There’s two big SQL Server training events coming up in Europe, and I want to make sure we get the word out for the community.
I specifically call these training events because that’s what they are: you’re going to learn more about database servers and how they work. I believe that the fastest way to become a better database administrator or BI professional is to be around people who are more experienced, and listen carefully to what they say. These events are your chance to learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
SQL Bits – March 28th, Manchester UK
SQL Bits is a SQL Server technical conference in the popular one-day ‘code camp’ format – it’s free to attend, it’s on a weekend, and everything’s paid for by sponsors. You just go and soak up the knowledge. These code camp style events are really helpful in economic times like these when companies are cutting back on training. You can still get top-notch SQL Server training even if your company won’t give you money or won’t give you a weekday off to sharpen your skills. You can listen to world-class speakers on topics such as SQL Server administration, development and business intelligence.
The three previous conferences in the UK have been great successes and SQL Bits has grown to be the largest SQL Server event in Europe with on average over three hundred attendees. Registration opened today, and even though it’s free, you should register for SQL Bits as soon as possible to help the organizers plan for the right number of attendees. Help them help you!
European PASS Conference – April 22-24, Neuss, Germany
If you’re lucky enough to get a training budget, I highly recommend attending the Professional Association for SQL Server Summit. It’s not free like SQL Bits, but it lasts longer.
Nice Wiener!
I like the events that last more than one day because after the training each day, you get the chance to build relationships with fellow database administrators. When I’m reading blogs or Twittering with other DBAs, I enjoy the fact that I know some of them personally. Getting together with ‘em in person means I remember (vaguely) seeing Tom LaRock aggressively attack pork barrel spending, seeing the coolest logo ever on a business card, and seeing Tim Ford’s wiener in the Detroit airport.
Plus, between drinks and wieners, you can ask questions about business problems you’re facing or technical challenges. I can’t count the number of times I saw someone explaining their issues to another DBA and getting expert advice long after the sessions were over.
It’s 789 Euros for admission, and that might sound like a lot of money (especially here in America, where 789 Euros buys a three-bedroom house) but it’s worth it. In fact, during the PASS Summit in Seattle, I wrote a blog entry about convincing your boss to pay for your PASS Summit costs.
Pick one. Pick both. But do something!
In uncertain economic times like these, you have to stay sharp because you never know when you’re going to be looking for a job. These conferences do more than just keep your skills fresh – they force you to interact with other database administrators whose companies might be hiring.
When you attend these conferences, bring your company business cards. If you don’t have business cards at your company, get a set of business cards from Moo.com for $20. They’re based in London, and they ship everywhere. I bought some and I thought they were great conversation starters. When people see your photo on your business card, they start laughing, and that’s a good thing. You can also use something other than your photo – for example, you could use art designs or a #sqlputdown.
So glad to seee my weiner is still getting publicity and laughs 3 months after it was put on display at DTW.