This year will be my 6th PASS Summit that I will have attended. Some people have asked me why I still go, and what I get out of Summit that I don’t get from attending and speaking at SQL Saturdays. That’s an easy one for me to answer, but a long answer at that.
Networking
First and foremost, it’s for the networking. Getting to meetup with so many other like minded people is gratifying. This networking allows you to exchange ideas, war stories, and downright geek out with others that know what you are talking about and don’t have their eyes glaze over when discussing optimizer internals.
On top of all that it’s career building. You never know when you will have that one conversation with someone that leads to your next career step. It’s the meeting of the #SQLFamily face to face that can sometimes lead to your name being brought up about a new position that may be opening. Believe me, I know of many people that have landed their next opportunity just from the interactions they have had at Summit.
Sessions
Learning, learning, learning is the name of the game. The ever-changing world of data happens so fast these days and I want to keep up. It is impossible in every environment to have a chance to get exposure to all the facets of SQL Server and other Data related topics. Summit gives us a wider view into what’s out there, and provides ideas of things I may be able to implement.
Vendors
I love gadgets and gizmos. Learning about what products are out there to make me more efficient at my job is always something I look forward too. Tools were essential for me when I was a lone DBA so I always looked forward to visiting each booth and see what’s new with them. Spending a lot of time on the show floor is a good investment of time–you get to meet folks who work for the vendors who support the community, and the tools and offerings they have.
CAT Team
Did you know the Microsoft Customary Advisory Team (CAT) team is onsite and willing to answer all your questions FOR FREE? Yep, no $300 for support to just pick up the phone, they are there in person. I’ve asked them a question each year pertaining to an environment I was working in, in which they were able to help me solve. The CAT team isn’t support–they work with the biggest workloads SQL Server supports and have seen almost everything.
Inspiration and Renewal
I always find a sense I renewal after attending Summit. I get a little kick start on new things to do at work that makes my job even more exciting. Many people get into rut or routine and their jobs can become mundane. Getting out of the office and seeing others that have the same passion for data as you can really help.
Lastly, Friendships
Summit is a #SQLFamily reunion of sorts. Many of us converse daily on twitter and only get to see each other in person once a year. Summit brings us all together. Some of us are lucky and are able to meet up with each other more frequently as we travel to SQL Saturdays and other events, but Summit is kinda like a home base for us. We all look forward to those #SQLHugs, catching up, and meeting new family members.
This year’s Summit will be a little different for me. When I am not getting my learn on, you will find me in the Denny Cherry & Associates (DCAC) Vendor Booth. Yep, this time I get to play booth babe. I can’t wait to be on the other side of the table telling other attendees what DCAC is all about and helping talk through some of their performance issues.
Anyhow this maybe my 6th PASS Summit but it won’t be my last. I encourage all who have never been or have gone before to go. It’s not too late to register, if you use discount code in the image you can save $150. There is so much you can get out of it each and every time to attend.
See you there!
