Voice of the DBA

Tag: SQL Bits

  • Another Day, Another City

    After a few days in Copenhagen for SQL Nexus, I traveled to London late last night, and am now making my way to Liverpool for SQL Bits. A hectic schedule, leaving one city, flying to another, a few hours sleep and moving again today.

    It’s exciting to be heading back to SQL Bits again, as it’s my favorite conference, and I am looking forward to seeing people from all over the world that I’ve become friends with across the years. Plus it will be fun to see all the costumes at Friday night’s space themed party.

    I’ve got two sessions to deliver. A lunchtime session on version control Friday and then a testing talk Saturday.

    Between now and then, some final rehearsals, and hopefully an hour or two at the Beatles museum.

  • A Welcoming Conference

    I’ve noted it in the past, but it bears repeating. SQL Bits is my favorite conference to attend, both as a speaker and attendee. The event is a rare combination of great technical content, first class conference management, and a casual, fun atmosphere. Add to all of this the fact that conference moves to various venues around the United Kingdom, and it’s become a can’t miss event for me.

    Each year I’ve gone, I’ve learned some really fascinating things about the SQL Server platform. I’m not sure why, but I always see some great sessions that tackle interesting problems. Perhaps this is because many of the sessions are voted on by the community, rather than chosen by a small committee. Maybe it’s because the speakers have more leeway and aren’t bound by so many strict rules about what they can and can’t say. No matter what the reason, the content is top notch and worth watching. You can watch previous sessions at home, anytime you want.

    However, I’d really recommend you attend the event. Saturday is free, like a SQL Saturday. The selection of pre-cons is amazing, and covers topics I don’t see often at other large events. Plus there’s the amazing party with a new theme each year. I’m excited to see what costumes come out this spring. You can check out the amazing super hero looks from last year or the Steampunk ones from the year before. Perhaps what I’ve really enjoyed is the casual way the party is run, with a few random spouses or friends coming and not being hassled by security. One of these days, I’m looking forward to being able to bring my wife to Bits, and have her enjoy the event with me.

    Certainly this is a long way for many to travel for a conference, though it’s probably not that much more expensive than trying to make any of the large conferences in US if you must travel out of state. I’m lucky that I usually get to speak and I can combine this trip with a visit to the Redgate Software offices. If you have a choice of which conference to attend, I’d take a hard look at SQLBits, and maybe split the cost with your boss. It’s a great excuse to take a short vacation before or after an intellectually stimulating, emotionally relaxing, and thoroughly enjoyable event.

    Note: You have until April 15 to post a review of a SQL Bits conference or video for a chance to win a pass to the conference.

    Steve Jones

    The Voice of the DBA Podcast

    Listen to the MP3 Audio ( 3.0MB) podcast or subscribe to the feed at iTunes and LibSyn.

  • Win a SQLBits Pass

    You can win a free conference pass to SQL Bits, in Liverpool, May 4-7. It’s easy, just post a review of one of their previous events. Haven’t been? No worries, post a review of a video of one of the sessions. You can find those here:

    If you want to just register, there’s a few discount code slots left, so use 4pr1l-F00l when you register.

    This is my favorite event, and I hope to see you there.

  • Back

    It’s amazing to think I’ve been gone 10 days, out of the country. SQL Bits was amazing, and still is the best SQL Server conference in the world I’ve seen. I haven’t been to them all, but this is the best of those I go to.

    Ireland was fantastic, and a very warm welcome for a day of training and then a talk at the Dublin SQL Server User Group. Some really interesting questions for me to blog about and answer in the next few weeks.

    Photo Mar 05, 10 40 37 AM

    I saw some neat SQL Server tips, tricks, ideas, and inspirations, which is always a good thing as it motivates me to do more and learn more as my career progresses.

    And I got a new shirt:

    Photo Mar 05, 4 15 07 AM

    An amazing gift from the crew at SQL Bits. My own speaker shirt. I was quite touched and I really appreciate the effort they went to. I know what I’ll be wearing next year.

    Photo Mar 10, 1 52 58 AM

    A few people were jealous, since the "regular" speaker shirts were blue polos. I guess I stand out a bit from them. The Friday night party was fun, with the Captain making an appearance.

    Photo Mar 06, 2 43 03 PM

    All in all a great trip.

    Now back to work.