Search results matching tags 'PASS', 'Social Networking', 'Conferences', and 'Community'

PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Summary

RickHeiges — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:30:00 GMT

As I finish up preparing for the Sep 20 (@1pm ET) webcast, I thought a final blog post may be appropriate in order to quickly reference many of the areas that I have touched upon. Naturally, much of this information is geared towards First Timers, but Alumni are welcome to join in the webcast as well and are encouraged to help spread even more tips/tricks around to all who attend.

PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 7

RickHeiges — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:30:00 GMT

I really don't think that you can get the full flavor of the Summit unless you delve into Social Networking. There are multiple vehicles for social networking. Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare, LinkedIn, and Yelp are all tools in the Social Networking Toolbox. At the Summit, the best one of these is Twitter. With twitter, yo can eavesdrop on conversations, get tips in real time, and find out where people are hanging out at.

Here is a YouTube video that is pretty good about Twitter. There are other ones out there as well.

I recommend that you use a twitter client like TweetDeck on your PC and also on your smart phone. The interface makes it easier to use than the plain vanilla web page. In your twitter client, you can create custom "feeds" to target a particular word or idea. You can have multiple comuns on your client with many of these "feeds" that you follow. These words that you target are often referred to as hashtags. Here are some common hashtags to follow:

#sqlpass
#sqlhelp
#firsttimers
#sqlkilt
#sqlkaraoke
#24hop
#sqlrally
#sqlsat

Once you start using twitter, you''ll understand more of what all this means. Brent Ozar has put together a great primer on twitter that may be found here. Closing thoughts on Twitter:

You don't have to create an account to get value out of it. You can just follow some of the hashtags listed above - especially #sqlpass
Get on twitter and try it out before you get to the summit
Follow #sqlhelp and learn a LOT about where you can find great resources for SQL Server.
make up your own hashtags like #JustSayin or #KilroyWashere or #whatever
When choosing a "handle", consider incorporating "SQL" as part of it. Members of the SQL Community are more apt to follow you and value your tweets if they know you are a SQL Server Professional.

Another application (targeted for mobile devices) that can be valuable is FourSquare. FourSquare also integrates with Twiiter and FaceBook. It works best with smart phones with GPS enabled. Essentially, you check-in to a location such as a restaurant , bar, Conference Center, etc. As part of the "check-in" process, you can add a "shout" to your check-in that may be tweeted and/or set to update your FaceBook status. This is optional, but it can help with networking. Check out FourSquare.

The third social networking property that holds value is LinkedIn. There are many discussion groups affiliated with PASS. It is a great way to connect with other SQL Professionals once you get home.

There is also a PASS YouTube Channel. Check out the videos from last year's summit! Of course, PASS is also on FaceBook. Another social networking tool that you may find useful is YELP. It is particualrly good at helping to find a good restaurant near by.

Flickr - Many folks who are shutterbugs or just want to share photos do so via Flickr and the #sqlpass or #PASS2011 hashtags. I look forward to seeing a lot of pictures from everyone this year.

Bottom Line: Get on Twitter Now! Follow #sqlpass and #sqlhelp. Get involved in the conversation.

PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 6

RickHeiges — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Now that I have covered just about all of the "official" Summit activities, it is time for a blog post about "After Hours" activities.

There is a webpage that lists some of the activities that we are currently aware of. You can find that page here.

Monday Night Networking Dinner - Last year, Andy Warren and Steve Jones started a Netowrking Dinner (Food / Drink is your own responsibility). It will be Monday Evening at Lowell's. More information is available on the link provided above.Follow general #sqlpass on twitter to see what's going on.

Photo Walk - Pat Wright and Tim Ford started this tradition several years ago. Essentially, Pat / Tim coordinate a place / time to start on a tour of Seattle. Bring your camera andprepare to have a great time discovering Seattle.Follow #photowalk on twitter to obtain more information.

SQL Kilt Day - It will be Thursday this year. Several years ago, three SQL Community leaders decided to wear kilts one day. Many more joined in last year (even some vendors). I don't havve an exact count, but I suspect that thee were at least 50 people wearing kilts last year. I suspect that number will be over 100 this year. Wearing a kilt on #sqlkilt day will definitely bring you some attention. :-)

SQL Run - Running is a favorite fitness activity of quite a few members of the SQL Community. Would you like to run with some others who are attending the conference? Follow #SQLRun on twitter to find out when/where to meet up for a run.

SQL Karaoke - What happens when you mix an open mic, SQL Professionals, and some libation together? SQL Karaoke at a Dive Bar. See the Link above for more information on locatoin. This year it will be on Wednesday Evening and now enjoys a limited sponsorship by NEC and Genesis Hosting Solutions. Follow #SQLKaraoke for more information - especially on Wednesday.

SSC / Redgate Party - SQL Server Central and RedGate will be hosting another party right after the Welcome Reception on Tuesday night. More info may be found here.

Other Vendor Parties - Many other Vendors will also host parties or other get togethers. Be sure to visit all of the vendors in the Exhibit Hall. I encourage you to visit all of the vendors and perhaps score an invite to an "after hours" event.

There is more, but I don't know about it yet. Denny Cherry has put together a website that lists "after hours" events that he is aware of.

PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 5

RickHeiges — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 11:30:00 GMT

One of the most valuable parts of the entire Summit experience is the networking that goes on. In this post, I will go over some of the opportunities for you to network with others. Once again, this post will not focus on "after hours" activities which will come later.

Badge and Ribbons - Once you get to the Summit and pick up your materials, you will have a badge. The badge will have the following information on it:

Nick Name
Full Name
Company Name
Where you are from
Twitter Handle

You will also receive at least one ribbon (Alumni or First Timer). You may notice that some people have more than one ribbon. These ribbons identify how a person contributes to the SQL Community. Be curious. When you see a person with more than one ribbon, ask them about it. It is a great way to start a conversation. These people are very interested in meeting YOU.

Don Gabor - We have asked Don Gabor to once again run a 2 hour Networking Workshop on Tuesday. It is inexpensive ($70) and a great way to invest in yourself to make the most of the Summit. You can go online and modify your registration add this mini-pre-con or sign up onsite. Don will also be leading a special Speed Networking Session during the First Timer Orientation. I want to particularly encourage First Timers to take advantage of this session based on feedback from former First Timers.

Big Brothers / Big Sisters - There is also a Big Brothers / Big Sisters orientation program. It is not too late to sign-up. We match a willing and eager Alumni with a small grooup of First Timers via email. The Big Brother/Sister will then contact the First Timers prior to coming to the summit to answer any questions or to simply "break the ice" before actually getting to Seattle. If you are a First Timer, I encourage you to take advantage of this program. If you are an Alumni and would like to help out some First Timers, your help will be appreciated by the First Timers and the entire PASS organization. Visit here to sign-up.

Other places to Network at the Summit:

Welcome Reception (Tue Evening)
Expo Hall Reception (Wed Evening)
Attendee Party (Thu Evening)
Breakfasts
Lunches - especially Chapter, WIT and Birds of a Feather
Expert Pods
Before the Keynotes
At the PASS Booth
Anywhere!

Remember that only you can make the most of your Summit Experience. I have outlined a number of opportunities where you can network with others who are doing the same thing. Go Forth and Network!

PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 3

RickHeiges — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:30:00 GMT

Another question that you may have is "What about food? What meals are included? Should I budget for meals?"

Breakfast: A Continental Breakfast will be served from 7-8am in the Meal Hall on the 4th floor across from Registration Wed - Fri

Lunch: This meal is usually more substantial. It is often quite good. Your typical Conference Food with multiple buffet lines. I can't recall, but occassionally, the lunch on Friday is a box lunch.

Dinner: Dinner is not officially a meal provided; however, there will be food served at the Welcome Reception (Tue 6:30-8pm), the Expo Hall Reception (Wed 6:15-8:15pm), and the Attendee Party (Thu 7-10pm).

Snacks: There is normally a morning and afternoon snack break usually consisting of Beverages / Snacks (like cookies, pretzels).

Overall, most of your meals are taken care of during the conference. Another item to tout when calculating the ROI for your funding. :-)

PASS Summit 2011 - What you can expect at the Conference - Part 1

RickHeiges — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:19:00 GMT

This is the first in series of blog posts about getting ready for the PASS Summit 2011. Why am I doing this? I am preparing for my webcast on Sep 20 @ 1pm ET (Details to come) about this subject. I thought that I'd get this information out in a blog format as well.

Even before the Conference Begins, there are some great training opportunities. Check out the great pre-cons happening Mon/Tue here. Pre-cons are $395 each except for the 2 hour Don Gabor Networking Session (3-5pm) which is $70.This is a great way to learn how to hone your networking skills! I also want to point out a special pre-con with Dr DeWitt on Tuesday. Dr. DeWitt is well known by our attendees as a favorite keynote speaker. He is presenting an entire day on a Peek Inside a Database Engine along with a group of his colleagues. My head is already starting to hurt.

On Tuesday evening, a special "First Timers" session will start at 5:30 right before the Welcome Reception. There will be some snacks and beverages there as well as the Quiz Bowl game (prizes!). The reception will be in the Washington State Trade and Convention Center (WSTC) on the 6th floor. This is also where the Keynotes will be held. The reception is set to start at 6:30pm and go until 8pm. There will also be some tables set up where you can learn more about Virtual Chapters and become more invloved.

Start your day off right with a Keynote each morning. The session will begin promptly at 8:15am each morning and last until 10am. These keynotes will full of announcements, demos, and deep thinking (especially Friday!). Learn about the direction that MSFT is taking with SQL Server and how your life will become easier. Don't miss these!

Perhaps the toughest choice that you will have to make is which session to attend. There are up to 15 concurrent sessions and 4 time slots / day. (More about Session in a later blog post) Content is what brings people initially to the summit. The experience and networking is what brings you back.

Another great feature at the summit is the Expo Hall. This is a great place to meet the people who make your favorite tools or provide services focused on SQL Server. They have offerings that will make your life easier. And they are fun to talk to as well! The Expo Hall will be open on Wednesday and Thursday only with a Wednesday Evening Reception in the hall from 6:15 - 8:15pm. Again there will be food and beverages available. If you are bringing a significant other, there is also a guest pass that may be purchased for the evening events. Many Vendors participate in the popular PASSPort to Prizes or have their own give-away program. SWAG can consist of pens, squishy balls, t-shirts, etc as well as the occassional really cool thing that nobody thought of before. This is the BEST time to talk with the vendors because it doesn't overlap with any sessinos or other activities at the summit. Take advantage of this time to look around and learn about an offering that just may make your day easier.

The Weather in Seattle can be very unpredictable. Last year in November, we had some sunny (and almost hot) days. The Average Hi temp is 60 F. October only averages 3 inches of rain for the month. My advice is to dress comfortably. If you are comfortable in jeans and a t-shirt, great! If you feel more comfortable in a suit/tie or a dress, that is fine too. You can even wear a kilt! (more on that later) I suggest that you dress in layers so that you can adjust accordingly as sometimes the heating/air conditioning can be tricky in these flexible spaces.

WiFi will be availble throughout the summit areas. Remember that about 3000 of your best SQL friends will also be jumping on the connection as well (some with multiple devices!). I have generally had good luck with the connection over the years, but there are times when the network may be overused. Power Outlets are available, but often hard to find. Remember that many of the session rooms have at least one air wall which means no outlets on that wall (difficult to put an outlet in a wall that isn't always there). Bring along a small power strip and make friends fast!

Be sure to check out the Summit webpages located here.