The thought occurred to me today as I was writing my 3rd email to the First Timer’s group that maybe it was good idea to blog this info as some folks might not want to be in a group but have the ability to find the info on their own. Hmm,too bad I didn’t of that earlier. Here is the recap I posted last year: MyRecap
Email 3
The count down has begun. There is excitement in the air and mostly by air I mean on Twitter. I wanted to share with you a few of the blog post that I have seen in the last week regarding Summit.
- Jason Strate (@stratesql | BLOG ) Put up a great blog post about attending Summit. http://www.jasonstrate.com/
2012/10/pass-2012-countdown-5- weeks-to-go/
- Denny Cherry (@MrDenny | BLOG ) Has an upcoming web session for first timers. http://itknowledgeexchange.
techtarget.com/sql-server/sql- pass-summit-first-timers- webcast-is-in-2-weeks/
Summit is a great opportunity to meet people from around the world and to enjoy a bit of what Seattle has to offer. For any of you that will be arriving early there is a photo walk, that’s right some of us data nerds like to take pictures and are pretty darn good at it. Doesn’t matter if you have a camera phone, point and shoot or professional grade camera you can join in on the fun. Details -> http://sqlasylum.wordpress.
Also RedGate is doing a SQL in the CITY on Monday. If you don’t have a pre-con scheduled you might want to check it out.
The somewhat famous Pike’s Market is not all that far away, I will admit that while many folks walked to it I in fact took a cab. I think the average cost of my cab rides were $5. There are so many things to see there, first is the Fish Market. You know the one you see on TV where the men throw fish and yell. What a blast that was last year. So much so my husband and I bought 2 whole fish and took them home with us. Since it was a small flight we were able to buy the box (with handle) and ice back for a 24-hour freshness and checked it with our bags. The first Starbucks is also down there. The flower vendors are just amazing, HUGE bouquets for $5 and $10. I bought one for my room and then gave it to the bartender when we left. Beecher’s cheese shop has some tasty treats. I am pretty sure there is something for everyone.
Like Karaoke? Since most of the responses were lacking in twitter details I am going to assume you’ve never heard of #sqlkaraoke. What is #sqlkaraoke? Well again us data nerds have to have hobbies and for some that is Karaoke. The Strates have even dedicated some web space to it. http://www.sqlkaraoke.com/ There will be a group out there every night, you can always find someone to share a cab with.
Email 2
I can’t tell you how excited I am about the upcoming Summit. It is such an amazing event.
I figure this is a good time to share a few things and hopefully you will have a few questions that I can get resolved for you.
There is a scheduling application for Summit, I am not sure that it has been released but the schedule has. When you registered for Summit you automatically received a PASS account. You can login to the site to update your profile and to create a schedule. Great features of your PASS account includes being able to use it on the SQLSAT site, getting the PASS newsletter, and being able to find local and virtual chapters. If my memory serves me correctly (do note we get new features as time goes on) you will be able to search the presentations based on the track, speaker and level of the course.
If you have heard of Twitter and said something like “oh there is nothing there for me” or “I don’t like it” you might want to reconsider. This is why if you’ve never heard of Twitter you should read on. While Twitter may have a few short comings like you have to get your point across in 140 characters or less and during events that impact a large amount of people there tends to be failures it can be utilized as resource. I have worked on several large applications and with other database platforms and no where have I found such a supportive community as I have found within SQL Server. Amazingly there is no one “in charge” of the SQL Community on Twitter but we did adopt a hash tag to use when you are seeking help, it’s #sqlhelp. There is also #ssrshelp. If you are new to twitter a hash tag lets a tweet (a 140 character or less post to twitter) be tagged and easily searched. If you ever run into an issue you can ask the entire twitterverse. There are many SQL Server professionals that “monitor” those tweets and are always willing to help. Another great feature is being able to connect with like minded people. We have been there, done that and totally understand. My twitter handle is @tameraclark. There is a Connect page on the Summit site that will allow you to find speakers and attendees on Twitter. http://www.sqlpass.org/summit/
Summit is a great opportunity to network. There are scheduled events for lunches and after the conference sessions end.
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