Network, learn, ask a question, meet other folk, get fed - these are all things that happen at user group events. These events are a really great opportunity to socialise in an informal learning experience - if you want your own exposure then come and do a 1 - 5 minute nugget in front of your peers.
Remember to tell your friends and the people you work with; make sure you register as soon as you can.
5.30pm – 6:00 Registration and networking
Meet and greet.
6:00pm – 6:30pm Round Table discussion and Nuggets - ALL
Take stock and get the latest news in the SQL Server field. This is also a great opportunity to ask any burning questions you have, may be a problem at work.
It's also a great opportunity to share your knowledge and gain exposure in the industry by giving a short 1 - 6 minute "nugget" demo/tip.
6.30pm – 7:30 XML Data in SQL Server - Anthony Brown
The xml datatype was introduced in sql 2005 and allows you to store xml nativly within the database. Working with it can be a bit confusing to start with, and this talk will show you how to query the xml datatype and the different methods of creating it.
Anthony has been a sql server DBA since 1998 and have worked with all versions of SQL server since 6.5. Since 2001 he has worked at John Lewis on their website designing a highly scalable and resilient architecture for it. He has experience in many areas of sql server including service broker, replication and visual studio database projects.
7:30pm – 8:00 BREAK: Light refreshments
More time to network and ask questions...
8:00pm – 9.00pm Managing SQL Server in a global economic meltdown. - Iain Kick - Quest Software
IT departments don't make money, they spend it. As times are tough it's important we all find ways to spend less yet still do an effective job. After 5 years as a DBA and then 5 years spent meeting with hundreds of DBA's, Sysadmins, Developers, Managers and general IT people working with SQL Server I have identified some of the common tasks they could undertake to improve the performance, security and configuration pf their environments with little or no cost to the business.