions related to increasing diversity in the IT industry and how to retain the limited diversity already there. How do we keep strong in the industry overall and continue to encourage our youth toward careers in IT? Time permitting, we will also be taking questions from the audience. You will hear from SQL and local WIT heroes Hope Foley, Eliza, Britni Larchinese and Naomi Williams
Speaker(s): Wendy Pastrick,
Abstract:
Using Response Time Analysis and Wait Types is a newer method for tuning SQL Server instances. As a result, there is often confusion on exactly what the data means. The issue typically centers around the fact the wait time data is analyzed at the wrong level or the collected wait time data is not detailed enough. This presentation will focus on these problems and review several real-life case studies of using SQL Server Wait Type data coupled with Response time performance analysis to solve the most difficult performance related issues.
Speaker(s): Janis Griffin,
Abstract:
Office 365 Power BI offers new and exciting features that are leading a lot of companies into the cloud. However, there are several additional considerations that you must factor into deciding how to architect your overall BI solution. In this session, you will learn about the available Microsoft Azure components and services that support a BI ecosystem. In addition, you learn how to properly configure your solution, whether it’s a completely cloud-based solution or a hybrid solution that includes on-premises data sources and on-premises client tools. You will gain an overview of Azure networking, and how it works in Azure VMs as well as for Office 365.
Speaker(s): Stacia Varga,
Abstract:
Partitioning allows us to isolate parts of our table as small chunks called partitions. In turn, these partitions allow us to do some really cool tricks for manageability and performance. In this session we'll look at the concepts surrounding partitioning and how we can apply them. We'll reinforce what we cover with some cool demo's showing some really neat tricks.
Speaker(s): Brandon Leach,
Abstract:
Walk through on creating SQL Server solutions in the cloud! Learn about the options for data storage in Azure, plus how to (very easily) configure and deploy a SQL Server. We will go over pricing, storage options, security and other details on using either Infrastructure as a Service (Iaas) or Database as a Service with Microsoft cloud solutions.
Speaker(s): Wendy Pastrick,
Abstract:
Window functions were first introduced with SQL Server 2005 and enhanced with SQL Server 2012. They enable easy development and great performance…well, sometimes. Learn what you need to know to take full advantage of these features. What you don’t know can hurt you when you are using window functions.
Speaker(s): Kathi Kellenberger,
Abstract:
Okay, the Data Warehouse isn't really dead. But, it's time to think past your favorite textbook and begin looking at practical solutions that fit the schedule, budget, and team you're working with. In this session, we'll discuss design options, implementation considerations, and lessons gained from the many mistakes the presenter has made over the years. This is a highly interactive session, so bring your ideas, opinions, and experiences.
Speaker(s): Audrey Hammonds,
Abstract:
Power BI (Business Intelligence) is a new and emerging self-service business intelligence and business analytics framework that brings together and enhances a few key Microsoft technologies. Fundamentally, Power BI is considered a premium Office option, because Microsoft licenses it that way. We will answer the following questions: ◾What makes Power BI different from the Microsoft Office I have known for years? ◾What are the major Power BI features in Excel 2013 and 2010? ◾What are the major features for Power BI for Office 365? ◾How can our team license Power BI?
Speaker(s): Mark Tabladillo,
Abstract:
The SQL Server transaction log is one of the most misunderstood components of the database engine. What makes it grow? How does it get truncated? Should I shrink it? What is a VLF? In this session we will answer these questions and more.
Speaker(s): Randy Knight,
Abstract:
Now with SQL 2014 Data Platform you can perform visual data exploration with unstructured data sets using Hadoop and other MapReduce data sets. See how to build out these types of analysis using existing tools like Excel, SharePoint and O365. Get insight into tips/tricks and lessons learned from the field to increase the value of your existing big data investments and leverage new capabilities in Power Query, PowerPivot Power View, Power Map and Power BI!.
Speaker(s): Dan Evans,
Abstract:
When it comes to SQL Server one of the biggest request you hear is “How can I make my Query Run FASTER!?”. The answer understanding the first step in that process Is understanding the Query Optimizer. Understanding the Optimizer beings with knowing the Rules. The way our queries are written reflect directly on the output that we get. In this session we will look at the rules in SQL Server, write queries to show those rules in action, and walk out with a better understanding of how the Optimizer works.
Speaker(s): Bradley Ball,
Abstract:
I've said it before and I'll say it again, spatial data doesn't get much love in SQL Server. It is a feature worthy of much appreciation and will become more vital as more location data is collected. In this session we will explore spatial data and discover many ways it can be used for incredible analytics. You will learn some new ways to visualize your data outside of the typical plots on a Bing map layer. Come and learn how powerful spatial data can be even though it lacks a snazzy "power" title.
Speaker(s): Hope Foley,
Abstract:
A lot of people have this perception that MDX is difficult. It really isn't, when you understand what it is trying to accomplish under the hood. In this session we'll begin with a fundamental understanding of what MDX will do for you. Then we'll roll up our sleeves and dive into MDX code, starting from the simplest select statement and winding up building calculations you can put into your own SSAS Cubes.
Speaker(s): Robert Cain,
Abstract:
This is a beginner session that will look at the graphical execution plan, and the important operators, properties and what to look for in an execution plan. It will discuss the ways to determine a poor cardinality estimate, parameter sniffing and spill to tempdb.
Speaker(s): Mike Lawell,
Abstract:
Power up your data presentations with Power View and Power Map. Charts and maps can be made interactive, generated on the fly, or recorded as video with a soundtrack and special effects. Instead of trying to make your point with a boring list of names, numbers, and dates, put on your movie director's hat and give your data the Hollywood treatment as you yell, "Lights! Cameras! Action!"
Speaker(s): Dave Mattingly,
Abstract:
Latching is a necessary function of the database engine. Although latching is a topic is normally presented only in expert-level sessions, a good grasp of the problems excessive latching exposes is important even for novice tuners. This session focuses on the PAGELATCH_* and PAGEIOLATCH_* wait types, explaining what is happening, why it is happening, and how to use the exposed information to tune queries and solve performance problems. If you've seen these wait types in Activity Monitor and wonder what they meant, then this session is for you!
Speaker(s): Eddie Wuerch,
Abstract:
Cloud, Cloud, Cloud. Microsoft is "all in". CxOs love the idea of renting compute resources. You know this is where our profession is headed, but when and how fast. When should you jump on board? The good news is cloud will not eliminate or even reduce the need for IT and Data professionals. The bad news is our world and our profession is changing. Adapt or be left behind. Come see what Microsoft Azure has to offer Data Professionals.
Speaker(s): Geoff Hiten,
Abstract:
Data Security is coming to the forefront of most industry with the advances in cyber espionage. This session will go over auditing concerns and how to develop your Business Intelligence and database systems to enable accurate regulatory and internal auditing. It will cover some of the basics in auditing concerns on your databases and what one can do to ensure that they meet all of those concerns. It will also cover ways to protect your databases and data warehouses on SQL Server, though these practices can be adapted for other database systems as well.
Speaker(s): Cherie Sheriff,
Abstract:
We can easily recognize a great leader when we see one. The great ones make it look easy while the bad ones look inept. Some people believe that leadership is innate, that a chosen few are born to lead while the rest are destine to follow. But that’s not true. Leadership is a skill; it can be nurtured and developed like any other skill. And as with many things, we can learn from others’ mistakes.
Speaker(s): Joe Webb,
Abstract:
This is a level 100/200 discussion and demo about two ways customers are running SQL Server in AWS: EC2 and RDS. EC2 gives you full control of SQL Server, while RDS is a managed service.
Speaker(s): Bonnie Donovan,
Abstract:
We will discuss SQL and SharePoint integration concepts, walk through the different types of SharePoint databases, and get you more comfortable with the SharePoint platform. Some of the topics covered will include: the configuration steps and settings needed for SQL Server to properly host SharePoint databases, database size considerations, the SQL permissions your SharePoint administrators REALLY need, and why SharePoint databases have a GUID in their name (and how to avoid them!).
Speaker(s): Daniel Glenn,
Abstract:
In this session I will introduce the data mining capabilities of Excel. We will talk about scenarios for the use of the tools and how to interpret the results. We will cover data preparation with respect to the mining models. We will also discuss the very important issue of "margin of error" and the dangers of misinterpreting and/or misapplication of the tools and results. Attendees can expect to leave with a clear understanding of the available data mining tools along with how and when to use them.
Speaker(s): Michael Reed,
Abstract:
In this session we will examine how SQL Server replication works. A technology that has been around, this tool is not going anywhere anytime soon. It's an excellent way to keep a subset of data synched with another database without having to synch the entire thing (although you could if you wanted to!). We will examine terms, internals, and walk through the setup of different replication pieces so you can implement this technology in your environment.
Speaker(s): Robert Verell,
Abstract:
Microsoft has provided some great tools for creating and editing SSIS packages. First Business Intelligence Development Studio (BIDS) then SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT). However, when creating an SSIS package you frequently repeat the same steps over and over. BIML is an XML markup language designed for representing the structure of an SSIS package. BIML Script takes that structure and generates an SSIS package.In this session we will use BIDS Helper to create a simple SSIS package using BIML. We will handle a couple SSIS scenarios with BIML and BIML Script.
Speaker(s): Russel Loski,
Abstract:
After a long maturation process, SQL Server Data Tools is emerging as a huge step forward in database development. It won't be long before Visual Studio replaces SSMS as the primary IDE for SQL Server developers. One of the greatest benefits of making the switch is the continuous integration capabilities that are now streamlined by the tool set. In this session we will discuss how SSDT works, the goal of continuous integration, and how you can put them together to dramatically improve your productivity as a database developer.
Speaker(s): Jon Boulineau,
Abstract:
One of the most talked about new features in Microsoft SQL Server is AlwaysOn Availability Groups. In this session, we'll cover the pros and cons of using Availability Groups as well as the basics of how to set them up and take advantage of readable secondary replicas. If you want to improve the availability and performance of your applications and databases, are currently using Database Mirroring, or if you're just curious about Availability Groups, then you won't want to miss this session.
Speaker(s): Adam Belebczuk,
Abstract:
It is easy to schedule full backups to run each night, but is that the right decision for your organization? You say you have a backup strategy, but what is your recovery strategy? Do you have a well-executed recovery plan? In this session I will cover several methods for performing much needed backups and how to recover those backups. Full, Differential, File Group, Transaction logs and recovery the tail end of a the log. He will discuss industry best practices and hopefully cause you to validate and test your current strategy.
Speaker(s): Tim Radney,
Abstract:
Are you ready to begin data warehousing in your organization but don't know where to start? This session will provide an overview of the three most popular data warehouse architectures including Kimball's Dimensional Model, Inmon's Corporate Information Factory, and Linstedt's Data Vault. In addition, this session will compare and contrast each architecture and discuss the pros and cons for each architecture when paired with SQL Server Analysis Services.
Speaker(s): Eric Nichols,
Abstract:
Join us as we explore SQL practices that cause database administrators to lose sleep, and cost companies time and resources. Efficiency, security, and availability will be covered
Speaker(s): Dr. Arisoa Randrianasolo and Dr. Eddy Borera,
Abstract:
In this session we will be looking at the best and worse practices for indexing tables within your SQL Server 2012 databases. We will also be looking into the new indexing features that are available in SQL Server 2012 (and SQL Server 2005-2008) and how you the .NET developer can make the best use of them to get your code running its best.
Speaker(s): Denny Cherry,
Abstract:
SQL Server 2014 introduces a game changer technology; in-memory objects. This session is a hands-on demo based presentation that will introduce you to what the technology is and how to use it. You will come out of this session with the knowledge and scripts that you can take back to your shop and instantly be productive. You will gain an understanding of the architecture, how to get started, indexes, natively compiled stored procedures and the limitations.
Speaker(s): miguel Cebollero,
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
Frank Cicalese is a Technical Solutions Architect with Cisco Systems, Inc., assisting customers with their design of SQL Server solutions on Cisco Unified Compute System. Before joining Cisco, Frank worked at Microsoft Corporation for 10 years, excelling in several positions, including as Database TSP. Frank has in-depth technical knowledge and proficiency with database design, optimization, replication, and clustering and has extensive virtualization, identity and access management and application development skills. He has established himself as an architect who can tie core infrastructure, collaboration, and application development platform solutions together in a way that drives understanding and business value for the companies he services.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlservernerd
A Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Brandon manages the DB Operations team for financial company x. With a data estate of several petabytes, he puts a high focus on performance tuning and automation. He is a frequent speaker at events like conferences and user groups.
Contact: http://aws.amazon.com/microsoft
As the Microsoft Channel Manager for AWS, Bonnie helps enable partners to take advantage of running Windows workloads in the AWS cloud.
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.
Contact: http://www.askcts.com
Eric has approximately nine years of business intelligence and software development experience across various industries including healthcare, aerospace and defense, manufacturing, and financial industries. Eric holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Freed-Hardeman University and a M.S. in Information Systems from Dakota State University. Eric has also achieved the MCSA: SQL Server 2012 and MCSE: Business Intelligence. Eric serves as a Senior Consultant for CTS, a local software consulting firm.
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/tradney
Contact: http://www.timradney.com
Tim is a Data Platform MVP and has a whole collection of Microsoft and other industry certifications. His experience includes HA/DR, virtualization, SSIS, SSRS, and performance tuning, among everything else SQL Server-related. Tim is very active and passionate in the SQL Community. He runs the Columbus GA SQL Users Group, has been a PASS Regional Mentor for a number of years, was named a PASS Outstanding Volunteer in 2012, and is a frequent speaker at user groups, SQLSaturdays and PASS Summits. Tim is one of the top ranked in karma on ask.sqlservercentral.com, answers questions as @tradney on Twitter, and blogs at http://timradney.com and SQLskills blog at http://www.SQLskills.com/blogs/tim.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pacosql/
Paco Gonzalez is the CEO of SolidQ North America, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Focused on Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, he specializes in helping organizations become data driven from a strategic and technical perspective. Paco is a speaker at small and large conferences such as PASS Summit, Ignite, and Business Applications Summit, and he has published several books and whitepapers. He is based in Atlanta, GA.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/arcanecode
Contact: http://arcanecode.com
Robert C. Cain (http://arcanecode.com) is a Microsoft MVP, MCTS Certified in BI, and is the owner of Arcane Training and Consulting, LLC. He is also a course author for Plurasight, author for Red Gate's SImple Talk website, and co-author of 4 books. A popular speaker, Robert has presented at events such as the SQL PASS Summit, TechEd, CodeStock, and numerous SQLSaturdays. Robert has over 25 years experience in the IT industry, working in a variety of fields ranging from manufacturing to telecommunications to nuclear power.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/watsoned
Contact: http://sqlgator.com
Ed Watson is a Principal Data Platform Consultant for Improving Enterprises, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014 and like most children, Ed was born at an early age. Today, Ed specializes in the Business Intelligence stack and enjoys specializing in Power BI immensely. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and Atlanta BI user groups and is an organizer for SQLSaturday Atlanta, Atlanta BI, and Pensacola.
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdwade
Contact: http://wadingthrough.com
JD Wade has been providing solutions using various Microsoft products in the St. Louis area for over 18 years. J.D.’s expertise is the architecture, design, deployment, and troubleshooting of SharePoint and Microsoft Cloud solutions as well as interfacing with the surrounding technologies (directory services, e-mail, load balancers, DNS, SQL, WAN accelerators, etc.). J.D. has worked on the deployment of various corporate intranet, extranet, and public-facing web sites.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmmaxwell
Contact: https://dmmaxwell.wordpress.com/
David Maxwell has almost 20 years of experience with SQL Server, with a keen interest in performance tuning, monitoring, and troubleshooting. He has experience in environments as diverse as health care institutions, auto manufacturers, and insurance companies. David has been a frequent presenter at SQLSaturday events around the United States since 2012, as well as a presenter for the DBA Fundamentals Virtual Group, the Performance Virtual Group, 24 Hours of PASS, and the annual PASS Summit. David participates in his local Columbus Ohio PASS Local Group, where he serves on the board of directors as SQLSaturday coordinator.
Contact: http://wendyverse.blogspot.com
Wendy Pastrick is from Chicago, IL, and for the past 15 years has served as a Database Administrator supporting both development and production environments. Her many years of involvement with PASS include WIT Virtual Chapter and the Chicago Suburban User Group, serving as Regional Mentor, and as a PASS Board member since 2013. Wendy has organized several highly successful SQLSaturday events in Chicago.
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/kathikellenberger
Contact: http://auntkathisql.com
Kathi Kellenberger is the editor of Simple Talk at Redgate and a Data Platform MVP. She has worked with SQL Server for over 20 years and has authored, co-authored, or tech edited over a dozen technical books. Kathi is the co-leader of the PASS Women in Technology Virtual Group and a volunteer at LaunchCode. When Kathi isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cycling, singing, and climbing the stairs of tall buildings. Be sure to check out her courses on Pluralsight.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlbek
Contact: http://sqlbek.wordpress.com
Andy Yun is a SentryOne Principal Solutions Engineer and a former Microsoft MVP. He has been working with SQL Server for nearly 20 years as both a Database Developer and Administrator. Leveraging knowledge of SQL Server Internals and extensive experience in highly transactional environments, he strives to make T-SQL leaner and meaner. Andy is extremely passionate about passing knowledge onto others, regularly speaking at User Groups, SQLSaturdays, and PASS Summit. Andy is a co-founder of the Chicago SQL Association, co-Chapter Leader of the Chicago Suburban User Group, and part of the Chicago SQLSaturday Organizing Committee.
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/genewebb
Contact: http://None
Gene Webb is a Regional Sales Executive with The Profisee Group based in Alpharetta Georgia. Profisee is the successor to Stratature the company that built Master Data Services (MDS) and sold the product to Microsoft in 2007. Profisee focuses around Master Data Management (MDM) and as a Gold ISV provides solution sets built on MDS and the Microsoft Stack. Gene spent 7 years working at Microsoft as a SQL Server and Developer Tools solution specialist and an ISV Developer Evangelist.
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://linkedin.com/in/richierump
Contact: http://jorriss.net
Richie Rump is a dataveloper with Brent Ozar Unlimited, where he writes code to solve data problems. He developed statisticsparser.com and sp_DataProfile, two tools that help data professionals tune SQL Server. Richie is also the co-host of the Away From The Keyboard Podcast and founded dotNet Miami, a community focused on enterprise development with .NET. He holds the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certifications as well as certifications in various Microsoft development technologies. He can be found on Twitter at @Jorriss or at http://jorriss.com.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/russloski
Contact: http://www.sqlmovers.com
Russ Loski is a SQL Server BI Developer based in Dallas-Fort Worth. He current works as a Data Analytics Engineer for Navisite, a remote managed IT services company. Twenty years ago, he began working with SQL Server 6.5. He has since continued to develop applications connected to all of the versions of SQL Server. He has worked with clients in industries from insurance to healthcare, from movie theaters to American football. Russ is a regular speaker at SQLSaturday events, as well as the SQL Server Users Groups in the North Texas region. Russ likes working with data in various shapes.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marktab
Contact: http://marktab.net
Mark Tabladillo Ph.D. works for Microsoft as a Cloud Solution Architect for the US CTO Customer Success Team. He has a science doctorate from Georgia Tech. Based in Atlanta, GA, Mark provides cloud enterprise solutions for companies in the US for Microsoft's strategic clients. He is a chapter leader for the PASS Data Science virtual chapter.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgverell
Contact: http://sqlcowbell.com/wordpress/
Robert Verell is a SQL Server professional working in the Nashville area and has worked in healthcare, insurance, and banking. He found his passion for databases by learning SQL Server Integration Services and writing stored procedures, and eventually became a database administrator. Robert is a chapter lead for the Nashville SQL Server User's Group, a volunteer for SQLSaturday, and was a finalist in the 2016 PASS Summit Speaker Idol competition.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielglenn
Contact: https://DanielGlenn.com
Daniel is a Microsoft MVP with 15 years' experience building technology solutions, intranets and extranets. As Practice Leader for the Nashville-based InfoWorks Inc., Daniel helps organizations of all sizes solve complex data challenges by implementing Office 365 and SharePoint without the need of customization and costly investments. Daniel is passionate about giving back and building the Microsoft technical community. Daniel holds leadership roles in various local user groups, serves as an organizer for Microsoft 365 Nashville, and is a co-host for the popular podcast 365 Message Center Show on https://MessageCenter.Show. You can follow Daniel online at https://DanielGlenn.com and @DanielGlenn on Twitter.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlballs
Contact: http://www.sqlballs.com
Bradley Ball is a Sr. Azure Engineer for Microsoft, and former Data Platform MVP. During his IT career Bradley has spent 8 years working as a Defense contractor for clients such as the U.S. Army and The Executive Office of the President of the United States, and the former Data Platform Practice Manager for Pragmatic Works Consulting. He has presented at SQLSaturdays, SSUG's, SQL Rally, DevConnections, SQLBits, SQL Live 360, and the PASS Summit. Bradley can be found blogging on http://www.SQLBalls.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/eddiewuerch
Contact: http://www.indydba.com
Eddie Wuerch has 20 years of experience as a SQL Server specialist in a much-longer IT career. A Microsoft Certified Master, Eddie spends his days in the Salesforce Marketing Cloud, focusing on performance, scale, and uptime for the massive SQL Server backend. These SQL Servers churn billions of transactions daily against trillions of rows of data in a 24x7 continuously-available online system accessed by millions worldwide every day.
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrdenny
Contact: https://www.dcac.com
Denny Cherry is the owner and principal consultant for Denny Cherry Associates Consulting and has over a decade of experience working with platforms such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon AWS, Microsoft SQL Server, Hyper-V, vSphere, and Enterprise Storage solutions. Denny’s areas of technical expertise include system architecture, performance tuning, security, replication, and troubleshooting. Denny currently holds several Microsoft Certifications related to SQL Server 2000 through 2019, including being a Microsoft Certified Master, Microsoft MVP and VMware vExpert Award.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sqlmiguel
Miguel is a father, husband and database professional with more than 18 years of experience. He has held positions in management, database administration, development, architect and BI development. Miguel is a regular speaker at local user groups, regional SQLSaturday and the national PASS Summit conference on various database topics. He has been an avid volunteer, chapter leader, contributor for PASS and published author of Pro TSQL Programmers Guide; ApressMedia, Published 2/27/2015
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=7999720amp;trk=hp-identity-name
I have been working with SQL Server for 14 years, have a background in business, worked in the Microsoft Online Services Division, Behavioral Targeting group, am employed by Pragmatic Works as a Senior BI Consultant. I am studying Data Science through online certificate programs and bring this experience to my presentations. I am particularly interested in how to apply Big Data to solve business problems.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartainsworth
Contact: http://codegumbo.com
Stuart Ainsworth (MA, MEd) manages a team of Service Reliability Engineers for the Gladiator Enterprise Information Security Services section of Profitstars, a division of Jack Henry and Associates. He's a former DBA, developer, consultant, and public speaking professor. He's one of the chapter leaders for AtlantaMDF, and a long-time organizer of SQLSaturday's. He tweets infrequently (@codegumbo) and blogs even less often at http://codegumbo.com.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelawell
Contact: http://sqlserverassociates.com/Blog
Mike Lawell is an 19 year veteran of SQL Server, working with all versions since 6.5. He specializes in performance tuning and high availability as an independent consultant. He is a Linchpin People Teammate, he also consults with SolidQ, Intellinet and Microsoft Consulting Services. He is also a certified Scuba instructor with a long bucket list of dive sites. He resides in Atlanta, GA and you can catch him at many of the SQLSaturdays in the SE region of the United States.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffhiten
Geoff Hiten is a Technical Solutions Professional at Microsoft. Geoff began working with SQL Server in 1992 with version 4.2 and has used every version since. He specializes in highly available SQL systems, performance tuning, and systems migration. Geoff is heavily involved in the Microsoft SQL Server Community and was initially awarded MVP status in 2004. Geoff was appointed in 2011 to fill an interim Director position at the National PASS organization.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/joshluedeman
Contact: http://www.joshluedeman.com
Josh is a Sr FastTrack Engineer with the FastTrack team in the Azure Engineering Group at Microsoft. Josh focuses on Microsoft's Cloud Scale Analytics Solutions in Azure using products like HDInsight, Data Lake, Data Factory, and DataBricks. He has worked in IT for over 10 years holding positions in Application Support, Database Administration, and Business Intelligence, in industries like Higher Education, Consulting, Manufacturing, and Software Development.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonboulineau
Contact: http://jonboulineau.me
Jon Boulineau works as a Data Architect and Data Engineer in Nashville, TN.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/randyknight
Contact: http://www.sqlsolutionsgroup.com/blog
Randy Knight is a data professional who has worked with Microsoft technology for over 25 years, focusing on SQL Server since 1997. He has worked in a variety of settings, including 6 years as a database architect for match.com. In 2010, he founded SQL Server Solutions Group LLC, a boutique SQL Server consultancy. A Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) in SQL Server, he speaks often at events all over the country including the PASS Summit, SQLIntersections, and numerous SQLSaturday and User Groups.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/drevans02
Dan Evans is a Data and Analytics evangelist with over 25 years’ experience deploying strategic and innovative analytic solutions. He’s focused on Microsoft technologies including Data Platform, Advanced Analytics and Business Applications. Current focuses include SQL Server, Power Suite, Cognitive Services, Artifical Inteligence and other Data Platform related topics in Azure. Dan presents at many local, regional and national events including SQL PASS, DAMA, TDWI, TechEd and Ignite and supports best practices in Microsoft data and analytics across North America.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/josephkwebb/
Contact: http://theserogroup.com/blog
Joe Webb is a partner for The SERO Group, a Nashville-based SQL Server consulting company. He has over 22 years of industry experience and has consulted extensively with companies in the areas of business process analysis and improvements, database design and architecture, and technical and leadership training. Joe is an 8-time recipient of the Microsoft MVP Award and served on the PASS Board of Directors for 8 years, culminating his tenure as EVP of Finance.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyhammonds/
Contact: http://datachix.com
Audrey Hammonds is a Data Platform Specialist for Microsoft in South Florida. Twenty-one years ago, she volunteered for database training to escape the clutches of COBOL and has never looked back. A firm believer in good fundamentals and solid design, she gets her kicks from making data do nifty things. These days, she gets her kicks from helping customers adopt data services in Azure.
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: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriesheriff
Cherie Sheriff leads the Business Intelligence Innovation initiative at GE Capital#39;s New Orleans Technology Center. She has over 20 years in the industry working with databases, business intelligence and data science. Some significant efforts include trapping data theft and developing anti-money laundering systems. Her hobbies include working with middle school and high school students in STEM outreach including working with FIRST Robotics teams, writing books and playing video games.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nfwilliams
Naomi Williams is a SQL Server professional working in the San Antonio area. Currently a seasoned Database Administrator for both Oracle and SQL Server doing database development, SSIS, SSRS and SSAS. Naomi has been working with SQL Server for almost 15 years. Naomi is passionate about performance, high availability, and creative non standard solutions to complex problems
Contact: http://wendyverse.blogspot.com
Wendy Pastrick is from Chicago, IL, and for the past 15 years has served as a Database Administrator supporting both development and production environments. Her many years of involvement with PASS include WIT Virtual Chapter and the Chicago Suburban User Group, serving as Regional Mentor, and as a PASS Board member since 2013. Wendy has organized several highly successful SQLSaturday events in Chicago.
Contact: http://www.thatjeffsmith.com
Jeff is the Product Manager for Oracle SQL Developer at Oracle Corp. He's helped build, support, and sell database tools since 2001 - including a few SQL Server ones you may have heard of from Quest/Dell Software.
Contact: http://KevinEKline.com
Kevin Kline, a longtime Microsoft SQL Server MVP living in Nashville, is a founder and former president of SQLPASS.org and the author of popular books such as 'SQL in a Nutshell'. Kline tweets at @kekline and blogs at http://KevinEKline.com.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/blackwyrm
Contact: http://www.davemattingly.net
Dave Mattingly has spent thirty years of designing, developing, databasing, documenting, and directing a variety of projects in many industries. In the past, he’s worked on space travel, fraud prevention, data accuracy, and virtual reality for industries such as games, ecology, health, religion, and money. He also writes, publishes, orates, teaches, and preaches.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hopefoley/
Contact: http://www.hopefoley.com
Hope Foley, a former Data Platform MVP, has worked across many industries as a DBA and Business Intelligence consultant. She joined team at Microsoft and is a Data AI Technology Solutions Professional. She has worked with enterprise customers but now focuses on education. Hope is an active member in the SQL Server and PASS communities speaking at events and organizing the SQLSaturday event in Indianapolis.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/janis-griffin/0/914/aba
Janis Griffin has over 30 years of DBA/database experience including design, development and implementation of many critical database applications. Before coming to Quest Software, Janis primarily worked in the Telecom/Network Industry, working with both real-time network routing databases and OLTP business to business applications. Janis also held positions as a Principal Architect and Senior Manager, mentoring other DBAs on best practices in database performance tuning.
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/itacb
Contact: http://www.sqldiablo.com/
Adam Belebczuk is the Owner amp; Principal Consultant at Belebczuk Consulting Services, LLC and has more than 10 years of experience in IT, ranging from customer service to server/network administration to software and database development and administration. Adam is the Chapter Leader for the Ohio North SQL Server Users Group, a frequent speaker and volunteer at PASS events, and specializes in SQL Server development, performance tuning, high availability, and disaster recovery.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandavis78
Contact: http://blogs.sqlsentry.com
Brian Davis is a Product Integration Engineer at SentryOne and has over 15 years in the IT field in multiple areas including software development, support, user training, and as a DBA. He has been working with SQL Server since 2003 and has hands-on experience with SQL Server 2000 through 2016. Brian is also a PASS Regional Mentor and an active member and leader of the Ohio North SQL Server User Group.
Contact: http://mygareth.com
Gareth Swanepoel is a sysadmin-turned-SQL Server DBA. He has been working in the IT industry doing support and administration for over 25 years. He enjoys solving the complex problems that customers encounter when performance tuning SQL Server or when deploying SQL Server in large data warehouse environments. He is originally from South Africa and is currently a Dedicated Support Engineer (PFE) with Microsoft. He is a passionate member of the SQL Server community and is an accomplished author and speaker having presented at various user groups, SQLSaturdays, the PASS Summit and other technical conferences.
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event.