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 + Tea/Coffee with biscuits.
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 We have control! - Monitoring and Controlling Resources in SQL Server
Chris Testa-O'Neill SQL Server MVP, http://sqlblogcasts.com/blogs/testas/
With SQL Server you can integrate traditional tools such as SQL profiler and performance monitor to pinpoint problems. With SQL Server 2008, the collection of this information can be centralised using the performance data collector and controlled with the Resource Governor. Chris will explore the implementation of these features. And if time permits look at the power of policy based management to keep corporate database policies enforced.
Chris Testa-O'Neill is a Practise Consultant at EMC Consulting. He specialises in SQL Server Business Intelligence Solutions in the SQL 2005 and 2008 product range. Chris is also a technical author is currently working on E-Learning courses for SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 R2 with Microsoft Learning. He also runs the Manchester and Leeds SQL Server User Group and is a SQLBits Organiser. Chris is a SQL Server MVP and MCT and has Microsoft qualifications in MCDBA, MCTS and MCITP in SQL Server 2000, 2005 and 2008 as well as an MCSE in Windows Server 2000 and 2003
7:30pm – 7:50 BREAK: Light refreshments
More time to network and ask questions...
7:50pm – 8:50 LINQ for DBAs and SQL Developers with Atul Thakor
With the increasing use of ORM's (Object Relational Mapping) and the introduction of StreamInsight I believe that it would be useful to have a basic understanding of LINQ. LINQ is an integrated language (within .NET) which allows you to query XML, Database’s and Objects in a similar way to T-SQL. Using LINQPad I will show you how similar the 2 languages are and how easy it is for you to write your own queries.With the increasing use of ORM's (Object Relational Mapping) and the introduction of StreamInsight I believe that it would be useful to have a basic understanding of LINQ. LINQ is an integrated language (within .NET) which allows you to query XML, Database’s and Objects in a similar way to T-SQL. Using LINQPad I will show you how similar the 2 languages are and how easy it is for you to write your own queries
Atul is an analyst developer who currently works within the financial services industry with a particular interest around data warehousing and data mining. He has been using SQL Server to deliver highly scalable systems which have been in the form of .NET Web, Windows, SSIS solutions, and more recently SSAS.
8:50pm – 9.00pm Close
Down the pub for a drink!