Event Location:
Ara Institute of Canterbury
130 Madras Street
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand
Abstract:
In this session you will see Microsoft's Power BI tools in action. We will show you the true meaning of the word "Power" in Power BI. You will witness world-shattering evolutionary changes in data access and modelling using the Power BI Desktop. Not only will we show you how to access data from internal and external sources, but you will also see how simple and straightforward it is to transform and shape data in a variety of sophisticated ways and blend more context and relevance into your data analysis projects. From world population statistics, economic and health trend indicators, public datasets and importing spreadsheets to analyzing the statistics of the MotoGP World Championship or your favorite movies. The world of data is changing rapidly, and many new rich data sources are being discovered constantly, attend this session to see how you can too can take advantage of this with Microsoft Power BI .
Speaker(s): Geoff Black,
Abstract:
In this training course you will learn Power BI from beginner to advance. You will learn how to use Power BI for simple data analysis situations as well as complex business intelligence scenarios. You will learn about Power BI Desktop, Power BI Website (Service), and components of Power BI which are; Get and Transform (or Power Query), Modeling (or Power Pivot), and Visualization. You will also learn about Power Query Formula Language (Called M informally), and DAX. This course designed to give you an end to end view of Power BI, so you be able to use Power BI straight away after this course in your everyday challenges for data analysis. Module 1: Introduction to Power BI Module 2: Getting Data Module 3: Power Query for Data Transformation Module 4: Data Modelling Module 5: Data Visualization Module 6: Gateways Module 7: Power BI Service, Administration Security Detailed description of agenda here: http://www.radacad.com/power-bi-training
Speaker(s): Reza Rad,
Abstract:
High Availability and Disaster Recovery have been an enterprise requirement since SQL Server was first released. In this full day session I will take you through current options to design and implement HA/DR solutions meeting the ever increasing demands of corporate environments. The content will look at what is currently available to us to use in an On-premises, Cloud, or Hybrid environments, specifically outlining the exciting new features that make it compelling to migrate immediately to SQL Server 2016. I will cover the following topics across 3 modules for the day: • Define and characterize HA/DR and the options provided by SQL Server • Design an appropriate HA/DR solution to meet requirements for either an On-premises, Cloud, or Hybrid environments • Examine multiple technologies / features together to satisfy complex requirements and their implementation in complex environments
Speaker(s): Warwick Rudd,
Abstract:
Cortana Analytics delivers an end-to-end platform with an integrated and comprehensive set of tools and services to help users to build intelligent applications. This session will show how Cortana can be used for monitoring live data collected from devices like weather sensors and how we can use Cortana intelligence suit to monitor the live data and apply some machine learning process on them. In this Demo I will show how to set up an IoT device like Raspberry PI, how to use different components of Cortana Intelligence suite for transferring data (Azure service bus and azure stream analytics), storing data in a azure SQL database, getting insights from collected data using azure ML, and finally showing the results through automatically in Power BI.
Speaker(s): Leila Etaati,
Abstract:
Kevin will be talking on the topic of SQL injection - something that all of us need to be aware of and protect against. And here is a blurb from: https://www.owasp.org/index.php/Top_10_2013-A1-Injection " The best way to find out if an application is vulnerable to injection is to verify that all use of interpreters clearly separates untrusted data from the command or query. For SQL calls, this means using bind variables in all prepared statements and stored procedures, and avoiding dynamic queries. Checking the code is a fast and accurate way to see if the application uses interpreters safely. Code analysis tools can help a security analyst find the use of interpreters and trace the data flow through the application. Penetration testers can validate these issues by crafting exploits that confirm the vulnerability." Kevin will give us a demo that will show an injection attack in action and how to mitigate it.
Speaker(s): Kevin Alcock,
Abstract:
You may have heard the word "DevOps" and wondered whether it is just another buzzword and/or what it can do for you. In this session I will demystify the concepts of DevOps and we will look at two aspects of DevOps - Continuous Integration Continuous Delivery. Continuous Integration is the practice in which software developers frequently integrate their work with that of other members of the development team.It also involves automating tests around the integrated work Continuous Delivery is the next step after Continuous Integration in the deployment pipeline and is the process of automating the deployment of software to test, staging, and production environments. Database migrations/changes are an area that may not be typically automated or utilise Continuous Delivery. Through the use of a comprehensive live demo to a running production database the audience will learn the benefits and how to implement Continuous Delivery in their database systems deployment pipeline.
Speaker(s): Hamish Watson,
Abstract:
If you do not test your recovery plan you are unknowingly running a Schrödinger’s backup experiment, as your backup can be thought of as both being a good backup and being a bad backup. Until you attempt a restore the condition of any Backup is unknown. While Schrödinger’s cat was a thought experiment that may have injured an imaginary feline, a failure to be able to recover databases when required can prove terminal to both careers and Companies. In this session Patrick will walk you through how to design, create and test Recovery strategies. Using T-SQL and PowerShell you will leave with the tools necessary to avoid you own failed Schroedinger’s Backup experiment.
Speaker(s): Patrick Flynn,
Abstract:
Cardinality estimator, providing row estimates plays a pivotal role in obtaining efficient query plans. Cardinality estimator, which had remained unchanged since SQL 7.0, was revamped in SQL Server 2014 and was further changed in SQL Server 2016. Presentation will compare the differences between old cardinality estimator (CE 70), cardinality estimator 2014 (CE 120) and cardinality estimator 2016 (CE 130). The presentation will showcase several common real world scenarios which would directly benefit from the latest cardinality estimator. Presentation would take a deep dive ride covering the behind the scene tales detailing how the new cardinality estimator performs row estimates, resulting in accurate query plans. Presentation would also explain how regression testing can be performed using SQL Server 2016 Query Store and will highlight the scenarios where one needs to strike a balance between old and new cardinality estimators.
Speaker(s): Nagaraj Venkatesan,
Abstract:
Power Query is a relatively new addition to Microsoft Excel that brings ETL to the self service BI user's desktop. In this level 200 session I cover the basics of Power Query and how it can be used for desktop BI before quickly moving on to demonstrate how you can use Power Query for more advanced scenarios that you may not have thought of before, including: • Use Power Query as a data provider for traditional Excel Pivot Tables without using Power Pivot. • Building a Power Pivot calendar table from scratch using pure Power Query steps. • Add commentary to bank statements and make those comments "stick" using self-referencing tables. • Using Power Query as an auditing and exception management • Using Power Query as a pure ETL tool and exporting more than 1 m rows of transformed data to a file.
Speaker(s): Matt Allington,
Abstract:
SQL Server is at the heart of all on-premises SharePoint implementations. In this session I cover SharePoint database architecture, best practices for implementation, backup and recovery processes and databases do's and don't. Whether you are a DBA needs to know more about SharePoint, a SharePoint admin or IT Pro managing a SharePoint farm, this session is for you!
Speaker(s): Steve Knutson,
Abstract:
Ask a statistician, or a data scientist, what it takes to become a serious machine learning (ML) practitioner and you will get a daunting list including in-depth knowledge of mathematics, statistics, machine learning theory and that elusive magic sauce. In this session, we will break down these stereotypes and argue that the essential skills are: a love of data, tenacity and a healthy dose of scepticism. We will build a prediction pipeline using AzureML and cover the essential elements of the machine learning workflow, from data preparation, prediction, evaluation and communication.
Speaker(s): Nick Burns,
Abstract:
Columnstore indexes were introduced in SQL 2012. They have the superpower to boost SQL server performance by flipping row based indexing to column based indexing. In this session, we will cover basics of this technology, its usability, performance impact, implementation (through demo), access mechanism and what's new in SQL 2016.
Speaker(s): Manjot Kaur,
Abstract:
With the release of SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 1 Microsoft has given SQL Server Standard Edition users many more options to tune SQL Server with some previously Enterprise Edition only features now available in Standard and Express Editions. In this session we’ll look at how to tune SQL Server Standard Edition and which of these features can help improve the performance of SQL Server Standard Edition.
Speaker(s): Craig Ryan,
Abstract:
Azure SQL DB promises low touch once you have deployed your database. However the reality is that to gain the maximum benefit and lowest cost, you still need to be proactive with monitoring and management of your database. This session will identify the main aspects of the Azure SQL DBA role, including how to ensure you have longer term backups (if you need them for compliance), how to manage your Tier level automatically, how to ensure you have the best performance to keep your DTUs to a minimum. You will leave this session with a better story for your manager to convince him to move your workload to Azure and lower your total SQL Server costs.
Speaker(s): Martin Cairney,
Abstract:
With the release of SQL Server 2016, a true shift achieving and implementing High Availability and Disaster Recovery has come about. Database Mirroring has been the only option available to meet certain requirements. SQL Server 2016 now changes the game and in this session Warwick will introduce you to the replacement for DBM taking you through what there is, what it gives you and how you can move from DBM to AGs.
Speaker(s): Warwick Rudd,
Abstract:
Developing a simple SSIS package is - mostly - relatively straight forward, however knowing some of the finer details about the engine can save time and lots of frustration. Come along to this session and learn some tips and tricks that have been gained over many years. Having additional knowledge and design patterns in your SSIS tool belt can be the difference between a very average package and one you, your manager, your team and your clients can be really happy and proud of.
Speaker(s): Martin Catherall,
Abstract:
The DBA just resigned and now the job falls to you. What do you do? The role of the DBA is never static or easy to define. It means different things to different businesses and can include development, maintenance, performance tuning, project management, system architecture, data mining and reporting. But at it's core a DBA works with, and takes responsibility for an organisations data. In this talk we'll go over the core things that should be implemented on all database servers, how you can quickly tame your SQL environment and stay in control.
Speaker(s): Rob Douglas,
Abstract:
In today's world Enterprises face challenges in choosing the right Reporting tool that provides great visualisations, easy and secure to use and improves collaboration. SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) 2016 offers many new features and capabilities that makes it a complete solution for On-Premise Reporting. In this session, I will walk you through the New features of SSRS 2016 Power BI Integration both in Native and SharePoint modes Power BI Mobile Apps to view SSRS Reports SSRS Tools
Speaker(s): Anupama Natarajan,
Abstract:
Sharing and Security are two important features of Power BI which is overlooked in many cases. Come to this session to learn all different types of sharing a Power BI content. You will learn best practice to share the content in different situation and an architecture for sharing. Session continues with a deep dive into Row Level Security in Power BI. You will learn three different methods of implementing Row Level Security in Power BI. This is a demo-heavy session. Come and get answer to all your questions about Security in Power BI.
Speaker(s): Reza Rad,
Abstract:
A variety of tips and tricks to help you enhance your Power BI reports. Learn how to; Create self-annotating Dashboards Use Power BI to optimise Power BI User the API Take advantage of bi-directional relationships Use Measures more creatively And much more…..
Speaker(s): Phillip Seamark,
Abstract:
Database Professional is always challenged with monitoring and maintenance across the environment. Be it 10 server or a 1000 servers, would it be easier to have a centralised solution? In this session I will walk you through the simple steps of building a centralised database maintenance and monitoring solution. This solution will help a database professional to query all the monitored instances, collect performance metrics, run customized scripts and any maintenance task a database professional needs to perform across the database environment. Talk about a easy DBA life, this is a definite simple solution you should build.
Speaker(s): Manohar Punna,
This is a list of speakers from the XML Guidebook records. The details and URLs were valid at the time of the event.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-burns-289a4370/
I'm fascinated with finding data-driven ways to alleviate the mundane and to simplify complex decisions. My various roles have shared a healthy amount of advanced analytics, data communication, machine learning, anomaly detection and response prioritisation. At the moment, I am really excited about search (i.e. Elasticsearch) and how we can build upon search to transform our business processes.
LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/anupama-natarajan-516a107
Contact: http://www.anupamanatarajan.com
Anu Natarajan is a Data and AI Consultant with 15+ years of experience working in design and development of Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence, AI enabled applications, and SaaS integrated solutions. Anu is a Microsoft MVP Data Platform, Microsoft Certified Trainer and passionate in sharing knowledge. She loves solving complex business problems with innovative solutions using technologies. Anu also speaks at conferences including PASS Summit, SQL Saturdays, Data Platform Summit, Difinity, and she organizes local user group meetups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveknutsonnz
Contact: https://onehundredwatt.wordpress.com
Steve is a Microsoft MVP for Office Servers and Services based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Steve brings more than 25 years of IT industry experience to clients’ projects. Past roles have included solutions architecture, systems engineering, business continuity, software development and IT planning and strategy in the local government, finance, legal, state owned enterprise, and education sectors. Steve has a Computer Science degree from Massey University and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist for SQL Server. Steve is the Managing Director of Stratos Technology Partners and leads consulting work around SharePoint and Office 365.
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/warwick-rudd/0/956/718
Contact: http://www.sqlmastersconsulting.com.au/Blog
Warwick Rudd is a Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008 and Principal Consultant at SQL Master Consulting. He is a frequent speaker at local SQL Server User Groups and SQLSaturday events in Australia. When not playing with the SQL stack, Warwick likes to get away to the cold and spend time snowboarding.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveknutsonnz
Contact: https://onehundredwatt.wordpress.com
Steve is a Microsoft MVP for Office Servers and Services based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Steve brings more than 25 years of IT industry experience to clients’ projects. Past roles have included solutions architecture, systems engineering, business continuity, software development and IT planning and strategy in the local government, finance, legal, state owned enterprise, and education sectors. Steve has a Computer Science degree from Massey University and is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist for SQL Server. Steve is the Managing Director of Stratos Technology Partners and leads consulting work around SharePoint and Office 365.
Contact: http://sqllensman.com/blog/
Patrick Flynn is a Senior Database Administrator with 10 years experience in large 24 x 7 enterprise environments. He is a certified master for SQL Server and a regular attendee of the PASS Summit. Has presented at SQLSaturday events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland, Edmonton and Calgary, Oslo and Cambridge
LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/hamishwatson8
Contact: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/the-hybrid-dbas-blog/
Hamish Watson is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and VMware Expert with a passion for efficient database and application deployment using DevOps methodologies. He has 20+ years of IT experience in managing and deploying large scale databases on SQL Server technologies. He has been managing SQL Server since SQL Server 2000, and pragmatic approaches to delivering business value to clients is his career passion. Educating and helping others learn is a driver for Hamish. He is a Director-At-Large on the PASS Board, international speaker, and a repeat guest lecturer at a local university.
LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/pub/leila-etaati/36/46/b03
Contact: http://blog.radacad.com
Leila Etaati is the First Microsoft AI MVP in New Zealand and Australia, as well as a Data Platform MVP. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Auckland and is the co-director and data scientist in RADACAD company with many clients around the world. Additionally, she is the co-organizer of Microsoft Business Intelligence and Power BI Use group in Auckland with more than 1300 members. Leila has also co-organized 3 main conferences in Auckland: SQL Saturday Auckland (from 2015), Difinity (from 2017) and Global AI Bootcamp. She is a data scientist, BI consultant, trainer, and speaker. She is a well-known International speaker to many conferences such as MS Ignite, SQL PASS, Data Platform Summit, SQL Saturday, Power BI World Tour and in Europe, USA, Asia, Australia, and NZ. She has over 10 years’ experience with databases and software systems. Leila is an active Technical Microsoft AI blogger in RADACAD.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seamark
An accomplished database and business intelligence (BI) professional with an in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft BI stack along with extensive knowledge of data warehouse (DW) methodologies and enterprise data modelling. Expert knowledge in all facets of BI/DW including planning architecture, project management, dimensional modelling, performance tuning, ETL design, development and optimization, report and dashboard design as well as installation and administration. Author of multiple books on DAX. Over 27 years of commercial experience in delivering business applications across a broad range of technologies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martincatherall
Contact: http://martincatherall.com
Martin is a data consultant in Melbourne, Australia, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, and PASS Regional Mentor for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Martin founded the Christchurch, New Zealand PASS Local Group and lead the group for a number of years before relocating to Melbourne. He has been using SQL Server in various roles since 2000. In addition to anything data related, he enjoys playing the guitar and having fun with his family.
LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/nagaraj-venkatesan-b6958b6
Contact: http://strictlysql.blogspot.com
Nagaraj Venkatesan is a Data Platform MVP from Singapore and the leader of Singapore SQL PASS Chapter. As a SQL Server enthusiast, Nagaraj is a regular speaker in Asia Pacific region at Data Platform events like SQL Saturdays, SQL Server Geeks Summit, User group meetups etc. Nagaraj shares his technical expertise at strictlysql.blogspot.com. Nagaraj also runs a YouTube channel called "DataChannel", which contains technical interviews with top Microsoft Data Platform experts in the world.
LinkedIn: http://nz.linkedin.com/in/rezarad/
Contact: http://radacad.com/blog
Reza Rad is a Microsoft Regional Director, MVP, author, trainer, speaker and consultant. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP for nine years from 2011. Reza wrote many books on Power BI subjects including the Power BI from Rookie to Rock Star, and Pro Power BI Architecture. Reza is the invited speaker at the world's well-known conferences such as Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Business Applications Summit, Ignite Tour, PASS Summit, and many other conferences. Reza is an active blogger and writes regularly about Power BI at https://radacad.com.
Contact: http://www.gumption.co.nz
Robs SQL history started as a remote DBA, branched into consultancy and now includes providing SQL Solutions to a variety of businesses, government departments and banks throughout Australia and New Zealand using a variety of native SQL solutions to meet their performance, higher availability and Disaster Recovery needs.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinnz
Contact: https://kevin.net.nz
Kevin Alcock Director and Principal Consultant from Katipo Information Security. Kevin has been "Programming for a living since 1986", including using SQL Server off and on since version 1.1. He has worked in a variety of roles over that time and these days has taken up the mantra of making data safe.
I have been working with SQL server for over 10 years. I have been an internal DBA and a consultant. I am passionate about automation, cloud technologies, performance tuning and learning SQL internals. In my free time I love to read, playing with my toddler and trying my hands on new recipes.
Contact: http://wardyit.com
Geoff is the Training Team Leader at WARDYIT Solutions. With more than 30 years experience in the world of IT, Geoff has been witness to some major changes in technology throughout out his various roles as a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Database Developer, Consultant and Business Intelligence Specialist. High performance and power has always been the driving force behind both his professional and personal interests as an avid fan of the MotoGP and a keen motorcyclist.
LinkedIn: https://nz.linkedin.com/in/mrsql
Craig Ryan is an independent SQL Server Consultant and has been working with SQL Server since 1998. Craig works with several Christchurch software companies helping them develop high performance SQL Servers.
Contact: http://sqllensman.com/blog/
Patrick Flynn is a Senior Database Administrator with 10 years experience in large 24 x 7 enterprise environments. He is a certified master for SQL Server and a regular attendee of the PASS Summit. Has presented at SQLSaturday events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland, Edmonton and Calgary, Oslo and Cambridge
LinkedIn: http://nz.linkedin.com/in/rezarad/
Contact: http://radacad.com/blog
Reza Rad is a Microsoft Regional Director, MVP, author, trainer, speaker and consultant. He is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP for nine years from 2011. Reza wrote many books on Power BI subjects including the Power BI from Rookie to Rock Star, and Pro Power BI Architecture. Reza is the invited speaker at the world's well-known conferences such as Microsoft Ignite, Microsoft Business Applications Summit, Ignite Tour, PASS Summit, and many other conferences. Reza is an active blogger and writes regularly about Power BI at https://radacad.com.
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/in/martincairney
Martin has 20 years’ experience in SQL Server technologies. His experience spans both the Database Engine and infrastructure requirements, and Data Warehousing and BI implementations. He has worked across many industry sectors including London’s global financial institutions and both State and Federal Government Departments. He is a SQL Server MVP, MCT and an experienced conference presenter, having presented at PASS Summit, SQLBits, and SQL Saturday events and User Groups round the world
LinkedIn: http://au.linkedin.com/pub/warwick-rudd/0/956/718
Contact: http://www.sqlmastersconsulting.com.au/Blog
Warwick Rudd is a Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008 and Principal Consultant at SQL Master Consulting. He is a frequent speaker at local SQL Server User Groups and SQLSaturday events in Australia. When not playing with the SQL stack, Warwick likes to get away to the cold and spend time snowboarding.
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/mattallington
Contact: http://exceleratorbi.com.au/exceleratorblog/
Matt is a BI Professional with over 30 years’ experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry. He has held senior job commercial and IT roles, always leveraging data to drive success. Matt was the BI Director for Asia Pacific at The Coca-Cola Company before leaving to set up his own consulting business in 2014. Matt is now the Principal Consultant at Excelerator BI and specialises in helping small, medium and large companies leverage Microsoft Excel, Power Pivot, Power BI and SharePoint to deliver rapid business value through Self Service Business Intelligence.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/manohar-punna/15/153/508
Contact: http://www.sqlservergeeks.com/author/manoharpunna/
Manohar Punna is an Data Platform Geek and Vice President of DataPlatformGeeks by passion and a Data Platform Consultant by profession. He is a speaker at various conferences like PASS Summit, SQLBits, DPS. He has authored over 150 blogs and has written a One DMV a Day series which is a longest one day series on any topic on SQL Server till date. Manohar is a product of this community and strongly believes in giving back to the community. So, ask him anything you would like to know and he is happy to learn it with you.
The following is a list of sponsors that helped fund the event.