So last week I headed over to Liverpool for four days at the SQL Bits conference. This was the first SQL event that I had ever been to so just as much as I was looking forward to it I was kind of wondering what on earth (or space) would be going on there.
I was going to be quite detailed in my post but I quickly realised that if I was going to write about everything I learned or picked up from the event then I would be writing it for weeks, and I guess you'd be reading it for that long too - well maybe!
Magic domes. Walk in and walk back out a bit smarter.
Day 1 was the first of two full training days and of course, registration. Attendees were met at the centre by a Stormtrooper (so security was tight - good to see) and an army of volunteers. Registration was like lightning and in we go! I'd picked Indexing with Kendra Little and made sure I arrived at the dome super early to get a seat. It really was an amazing day and honestly, it flew by. Indexing is one of my favourite topics in SQL so to have someone like Kendra is pretty cool. I learnt stacks and had dozens of things that I wanted to try out and look into some more; and I will refer to missing index details as the house recommendation from now on!
Time to learn!
Day 2 was the next full training day. I'd opted for Accidental Database Design in 2016 with Thomas LaRock and Karen Lopez. Once again the training was excellent, this time we split into groups and did 3 labs through the day implementing what we had learning. Super insightful, immersive and the team element helped everyone to meet some new people. Really good day but sadly I was feeling a little poorly so I had to miss the pub quiz in the evening and opted for an early night instead!
Day 2 is all about data design.
Day 3’s training began with the SQL Engine enhancements in 2016 with Pedro Lopes (making engines roar) but before that we had the keynote with Data Group VP. I was still feeling under the weather so asked if I could sit at the back – huge thank you to the volunteer who helped me out by the way!!!! The keynote was seriously cool and highlights included querying the universe (really), facial expression recognition and of course, the insights into how we will be using data in the future.
I believe the technical term is swag!
Next up, Pedro’s training session was great and it was fantastic to get some insight into the Tiger Team and how new functionality ends up in SQL. I loved this season and will be reviewing again when the video arrives. In fact, the first session was that great that I opted for part two for the rest of the afternoon! Again, feeling a bit on the poorly side I decided to miss the space party and retire for the night.
Day 4 was the final day and I arrived nice and early for a 8.15 start with Denny Cherry for a session about performance in virtual environments. Great session and once more it was I headed over to what would be my final bit of training at SQL Bits which was on the Query Store with Enrico Van Laar. I had one final wander around the hall and was fortunate to bump into Kendra to say thanks for the training on the first day before heading off for the journey back home.
Mr Denny Cherry; session topics.
So what did I make of it all? Well I hope its obvious from my various social media posts that I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. I loved every second of it, the training sessions, meeting experts and picking their brains, the vendor demos and getting their view on things, the food! Of course the final word should be for the SQL community because that is what was more prominent than anything else. It was quite clear, in the speakers, attendees, vendors and above all else, the volunteers, seriously I cannot thank you guys enough because I’ll remember walking in on the first day to an army of warm welcoming big smiles.
Thank you SQL bits!
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