Voice of the DBA

Tag: speaking

  • Speaking – Slide Design

    I’m not sure I love this advice on slide design, but some of it makes sense. Much too often I see people putting lots of information on slide decks, as though readers will be studying the slides. I am working to reduce the amount of letters or “data” on each slide, and increase the information by making things simpler and hoping people will pay attention to me.

    I’m not sure what I would do differently, but I am moving towards more pictures, and less words. The presentation is to hear me speak, not a talking textbook.

    I should write a little about what I am doing differently, and showcase how I’ve reduced the data on some slides. However I’m curious. Do you think the slides matter? Do you refer to them later for information? Or do you want them to highlight things I talk about to keep you on track and give you an idea of what I am teaching?

  • I’m Speaking at ….

    Last week I noted that I was speaking at the new SQL Intersection event. Hopefully I’ll see some of you there and get the chance to shake some hands.

    As I was writing that post, I included a “I’ll be there” graphic, which I’ve included here as well. It was the first time I’d been sent a graphic from an event that specifically mentioned my as a speaker. It’s a neat idea, not only for promotions, but also as a way for me to include a small memory of my blog of the event. Somehow it seems slightly more personal than the event logo.

    A few days after I received that graphic, I got another email, this one from Karla Landrum of PASS. She noted that she was sending out “I’m speaking at” graphics for the SQL Saturday events. I got mine yesterday for the Albuqerque event this weekend.

    sqlsat183_speaking

    I think this is a great idea, and I’ve updated my speaking schedule with the graphic. I think it brightens up the page, and I’m looking forward to the other logos that will come from future events.

    Promoting events is hard, and every interesting thing you can do will help. Banner ads are often blocked or ignored by many people, but I do think the logos and pictures embedded into posts like this one can help raise awareness.

    And they’re a nice keepsake for your online blog, whether you’re a speaker or a trainer.

    Thanks to Jonathan Allen for suggesting this enhancement. If you’ve got an idea to help grow the SQL Saturdays or other events, please let the organizers know. Growing the SQL Server community and exciting others to join is something we all can do.

  • SQL Intersection 2013 – Las Vegas in April

    I'll_Be_ThereIt’s not too hot, it can be fun, and after a full day of SQL Server learning, there are lots of things to do. I’m heading back to Las Vegas in April to speak at the new SQL Intersection event. It’s in conjunction with DevIntersection, and it’s at the MGM Grand Hotel.

    This event is taking the place of the DevConnections, but it’s a little more focused. There are some great sessions and I’m honored to be picked to be speaking alongside these amazing individuals

    It’s a great spring conference with improve your SQL Server knowledge during the day and enjoy amazing shows at night. I’m hoping to get the chance to see one of the comedy acts while I’m there.

    Come join me if you want to get away this spring from work, learn more about SQL Server and find some warm weather in the early spring.

    One more note. If you register by Feb 11, 2013, you’ll get $100 to spend at the MGM, and a Surface RT tablet. A good reason to lobby your boss to make a decision early and attend this event.

  • SQL and Skiing – SQL Saturday #183

    This weekend of SQL Saturday #183 in Albuquerque, NM. It’s the first SQL Saturday in that state, and it’s a relatively short drive from Colorado. Six hours from my house, S of Denver, and a nice city. My brother used to live there, and I made a few trips to see him.

    I’m looking forward to going back, but not to tour the city. I’m sure that would be fun, but there’s a side diversion between Denver and Abuquerque:  Taos.

    Taos, NM has two ski resorts nearby: Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire. I’ve never been to either of them, and I’d like to see what it’s like to ski in New Mexico. A few of my fellow Coloradans feel the same way and we’ve organized a bit of a caravan trip.

    Two or three of us are planning to drive Thursday night with two or three passengers, for a total of 5 or 6. We’ll ski Friday and then continue down to Albuquerque for the speaker event Friday night and SQL Saturday #183 on Saturday. A few of us will then go back to Taos on Saturday. Whether we will ski on Sunday depends on how these older bodies feel.

    I love the SQL Saturday events, and think they’re a great chance to teach people things, learn things, and give vendors a chance to meet potential customers face to face. However the networking is one of the best opportunities that I’ve seen from these events. The chance to meet other SQL Server professionals, find out what they are doing, learn about new features, functions, applications and opportunities is amazing.

    The chance to bond and make a new friend or acquaintance is one you shouldn’t pass up. You never know when you network might help you, and there are plenty of companies that view networks as more important than recruiters.

    I’m looking forward to some networking on the drive, getting to better know the people I’ve met at many local events. I’m also looking forward to speaking on Branding at the event and meeting even more SQL Server pros from New Mexico.

    If you get the chance to attend an event, it’s worth your time if you meet people and talk with them. I encourage you to try this in the future, especially at a SQL Saturday. Talk to people in sessions, between them, or even later at the after party.