SQL Saturday # 93 Site: http://www.sqlsaturday.com/93/eventhome.aspx
Tweeted with #SQLSat93: http://twitter.com/search?q=%23sqlsat93
Photos: https://picasaweb.google.com/106557456284600618540/SQLSaturday93#
This may have been the 93rd SQL Saturday, but September 17th marked the second SQL Saturday in Canada. As a Regional Mentor for Canada, I felt that I have an obligation to attend. To attend also meant the opportunity to present my "SSIS for the Faint of Heart" session - likely for the last time, but that is another blog post
Arriving on my flight from Vancouver on Friday afternoon, I had just enough time to check into my room and drop off my bags before meeting up with the organizer, Michael Lato, prior to the Speaker's Dinner the same evening. Michael room looked like a bomb had gone off as he was stuffing the attendee’s bags, and organizing the swag for the various draws that would take place at the event. I certainly wasn't surprised though; this is what his Hotel Room looked like when he put on SQL Saturday #65 in Vancouver. I am sure this is not unlike other SQL Saturday organizer's basements, offices or garages.
Despite the fact Michael lives in Quebec, he put on a SQL Saturday in Toronto 540 Km (330 miles) away. You might think "That is a nice gift to the SQL Community in Toronto"; indeed it is, however, this distance pales in comparison to his travels to Vancouver for SQL Saturday #65 - over 4,700 km (3,000 miles) away. He continues to amaze me!
The Speaker's Dinner was like many - you just can't get a word in edgewise with tech speakers - true story. Michael chose a buffer restaurant called the "Mandarin" which feature various Asian diner items - Certain something for everyone. Sorry, I didn't snap any photos, although I should have as the décor is quite… unique! Much appreciated, and no one went home hungry, I can assure you.
Attendance at the event was a little lighter than I had hoped, but this was part of the reason that I travelled to Toronto (and the subject of future post).
There were 4 tracks, and 5 time slots making 20 opportunities for presenter to show their excitement for SQL Server. Of course, for some it was all about PowerShell, but even Energetic Sean Kearney was able to show some SQL Lovin' aided by his super hero costume (N.T.S. Investigate additional Insurance for next SQL Saturday.)
It was a great day. I learned that Vidas Matelis is one of 11 SSAS Maestros (http://sqlcat.com/sqlcat/b/technicalnotes/archive/2011/09/19/announcing-the-first-wave-of-ssas-maestros.aspx) . This is certainly something to be happy about. Congratulations again Vidas.
It was also the first time presenting for Michael J. Swart who presented "Obliterate Excessive Blocking and Deadlocking" - Great work Michael!
At the end of the day, knowledge was shared, new friendships were formed and fun was had by all… Looking forward to an even bigger event next year Toronto!