The DAX Speed Blueprint: Locate, Understand, Accelerate

Slow performing Power BI reports and visuals are a major cause of frustration. Finding the cause of these slow-downs and understanding why they are happening are the first steps in resolving them.

In this session we'll discuss the troubleshooting steps for slow DAX executions, using tools like Performance Analyser and DAX Studio.

We'll cover the different purposes behind the two parts of the DAX engine - Storage and Formula, and how to write expressions that target each individual component, allowing us to utilise their combined power to unlock the full potential of DAX.

We'll see how optimising expressions in order to harness the power of these engines helps increase performance. This will be done using live demonstrations showing the actual difference in executions times as well as exploring query plans.

By the end of this session, you will know how to identify which DAX expressions are causing issues in your reports, you'll have a solid understanding of what the DAX engine consists of, how the parts work together and how to use them to your advantage to make your expressions faster and more efficient. You will also know how to view a DAX query plan to help troubleshoot slow performing queries.

Slow reports? Learn to identify and fix DAX performance issues! This session covers troubleshooting with tools like Performance Analyzer and DAX Studio, understanding the DAX engine's components, and optimizing expressions for better performance

From No Code to Low Code: Getting Started with M in Power Query

Too often users are stuck using only what the GUI has to offer when it comes to Power Query whether that be due to a lack of understanding or fear of M Code.

In this session we will utilise the advanced editor to break the code structure down and demystify the complications. We will also discuss the ways in which knowing and applying a little bit of M-Code can elevate your data sets, demonstrating some practical examples.

You will leave the session with a better understanding of M syntax making it easily readable. You will have the confidence to make changes yourself as well as some ideas and examples of things you can do in the advanced editor that the GUI doesn’t allow for.

UNICHAR! Add Character to your Power BI Reports

UNICHAR() is a little known DAX function that allows you to display a Unicode value as a symbol. 90% of the information we process is visual so it makes sense to use icons where we can.

The UNICHAR function means we can use a whole host of emojis and symbols in our report writing, which is not only amusing, but can add real value if utilised correctly.

In this short session we will learn how the function works, show through practical examples and demos how it can be used to add value and increase readability and accessibility in reports, and most importantly, we’ll have a bit of fun along the way.

By the end of the session you will be able to use UNICHAR to increase readability and add context to reports and couple it with conditional formatting to enhance KPI visuals.