Stephen Few, renown educator and trainer in BI Visualisations and author, had been giving a BI Visualisation workshop earlier in the week. I was in attendance at the workshop and managed to persuade Stephen to attend our social event. He was only in Melbourne until Friday November 18th, hence the last minute change to the date.

It was a Movember themed event, but unfortunately not that many people took part. I was one of two Mo Bro’s of the evening. Angus Bell had quite the impressive Mo and walked away with a heap of Movember merchandise (which he later gave away at another Movember party), as well as bottle of wine. It was a great effort by Angus, check out his Mo below and donate to his cause here:

Next month’s event is in the works and will be held, once again, at The Sherlock Holmes Inn. Dates and times will be communicated soon. Stay tuned for more on SQL Server Social!

Ever since I first heard about the PASS Summit I’ve wanted to be a part of it. The opportunity to geek-out network with not just database professionals, but with SQL Server Database professionals. The opportunity to learn about not just new technologies, but about new things with the current technologies. The opportunity to make some new friends and to put faces to names; to meet those that I have only talked to online (Twitter | Google+ | Blogs | etc). This year, I get to make the most of all of these opportunities. I’m very excited. Did I mention that I was excited?

Yes, I’m a first timer. While I have read a lot about the PASS Summit and have heard numerous stories about SQL Karaoke, this is still going to be an overwhelming experience. I want to ensure that I get the most out of the Summit; so I need to make sure that I have a plan of what I’m doing, where I’m going, & who I want to meet. I can’t do this if I’m bogged down in trying to figure out the basics. Thankfully the good folks at SQL PASS put together a First-Timers Orientation program to help people like me. Tom LaRock (Blog | Twitter) wrote a good blog post about the program.

Essentially, the orientation will include being paired up with a Big Brother/Sister (along with several other first-timers) well ahead of the summit itself. This will give us the chance to talk to the big brother/sister and find out the do’s/don’t, where information can be found, and generally learning from their previous experiences. It will also give us a chance to meet a few people ahead of the summit itself; ensuring that you don’t wander around the conference like a lost fart in the wind.

I think the orientation program is a wonderful idea and have already signed up. If you’re a first-timer too and you would like to participate then send an email through to newcomer@sqlpass.org and ask to be included in the program. Perhaps I’ll be part of your group. Apologies if that worries you…

To recap what those goals were:

1. Blog more
2. Learn more
3. Attend more SQL Server Events
4. Interact more with the SQL Server Community
5. Sleep Less

So how did I do?

Blog more

I failed miserably at this one (Only 5 posts in for the 2nd quarter), but am ok with this as I had a lot of other, higher priority, items to keep me busy. I have been beavering away at Goal #2 “Learn more”, as well as doing a lot of Goal #5 by being there for my family – they are the most important part of my life after all.

Learn more

A great big 10/10 here! Just as a new version of SQL Server is about to be released, I finally got round to doing my MCITP – Business Intelligence 2008, and I learnt a lot more than I thought I would in the process. I failed the 70-448 first time round, which I was none too pleased about I can assure you. But I persisted and at the 2nd attempt I had it in the bag (if only just). I aced 70-452 at the first attempt and actually laughed out loud when I saw the result (916/1000). Couldn’t quite believe it. The whole exercise has been hugely beneficial. I have been able to apply what I’ve learnt to the projects at hand and have even corrected a few misconceptions that a colleague had (but I won’t be naming names…). Happy days!

I’ve also been involved in a number of projects that are focused on SQL Server Analysis Services. This is a massive win for me as this is one area of the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack that I was yet to really get to grips with. It has been a steep learning curve, but it seems that that is what I thrive on. It has also been loads of fun and the opportunity to work with and learn from different colleagues has been amazing.

Other things that have been picked up and refined along the way this year are data modelling, solution architecture & design, creation of development standards and generally improving my SQL Server related skills (T-SQL, SSRS, SSIS, SSAS) thanks to all you SQL Server bloggers out there.

Attend more SQL Server Events

It turns out that most of the SQL Server events are just not at the right time for me right now. My family duties take precedence and until the bedtime routine (5:30pm – 7:15pm) becomes easier, evening events are just not possible. However, Jim McLeod and I have managed to create and host a very successful SQL Server Social event in May. While it has been quiet since then, we are planning on follow up events in the very near future.

The PASS Summit 2011 is the big one for me this year. I am giddy with excitement at having the opportunity to attend. I’ll be spending more of my time preparing for it and making sure that I am able to make the most out of any and all opportunities that present themselves. My flights are booked, my registration is booked. It’s time to make a packing list!

Interact more with the SQL Server Community

Words with Friends anyone? I have been playing WWF with Rob Farley (blog | twitter ) ever since he mentioned the game in a comment on this blog post. More recently I have been playing the game with a few others in the SQL Server community, and even though there is not a lot of banter, there is a sense of familiarity. Which I am hoping will help when I get to the PASS Summit later this year. If you are keen for a game look me up –>“lukehayler”.

Yes, I know this is not the same as being active on forums, blogs, twitter, Facebook, and now Google+. But with the tiny amount of time that I do have to myself, this is all I can manage right now. I know that this will change over the next few months, and am taking steps to do so.

Sleep less

10/10. Easy when you have a 5 month old & an almost 3yr old in the house :)

If you are going, or thinking of going, it’ll be worth your while selecting your preferences. To do so use the PASS Session Preference Tool – you’ll need to sign-up/login to be able to do so though.

You’re still here?

After travelling half way round the globe, buying a car, finding a place to live and generally setting up our lives again down under (with a 2 year old), I soldiered through two weeks of interviews to land a great role. And to be honest, I really enjoyed the experience. And I can’t say that that has been the case many times (if at all) before. Perhaps it’s an Aussie thing…

So if the title of this post wasn’t enough of a give-away… I have teamed up with BizData. A young, dynamic company that is leading the way in Business Intelligence Consulting here in Melbourne, Australia. I cannot tell you how excited I am about this opportunity and the potential that this role has for me. I have managed to find a company that embodies the values, skills, drive, personality and vision that I have long felt would be a ‘perfect fit’ for me. And I couldn’t have done it without the power of networking. And twitter.

Seriously.

Several months ago, once I knew that we would be on our way out to Melbourne, I began following (on Twitter) fellow BI professionals that lived/worked in Melbourne. Some of them followed me back (always nice) and we conversed on a few occasions. Once we had arrived in Melbourne I wrote a blog post, from which I received several comments, a couple of emails and one very important Direct Message on twitter. This DM (direct message) lead to a couple of phone calls about a possible contract role as well as two referrals. One of which was to BizData. I followed up the referral to BizData and the rest, as they say, is history</cliché>…

I’m thoroughly looking forward to developing new skills, working in different industries, helping clients achieve great things, spending more time on community involvement (at both a personal and professional level), meeting new people and making new and lasting friendships.

Here’s to new beginnings!

See you there!

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Sessions

I was assigned as a room monitor on the Saturday, and as 3 of the sessions I was planning on attending were in the BI track, this is where I ended up. The day for Room 1 went as follows:

Getting Dimensional with Data -  Chris Testa O’Neill (Blog | Slides)

Chris took us through the basics of building a cube, highlighting the use of data sources and data source views, the importance of dimensions and hierarchies, and of course the measures that will hold the business metrics. This was a good talk on getting started with building your first cubes.

A Whistle Stop Tour of SSIS Add-ins – Jamie Thomson (Blog | Twitter | Slides)

Jamie introduced us to a number of free/paid for SSIS add-ins. He described each add-in, how it was configured and demoed a practical use for each. I have already written about this session in Part 1 of the Conference Recap. Jamie put a lot of work into his demos, so a big thanks to him.

Self Service Business Intelligence (Project Gemini) – Bob Duffy (Blog | Slides)

Bob took us once again through building a business intelligence solution with Office 2010 and Gemini. It seems that no matter how many times I see presentations on this stuff I don’t get tired of it. Looking forward to the moment I can use these tools in a commercial setting. Whenever that might be….

SSIS in SQL Server 2008 – Allan Mitchell (SQLIS.com | SQLDTS.com| Slides)

Allan did a great job (even though he overran his session by ‘a few minutes’) of informing us of a couple of differences in Threading between SSIS in SQL Server 2005 & 2008, why you need to be using the Cache & the Lookup Transform, the Data Profiling Task and Change Data Capture. Another enjoyable and informative session.

Report Builder 3 – Andrew Fryer (Blog | Twitter | Slides)

Andrew wowed us all. Again. Even with some demo trouble (he was plagued with ‘technical issues’) it was a fabulous session. He took us through all the features of Report Builder 3 as a Managed Self-Service BI tool. Items to note:

• The Tablix Object
• Improved Visualizations (Better Charts & Gauges, Maps, Sparklines, Data Bars, Indicators)
• Interesting layouts (see slides)
• Support for Spatial Data
• Integration with Virtual Earth tiles.
• Multiple Map Layers
• A number of Layout enhancements (new functions, new data sources, Expression-based page breaks & chart headers, Excel tab naming, Bottom-to-top text rotation)
• Aggregating aggregates

This was the last presentation of the day and of the conference and it ended on an high note.

Everyone then piled out into the foyer for drinks & games. About an hour after the social started Simon gathered everyone for prize giving – There were several prizes and winners were chosen by selecting completed feedback forms from a box (that contained all of them). I couldn’t believe it (cue Victor Meldrew). On the fourth attempt a feedback form of mine was pulled out and my name was called. Score! I still wonder at how the Redgate SQLComapre license was still there for the taking. This is after 3 other winners had taken mice, & webcams from the pile. I think I did pretty well. Thanks Redgate!

Volunteering

As I have mentioned before, SQLBits is a not commercial conference. It is organised and run by a handful of professionals that do it in their own time. I offered to be one of the helpers at this November’s conference and was glad I did so, as I got to meet and interact with a number of great people. It can sometimes be difficult to start a conversation with someone you don’t know (as I mentioned here) unless you have something in common, or an icebreaker. Volunteering can be the icebreaker. It forces you to meet a bunch of new people and gets the ball rolling.

So what did volunteering at SQLBits involve? About an hour of my time on the Friday evening, and playing room monitor in one of the rooms (BI Track) for the day – which meant that I couldn’t attend all of the sessions that I was aiming to, but as most of them were in the same room this wasn’t too much of an issue for me. To be honest, it was a lot less work than I had expected – note to self: must get involved earlier next time.

And what did I gain out it? A better understanding for what is involved in organising a SQLBits conference, meeting and conversing with the organisers, speakers and other volunteers, making new contacts and friends, being part of the community, a wonderful dinner late on Saturday night, and a great bonus from the organisers which was totally unexpected. So a HUGE thanks to Simon, Chris, James, Darren, Martin & Allan. You have pulled off (another) great conference and I am sure that I am not alone in saying that I can’t wait for the next one.

The People I met

Meeting more sql folks was one of my goals for the conference and I think I did pretty well. What remains to be seen is if I managed to leave a good enough impression. Over the two days I was at SQLBits I had the privilege of meeting and chatting to a number of people, some for just a brief few minutes, others for good enough chunk of time to get to know them a little better. Here’s a few of those awesome folks:

• Allan Mitchell (Site)
• Andre Kamman (Blog | Twitter)
• Andrew Fryer (Blog | Twitter)
• Ashwani Roy(Blog)
• Bob Duffy (Blog)
• Brent Ozar – finally! (Blog | Twitter)
• Chris Alcock (Blog | Twitter)
• Chris Testa-O’Neill (Blog)
• Chris Webb (Blog)
• Darren Green (Site)
• David Baker (Site)
• Derek Neighbour
• James Rowland Jones (Blog | Twitter)
• Jamie Thomson (Blog | Twitter)
• Jenifer Stirrup (Blog | Twitter)
• Marcus Ford (Twitter)
• Martin Bell (Blog)
• Phil Carter (Site | Twitter)
• Rachel Clements (Site | Twitter)
• Rob Farley (Blog | Twitter)
• Simon Sabin (Blog | Twitter)
• Vivek Sekrou (Blog | Twitter)

A fantastic group of people, all knowledgeable in their own sphere of SQL Server, and great personalities. I found I had the best conversations later in the evening once things had quietened down a bit. I think it would be great if there were more opportunities for quiet times like these, as sometimes they are of the most benefit. I believe that some others actually forego sessions when they’re having a great conversation with a new (or indeed old) acquaintance.

It would be nice to see a little more time (and possibly structure) attributed to mealtimes during the conference. These are times that could be used to great benefit for that all important networking. I have a few ideas that I’d like to pass around and will possibly write another post about it later. At the very least I’ll pass them along to the organisers (or possibly something that I could organise???). For those that were lucky enough to go to the PASS Summit, what opportunities did you have for catching up with old friends & getting to know some new folks?

So, what did I learn at SQLBits?

I have mentioned previously the sessions that were my highlights and have gone into some details there. This is a list of other things

• Arrive early – to the conference and to each session. You’ll get the lay-of-the-land and you get to meet a few people before it begins to get crazy. At the very least, get to your sessions on time. Speakers have a set time to give their presentations and need to have some time for questions. Your questions. If they have to start late due to interruptions, there’s less or no time for questions.
• Leave late – Stay over on the last evening. I found this to be the best time for conversations with speakers, MVPS, organisers and attendees (that also stayed over). The stress of the sessions and the conference has abated and people are much easier to talk to and get to know.
• A book/laptop/netbook/napkin/whatever – Bring something to take notes. Anything. Just ensure that you take notes for things that spark your interest. The sessions can be fairly intense (speakers try and pack in as much as they can) and your brain will be overflowing pretty quick (well, maybe I only speak for myself here), so taking notes enables you to revisit the key points at a later date when you have the time.
• Business/Contact cards – get some made and hand them out. I met many more people than those on my list but due to my overflowing brain, just couldn’t keep track. Go get some cards people! If you weren’t on the receiving end of one of mine (care of moo.com), here’s an electronic copy:
• 
• Ask questions – if you don’t you’re missing out on some valuable first-hand information from some of the brightest sql folks around. It also helps to prepare some ahead of time. The sessions and speakers are listed well ahead of time, so take a note of those sessions you would like to attend and write down the questions you may have.
• Time to digest – set aside some time, even just an hour, during the day to digest what you’ve learned and who you may have met. You’ll be surprised how easily this information will escape you if you if don’t. So, got get your favourite beverage, find a quiet spot and go through your notes, you may find that you have a few questions, which you can now go pose to the speaker of the session, or indeed any others.
• Attend a Donald Farmer presentation. ‘nuff said.
• PowerPivot, Excel 2010, Reporting Services in 2008 R2 – are all pretty awesome. I can’t wait to get my hands on these and building some mind blowing data analysis and reporting solutions.

Some Suggestions & Ideas

• Better information about sessions – I found that while most of the sessions were well described (in the schedule), there were some that held little or not information about the session, and one or two that had misleading titles. This makes it pretty difficult to know what to expect when you are attending. Given that feedback is so valuable to speakers (and organisers), I would have though that if someone’s expectations were not met then the speaker might receive poor feedback. Ambiguity about the session also leads to more disruptions – people will leave during the session if they feel that it’s not quite what they expected. Personally, I would like to know exactly what the session is about before I make a decision to attend. Most of the speakers I saw had an agenda slide. This is perfect for the session description.
• Several screens in the foyer (TVs/projectors/etc) with any important announcements (room updates, next sessions, etc)
• Live Twitter stream in each session room – which could be managed by a room monitor perhaps.
• More time to mingle – I know that the sessions are the core of the conference, but wouldn’t having more time to get to know people and ask the MVPs/Speakers/other attendees questions help too? There was barely enough time between the sessions to get a cup of coffee & a biscuit (or cookie for our US readers) let alone meeting and having a meaningful conversation. I am not sure how much of a nightmare it would be to start sessions earlier and finish later in the day, but it might make the day easier to handle – from an attendee point of view.

Did you attend SQLBits? Do you have any comments on any of the above Suggestions & Ideas (or indeed anything else I’ve mentioned)? Let’s hear from you!

You’re still reading this??

This has been a fairly epic post, so if you have made it all the way down here I applaud you. Thanks for sticking it out!

This has been my experience. I hope it provides a good summary of what SQLBits is about and if you weren’t already thinking about going to the next one you should definitely make plans to do so. It’s worth it.

See you at SQLBits VI!

You can find the SQLBits agenda here: http://sqlbits.com/information/newagenda.aspx

Lending a hand

After reading Jeremiah Peschka’s (@peschkaj) article, Volunteering with PASS, I’ve realised the need to help out if I can. So, one of my goals at the conference is to find a few of the current organisers and figure how I can get involved. Is there any better way to rub shoulders with the best & the brightest out there? So, if Simon or James or Chris or Martin or Darren or Allan happen to read this, then consider this my offer to help. By the way, you’re all on my list of people to meet… ;)

My Schedule

When I originally planned to go to SQLBits I wondered whether or not to go up on the Thursday evening or rush in on the Friday morning. I was never going to make the Thursday pre-con, so it was a toss up between shelling out more ££’s for another night in the hotel or risk missing the start of the Friday program. So I gambled and decided I would travel on the Friday morning. This was done before the agenda was published (train tickets are sooooo much cheaper if you book in advance, see my previous entry), hence the gamble. It seems to have paid off however, as registration is from 08:45 – 09:40 and I should arrive (hopefully) at around 09:30. Just in time.

Here’s my planned schedule (if you’re remotely interested):

Friday, 20th November:

Saturday, 21st November:

Sunday, 22nd November:

I’m hoping to meet a bunch of folks at the conference, so if you are going, let me know. It’s always easier to start a conversation if you’ve already introduced yourself, even if that is only in a ‘online’ sense. So, either leave a comment here or look me up on twitter (@lukehayler). Oh, and if you’re already on twitter and not using the #sqlbits tag for related posts, you should be.

I’m hunting for social events next….stay tuned.

Preparations

So I’ve been reading a lot in the last few weeks. As the PASS Summit has just come and gone, there are a multitude of blog posts out there about conference preparation, travelling tips, ways to cut costs, what type of questions you should and shouldn’t be posing to speakers/vendors/other attendees, starting conversations with others, making new acquaintances, as well as those about the actual conference.

My preparations have be slow and steady. Research has been the main focus, with understanding what sessions are on offer, who the speakers are and what events will be taking place ‘after hours’. The first two items here are easily accomplished by venturing over to the sqlbits website where you will find a description of each of the intended sessions, the speakers and their bios with links to their websites and other web presences (twitter) if any exist – most do, but there are a few who seem to be ghosts on the information super-highway (ha! when was the last time that you heard that phrase…). Say what you like, but I believe that if you are a speaker then you should at least have a spot on the intertubez where people can find out more about you and download your slides.

I’ve ordered a bunch of business cards from moo.com. They’re of the mini variety and hold all the vital contact info as well as a mug shot of yours truly – so you can remember who to avoid look for at the next meet…

I’ve started to put together a few questions for key people that I’m aiming to stalk find, meet and get to know a little better. I’ll bribe them with whatever they need to persuade them to stick around long enough find out who I am and to answer my questions – I find beer works pretty well in most cases.

What to do, Where to go

In terms of sessions that I’m thinking of attending, it depends on the schedule. I’ve been informed however, that although the schedule for the sessions has been done, ‘technical difficulties’ have meant that they are not yet available for the rest of us. Let’s hope they fix the issue soon… wink wink nudge nudge. Once I know when the sessions are to take place I’ll post a list that I’ll be attending.

On to the important stuff. Social Events! I have been searching for a while now, but have still to find any reference to the ‘after hours events’ – think organised dinners and karaoke sessions at the PASS Summit. This is due to the fact that either there are no events (yet) or they haven’t been adequately advertised. So, if any of you readers do have knowledge of any planned social events, please let me know. If there aren’t any planned events, well…, we’ll have to change that. Pronto.

I’ll see you there. SQLbits 2009.