Voice of the DBA

Tag: speaking

  • 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.

  • Speaking at SQL Saturday #183 – Albuquerque

    sqlsat183I’ve been accepted to speak at SQL Saturday #183 in Albuquerque, NM on Feb 9, 2013. This is the first SQL Saturday in New Mexico, and I’m excited to drive down and meet the SQL Server pros down there.

    My brother used to live in Albuquerque, and I’ve been there 2 or 3 times, but not in a long time. I was debating if I should fly or drive, but with Taos on the way, I’m thinking to stop by on the trip down and spend a day skiing before the event. If anyone’s interested in a Friday or Sunday out, let me know. I’m not sure which day to hit the mountain.

    I’ll be delivering my Branding Yourself for a Dream Job presentation at the event, but there will be a lot of SQL Server learning to be had. Denny Cherry, Aaron Bertrand, Jason Brimhall, TJay Belt, Mike Fal, Ben Miller, Reeves Smith, Caros Bossy and more are coming from out of town to give, and receive a day of training.

    Yes, most of us come to learn as well as speak. I’m not sure how busy my day will be or if I’ll be giving a lunchtime talk for Red Gate, but I am hoping to see a few sessions. These are on my list.

    If you are within driving distance, consider coming out and enjoying a Saturday of SQL learning.