PASS Summit 2014: Recommendations and Invitations (#sqlpass #Summit14)

The first week of November, we’ll be at the PASS Summit inSeattle, WA.  This is the highlight of most SQL Server speakers’ years…a sort of educational, Christmassy nerdfest, with a feel of a class reunion mixed in. We have a lot of fun, and so I’d like to draw your attention to some of the better bits.

Taking part, if you can’t attend

The keynotes and luncheons are usually live broadcast, and you can order session recordings to cuddle up with at home. I suppose you can put on a kilt, go hit a karaoke bar with friends, drink too much, and contract the nerd flu, if it’ll make you feel more like you were at Summit. That’s what I’d do.

Some of the best stuff, if you’re there

Before the Summit starts:

• Check out the First Timers page and get on Twitter to connect with other attendees. #Summit14 is the official hashtag, but most of us tend to use the more general #sqlpass.
• Consider going on a long run Sunday morning (Nov 2), or a 5k walk or run on Wednesday morning! See #SQLLongRun and #SQLRun, respectively. (Reference: the After Hours page.)
• Monday, November 3 (4-6pm), have a meetup with the MidnightDBAs at Top Pot Doughnuts on 5th Ave.

During the Summit:

• Get an invitation to High Tea 2014, our very fun and inappropriate party, if it turns out that’s your thing. (Requests and speaker abstracts due October 15!)
• Hit a luncheon or two:  Women in Technology, and/or the Birds of a Feather.
• Drop by the evening events. The Welcome Reception is usually worthwhile, and the Community Appreciation Party is at the quite awesome EMP Museum this year!
• Check the After Hours page for the Photowalk, karaoke, Kilt Day, Table Top Game Night, and more.

Our Sessions

On Wednesday November 5 ( 3:00pm, room 602-604), Sean is presenting Performance Tuning Your Backups. This is quite possibly his best and most mind-blowing session. If you’re attending the Summit and you haven’t seen it, I really think you should.

On Thursday November 6 (1:30pm, room 401), Jen is presenting How to Interview a DBA: A Panel Debate, along with

• Adam Machanic (@AdamMachanic),
• Sean McCown (@KenpoDBA),
• Bob Pusateri (@SQLBob), and
• Michelle Ufford (@SQLFool).

This is a set of people with very strong opinions, so I fully expect it’s going to be a very interesting panel debate. Just the way we like it.

Happy days,
Jen McCown
http://www.MidnightDBA.com/Jen