SQLServerCentral Editorial

The 2014 PASS Summit Report - Day 1

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What's happening at the PASS Summit? Monday and Tuesday were pre-con days. I had SQL in the City Monday, but I sat in Allan Hirt's AlwaysOn precon Tuesday. I assume the other pre-cons were like this one, with lots of learning, packing a wealth of information into a day with two short breaks and lunch.

It's amazing how things have changed at SQL Saturdays and the Summit. It seems the days of a round table of 8 geeks sitting quietly eating are gone. People are introducing themselves as they sit down, chatting, and talking to each other about a variety of topics. It's quite interesting to see so many people spending a few minutes to get to know each other, and making the effort to discuss and debate everything from SQL to sports to kids.

Tuesday night was the opening reception, which is always a good time. I see so many people I know, but there's no shortage of community members introducing everyone to everyone. This is a fantastic time to meet new people and network. There are always a number of parties as well, and I managed to get to one, but had to call it a night at 10:45pm.

Wednesday was the first day of learning, and it started with a large #SQLRun. About 50 or so people showed up for a 3 mile run in the morning. Afterwards the conference opened with a welcome from Tom LaRock and a series of demos and talks from Microsoft. The keynote wasn't that good, in my opinion, but perhaps there are interesting things for your career.

There were lots of sessions, which I managed to completely miss with a few short lightning talks at the Red Gate booth and a few meetings. I heard the Query Store talk was great, so if you get the chance to see it, do so. However I did get to see plenty of people, with more than a few people always in the Community Zone or expo hall to chat with. Microsoft kept the clinic staffed all day and I saw plenty of people asking questions and getting information from the engineers.

This was an exciting day, and it's a great event to attend. Start planning next year, and negotiate with your boss for the chance to experience the Summit in 2015.

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