I was recently approached and asked, “What is SQL Saturday? I actually get asked that question more times than not from other people within and outside the community that have never had the pleasure of attending an event. I’d like to take a moment, and from my own perspective lay out the what, why, and how come you should familiarize yourself with such great events across the globe.

The What

You can read the official “What is SQL Saturday About” here

The Yates version is what you will find in this blog post and what it means to me as a data professional. Oddly enough I attended my first SQL Saturday event 4 yrs ago, and that stemmed from going to my first PASS Summit 6 yrs ago. Why the gap you ask? I don’t have a good reason; but what I can say is I was enamored by the fact I could go to this free event and learn from top-tier speakers. Usually there is a fee involved for lunch which is minimal and in some cases I’ve seen where you bring your own. These events usually consist of DBA, BI, Professional Development tracks split up across a full days time. In it you’ll find some speakers you would see at PASS Summit all the way to local and regional speakers. The good thing about these events are you can network and share experiences and knowledge with other data professionals from all walks of professions on top of the learning.

Depending on the size of the event you will have a chance to talk to various sponsors regarding their products that they offer. Not all events will have sponsors and that’s okay. The purpose of these events are to “help” people continue to learn and for others to pay forward the opportunities they have experienced.

The Why

The why is important. If you don’t get or read anything else on this post I want you to stop, open your eyes, take this in. I can sum it up in one word for you – PEOPLE.

I’ve found myself being a co-organizer for our local event in Louisville, KY – you can read about our upcoming one here. This is no easy undertaking, and I’ve seen the value; the difference it makes in data professionals. In speaking of giving back to what has been afforded to you; this is one way I believe that I can make an impact on the community. There is nothing like seeing a light bulb go off or seeing someone who has attended these events come up to you and say that something finally clicks. It’s about the attendees; the people.

Listen, it’s not a life about glitz and glamour. It’s hard work, it’s dedication, it’s requiring you to have a drive that when you are faced with adversity you overcome it. These events provide avenues for data professionals who can’t travel to the big conferences. Providing good quality learning is key to developing and cultivating our growing SQL Community ~ I’m a huge proponent that each one reach one. Stop and think about that for a second. Imagine how many people we have in our SQL Community. If each person reached one other person, my oh my, and if we help one at these said events then it is worth it in my eyes.

How Come

In my finite mind it started with a vision Andy Warren, Brian Knight, and Steve Jones had back in 2007. Knowing 2 of the 3 people listed I know that the mindset was geared toward  helping others learn because I know how much they have invested in me over the years. I look at SQL Saturday’s differently than I used to; over time it has grown from learning, soaking up all the knowledge I could; to speaking, volunteering, and helping at said events.

Believe it or not; speakers are people to. It is always encouraging when you see new speakers submit abstracts to these events. It allows for development and growth of upcoming rising stars to let their talents shine through.

Conclusion

If you haven’t attended a SQL Saturday then why not start? You can get a full listing of events here

I do request one thing of you if you attend. You will see volunteers at these events; remember one thing. They do this for free; we aren’t paid huge salary major league contracts; instead they (we) put in blood sweat and tears to put on a good event for you to come learn. I encourage you to seek one of them out and just say thank you; you will have no idea how much it will mean to them.

If you need help getting plugged into a SQL Saturday near you let me know. I’d love to talk to you and help you get started on your journey to further learning – just leave me a comment and I’ll reach out to you.

If you are a new and upcoming speaker, again give me a shout. I’ll be happy to provide some insights and tricks that has helped me over the years.

Let’s get after it and make it happen – each one reach one. Let’s Roll