Category: Speaking Engagements

I’m Speaking at #DataPlatformDiscoveryDay

~ sqlswimmer ~ Leave a comment

We are living in some very interesting times and the technical conference community is facing some challenges like it never has before.  So many in-person events have been postponed or cancelled.  For those who are speakers, like myself, this have been very challenging.  I have worked from home for over eight years, so the new “norm” is just the same old same old for me.   But I used my speaking engagements as a way to connect with others in the tech community on a fairly regular basis.  Now that this has been put on hold for who knows how long, I’m having a tough time staying connected.

I am very fortunate that I work in an area that is still very much in high demand and still employed, unlike many others who have been furloughed or laid off.  With so many people unemployed now more than ever in the world, many of those folks are contemplating a career change.  Thankfully, I have a fellow Data Platform MVP in the US who has partnered with a colleague in Europe to bring a new kind of tech conference to those who are looking to break into the data platform arena.  Oh, and it’s virtual – and it’s free! So you don’t have to leave your home and if you are on a tight budget, you don’t have to spend a thing.

I am so honored to have been selected to speak at this first of it’s kind, beginner-virtual-free conference, Data Platform Discovery Day.  I will be presenting my What is Power BI session, so if you’ve ever wondered about Power BI and have some free time on your hands, then come join me on Wednesday, April 29, 2020.  There are lots of great introductory sessions out there, here’s the US sessions list and the European sessions list.  There’s still time to register for the US Sessions or register for the UK sessions.

I hope you are all doing well and staying home and staying safe.

I’m Speaking at #SQLSatSpokane

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I am super excited to announce that I have been selected to speak at SQL Saturday Spokane on March 21, 2020.  Not only have I been selected to speak, but I’ve been selected to give a pre-con on Friday, March 20, 2020 as well.

I will be delivering my Power BI Zero to Dashboard pre-con.  This is a full day introductory session to Power BI that focuses on: introducing the Power BI eco-system, what it can and cannot do for you; the importance of data cleansing and modeling;  and data visualization best practices.  My target audience is those that have little to no experience with Power BI, but want to learn more.  If this sounds like something you could benefit from you can Register Here.

I will also be delivering my What is Power BI? session on Saturday, March 21, 2020.

If you’re in the Spokane area on Saturday, March 21, 2020, stop by and say, “Hello”.  I’d love to see you and chat.  There are still registration slots open, so register now.

I’m Speaking at SQL Saturday Victoria

~ sqlswimmer ~ Leave a comment

I am so happy to announce that I have been selected to speak at SQL Saturday Victoria on March 14, 2020. This will be my second time speaking at this event.

I will be delivering my Data Types Do Matter session. I love giving this session, it’s not anything new or sparkly, but it’s so important. Get the data type wrong and you can cause yourself a world of hurt later.

If you’re in the area, stop be and say, “Hello”, I’d love to see you and chat a bit.

I’m Speaking at #SQLSatCleveland

~ sqlswimmer ~ Leave a comment

I am so excited and honored to have been selected to speak at SQL Saturday Cleveland #930 on February 1, 2020.  This will be my second time speaking at SQL Saturday Cleveland.  I first spoke at SQL Saturday Cleveland back in 2018, when it was SQL Saturday #708.  To be selected to speak at an event once is an honor, but to be selected to speak for that same event a second time, is truly amazing.  It shows that the organizers believe in me, my speaking ability, and my commitment to the community.

I will be presenting my Data Types Do Matter session.  As some of you know, I am very passionate about this topic and it is honestly one of my favorite sessions.  If you are in the Cleveland area on February 1, 2020, I hope you will check out SQL Saturday Cleveland #930, it’s a great opportunity for free training and as a bonus, you get to see me.  What better way could you spend a Saturday in Cleveland in February?!

I’m Speaking at #SQLSatDC

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I am so excited to announce that I will be speaking at SQL Saturday DC on Saturday, December 14, 2019.  I am so honored to have been selected.

This is a really important Saturday for me, personally.  I have submitted for the last two years and have had to cancel both times.  First cancellation was due to my partner loosing his job the week before and last year because I tore the meniscus in my left knee four days before I was supposed to leave.  So, I understand what a huge leap of faith the organizers are putting in me by selecting one of my sessions this year.  To ensure everyone that I will not cancel this year, my partner is still out of work, but it’s not such a huge impact any more and I’m wrapping myself in bubble wrap every time I leave the house to prevent injury.

My Profiling Your Data session was selected.  I love delivering this session.  Such an important topic that is overlooked way too often. If you’re in the DC area on December 14th, stop by and say, “Hello”.  I’d love to chat.