Introduction
Andy Waren (Blog | @sqlAndy), Jack Corbett (Blog | @unclebiguns), and Kendall Van Dyke (Blog | @SQLDBA) have been busy. They're working on SQLRally - a regional PASS event scheduled for May 2011 in Orlando. Andy does a good job explaining the thinking behind the event in his 31 Aug 2010 post: Positioning SQLRally in the PASS Event Universe.
Pre-Cons
Andy's 1 Sep 2010 post on the topic (SQLRally Pre-Con Selection Process – Draft for Comment) includes a draft document outlining a proposal for the pre-conference selection process. I see improvements over the current PASS Summit pre-/post-conference selection process (which I blogged about here). There's even community engagement in the mix.
The Big (Medium) Deal
I think Kendall summed it up well in this tweet:
Andy and the crew also did a good job with this table:
| |
Summit |
SQLRally |
SQLSaturday |
| Attendance |
+3000 |
Max 600 |
Avg of 250 |
| Price |
$995 – $1995 |
$299 |
Free |
| Duration |
3 Days |
2 Days |
1 Day |
| Sessions/Tracks |
160+ |
40-48 |
12-50 |
| Keynote |
Yes |
No |
Sometimes |
| Exhibit Hall |
Yes |
No |
No |
| Organizers |
HQ |
HQ/Local Chapter |
Local leaders |
| Meals |
Seated buffett |
Boxed lunch |
Pizza/Box Lunch |
SQLRally is positioned as a regional event. I think regional SQL Server events is a market that's currently underserved and look forward to PASS's offering. Given the SQL Server Community talent behind this event, I'm sure it will be awesome!
:{> Andy