Aaron Cutshall, DHA, MSHI

Principal Data Architect, Population Health

Dr. Aaron N. Cutshall is a proven leader in Healthcare Informatics with nearly 40 years of experience in application and database analysis, design, and development. He focuses on clinical quality and massive databases. He actively speaks nationwide at conferences and user group sessions on data architecture, analytics, and professional development topics.

• An Enterprise Data Architecture Framework

Akshata Revankar

Senior Data & Applied Scientist @ Microsoft

20+ Years of experience in data engineering and data reporting space. Have worked with Oracle database, SQL Server, SSIS, Informatica Power Center, Hadoop systems, Qlik and Power BI. Enjoy being in the data space and learning new things.

• Power BI CI/CD Simplified: GitHub & AzureDevops Automation

Alex Whittles

Chief Frog

Alex is a Data Platform MVP since 2015, and is the owner and principle consultant at Purple Frog, a Microsoft Data Analytics consultancy in the UK with multinational clients in a variety of sectors. He specialises in all aspects of data warehousing, ETL, Fabric, Machine Learning and Power BI using the Microsoft stack.
Alex is also the creator of Power BI Sentinel, a governance and disaster recovery tool for Power BI and Fabric.
Alex has an MSc in Business Intelligence, is a chartered engineer, is on the organising committee for SQLBits, and co-organiser of the Birmingham Data Platform Group. Alex is also a regular speaker at many Data events around the world including SQL Bits, Data Relay, Data Saturdays, Data Grillen, 24 HOP and the PASS Summit.
In his spare time he's also a qualified pilot.

• Planning, Managing and Governing your Power BI and Fabric estate

Andy Brown

Snowflake Data and AI Architect and Enthusiast | Snowflake Atlanta User Group Organizer

Andy has worked with SQL Server as a DBA and Data Engineer for over 20 years and Snowflake Cloud Data Engineer and Architect for the last 6 years. He's been involved with PASS since the early 2000s, founded the Snowflake User Group in Austin, TX, and now organizes the Snowflake Atlanta User Group. He believes in self-service analytics and learning is best when shared. He also loves BBQ.

• Snowflake for SQL Server DBAs

Anouk Gorris

Datalogz, Director or Product

Anouk Gorris is Head of Product at Datalogz, where she leads Control Tower - a platform helping enterprises monitor, catalog, and optimize their BI environments. With seven years in data governance and metadata management, including six years at Collibra specializing in integrations and technical lineage, Anouk now focuses on solving BI sprawl through automated metadata management and dependency mapping. She helps organizations transform BI operations from reactive firefighting to proactive, governed infrastructure.

• Stop Firefighting: Build a Semantic Layer Ready for AI

Anupama Natarajan

Data and AI Consultant

Anu is a Data and AI Consultant with 25+ years of experience working in design and development of Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence, AI enabled applications and SaaS integrated solutions. Anu is a Microsoft Data Platform and AI MVP, Microsoft Certified Trainer and really passionate in sharing knowledge. Anu loves solving complex business problems with innovative solutions using technologies.

Anu do speak at Conferences (PASS Summit, SQL Saturdays, Data Platform Summit, Difinity) and organise local user group meetups.

• The Big Picture Session: Fabric IQ + Ontology + Data Agents (and how they fit together)

Belinda Allen

Microsoft MVP, Microsoft MCT, Director of Enablement - iLink Digital

Belinda Allen is a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) for Power BI. Belinda is also a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), Speaker, and the Co-Author of 2 books on Business Intelligence and Microsoft Dynamics GP. Belinda focuses on Microsoft Fabric, but is still working with the Microsoft Power Platform, happily wearing the title #CitizenDeveloper.

Being the Director of Enablement for iLink Digital, Belinda daily focuses on her personal mission statement, “To Improve the Lives and Success of my customers and partners.”
https://www.MsBelindaAllen.com
https://www.ilink-digital.com

• AI-Ready: Preparing for and Using AI in Power BI and Microsoft Fabric

Bob Ward

Principal Architect, Microsoft Azure Data

Bob Ward is a Principal Architect for the Microsoft Azure Data team, which owns the development for Microsoft SQL ground to cloud to fabric. Bob has worked for Microsoft for 32+ years on every version of SQL Server shipped from OS/2 1.1 to SQL Server 2025 including Azure SQL and SQL database in Fabric. Bob is a well-known speaker on SQL Server, Azure SQL, AI, and Microsoft Fabric often presenting talks on new releases, internals, and specialized topics at events such as SQLBits, Microsoft Build, Microsoft Ignite, PASS Summit, FabCon, SQLCon, and VS Live. You can also learn Azure SQL from him on the popular series https://aka.ms/azuresql4beginners. You can follow him at @bobwardms or linkedin.com/in/bobwardms. Bob is the author of the books Pro SQL Server on Linux, SQL Server 2019 Revealed, Azure SQL Revealed, SQL Server 2022 Revealed, Azure SQL Revealed 2nd Edition, and SQL Server 2025 Unveiled available from Apress Media.

• Microsoft SQL and AMD in the Era of AI
• Azure SQL Hyperscale: The Definitive SQL Cloud Database

Chris Hyde

Owner and Principal Consultant, Hydrate Technologies LLC

Chris Hyde (he/him) is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He works as an independent SQL Server BI and DBA consultant and is the leader of the Albuquerque local Azure Data Technologies group. He loves loud music and cricket, but not usually at the same time.

• Fabric IQ in the Real World

Chris Reyes

Solutions Engineer - Redgate

Chris Reyes is a Solutions Engineer with a background in both software development and database tooling. Started his career as a software engineer and later moved into solutions engineering, where he has spent the past five years working with customers on both pre-sales and post-sales implementations.

For the past few years, Chris has worked at Redgate Software, helping database teams adopt tools and practices that make their jobs easier and their environments more reliable. Much of his work focuses on helping DBAs improve database observability, streamline their database development lifecycle, implement database version control, standardize database practices, and adopt practical Database DevOps and CI/CD workflows.

He regularly works with teams on database source control, automation, monitoring, and test data management, helping organizations reduce risk and move faster when delivering database changes. Working directly with DBAs and developers to solve real-world problems and share practical approaches that make managing complex database environments a little less stressful.

• DBA Survival Kit: Redgate Monitor + Toolbelt

Christian Henrik Reich

Sr Solution Architect @ Microsoft

Sr Solution Architect @ Microsoft. Started programming as kid, and still do. Have made everything from embedded programming to data warehouses. Last decade, focus has mainly been on data. From optimizing and infrastructure to designing and building data solutions in cloud and on-premise.

• Empowering Lakehouse Solutions with Python Notebooks in Microsoft Fabric

Collin Tsui

Power BI for Construction, by Construction | Your data made clear, from bid, to build, to bottom line

Business Intelligence professional with 20 years experience in data analytics, including at a top Power BI Consultant, Fortune 200 company, and startup EPC. Combines business acumen with digital fluency and innovative mindset to improve data comprehension and facilitate data-driven decision making. Chaired Data Analytics Community at the Construction Industry Institute, featured in BD+C Magazine’s 40 Under 40, and active member of #SML.

• Quickly Untangle and Navigate Complex Semantic Models in Power BI

Damu Venkatesan

• Raffles & Closing @ Auditorium

Dean Jurecic

Business Intelligence Analyst, Microsoft Certified, Fabric Community Super User

Dean is a business intelligence analyst and consultant who specializes in Microsoft Fabric and Power BI. He has used Power BI for a number of years in different settings- from the utility industry to retail, government and education. Dean is a Speaker, a Microsoft Fabric Certified Data Engineer and Analytics Engineer Associate and a 3x Fabric Community Super User. He participated in Ask the Experts for Power BI at the European Microsoft Fabric Community Conference 2024 and the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference 2025.

• All about Visual Calculations in Power BI

Doug Leal

·VP Consulting, Data & Analytics at CGI ·Adjunct Professor at Seminole State College

Enterprise Architect with 25+ years of experience delivering data-centric solutions, including big data, cloud, analytics, and data engineering strategies in both enterprise and consulting capacities. Proven expertise in AWS, Azure Cloud, Databricks, MLFlow, and Spark, driving scalable and efficient data solutions. A trusted advisor in enterprise data architecture for both existing and new platforms; Databricks Champion for CGI. Passionate about machine learning and leveraging advanced analytics to drive business value.

• Getting Started with MLOps & LLMOps in Azure Databricks

Ed Watson

Ambassador of Mayhem

Ed Watson is the Ambassador of Mayhem for Innovative Architects, a full-stack Microsoft consulting firm in Atlanta. Ed is also a Microsoft Data Platform MVP since 2014. Although he started as a programmer with Delphi, Visual Basic, and Progress 4GL for UNIX and Windows, Ed became a DBA for years before finally making the return to development with the Business Intelligence platform. He currently lives in Atlanta and is active with the Atlanta MDF and BI user groups.

• Stupid Stuff I’ve Done in Power BI So You Don’t Have To

Elayne Jones

Sr. Solutions Engineer - Microsoft

Elayne Jones is a Senior Solution Engineer at Microsoft. Elayne specializes in Microsoft Power Platform, delivering scalable solutions through Copilot Studio, Power Apps, Power Automate. She helps organizations modernize workflows, build low‑code applications, and unlock insights through integrated, data‑driven experiences.

• Build Your First Agent in Copilot Studio

Erin Dempster

Enterprise Architect - Trean Corporation

Erin is currently the Enterprise Architect at Trean Corporation in Wayzata, MN, USA. Since 2023, Erin is a Data Platform MVP for her involvement in the SQL Server/Fabric community. She has been working with SQL Server for 20 years, both as a developer and a database administrator. Over the past several years, PowerShell and Azure DevOps have become areas of focus.

• Introduction to Automated Deployments with Azure DevOps

Erwin de Kreuk

Data Platform MVP | Lead Data and AI |Public Speaker | InSpark | Innovate to Accelerate

Erwin de Kreuk is a passionate and highly experienced Technology Leader in the Data & AI domain. He currently serves as a Principal Consultant and Lead Data and AI at InSpark, winner of the Global Partner of the Year (POTY) Award for Identity and the Dutch Partner of the Year (POTY) Award for Data & AI.

Erwin is a frequent speaker at various national and international data community events and has been recognized as a Data Platform MVP.

With 16 years of experience in the world of data on the Microsoft Platform, Erwin has spent the last 8 years focusing on the Azure Platform. His day-to-day work involves addressing complex customer cases and technical issues. Additionally, he is a member of the Technology Board at InSpark, where he leads a team of highly experienced Data Experts specializing in the Microsoft Data Platform.

Erwin is dedicated to helping customers maximize the value of their complex analytics environments, with a strong emphasis on solutions in the Azure Cloud (Platform as a Service) and Microsoft Fabric. As a Technology Board member, he continuously explores the latest opportunities and shares his enthusiasm with colleagues, the community, and customers. He is also a key stakeholder for the InSpark Solution (Managed) Oxygen, a Modern Data Platform Estate as-a-service and the Nitrogen Control Center a native solution build on top of Microsoft Fabric for easy data integration and data Processing.

• Build Your AI Foundation with Fabric Metadata-driven Framework

Fabiano Amorim

Pythian - Principal Consultant

Fabiano Amorim is a Microsoft Data Platform most valuable professional (MVP) since 2011. With over two decades of experience, Fabiano is well known in the database community for his performance tuning abilities and the many conference speaking engagements around the world.
He writes articles for Simple-Talk (https://www.simple-talk.com/author/fabiano-amorim/) and his blog is on http://blogfabiano.com.

• Your MSSQL environment is vulnerable and I can prove it

Fernando Calero

Data Analytics Consultant

I'm a data enthusiast and life-long learner. I serve as the link between technology and the business to help companies find insights from their data and help them take actions to achieve their goals. I'm passionate about data and love the positive impact that a well-crafted Power BI report can have in the way people and organizations work and make decisions.

• Visualizing individual data points on date axes in Power BI using Deneb

Frank Geisler

GDS Business Intelligence GmbH

Frank Geisler is the owner and CEO of GDS Business Intelligence GmbH, a leading Microsoft Solution Provider specializing in Data and AI. He holds numerous prestigious certifications, including Data Platform MVP, MCT, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Security Engineer Associate, Azure Data Engineer Associate, and DevOps Engineer Expert. In his role, Frank excels in building robust Business Intelligence systems leveraging Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server, Azure Data Platform, Microsoft Fabric, and Power BI. He is also proficient in constructing Azure infrastructures and architectures using PowerShell and Bicep.

Frank is a prolific author, having written several bestselling books including "Power BI für Dummies," "Azure für Dummies," "Docker für Dummies," and "Pro Serverless Data Handling with Microsoft Azure." As a frequent speaker, he has delivered insightful presentations at major national and international conferences like the PASS Community Summit, SQL BITS, and SQL Server Konferenz.

In addition to his professional achievements, Frank co-founded PASS Deutschland e.V. in 2004 and has served on its board of directors for many years. He also leads the Microsoft Data Community Regional Chapter Münsterland, contributing significantly to the community's growth and development.

• Advanced Timeseries Analytics and Anomaly detection in Fabric Realtime Intelligence

Iurii Iurchenko

Sr Data Engineer at Life Line Screening

Azure advocate, Senior Data Engineer & Tech Lead with 13 years of deep, hands-on expertise in Data Analytics, Microsoft Fabric and the Azure data ecosystem. 2x certified in Azure Fabric, with 6+ successfully delivered complex projects leveraging specifically Azure Fabric. Two-time SQL Saturday speaker in San Diego, Top-1% ADPList mentor, former entrepreneur, and active OHDSI CDM contributor with 7 years in consulting and 6 years in product engineering. I bring a highly practical, frontier-level skillset at the intersection of Fabric, AI, and healthcare analytics.

I am currently innovating at Life Line Screening, bringing the best of Microsoft Fabric to its modern data analytics platform.

• Microsoft Fabric: How to Minimize Cost and Maximize Efficiency and Reliability

Jackie Kiadii

Providing User Adoption Training for Seamless Transitions from Excel to Power BI | Microsoft MCT

Jackie Kiadii is a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Certified Power BI Data Analyst, Certified Excel Expert, and Excel MVP. She has over 20 years of software training experience and specializes in data analysis in Excel, Power Query, and Power BI. Organizations she's served include AT&T, Novelis, Airbus Americas, the City of Atlanta, Georgia Pacific, and Emory University.

Known for interactive teaching methods and a knack for simplifying complex concepts, Jackie has trained beginners to power users, guiding them through everything from essential Excel functions to macros and advanced data visualization techniques. She uses her Excel and Power BI skills to create tailored training programs to help organizations transition from Excel to Power BI.

• Making Sense Microsoft Copilot in BI

James McGillivray

Director of Content Creation and Customer Delivery, Cobalt Analytics

James McGillivray, Data Management and Analytics MCSE, has been working in Business Intelligence for over a decade. He spends his working hours building solutions that allow people to make informed decisions. quickly and accurately. He is a Director at South African Data Consultancy, Cobalt Analytics.

Before his career in data, James was an avid musical theatre student and musician. This love for performance has developed into a passion for developing and delivering presentations that are informative and enjoyable. James speaks frequently at Data Community Events, and has presented at some of the most well-known Data Events around the globe, including PASS Summit, SQL Bits and the Power BI World Tour.

• 4 Useful DAX Solutions for Business Problems

Jared Kuehn

Data Engineer by day, Storyteller by night

For over a decade, Jared has been a data engineering consultant implementing Microsoft products. For more than three decades, he has been honing his skills in theater and other performing arts. As a speaker, Jared marries these two disciplines together, creating dynamic presentations that add entertainment to education. This symbiotic relationship can improve presentation engagement, support attendees in knowledge retention, and foster a culture of passion for the data industry.

As a speaker, Jared has spoken at events such as:
-Fabcon Vegas (Microsoft Fabric Community Conference)
-DataCon Seattle (Microsoft Data Conference)
-PASS Summit
-SQL Saturdays, Multiple
-Microsoft Fabric Global Online Conference
-Future Data Driven Summit
-GroupBy Conference
-and more!

He also runs the YouTube channel DataBard, focused on making Data fun and teaching techniques along the way.

Technically-speaking, Jared has multiple Microsoft certifications in both on-prem and cloud technologies. He has extensive knowledge in:
-Microsoft Fabric
-SQL Query Development and Performance tuning
-Kimball Data Modeling
-ETL design patterns
-Azure SQL DB and Azure SQL MI

In his spare time, he continues to perform in community theater productions, as well as musically for his church. Upon request, he would be happy to assist with more theatrical portions of events, such as performing musical numbers.

• Intro to PySpark in Microsoft Fabric

Jared Rhodes

Principal Consultant, EPAM Systems

Jared Rhodes is a Principal Consultant at Epam Systems with over 15 years of expertise in IT. Known for his strategic guidance on digital transformations, Jared has led projects for Fortune 100 clients across industries such as insurance, retail, and life sciences.

He organizes the Atlanta Developers Conference and the Atlanta Cloud Conference, along with user groups including the Atlanta .NET, Azure in the ATL, and the Atlanta Hardware Builders. A Microsoft MVP and community leader, his contributions to the tech community reflect a commitment to advancing industry knowledge in cloud and edge technologies.

• Building AI Agents with Azure AI Foundry

Jason Romans

Lifelong Learner - Microsoft MVP

Jason Romans is a Business Intelligence engineer in Nashville, TN working with the Microsoft Business Intelligence stack. Jason is a Microsoft MVP who started his career as a DBA and over the years moved to working in his passion of Business Intelligence and data modeling. His first computer was a Commodore 64 and he's been hooked ever since.

• Unlocking the Power of TMDL: Enhancing Power BI Development

Javier Villegas

Mediterranean Shipping Company, IT Director - Microsoft MVP Data Platform

Javier Villegas is IT Director (DBA & BI Services) at Mediterranean Shipping Company with 30 years of experience working with SQL Server, Including Azure SQL.
His specialization is Administration, Performance Tuning, High Availability and Disaster Recovery.
Javier is a Microsoft MVP Data Platform since 2016 and MCT
He is a frequent speaker in technical conferences and events such as SQL Saturdays, PASS Virtual Groups, PASS Marathons, 24 Hours SQL PASS , vOpen , GroupBy , Data Saturdays and Azure Global Bootcamps.
He is one of the group leaders of SQL Argentina Community and former Microsoft Azure Data Advisory Board Member

• The Integration Blueprint: Choosing the Right Path in Microsoft Fabric

Jeff Levy

Jeff Levy - Data Architect @ Protiviti

With over 12 years of expertise in designing, implementing, and optimizing data warehouse solutions, Jeff is a seasoned Data Warehouse Architect specializing in SQL Server and Azure ecosystems. He has a proven track record of transforming complex data requirements into scalable, high-performance architectures that empower data-driven decision-making. Jeff has worked across many verticals including Healthcare, Telecom and Retail / Consumer Product Goods (CPG).
Most recently with Protiviti, Jeff has designed and built many modern data solutions for CPG companies such as Energizer and Famous Footwear (Caleres). These solutions have leveraged the full capabilities of Azure technologies, such as Azure Synapse Analytics, Databricks, and Microsoft Fabric. With a deep understanding of SQL, data modeling, and ETL processes, he has delivered many scalable and economic solutions to fit client needs.

• End-to-End Azure DevOps for Data Engineering in Microsoft Fabric

Jeff Taylor

Principal Data Consultant

Jeff Taylor is a Principal Data Consultant, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Redgate Community Ambassador, and Octopus Insider with over 27 years of experience specializing in performance tuning and critical data issues. He currently organizes the Jax Data and SQL Saturday Jacksonville and is the Jacksonville Development Users Group co-organizer.

• Fabric SQL Database: Simplifying OLTP and Real-Time Analytics

John Kerski

Director, Client First Technologies

John leverages his 10+ years of technical and government leadership experience to help Federal Agencies, and private sector clients utilize Microsoft products to their fullest potential. His certifications with Microsoft products offers customers a high rate of return when looking to invest in Microsoft solutions.

• What is Power BI Developer Mode?
• How AI is changing how we work with Fabric

John Miner

Insight Digital Innovations

John Miner is a Senior Data Architect at Insight Digital Innovation helping corporations solve their business needs with various data platform solutions.

He has over thirty years of data processing experience, and his architecture expertise encompasses all phases of the software project life cycle, including design, development, implementation, and maintenance of systems.

His credentials include undergraduate and graduate degrees in Computer Science from the University of Rhode Island. Also, he has earned certificates from Microsoft for Database Administration (MCDBA), System Administration (MCSA), Data Management & Analytics (MCSE) and Data Science (MPP).

John has been recognized with the Microsoft MVP award ten times for his outstanding contributions to the Data Platform community.

When he is not busy talking to local user groups or writing blog entries on new technology, he spends time with his wife and daughter enjoying outdoor activities. Some of John’s hobbies include wood working projects, crafting a good beer and playing a game of chess.

• Introduction to the data build tool (dbt) adapter for Fabric

Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart aka SQLLocks, Principal Analytics Consultant for SoundBI

Jonathan Stewart is a dynamic analytics consultant and visionary leader with over 25 years championing enterprise-scale data strategy and transformation. As Principal Analytics Consultant, Jonathan pioneers the launch of new practice areas, forges C-suite partnerships, and architects modern data warehouse and Power BI ecosystems for Fortune 500 organizations. His expertise empowers businesses to harness real-time insights, accelerate decision-making, and drive measurable revenue growth.

A recognized educator and community advocate, Jonathan is a frequent global speaker, technical trainer, and blogger at sqllocks.net, dedicated to democratizing analytics knowledge. He has presented on advanced analytics, cloud data platforms, and leadership in technology at conferences, user groups, and webcasts worldwide. Jonathan also serves as a board member for the Columbus SQL Server User Group and collaborates with local nonprofit and public sector leaders to expand technology access and career opportunities for underserved communities.

Jonathan’s technical focus spans the Microsoft Data Platform (Power BI, Azure, SQL Server), modern data warehouses including Databricks and Snowflake ecosystems, governance frameworks, data visualization, and analytics process automation. His leadership has been instrumental in launching innovative data practices, guiding cross-functional teams, and establishing standards for security and analytics excellence across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, government, and financial services.

In his free time, Jonathan advises regional planning boards and youth organizations, inspiring the next wave of technology leaders in central Ohio and beyond.

• Building Scalable Data Warehouses with Microsoft Fabric:

Kev Chant

Data Platform professional

Data Platform professional based in the Netherlands. Microsoft Certified Trainer and Data Platform MVP.

Many years experience with Microsoft Data Platforms. Along the way gained various Microsoft Certifications.

Held various roles over the years. Over that tome gained real-life experience with various Microsoft Data Platform offerings and ALM solutions such as Azure Devops and GitHub.

Involved with Microsoft technical community in various ways. Including blogs, videos, events and sharing various repositories in GitHub.

• CI/CD Supercharged: Deploy Microsoft Fabric with Azure Pipelines + AI
• How AI is changing how we work with Fabric

Kevin Arnold

Arnold Analytics, Founder | Microsoft Data Platform MVP

Kevin Arnold is the Founder of Arnold Analytics, overseeing software management methodologies, deployment strategy, and optimal data architectures for clients. He is a senior data architect with over 20 years’ experience, including at large-cap and SMB consultancies. His work focuses on the Modern Microsoft BI Stack including Power BI, Analysis Services, SQL Server, PowerShell, DevOps, Azure, and Power Query.

He is a co-leader and frequent presenter for the Dallas/Fort Worth Power BI User Group, as well as presenting at conferences and other user groups. He has been recognized by Microsoft as a Data Platform MVP in 2022.

• Next-Level BI Development: AI-Driven Semantic Models in Power BI

Kevin Feasel

Proprietor @ Catallaxy Services, LLC

Kevin Feasel is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Proprietor of Catallaxy Services, LLC, where he specializes in data analytics with T-SQL and R, forcing Spark clusters to do his bidding, fighting with Kafka, and pulling rabbits out of hats on demand. He is the lead contributor to Curated SQL (https://curatedsql.com), president of the Triangle Area SQL Server Users Group (https://www.meetup.com/tripass), and author of PolyBase Revealed (https://www.apress.com/us/book/9781484254608) and Finding Ghosts in Your Data (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4842-8870-2). A resident of Durham, North Carolina, he can be found cycling the trails along the triangle whenever the weather's nice enough.

• Getting Started with DuckDB

Kevin Jourdain

Gen AI Leader | Technical Director at Improving

AI evangelist and consulting leader who believes humans deserve AI partners, not replacements. Architects of AI agent systems and RAG solutions that capture workflows at scale, turning pilot projects into production realities. Combines responsible AI guardrails with human-in-the-loop design to deliver outcomes enterprises once thought impossible.

• Don't Be MAD: Vibe Coding is Over

Kevin Kline

Expert at enterprise-scale database systems, in the cloud or on-premises. Besting author of "SQL in a Nutshell".

Kevin Kline is a noted database expert and software industry veteran. A 20-year Microsoft Data Platform MVP and noted community leader in the IT industry, Kevin is a founder and former president of the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS.ORG), as well as the author of popular IT books including the bestseller "SQL in a Nutshell". Kevin is a top-rated speaker at industry trade shows worldwide and has a monthly column at Database Trends & Applications magazine (DBTA.com). His product designs for database tools have won numerous awards at industry trade shows and from a variety of trade magazines. He is on social media as @kekline and blogs regularly.

• Futureproof Your Data & Analytics Career with AI

Kevin Pereira

Solutions Architect - SHI

I'm a results-driven data professional with nearly two decades of experience dedicated to transforming data into strategic assets. My journey began in the intricate world of data and systems integration, mastering ETL/ELT processes to build robust foundations. For the past 15 years, my expertise has deepened within the Microsoft data stack, spanning traditional BI tools (SQL, SSIS, SSRS, SSAS), the extensive Azure Data Platform services, and Power BI. Crucially, the last two years have seen me at the forefront of Microsoft Fabric, pioneering its capabilities.

Beyond core data integration, I bring 8 years of hands-on experience in creating and maintaining robust CI/CD pipelines within Azure DevOps, ensuring streamlined, automated, and reliable deployments for a diverse range of data projects. This commitment to operational excellence extends to my 3 years of experience in managing and nurturing a team of Data Engineers, fostering growth and driving collaborative success.

My dedication to the data community is a cornerstone of my professional identity. As a leader with the DFW Power BI User Group, I actively contribute to growing local talent and knowledge sharing. This year, I've had the incredible opportunity to share my deep knowledge of Microsoft Fabric as a speaker at various SQL Saturday events, user groups, and notably, at both the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference in Las Vegas and in Europe.

• Building a Data Quality Framework in Fabric with Great Expectations

Kevin Wilkie

Sherpa of Data in all of it's various forms, i.e. Power BI, Tableau, R, SQL Server, Oracle, PostGres, etc...

Kevin has been wrangling data and dodging dirty reads for over 15 years — back when SQL Server 6.5 was considered "modern" and query tuning meant praying to the optimizer gods.

His journey began as an "Accidental DBA" — one misfired report and suddenly he was deep in sys.objects, pretending sp_who2 was an actual plan. Since then, he's played nearly every role in the SQL Server ecosystem: SQL Developer, BI Associate, Production DBA, and now a Data Architect with a mission.

These days, Kevin spends his time normalizing chaos, denormalizing silos, and preaching the gospel of clean, well-modeled data. He’s been known to pivot on the fly, avoid Cartesian relationships, and bring deadlocks back to life — all while gently reminding teams that SELECT * is a cry for help.

If it involves data, Kevin's in — tuning queries, architecting solutions, or just nerding out about why surrogate keys are misunderstood. He’s not just passionate about data — he’s got a clustered index on it.

• Seamlessly Integrating On-Prem SQL Server Data with Snowflake and Microsoft Fabric

Khaled Chowdhury

Data Crafters, Principal - Analytics Transformation

"Accidental Data Professional" started in finance and found a passion for analytics that, through a series of fortunate accidents, transformed me from Finance Director to Chief Data Officer. Now at Data Crafters, my team and I are bringing the power of Microsoft Fabric and Power BI into our customers' hands—creating visibility, enabling better decision-making, and freeing people from manual data drudgery. Together, we're transforming how organizations leverage data to achieve sustainable growth and success.

• From Power BI to Conversational AI: Building Data Agents That Scales

Kristyna Ferris

Solution Architect at P3 Adaptive

Kristyna Ferris is a solution architect at P3 Adaptive. Her experience includes implementing and managing enterprise-level Power BI instance, training teams on reporting best practices, and building templates for scalable analytics. Passionate about participating and growing the data community, she enjoys co-writing on Data on Wheels (dataonwheels.com) and speaking at various events. She also a co-organizer for Lexington Data Technology Group.

• The Fellowship of the Star Schema: Transforming OLTP Data for Power BI

Kyle Mueller

Power BI Enthusiast

Kyle is a self-described "Massive Power BI & Fabric Nerd" with 7+ years of experience in data related technologies especially in the Microsoft BI stack. As a specialist in Microsoft Fabric & Power BI, Kyle is an end-to-end Power BI developer with experience architecting deployments from scratch for clients ranging from 50 to over 10,000 employees. Kyle also has extensive expertise in the governance and administration surrounding a Fabric/Power BI tenant, including the creation of human-centric processes that aid in creating an environment that is friendly to self-service users, developers, and administrators alike.​

• Where to Start With a Messy Model: A Practical Approach

Lamar Rhodes

Staff Software Engineer, The Home Depot

Gaming champion turned coding workhorse.

• Building AI Agents with Azure AI Foundry

Lenore Flower

Data Consultant & Trainer - Data Plumber LLC

Lenore Flower (MBA, MCT) is the owner of Data Plumber, LLC, a training-first consulting business that helps SMBs (Small-to-Medium sized Businesses) grow their data people alongside their data ecosystem on the Microsoft stack.

After serving as the BI lead on the client side of a challenging D365 F&O implementation, Lenore transitioned to data & BI consulting work with the explicit goal of becoming the kind of data consultant she had so badly needed herself. She now specializes in collaborating one-on-one with data professionals to both build and learn how to maintain data systems that span D365 F&O, Fabric, Power BI, and Dataverse.

Lenore loves learning and sharing knowledge as part of the broader data community. In addition to being an enthusiastic speaker and attendee at various community events, she co-organizes the Power BI Washington DC User Group (since 2022), and the DUG DC user Group (since 2025), and recently launched "Beautiful Nerds-The Podcast" to help keep the conversation going between community events.

• Race Against the Clock: Power BI Reports to Print-Ready in 50 Minutes

Leslie Welch

I solve problems.

Leslie Welch is the Principal Architect, Data & AI at SHI with over 18 years of experience in automation, data analysis and visualization, and strengthening organizations’ knowledge of data. Leslie is a Microsoft MVP and has worked end-to-end in the data arena from capture and ETL to database design/engineering to analysis and dashboard design to ML use cases with a focus on improving productivity, performance, and data quality. She has extensive experience in enterprise deployment of Power BI, both as an admin and Power BI architect, and as a trainer and technical community organizer. She is passionate about data governance, truth-telling in data, and creating collaborative environments across data practitioners and the numerous data stakeholders.

Leslie co-organizes Power BI DC and frequently attends and speaks at data community meetups in the DC metro area, including but not limited to Data Viz DC, Data Science DC, Women Who Code DC, Washington DC Power Platform User Group, and Generative AI DC. Leslie was recognized as a 2023 New Power Woman in Tech by DCA Live, and on the RealLIST Engineers 2024 as one of 15 technologists helping the DMV ecosystem grow.

• It's Only a Model - Demystifying Row Level Security in Power BI

Louis Davidson

Database design writer, speaker, and doer.

Louis is the editor of the Simple-Talk website. Prior to that, has was a corporate database developer and data architect for a non-profit organization for 25 years! Louis has been a Microsoft MVP since 2004, and is the author of a series of SQL Server Database Design books, most recently Pro SQL Server Relational Database Design and Implementation.

• BI versus Relational Design

Mala Mahadevan

SQL Server DBA/Database Engineer , ChannelAdvisor Corp, Passionate about community, co lead #TriPASSUG

Mala Mahadevan is a senior database professional with over 20 years of experience working with data, primarily in SQL Server and related technologies. She has been volunteering with SQL Server community for the past 15 years and is also a recipient of the PASSion award for being an outstanding volunteer. She is a featured blogger on sqlservercentral.com and also blogs infrequently at curiousaboutdata.com.

• Demystifying vector search in SQL 2025

Marc Lelijveld

Data Platform MVP | Technical Evangelist | Solution Architect Data Solutions & Insights

Data Platform MVP, Power BI and Fabric enthusiastic, public speaker and passionate for everything which transforms data into action! Working at Macaw in the Netherlands as Solution Architect and Technical Evangelist in the Data Solutions & Insights team.

What I like the most? Sharing my thoughts, experience, best-practices and enthusiasm about Microsoft data platform with others. I mostly do this in public speaking at usergroups, conferences, customer presentations and end-user training. Besides that I also have my own blog which you can find at https://data-marc.com/

• Reaching maximum automation: Generating semantic models as part of your platform workloads

Marcelo Adade

Microsoft Data Platform Lead Database Consultant at The Pythian Group

Marcelo is a Microsoft Data Platform Database Consultant and Engineer. He has more than 15 years of experience in several Companies from different branches and sizes. Like financial companies, consultant shops, datacenters and e-commerce sites. Currently holds the MCSE, MCT and MCSA Microsoft Certifications and also the Oracle OCP. Loves technology and enjoys sharing his Database knowledge delivering presentations and official Microsoft Training Courses. Currently he is also the co-leader of the SQLMANIACS PASS User Group, based in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

• SQL Server 2025 for DBAs

Matt Gordon

Practice Director, Data & Analytics at Apps Associates

Matt is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and has worked with SQL Server since 2000. He is the leader of the Lexington, KY Data Technology Group and a frequent domestic and international community speaker. He's an IDERA ACE alumnus and Redgate Ambassador. His original data professional role was in database development, which quickly evolved into query tuning work that further evolved into being a DBA in the healthcare realm. He has supported several critical systems utilizing SQL Server and Azure SQL and managed dozens of 24/7/365 SQL Server implementations. As a consultant, he works with customers large, medium, and small to migrate to the cloud, make their data estate operate efficiently, and find the right tools and solutions within the Microsoft Data Platform.

• Fabric IQ in the Real World

Michael McKinley

Data. Made actionable.

Michael McKinley is the founder of McKinley Consulting. Michael has managed projects and workstreams in consulting for the last thirteen years, in areas including data analytics, change management, operations excellence, and supply chain transformation.

• Application Lifecycle Management for Business Intelligence: ALM for BI

Mou Rakshit

Avanade, Intelligent Data Platform Data Engineering Thought leadership

26 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN SUCCESSFUL IT LEADERSHIP • DATA MANAGEMENT & ARCHITECTURE •
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICS & REPORTING • AGILE AND PREDICTIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT

EDUCATION
• MS, Computer Science, Honors, Wayne State University, 2006-2008
• Master's in Health Services Administration - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2017-2020)
• MS in Analytics and Data Science (In Progress), Georgia Tech 2021-2026
• BE in Electronics & Telecommunications, IIEST, 1994-1998
• Chief Technology Officer Certificate Program from Wharton Executive Education, June 2023-May 2024

Certification
• Microsoft Certified: Fabric Data Engineer Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Fabric Analytics Engineer Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Azure for SAP Workloads Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
• Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate

• Databricks certified Data Engineer Professional
• Databricks certified Data Engineer Associate
• Databricks certified Data Analyst Associate
• Databricks certified GenAI Engineer Associate
• Databricks certified Machine Learning Engineer Associate
• Databricks certified Machine Learning Engineer Professional
• Databricks certified solution architect essentials

• From Data to Decisions: Building Agentic Construction Intelligence with Databricks Agent Bricks

Murray Fife

Tinkerer, Storyteller, Author & Trainer at Microsoft

I’m a Strategist, Author, and Trainer dedicated to helping people make sense of complex systems. I guide businesses through the real-world challenges of implementing and optimizing complex systems, turning confusion into clarity.

I don’t just teach, I bring it to life. Through hands-on training, story-driven walkthroughs, and easy-to-follow documentation, I turn technical content into something engaging and practical. My goal is to make learning feel less like a black box and more like a powerful tool anyone can master.

As a published author and long-time blogger, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned to help others succeed. Whether it’s configuring a ledger or navigating supply chain flows, I aim to make the process intuitive, insightful, and (dare I say) fun.

• Build Your First Agent in Copilot Studio

Nikola Ilic

Data Mozart, Microsoft Data Platform MVP

I'm making music from the data! Power BI and Microsoft Fabric addict, Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Pluralsight Author, O'Reilly Instructor, blogger, speaker...Interested in everything related to data - always eager to extract valuable info from raw data in the most effective way. Multi-year experience working with (predominantly) Microsoft Data Platform (SQL Server, SSAS, SSIS, SSRS, and Power BI). Father of 2 and true football (and Barca) fan!

• Chief Data Alchemist Playbook - Crafting Medallion Architecture the Right Way!

Pragati Jain

Microsoft MVP - Data Platform, Fabric Consultant

Pragati is a Data Platform MVP (Microsoft Most Valuable Professional).
Fabric Consultant who works towards generating and delivering data insights to various customers. She holds a Master’s degree in Data Science and Analytics from Royal Holloway University of London.
She is skilled in various tools and technologies like Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, Microsoft Excel, Azure ML Studio, Azure Databricks Pyspark and SQL.
She has been using Power BI for few years now and is recognized as a Superuser on the Microsoft Fabric Community.
Outside work she enjoys photography, loves hiking, she is a trained Indian classical singer and has a passion for painting. She even has her Instagram page dedicated to painting.

Microsoft MVP: https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-us/PublicProfile/5004163?fullName=Pragati%20Jain

• Stop Polling, Start Reacting: Optimising Fabric Efficiency with Event-Driven Pipelines

Preston Mesarvey

Technical Director - Data Services Consulting at Improving Atlanta

Preston Mesarvey is a Technical Directory Consultant with Improving Enterprises. He is a passionate data engineer and strategist that has worked with all things data for twenty years. He is an active member of the local data community and has delivered presentations at industry conferences. He lives in the North Atlanta area with his wife Lindsay and two sons.

• Building a Modern Data Vault on Snowflake with dbt & AutomateDV

Roberto Fonseca

Microsoft Data Platform MVP

I´m the founder of a professional company specialized in SQL Server that help companies to achieve a better database infrastructure and experience. I'm a specialist in SQL Server Database Administration and Business Intelligence projects to businesses of all sizes.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in computing science and more than 15 years of experience in the field with multiple awards, including the MVP - Microsoft Most Valuable Professional since 2015 and the PASSion Award awarded by PASS in 2017. I also hold the MCSE – Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert and the MCT – Microsoft Certified Trainer credentials since 2006.
I was born and raised in south region of Brazil and I have learned English and Spanish in school and also because of the proximity of countries like Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

• SQL Server 2025 for DBAs

Santhana Lakshmi Ponnurasan

Data Analyst | Power BI Specialist

Lakshmi is a Microsoft MVP (Data Platform) and a Certified Power BI Data Analyst, currently working in the Institutional Effectiveness department at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is passionate about creating creative and innovative Power BI reports that not only make data pop but also provide actionable insights. She was a Finalist in the Microsoft Power BI DataViz World Championships 2025, showcasing her ability to combine technical expertise with storytelling. An engaging speaker, she frequently speaks about all things Power BI at user groups and conferences, and also shares tips and best practices on her Medium blog.

• Power BI's Built-In Features: Real-Time Hacks in Action

Sivasai Nadella

Amgen

I am a seasoned Solution Architect with strong experience in CRM, CPQ (Configure, Price, Quote), CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management), Cloud technologies, API development, and system integrations, with a sharp focus on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) to drive innovation, efficiency, and compliance in business processes. My background lies in compliance operations, marketing, service, and sales, predominantly within the life sciences environment where I have designed and implemented pioneering solutions to facilitate processes, enhance customer relationships, ensure regulatory compliance, and offer quantifiable business returns. Through my comprehensive exposure to the pertinent issues, the compliance requirements, and regulatory systems of the life sciences industry as well as through technical competence, I can deliver compliant, scalable, and strategic solutions.

Outside technical competency, my most enthusiastic subject area is researching on the viability of applying AI and LLMs to customer relationship management, contract automation, monitoring compliance, and data-based decision-making. Interest in this arena of innovation, compliance, and continuous learning fires my motivation in being a peer reviewer. I am eager to utilize my skills and experience to critically evaluate research, methodologies, and emerging technologies to guarantee that they are of the highest standard, relevance, and impact. My goal is to help promote knowledge in the professional community, enhance collaboration among experts, and enable uptake of innovative technologies to assist in business and compliance objectives.

• Building a Data-Driven Organization Using SQL, BI, and Automation

Steve Jones

The Voice of the DBA

Steve Jones has been working with databases and computers for over two decades. He has worked with SQL Server since 1991, from v4.2 through SQL Server 2016. He has been a DBA, developer, and manager in a variety of large and small companies across multiple industries. In 2001 Steve founded SQLServerCentral with two partners and has been publishing technical articles and facilitating discussions among SQL Server professionals ever since. He currently is the full time editor of SQLServerCentral, as well as an evangelist for Redgate Software. Steve is a 10 year Microsoft Data Platform MVP and lives on a horse ranch in Colorado.

• Balance in Life with a Career

Sukhwant Kaur

Senior Program Manager in SQL database in Fabric Team @Microsoft

I am a Senior Product Manager with the SQL database in Fabric team at Microsoft. My focus is on the entire product management lifecycle, from working with development teams and user experience to collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive customer satisfaction by ensuring our products not only meet but exceed customer expectations.
Prior to joining Microsoft, I held various full time/consulting roles as a technology leader for over two decades in software lifecycle development, system integration, and enterprise architecture design. My expertise extends to Data Strategy, Analytics, and Web Content Management. Throughout my career, I have successfully led numerous projects, both small and large, from inception through to implementation. I am a proponent of the servant-leader philosophy, committed to continuous learning and empowering others to excel in their endeavors.

• Build AI applications using SQL database in Fabric

Talles Valiatti

Azure Brasil, Arquiteto Cloud

I am a Microsoft MVP with a degree in Electrical Engineering and a passion for new technologies. I regularly publish technical articles focused on .NET, Azure, DevOps, and AI, sharing knowledge and contributing to the community.

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tallesvaliatti/
- MVP profile: https://mvp.microsoft.com/pt-BR/MVP/profile/1df6e593-0358-4fc0-832c-06339e53d7a4
- Blog: https://tallesvaliatti.com/
- Talles.dsv@gmail.com

• Building agents with Microsoft Foundry IQ as a knowledge source

Tim Rayburn

Vice President of Consulting at Improving

Tim Rayburn is a Vice President of Consulting with Improving Enterprises, a software and project management consulting company in Dallas, TX. He is a passionate advocate of apprenticeship and mentorship in corporate environments. He has been awarded the Microsoft MVP in recognition of his expertise and community leadership 11 times. He is also a conference organizer, an author, and can be found speaking across the nation on agile processes, software design, and career management. He lives in the North Dallas area with his amazing wife Kate and their loyal dogs Dresden and Radagast.

• The Judgment Gap: Why AI Adoption Without Verification Is Worse Than No AI At All

Vineel Arekapudi

Engineering Data Platforms from Storage to API, Lead Data Engineer at Wells Fargo

I work at the intersection of large-scale data engineering, cloud platforms, and applied AI. I currently build and lead modern data platforms at a major U.S. bank, where I design Lakehouse and streaming architectures that operate at multi-billion-record scale across cloud environments.
My background spans the full evolution of enterprise data systems, from mainframe and Teradata warehouses to cloud-native lakehouses built on Spark, Iceberg, Kafka, and Kubernetes. Over the past decade, my work has focused on building production-grade data platforms: high-throughput ingestion pipelines, real-time analytics systems, and ML-ready data infrastructure used by data scientists, analysts, and AI teams.
In addition to data engineering, I have deep experience in full-stack platform development using Java, Spring Boot, REST APIs, and modern front-end frameworks. This allows me to design data systems not just as pipelines, but as products — complete with APIs, services, governance layers, and developer tooling.
My current interests include open table formats (Apache Iceberg), lakehouse architecture, metadata-driven governance, and building scalable AI-ready data platforms. I enjoy sharing practical lessons from real production systems — what works, what breaks, and how to design data infrastructure that lasts.

• Weaving RAGs into Fabric: A Governed Lakehouse Architecture for Enterprise AI Agents