InstantForum.NET v2.9.0SQLServerCentralhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/notifications@sqlservercentral.comSat, 25 May 2013 14:31:48 GMT20http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1384951-1199-1.aspxHi All, I have been asked to help recruit new IT/IS/CS Program Evaluator (PEV) for ABET ([url=http:www.abet.org]http:www.abet.org[/url]); the basic duty of a PEV is to visit Universities in order to evaluate and subsequently recommend whether to accredit or not accredit IT/IS/CS Bachelor degree level programs. The process requires normally about 20-30 hours of pre work before a visit and then a 2-3 day on campus evaluation. ABET provides all the training and of course covers all travel and visit related expenses, but the time itself is volunteered (some companies and many universities may consider the time professional development and do not require the use of vacation or leave time; others do not). I have been a part of ABET for several years now, and the experience has been very worthwhile and educational. Becoming a PEV does require a Masters degree in a Computing discipline (IT/IS/CS or CSE), along with relevant and current computing experience. Additional detail about the process can be found at [url=http://csab.org/volunteer.html]http://csab.org/volunteer.html[/url]. Of course, I would be more than happy to answer any questions (post to this thread and we can direct message from there), and please feel free to forward this message on to others who may be interested / qualified.Thanks Scott MurrayWed, 14 Nov 2012 19:52:59 GMTScott Murray-240410http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1370864-1199-1.aspx[b]When:[/b] 01/11/2012[b]Time:[/b] 7:00pm - 9:30pm[b]Where:[/b] Eversheds, 1 Callaghan Square, Cardiff CF10 5BT[b]What: [/b]Covering great ways of getting data from A to B, the sessions will be covering the useful tool Log Parser, along with the basics of SSIS. A mix of sessions, with something for both the experienced and those new to the database world.[b]More info & to register:[/b] http://sqlserverfaq.com/events/450/Cardiff-User-Group-with-Jonathan-and-Annette-Allan.aspx Wed, 10 Oct 2012 05:51:22 GMTSteph Lockehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1268353-1199-1.aspx[b]Maidenhead SQL Server User Group - Tuesday 27th March[u][/u][/b]Registrations are handled via [url=http://sqlserverfaq.com/default.aspx?EVTCTAG=Maidenhead]http://www.SQLServerFAQ.com[/url] Further details of future events can be found on the Maidenhead SQL Server User Group site - [url=http://www.SQLStudy.org]http://www.SQLStudy.org[/url]The agenda and abstract for sessions on the 27th March can be found below:18:00 - 18:30 - Registration, Intro, Round Table discussion, Nuggets etc.18:30 - 19:00 - [b]Jen Stirrup [/b](MVP) - Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation in SQL Server 201219:30 - 20:00 - Refreshments20:00 - 21:00 - [b]Kevin Kline [/b](MVP) - Ten Things Every Developer Should Know[b]Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation in SQL Server 2012[u][/u][/b]The new Business Intelligence and Data Visualisation features and functionality are key to the strategic and technical changes in SQL Server 2012. We will take a look at:- Power View and its impact for Data Visualisation according to the principles of Stephen Few, Tufte and other data visualisation experts- PowerPivot improvements and new features- Reporting Services and its future in Sharepoint[b]Ten Things Every Developer Should Know[u][/u][/b]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. This session will answer questions like:- What’s the most common Transact-SQL programming mistake and how do I fix it?- How do database designers cause problems for future generations of application developers and database administrators?- Why do inexperienced database administrators make their own job more difficult and less efficient? 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.Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:04:06 GMTRichardDouglashttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic830994-1199-1.aspxThis is a pre-announcement of an event that I am helping to plan and run:[h4]On Saturday, March 13th, PSSUG[sup]1[/sup], (a PASS Chapter SQL User's Group) will hold its first SQL Camp[sup]2[/sup] at St Joseph's University in Philadelphia, PA.[/h4]As a member of the Speaker's Committee, my job is to help with speaker acquisitions. As we are hoping to have 25-35 speakers, I wanted to make all who are interested aware of the date so that they can plan accordingly. It is my hope that one or more of my Fellow Experts[sup]3[/sup] here at SSC will either be in the area or so moved by altruism that they offer to bring their awesome SQL speaking skills to bear for our benefit[sup]4[/sup]. :-)I should have a website up soon where those interested in speaking can submit proposals/applications. Until then, if you have an interest and/or may be available for us, please Email me at Rbarryyoung+pssugcamp@Gmail.com, including and speeches, presentations, or topics that you would be interested in presenting.[hr][sup][b]1[/b][/sup] - Philadelphia SQL Server Users Group[sup][b]2[/b][/sup] - Name not actually determined yet[sup][b]3[/b][/sup] - :-D[sup][b]4[/b][/sup] - No remuneration for speakers is available at this time, however, I [i]may[/i] be able to offer one or more of the following: Lunch, dinner, party, alcohol, a bed, taxi service, etc.[hr]Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:44:33 GMTRBarryYounghttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic848977-1199-1.aspxI am looking for sql user groups in delhi, NCR region....any help will be appreciated.Sun, 17 Jan 2010 23:12:40 GMTSqlfrenzyhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1082960-1199-1.aspx[size="4"][b]Leveraging Partners to SaaS-Enable Your Business[/b][/size]The cloud is everywhere, and with it SaaS has created a new opportunity for software delivery. If you’re an Independent Software Vendor (ISV), you may be asking: what new business models does SaaS open up for me? What new customer segments can I reach this way that I was unable to before? How should I monetize access to my application? How does my application and system architecture need to change for SaaS delivery? Microsoft and VISI have partnered to provide a breakfast seminar on the topic of Leveraging Partners to SaaS-Enable Your Business. Join us on May 5th, 2011 and you’ll learn about the important items to consider when selecting a hosting partner for your SaaS application, including:•How the SaaS model evolved•Not all SaaS ISVs are created equal•The three challenges in offering a SaaS application•Key considerations in choosing a hosting partner•Real world case study from a local application development firmReserve your seat today at www.visi.com/saasjumpstart. Free registration includes a complimentary breakfast and a chance for attendees to win great Microsoft products.Date: May 5th, 2011 Time: 7:30am - 9:00am CSTLocation: Microsoft Headquarters – Bloomington, MinnesotaWed, 23 Mar 2011 13:40:10 GMTmarketingprhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1154701-1199-1.aspxThis should be a good news for SQL Server professionals in Toronto area. A great opportunity to learn, share and meet with the other developers, DBAs, and data professionals. I post here for those who are not aware of it.Here is the link: http://www.sqlsaturday.com/93/eventhome.aspxThu, 04 Aug 2011 17:42:41 GMTVivien Xinghttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1088728-1199-1.aspxWill anyone be attending TechEd this year in Atlanta? Does the SQL ServerCentral community typically have get togethers and events like this? This is my first TechEd! :D**bah.. can't edit my typo in the title!**Tue, 05 Apr 2011 09:45:15 GMTkstjacqueshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic1066836-1199-1.aspxFirst, a heartfelt thanks to all the presenters flying through crappy weather and difficult itineraries to come out and see us here in Phoenix, and a second thanks for our local presenters for spending their time with us.Another thank you goes out to Gangplank, a local business ... organization (not a co-op but better than), and the organizers!Now that the grammy thank yous are over, no matter how much I feel their deserved, a bit of the meat. :-)I stayed the day and got to hobnob a little bit at the afterparty. For anyone who attended, I was the guy in the leather jacket and ponytail who kept disappearing to smoke between sessions. ;-)I attended, in order: Janis Griffin's MDW overview, Colin Smith's Powershell for the DBA, Robert Miller's Manage and Monitor your Mirror, Michael Collin's Introduction to SQL Azure, Bill Ramos' Making of SQL Server Denali Dashboard, and Denny Cherry's Where should I be encrypting my data. I also attended the WIT panel during lunch.First, let me say that after 10 years of working in SQL Server, I'd never attended a community event before. I was impressed at the level of organization and professionalism of the organizers, and the friendliness of the presenters. A special thanks to Robert Miller, willing to give me an hour of dedicated time while I was the only person in the room, helping me catch up with mirroring methodologies.I'm loathe to mention the speakers in particular, as they all did well and it would be easy to accidentally insult by leaving out specific highlights, but I will try anyway. I'll take them in order of my attendance.Janis Griffin presents in an easy, offhanded manner, walking you through her process and always willing to both show her knowledge and to work with others in the room when they are more aware of specific answers to questions. Colin Smith was well organized and did exactly what he set out to do, introduce older DBA's to the new technology of Powershell, and left us with enough tools to work from to make sure we could educate ourselves after introducing us to the basics.Robert Miller, as mentioned, presented to a nearly empty room, and at no time did I ever feel like I had missed out on anything for it. On the contrary, I don't know what he's like to a crowd, but his interest in the technology is infectious, even while communicating the difficulties in the current environment vs. what the future holds.Michael Collins is an extremely accurate presenter, and clarified a number of small confusion points I had about the purpose, limitations, and advantages of SQL Azure.Bill Ramos is a very entertaining presenter, a surprise for me after reviewing some presentations from Microsoft Employees. He's an ex-employee, now, but his style and discussions are engaging, keeping you from drifting off while explaining what could have been a complex topic in chewable bites.Denny Cherry is an experience. His knowledge obviously shines, but he shares his knowledge in a way the level of the rest of us poor souls can consume. He is also an engaging speaker, and you would be remiss, if you have the chance, to miss either his presentations or his style.The WIT panel was interesting, With Denise McInerney, Amy Lewis, Janis Griffin, and one other (I'M SORRY!) on the panel presenting some of the difficulties of keeping women in the IT field. Among topics covered was the quit rate of females after achieving high knowledge levels, and the current CompSci graduate rates of females. It gave me some food for thought and was quite interesting.GangPlank and the organizers also offered us an afterparty, which gave me a chance to shmooze a little bit in elevated company and to meet some local folks working their way into the field. I found out that our community, at least for these events (with a single data sampling) contains both ends of the spectrum for our work.Did I mention Gangplank did a hell of a job organizing, feeding, preparing venues, and setting up the environment? Let me say it again. Thanks Gangplank.All in all, I didn't have a single negative experience during a long day after a hellacious week on the personal side of my life, when I would normally be a grumpy PITA.Thank you again to the organizers, presenters, and community at SQLSaturday. You made my day.Sun, 20 Feb 2011 01:31:41 GMTEvil Kraig Fhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic978729-1199-1.aspxIs anybody going to SQLBits in York from South Wales or the South West?Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:18:58 GMTSteph Lockehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic943438-1199-1.aspxGot my act together and now we are on for the first Kent Sql server user group18Aug in Maidstone.[url]http://sqlsocialkent20100818.eventbrite.com/[/url]Sat, 26 Jun 2010 05:17:57 GMTDave Ballantynehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic864157-1199-1.aspxI just registered for my very first SQL Saturday (#39, down in what we upstate New Yorkers simply call "the City," on April 24)!Having never been to one of these, I was wondering what can I expect from this event. Anything I should be aware of?Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:40:03 GMTRay Khttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic903738-1199-1.aspxI'm trying to kick off a user group for Eugene Oregon and surrounding communities. So to measure interest, I'm holding a FREE lunch May 5th for all SQL Server Devs/DBA/etc in the area.Now is the time to get involved, to help choose subjects and topics of future meetings. Get you questions answered, and get to know others in your area.Please post interest here, and I will post the location when I have one.Hope to see you there.DanPS Maybe I can talk Steve to coming to one of our future meetings ;)Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:04:57 GMTDan Guzman - Not the MVPhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic875509-1199-1.aspxI am a beginner SQL developer/administrator for a small organization in Washington, DC. I am interested in creating a meet-up / get together to go to lunch/dinner during/after a weekday on occasion at a (yet to be determined) restaurant in the DC area. No ulterior motive. Just to meet others who are working with SQL. Beginners and/or experts. Anyone interested ?Thanks.AlanTue, 02 Mar 2010 13:36:54 GMTAlan-newbiehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic839120-1199-1.aspxI know it's a little late notice, but we have a need for a second speaker at our SQL Sig meeting in Haddon Twp., NJ on January 26th, starting around 6pm. Anyone who has a desire to speak and might be in the area, please let me know as soon as possible.Thanks!Thu, 24 Dec 2009 23:11:29 GMTRBarryYounghttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic831046-1199-1.aspxSQL training is March 6th –For more information please visit [url=http://www.sqlsaturday.com/33/eventhome.aspx[/url] or email us at sqlsaturday#33@sqlsaturday.comTue, 08 Dec 2009 14:53:58 GMTJBroschhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic823195-1199-1.aspxHii alll,kindly let me know if any training event for sql server 2008 in mumbai(INDIA)Mon, 23 Nov 2009 05:18:12 GMTsanketahir1985http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic820711-1199-1.aspxHi all,Well the SQL bits event in Newport is just days away now. Cant wait to get over to Newport (even if my train is at 6.45am) and attend some sessions on the Friday.I was just wondering if anyone else from SSC was heading over there for anyone of the days?Wed, 18 Nov 2009 04:44:52 GMTNicHopperhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic797262-1199-1.aspxHello fellow programmersI am about to embark on my first book signing at [u]Barnes and Noble on Saturday, October 17th from 3:00pm - 5:00pm.[/u]If any of you will be in the Tampa Bay area of Florida on October 17th, I would love to meet you.The information for my book and the location of the signing is following:SQL Book:SQL for Microsoft Access, 2nd Edition Publisher: Jones & Bartlett PublishersISBN-10: 1598220608 Location of Signing:Barnes & Noble2501 Tyrone Blvd. N.St Petersburg, FL 33710I look forward to meeting all who can attend.:-)Cecelia Allisonwww.iwanttolearnsql.comFri, 02 Oct 2009 15:25:08 GMTallison16http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic776339-1199-1.aspxHello AllIf any of you will be in the [i]Tampa Bay area of Florida[/i] around October 17th, I would love to meet you in person.I will be doing a book signing [u]Saturday, October 17th 3:00pm- 5:00pm [/u]at [b]Barnes and Noble[/b] located at [i]2501 Tyrone Blvd. N. St Petersburg, FL 33710. [/i]The signing is specific to "SQL for Microsoft Access 2nd edition" but I will sign other books of mine that you may have already purchased.I look forward to meeting all who can attend.:-)Cecelia AllisonauthorSQL for Microsoft Access 2nd edMon, 24 Aug 2009 15:41:16 GMTallison16http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic776271-1199-1.aspxAdam Morton of Principality has taken on the challenge of organising and running the South Wales SQL Server User Group, come and join Adam, Allan Mitchell, Tony Rogerson and other SQL Server minded folk at this first meeting - we are strictly limited to 30 so register now to avoid disappointment. Also check out Adam's website www.sqling.com for best practice advice and hints and tips around Data Warehousing.For agenda details and to sign up visit www.sqlserverfaq.comThanks!Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:34:44 GMTaaa-322853http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic767993-1199-1.aspxHello guys,The voting process of the Exceptional DBA Awards 2009 has begun:http://www.exceptionaldba.com/vote.htmI would like to ask your vote,Thank you very much,Alex Rosaalex@keep-learning.com+55 11 9320-5256 (cell phone)Skype = alex.rosa.dbahttp://www.keep-learning.comhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrosadbaMon, 10 Aug 2009 10:38:40 GMTAlex Rosahttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic756598-1199-1.aspxhttp://www.sqloperations.com/Training.aspxThis two weeks instructor-led course provides students with knowledge and skills to Install, Configure and Manage SQL Server 2008. It also covers: Performing Backups & Restores, Managing SQL Server 2008 Security, Transferring Data into and out of SQL Server 2008, Automating Administrative Tasks, Replicating Data between SQL Server Instances, Maintaining High Availability & Monitoring SQL Server 2008 in the enterprise. This training also prepares students for MCTS certification for exam 70-432 & 70-433.Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:00:18 GMTinfo-1131674http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic755868-1199-1.aspxI have an awesome opportunity to attend an advanced SQL Server class - 5 days covering index tuning, query plans, optimization, concurrency, locking and debugging. It's all the deep internals that I enjoy working with and promises to be a lot of fun. However, it is expensive and I think for around the same price, I could attend PASS Summit in Seattle - including airfare, hotel, food and the conference. Which do you think would be more beneficial? I'm leaning toward the class, but haven't attended Summit before so it's a tough call to make.Here are some of the factors I've thought of:*PASS is only 3 days where the class is a full 5 days (+1 for class, more training)*There is a greater variety of classes at PASS, but they don't have a schedule up for the classes, so I'm sure that some of the classes I want will be taught at the same time and I won't be able to attend them both (+1 for variety/-1 for not being able to fully schedule with the classes I want, so it nets out)*At PASS I would meet and network with a variety of individuals from all over the world (including the cool people I've "met" here at SSC). At the class, I would meet and network with the influential people in my local area who are more directly involved in local employment and could stop by to review something if we need a consultant (seems balanced to me again).*I could probably get some coworkers/acquaintances to attend the class, but I doubt they would go to the Summit (+1 for class, raises the level of expertise here)*I enjoy going home to the fam every night, there is no travel required for the class (beyond slightly worse traffic. +1 for the class).I guess I'm leaning heavily toward the class and will maybe try to attend Summit next year. What do you think? Have I missed something I should consider? Thanks!Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:02:13 GMT Chad Crawfordhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic705822-1199-1.aspxHello everyone ( who has been in this event in Neuss Germany - PASS EU)I wasn't there but I want to know how has been in this event and post some two-three words about this big event!:w00t:Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:45:23 GMTDugihttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic679631-1199-1.aspxhttp://www.solartechnj.com/course/623456.htmThis 5 day course covers Analysis Services, Integration Services, and Reporting Services and is instructed by a MS SS08 BI Certified Instructor using only genuine Microsoft Official Curriculum. Course can be taken face to face or completely online.Money is tight for everyone in this economy, but they raffle $2K at the end of the course if it reaches 16 attendees.For more info or to register, contact Shaundra Gallogly |Learning Solution Specialist| Phone: 201.606.8181x754 | Fax: 201.490.8788|www.solartech.usThu, 19 Mar 2009 10:22:40 GMTcherylfhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic670833-1199-1.aspxWe want to travel to Florida (Tampa Bay / Orlando area) to visit family in the April/May/June time frame. Would love to find a class/seminar/event to attend while we're there.SQL Saturdays aren't happening anywhere near where we will be, though.Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:20:37 GMTPam Brisjarhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic668481-1199-1.aspxIs anyone from SQL Server Central planning on attending the Microsoft TechDays in Antwerp next week? If yes, perhaps we could arrange to meet as a group one evening, to chat about SQL stuff and how tasteless Dutch beer is....Register your interest by adding a comment to this topic.AndyWed, 04 Mar 2009 10:36:11 GMTAndy sqlhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic665897-1199-1.aspxThe SSWUG has a very good set of conferences April 22,23,24 2009. This is a great opportunity because the conference is virtual, so no travel expenses, and has excellent presenters. To get a $10 discount, use the VIP Code: VCTAF444027-84There are 4 conferences. Read more with the links belowBusiness Intelligence:http://www.vconferenceonline.com/shows/spring09/bi/Sql Server:http://www.vconferenceonline.com/shows/spring09/sql/Sharepoint:http://www.vconferenceonline.com/shows/spring09/sharepoint/.NET Developerhttp://www.vconferenceonline.com/shows/spring09/dotnet/Fri, 27 Feb 2009 11:10:18 GMTsteve folkertshttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic665077-1199-1.aspxI'm booked into this, and looking forward to it. It's the first event of this kind that I will have been to.Also I still class myself as only a little above beginner, so I expect to develop a rather strong headache over the course of the day.Agenda is here: http://www.sqlbits.com/information/NewAgenda.aspxOf these I am planning to see:- Performance tuning your Sql- Sql Server's storage engine- Effective test-driven DB development- Database maintenance optimisation- the life of a query- Stop throwing hardware at the problemThu, 26 Feb 2009 08:54:07 GMTmazzzhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic607215-1199-1.aspx[u]Recommendation #1[/u] -[b] GO!!!![/b] Beg, borrow, steal (well maybe not the last) to make sure you can get there. If you have a training budget, use it on this summit. I have no idea how they can put this on for the price. I hate to use a cliche, but the entire Summit has a value far beyond any price you could put on it.[u]Recommendation #2[/u] - attend at least one pre-conference seminar, it's worth the extra cost and them some. I attended one with Kalen Delany as the host. A great many of you will have heard of her, and seen her articles around, and maybe even have her books. She’s a fantastic teacher and I gained more from that one day seminar than I could have imagined.[u]Recommendation #3[/u] - get to your class early, even if it means missing a cup of coffee, bring water with you. The first lesson I wanted to attend was on SQL Server 2008 on SAN: Lessons learned and best practices. So I wandered over to the room after grabbing a soda during the refreshment break. The door was closed and people were being turned away.[u]Recommendation #4[/u] - plan your week ahead. Get the schedule, select a primary and secondary class for every time period so that you don't get caught out and scrambling to figure out what you are going to do next.[u]Recommendation #5[/u] - this maybe seems inconsistent with #4, but adjust your schedule if something comes up in a previous seminar that captures your attention. Readjust your class priorities on a nightly basis (or even during lunch) if needs be. Remember, always have a backup (and test your restores).[u]Recommendation #6[/u] – Look for the SQLCat team, they rock in every respect. From their classes to snagging one in the hallway and asking questions to their attendance in the “Ask the Experts” lounge. The product development team are none to shabby either.[u]Recommendation #7[/u] – Attend the evening events. I wouldn’t say I am anti-social, but I can write it. That being said they are worth attending, there actually IS a chance that you might speak to someone, or rock out with some folks on Rock Band for a couple of hours.[u]Recommendation #8[/u] – Book your attendance through the SQL Server Central site. There are perks. It gives you a chance to connect with the immediate community that you are involved in right now. They even had giveaways. A polo shirt, the most recent SQL Central book and spot prizes on the casino tables. I walked away with a Spaceballs dvd, now THAT rules (the guy standing to the right of me hit BlackJack for the camera, he shall never be forgiven.[u]Recommendation #9[/u] – Bring pens. You’ll be given a pen, however by the end of the week I had gone through the ink on two and was well on the way to draining a third.[u]Recommendation #10[/u] – Bring a notebook that you can stick in your pocket (or pocketbook) and clip a pen to it. I used this for jotting down questions, this way they didn’t get lost in amongst my session notes, and it was always on hand to ask someone something, or add another question that pops into your head.[u]Recommendation #11[/u] – keep the notebook next to your bed. I woke at 5am one day, wrote a whole bunch of questions down about filestreams and went back to sleep.[u]Recommendation #12[/u] – if you have a question ask it. I had several questions that I figured were pretty dumb, but nobody ever treated me like I was a doofus. Everyone had respect for the questions and the patience to answer them.[u]Recommendation #13[/u] – there is an “Ask the Experts” lounge. It’s there for a reason, use it. Those guys know their stuff, and if you do actually manage to stump one of them with a question they will pull in someone who can. I had a great deal of fun asking questions and getting answers from these guys. Each answer leading me to pose another question. Being able to talk with the SQLCat guys, product developers and program managers, people you wouldn’t normally get access to, is pretty damn awesome.[u]Recommendation #14[/u] – be there for breakfast and lunch. You’ll sit at a table and talk with a variety of people from different parts of the country, who do different jobs. It’s an interesting way to pass the time while stuffing your mouth, and the foods not bad either.[u]Recommendation #15[/u] – stay to the end. Don’t skip out early on Friday, there are a lot of nuggets in those afternoon seminars[u]Recommendation #16[/u] – hit lunch early on Friday if you want to get food, however there’s several eateries in the location and across the road, so not that big of a deal.[u]Recommendation #17[/u] – talk to the attending vendors, they support the Summit, and it’s how you can attend for such a cheap price. I could see two choices here, either go around, get your card stamped by everyone and enter for a prize, or just go see who you found interesting and talk to them about their products. I spent probably a total of 3 hours with just 5 different vendors, learned great deal about their products, saw demonstrations, all without the hard sell and pressure you would find under normal circumstances (the hard sell is coming, but by then you’ll know whether it’s worth listening to the pitch or not).[u]Recommendation #18[/u] – Attend the keynotes. I had thought about ditching the first one and hitting the Microsoft Labs that were open from 8am to 8pm every day. Keynotes are boring. Yeah, that was yet another thing that I was totally wrong about. It was fascinating, awesome, funny. It drew in the crowd of people sitting in the huge conference room and left every one of them awestruck. If they weren't then they either knew what was going to be in that keynote, or had their Zunes playing in their ears (seriously, we can't have iPods, this is a Microsoft product centric Summit). If you get the chance to view the keynote online or talk to anyone about it, I am sure that you will hear the sheer enthusiasm about the future of the SQL product. Kilimanjaro, Madison and Gemini. Each drew massive applause and wows from the crowd. At one point, right in the middle of the Madison presentation a refresh button was hit, goose bumps raised on my arms and the entire room erupted. If you were there, you know, if you weren't I cannot explain it better than that, sorry.[u]Recommendation #19[/u] – start saving now for next year. I was fortunate enough to attend on a training budget this year, I don’t think that’s going to be the case next year, so a side savings account is being opened for the “Pass Fund”.I walked into the Summit, my first, thinking that I knew quite a lot about being a DBA. I'm not a developer, however can create sufficient T-SQL code to get me through my admin duties. As for BI, that's far out of my reach. As such I went in with the intention of focusing on the DBA focused classes.As I mentioned, I thought I knew a lot. Boy was I wrong.The days pass by very quickly, and before you know if the last seminar is over.This was my first year, it won’t be my last for sure.Thanks to the Pass people who put the gig together, and to Steve Jones and co for the after party. For this community that over the years they have built. And with their enthusiasm for the entire event year after year, finally persuading me to attend. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 11:46:10 GMTNicholas Cainhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic560814-1199-1.aspxI thought maybe a new thread was needed for PASS Summit 2008. Steve's editorial regarding the SSC party has generated a lot of should I go/ROI/tell me about the event posts, which are fine, but how about those who are going? I am. It will be my 2nd summit with the first being two years ago in Seattle as well.I had a great time last time and expect to repeat. I met some great folks - most of whom were somehow tied to Red Gate and it was about the same time they announced the purchase of this site - argued with some MVPs over great beers - learned quite alot - and enjoyed some good food (mostly outside of the conference center).I thought maybe this thread could help me be sure to do all of the above again but perhaps even better...Questions for those who are going, have been before, or are familiar with Seattle, in particular the area in walking distance to conference:- Any don't miss spots for food that I have to hit this time? Especially anything local or ethnic... Last time I ate fairly well, including PF chang's (which not unique to Seattle was a first for me), some shop in the fish market, and some other place on the water that I have no idea the name of. So, I have nothing to recommend to others on this question, looking for info.- Any better place to grab a beer than the brew pub a few blocks walk and over the bridge on the same road as the conf. center? Can't remember name of that place either but it was great. (Note to self, take better notes this time).- Any can't miss gathering other than SSC-night? Last time I mostly stumbled into them here and there.- What's going to be the can't miss, standing room only session of this conference? Or the shouldn't have missed, I was the only one there but it was incredible session of this conference?Getting siked, just wanted to hear from others going...Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:24:10 GMTNULLgarityhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic598014-1199-1.aspxA new SQL Server user group has been founded in Luxembourg, and is actively looking for members. The group’s goal is to share knowledge and promote communication between SQL Server users in the area.The group will provide a unique opportunity for regular face-to-face meetings in Luxembourg, therefore the target audience would be people living or working in the Grand Duchy and its surroundings. Membership is of course free and without commitment.The inaugural meeting is scheduled for the evening of Wednesday 3rd December, when David McKinney will present on the topic of “XML Functionality in SQL Server”.For more details either visit the Web Site at [url=http://www.sql.lu]www.sql.lu[/url] or the LinkedIn group at [url=http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=944787]http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=944787[/url]If you have any questions or comments then please e-mail john.marsh@sql.luThu, 06 Nov 2008 05:03:23 GMTJohn H Marsh http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic570717-1199-1.aspxHi, just wondering if anyone is going to the BI conference in Seattle Oct 6-8?Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:29:27 GMTMichelle Burkehttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic567395-1199-1.aspxGo to www.SQLSaturday.com for more details. I've submitted 3 sessions, but haven't heard back as to whether I'm speaking. The one I think will be picked is "Disaster Recovery - Preparing for the Storm" in honor of all these hurricanes, wildfires, and tornados we've been experiencing lately. @=)I hope you guys can come. It's in October, so sign up fast & soon!Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:07:58 GMTBrandie Tarvinhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic493803-1199-1.aspxHi - thought this might be of interest to develeopers and DBAs and would pass this along:http://www.devteach.com/Index.aspxhttp://www.devteach.com/Schedule.aspxThu, 01 May 2008 11:31:10 GMTJeff-67583http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic476777-1199-1.aspxToronto May 12-16http://www.sqlteach.com/Index.aspxSun, 30 Mar 2008 22:53:05 GMTVivien Xinghttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic470722-1199-1.aspxGuys, The Jacksonville SQL Server Users Group is presenting a free event in May called SQL Saturday. Check it out!!!Details can be found at the following urls:[url]http://jssug.com/[/url] (which also contains links to the call for speakers and the pending schedule).[url]http://www.sqlsaturday.com/[/url]Hope to see you there!!!Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:17:50 GMTBrandie Tarvinhttp://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic454549-1199-1.aspxhttp://www.microsoft.com/canada/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspxTue, 12 Feb 2008 10:26:51 GMTJeff-67583