Acing in Cleveland

Acing in Cleveland, what’s that mean?

I am very excited to announce that during PASS Summit last year, I was awarded the honor of Idera Ace. Idera has placed a great amount of confidence in me in that they are allowing to represent them at community events. They have given me access to some great tools, some awesome Idera swag and are even giving me a little travel money to help me reach more people.

On to the other reason for this post: HELLO CLEVELAND! Yes, I am returning to the great city. I couldn’t remember when the last visit was so of course I had to look it . . . → Read More: Acing in Cleveland

TSQL Tuesday #96: Folks Who Have Made a Difference

It always comes to me as a surprise that it is TSQL Tuesday again. I guess time just slips by so quickly these days. If you haven’t heard about or figured out what this Tuesday stuff is all about drop me a line and I will not only sell you on the concept I will convince you to write your first post for next month. We have Ewald Cress ( B | T ) to thank for this month’s topic.

As I go about my daily life I often give thought to how I got where I am and to those who helped me get here. I try to . . . → Read More: TSQL Tuesday #96: Folks Who Have Made a Difference

First Time Speakers #SQLSatNash

SQLSat Nashville is chaired by yours truly and there are a few things I want everyone to know about this event.

2018 will be the 5th year I’ve been at the helm of this event and every year we’ve worked to help community members. We have offered Pre-Cons to seasoned speakers that wanted to try longer teaching sessions. Last year we hooked first-time SQLSaturday speakers up with mentors to help them.

For 2018 we are again offering first-time speakers mentors and opportunities to update abstracts after the CFS ends. This will give you a little more time to finesse your submission after working with your mentor. We’ve had several folks . . . → Read More: First Time Speakers #SQLSatNash

Summit 2017

Well here we are that time of year again, FALL and full up pumpkin spice. But more importantly it’s time to make your plans for PASS Summit 2017. Kerry had a work requirement to write a bunch of blog post so I have unfortunately given him a loot of my good ideas. But I still have some good advice.

What to pack A jacket that is good for rain and cold. Make sure it has plenty of pockets to hold all your goodies. I’ve actually sewn extra pockets on the inside of 2 jacket. DON’T bring an umbrella. There is no where to stow then and a PITA to contend . . . → Read More: Summit 2017

Melting Down

I am here to tell you that it is okay to have a melt down and it’s okay to talk about it. I also want to let you know that if you ever find yourself in this position and need a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen that I am here for you.

As some of you may know flying isn’t always easy for me, I get anxiety. I do a good job of handling it but some days anxiety is a cruel beast that wins and completely makes no sense at all. Last week I was home alone all week, this is the first time I’ve stayed . . . → Read More: Melting Down

Local Venues

It seems to me that every time I turn around someone is looking for a venue to do something. Either a small party or a small meeting. Since I have just gone through looking for locations for both I thought I would share what I currently know about the local area.

Sportsman Grill Back room holds 40. Day min $300 night $400. Can limit menu choices. Has TV and you can connect to it. $$$$$$$$ weekends. Stoney River 3 rooms hold 30 each, 2 of them together 60. $2400 min Has TV JJ Wine bar Holds 20 people Connors 50 people 72” TV Lunch $300 min S-Thur $1500 min, $200 . . . → Read More: Local Venues

Great Things from Pass Summit 2016

I have been home from Pass Summit 2016 for less than two days and needed to express some of the greatness last week had. First I’d like to share something personal; I had the great fortune of padding a few days before and a few days after the Summit for some fun and sight seeing. I got to visit Woodinville one day on both weekends and it was pretty amazing. If you want to skip and get to just the news click here.

On our first trip we met Kevin White at his winery. There were 2 things that made visiting with him so memorable. Currently in Washington everyone is . . . → Read More: Great Things from Pass Summit 2016

Elections and no Politics – VOTE for Pass BoD

It is that time of year again, time to vote. Not only do Americans get to vote soon for the next POTUS, Pass members from around the world get to vote for three (3) board of director seats. This year there are 2 Regional; USA/Canada & LATAM. The 3rd is an open, meaning any candidate can assume this seat. Why it is important to vote These seats are important to everyone, not just the region they represent. Each board member is assigned a portfolio to manage, those portfolios have a great impact on the community. For us locally the big portfolios are Chapters & SQLSaturday, these hit closer to . . . → Read More: Elections and no Politics – VOTE for Pass BoD

The Season of SQLSaturdays has begun

Date Location Submission Status 4/2 SQLSat 497 Huntington Beach CA SPEAKING Speaking just after lunch! 5/21 SQLSat 521 Atlanta GA SPEAKING! 6/4 SLQSat 517 Philly SPEAKING! 8am (someone hates me) 6/25 SQLSat 498 Chattanooga SPEAKING! Mid Morning 7/16 SQLSat 527 Columbus, OH SPEAKING! 8/13 SQLSat 530 Indianapolis SPEAKING! Last slot of the day, pretty sure that I have held that spot every time.

This is the current plan, of course there will be more added. I have been working on a new session, guessing that deadline of needing to present it on 4/2 will really help. I’m planning a what’s new in Microsoft Business Intelligence 2016 – More Love . . . → Read More: The Season of SQLSaturdays has begun

#SQLSatIndy, Shaving Yak and Power BI

You are probably wondering how these things are all related. I love summer, when there isn’t a signed SOW I can find a million things to do outdoors. I love being out in the sun. This leaves me very unmotivated to be indoors doing things, like writing new presentations. Hence the problem.

The Indianapolis SQLSaturday is near and dear to our hearts. First we love Hope Foley [ BLOG | TWITTER ], she’s one kick ass woman and she’ really an inspiration. Next Indy is only an hour away from our family and they were the first user group I ever attended. So it’s no surprise that we both submitted . . . → Read More: #SQLSatIndy, Shaving Yak and Power BI