Yesterday was the first day of sessions at the PASS Data Community Summit (after pre-cons on Monday). It’s a smaller event, but fun and more intimate. A few long time attendees noticed the atmosphere was different, but nice. This reminds me of the earlier events in the 2000s, contained, everyone seeing each other multiple times.
Connect. Share. Learn.
To me, one of the best things is the connections. I had the chance to see a lot of friends, and meet a few new ones. I grabbed a few selfies, but I have more. Peter, Aaron and I have run into each other many times.
I see Edwin at so many events, and he’s such an interesting person to talk to. It’s well worth your time to introduce yourself if you see him.
Jonathan is brilliant and always dresses way better than me. He’s always teaching or coaching, helping the community, and constantly smiling.
I was honored to kick off the conference with a short opening. It was neat to walk across the stage as people were filtering in an grab a few shots. Here’s one.
I have to admit that I was a little nervous. Partly because of time, as they gave me a lot of slides, and I had my own section where I wanted to spend a little time. I snapped a quick look as I was prepping from backstage. No matter how many times I’ve done this, it’s a thrill to walk up the stairs and onto the stage.
Time Mitchell grabbed this show of me.
The part of the opening that was mine included memories of the Summit.
Fun
Chris at karaoke.
Tim on a (kind of ) bronco.
Friends
Hamish and I from I don’t know when. Well, before his hair went really wild.
T-Jay photobombing Brent and I. One of the memorable shots I’ve taken.
A Changing World
This one is hard. Mickey doesn’t come anymore, and I miss our breakfasts.
Kathy and Joe have retired, and I hope they’re enjoying life after data.
From many years ago, but Allen has been a dear friend and I was thrilled he came to the Summit one last time a few years ago to say goodbye to everyone.
Loss
Gareth was such a light and his loss still weighs on me when I come to Seattle. He’s a reminder to enjoy the journey as you never know when it will end.
Andrew is someone I worked with for over a decade at Redgate. His passing reminds me to appreciate and look back at the things I’ve enjoyed in life.
Hugo hit me hard.
I thought about this afterwards.
“A first from me. Must have been a lot of dust in the air as my eyes were leaking. I had rehearsed, practiced, and thought I was ready to remember and honor Hugo.
It’s a sad time, but also one full of amazing memories of Hugo, Robert, Gareth, Andrew and more. Loss is a part of life, but it’s also helps us appreciate the wonderful moments we have.”
I run sqlmemorial.org and it’s always sad to add another entry. I should have mentioned Brian Moran above, as his passing hit me hard. It was a tough moment on stage, but one I felt was needed.
The Summit has been amazing, and I’m trying to appreciate and enjoy it. As Hugo did, and as he’d want us all to do.
I opened with