SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric: Start Your Journey into a Unified Data Platform

Are you exploring Microsoft Fabric but unsure where to start? SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric offer the perfect entry point to unlock the power of this unified data platform. In this session, we’ll introduce you to the foundational concepts of SQL in Microsoft Fabric, showcasing how it simplifies data management, integrates seamlessly with other Fabric components, and scales to meet your business needs.

You’ll learn how SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric can serve as the backbone of your data operations, enabling real-time insights and bridging the gap between data engineering and analytics. Through practical examples and a live walkthrough, we’ll demonstrate how to create, connect, and query a SQL Database in Microsoft Fabric, ensuring you leave ready to take your first steps into this transformative technology.

By the end of this session, you will have a clear understanding of the role SQL Databases play in Microsoft Fabric and why they are the ideal starting point for your journey into a unified data platform.

From Zero to Insights: Getting Started with SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric

Are you new to Microsoft Fabric and wondering where to begin? This session is designed to take you from zero to insights with SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric. Whether you're a beginner or transitioning from another data platform, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to get started.

Discover how SQL Databases serve as the cornerstone of Microsoft Fabric, making it easier than ever to store, query, and analyse your data in a unified environment. We’ll walk you through creating your first SQL Database, connecting to your data sources, and running queries to deliver actionable insights—all within the Fabric ecosystem.

Through real-world scenarios and practical demos, this session will empower you to confidently use SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric and understand how they streamline your journey to data-driven decision-making. By the end of the hour, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to make SQL Databases your launchpad for success in Microsoft Fabric.

Auditing Azure SQL Database with Log Analytics- How, where and what

If you have built an Azure SQL database you will have probably seen the Auditing option in the Portal.
But what exactly does this give us ?

In this presentation we will look at Auditing in Azure SQL database.
How to correctly configure auditing.
Setting up the necessary Diagnostics
Viewing the data in Azure Analytics.
Introduction to the Kusto Query Language
Azure SQL Analytics to monitor performance (still in Preview after 4 years)
Azure SQL Security Insights
Putting it all together with Azure Workbooks

Data Leadership: Navigating Security, Governance, and Ethical Decision-Making in the Digitial Skies

In today's intricate digital airspace, leaders and technicians alike are tasked with ensuring not just the security but the ethical management of data. This session seeks to empower participants with a comprehensive understanding of data protection across various platforms, effective data governance, and the leadership skills necessary for navigating these challenges. Dive deep into OneLake, Purview, and the latest in data security, all while harnessing proactive strategies for smooth and secure data operations.

Top Five Disasters we've dealt with in our time as DBAs

Gethyn and David have been DBAs for far too long. Between them, they have had to deal with their fair share of interesting times

Come and hear about our top five disasters and how we managed, or not, to dig ourselves or our team out of a hole.

This will be a fun session discussing some of the strange things that have happened to us in the combined 35 years we have been doing this.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Data-Driven Culture

Berry Wand has a new job. As the Chief Data Officer for a leading police force, she is in charge of creating a data-driven corporate culture and has all the tools she needs to make it happen. But she needed to figure out where to start; she had a vision, but it was the implementation and delivery that she needed help with.

That was until she heard about a splendid conference talk focused on building a data culture and how Power BI could support that process.

Now, she had the chance to dig into the topic and learn how to make the most out of her data. She was excited to start, so she arrived at the talk with a sense of anticipation.

During the session, Berry was immersed in a world full of potential. She picked up techniques and strategies she could apply to her job and tips and tricks she could teach her team.

She learned about

> Establish leadership support
> Strategies for Overcoming resistance to change
> Identify key data stakeholders
> Build a data-driven mindset
> Implement data governance
> Invest in data infrastructure
> Provide training
> Encourage experimentation
> How Power BI can help build that data culture

The whole experience had been a revelation for her, leaving her feeling as if she had finally cracked the code of creating a data-driven culture in her organisation.

As she left the conference venue, Berry felt energised and inspired. She had the blueprint and strategy for taking her data to the next level; all she had to do was put her newfound knowledge into action. It would not be easy, but it would be worth it.

People interested in this session may have the following job titles. Please note this is not an exclusive list. Not having this job title does not preclude you from attending.

Data Analyst
IT Director
IT Manager
Finance Director
Chief Data Officer

From Zero to Hero: Accidental SQL Server DBAs Survival Guide

This conference session will provide a comprehensive survival guide for individuals who are new or accidental SQL Server Database Administrators (DBAs). The presentation will cover key concepts and best practices to effectively manage SQL Server instances and databases, including installation, configuration, security, backup and recovery, monitoring, performance tuning, and troubleshooting.
Attendees will learn practical tips and tricks for
• Managing security
• Backup and restore strategies
• Regular maintenance
Whether you are a developer, IT professional, or accidental DBA, this session will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to confidently manage SQL Server environments and ensure optimal performance and uptime. By following the guidance provided in this survival guide, you will be able to quickly move from being a novice to a hero in SQL Server administration.

Moneyball – Build a killer Fantasy Football Team with Power BI

Moneyball – Build a killer Fantasy Football Team with Power BI - PHIT Football

Berry Wand is fed up with having a mediocre Fantasy Premier League team, making mediocre decisions and generally not in contention of winning any of the Fantasy Premier League that she enters. She does OK, but she’s always short of points when the title is being dished out.

In this talk, we will look at how Berry can use the FPL APIs, PowerShell and Power BI to build an analytical solution allowing her to identify valuable players from a crowded field. Allowing her to answer the soccer equivalent of the famous Billy Beane question, “Do they get on base?”

If you’re new to Power BI or just curious, about what I am going to talk about then this session is for you. We will talk about

- Data sources
- Loading into Power BI
- Cleaning and transforming the data
- Modelling the data
- Adding some measures
- Creating great visuals to show which players should be in our team and those that shouldn’t

Come along and have some Power BI fun.

For the avoidance of doubt, we are talking about English Premier League football/soccer.

Future-Proof Your Database Skills: Unlocking the Power of PostgreSQL in Multi-Platform Environments

As organisations embrace multi-platform strategies and cloud adoption, PostgreSQL has emerged as a critical database technology, valued for its versatility, scalability, and open-source foundation. This session will explore why PostgreSQL is a cornerstone of modern data platforms and how database administrators and IT professionals can leverage its capabilities to excel in multi-platform environments.

Join us to:

> Uncover the key features that make PostgreSQL a powerful tool for handling diverse workloads and cloud-native applications.

> Learn best practices for installation, configuration, and performance optimisation across platforms.

> Discover practical tips for managing database clusters, schemas, roles, and tablespaces effectively.

Whether you’re new to PostgreSQL or transitioning from other RDBMS systems, this session will provide actionable insights and highlight the skills you need to future-proof your database expertise in an evolving IT landscape.

Curiosity-Driven Leadership: Unlocking Potential in a Data-Driven, AI-Enabled World

Almost every aspect of everyday life is driven by data and reshaped by artificial intelligence, the leaders who stand out are not necessarily the ones with all the answers but those brave enough to ask the right questions. Curiosity, often dismissed as a childlike quality, is, in fact, the secret ingredient that empowers leaders to navigate complexity, embrace chaos, and drive innovation. But how can we cultivate curiosity in a world that values certainty? How can leaders harness curiosity to unlock the transformative potential of technology, data, and human creativity?
In this talk, I’ll take you on a journey to explore how curiosity has shaped my career as a data platform consultant, educator, and technology leader. From guiding businesses through the chaos of AI adoption to helping non-profits unlock the power of data for social good, I’ll share real-world examples that reveal how a curious mindset can turn challenges into opportunities and uncertainty into a catalyst for creation.
Drawing on my experiences in leading data-driven transformations, I’ll uncover the surprising ways curiosity can bridge the gap between technical complexity and human insight. Whether it’s asking the unconventional question that leads to a breakthrough in data strategy or inspiring a team to see beyond the chaos of emerging technologies, curiosity isn’t just a leadership skill—it’s a survival tool in a rapidly changing world.
But curiosity alone isn’t enough. I’ll discuss how chaos, when embraced, becomes the fertile ground for innovation and how leadership in the AI era requires more than technological competence—it demands the courage to experiment, the humility to learn, and the creativity to see patterns where others see noise.
This talk is not just about my journey; it’s an invitation for leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to reimagine their approach to leadership. I’ll offer practical strategies for fostering a culture of curiosity, empowering teams to think boldly, and unlocking the potential of data and AI to drive meaningful impact.
Join me as we explore how curiosity can transform the way we lead, the way we work, and the way we innovate. Because in a world of constant change, curiosity isn’t just the spark that ignites ideas—it’s the force that drives us to create a future worth imagining.

From Fear to Fame: The Secrets to Mastering Unforgettable Presentations

What separates a good presenter from a truly unforgettable one? How do some speakers captivate audiences effortlessly while others struggle to connect? Unlock the secrets behind these questions in this transformative session.

Step into the remarkable journey of Berry Wand, a once self-doubting DBA who went from dreading the spotlight to becoming a sought-after speaker at global tech events. With guidance from renowned mentor Gethyn Ellis, Berry’s story reveals how she conquered her fears and mastered the art of impactful presentations—guided by the three timeless pillars of persuasion: Pathos (emotion), Logos (logic), and Ethos (credibility).

In this session, you’ll uncover:

The critical role a well-chosen title plays in attracting attention.
How to craft abstracts that spark curiosity and open doors.
Techniques to transform stage fright into your greatest strength.
Whether you're looking to overcome your own fears or elevate your speaking skills to new heights, this session is your gateway to achieving lasting impact.

Who Should Attend?
If you’re new to public speaking or seeking improvement, this session is your opportunity to grow. Join us and discover how to captivate, inspire, and succeed on stage and beyond.

The spotlight is waiting. Are you ready to step into it?

Discover Microsoft Fabric with SQL: Simplify, Connect, and Scale Your Data Strategy

Embarking on your Microsoft Fabric journey? Start with SQL Databases—the key to simplifying your data operations, connecting diverse data sources, and scaling your analytics capabilities. This session will introduce you to the SQL Database feature in Microsoft Fabric, showcasing how it bridges the gap between data storage and actionable insights.

You’ll learn how to create and manage SQL Databases, integrate them with other components of Microsoft Fabric, and leverage their scalability to meet your organisation's growing data needs. Through hands-on demonstrations, we’ll explore practical use cases, from streamlining data ingestion to performing real-time analytics—all within the Fabric ecosystem.

Whether you're a data professional or a curious beginner, this session will provide you with the tools and knowledge to make SQL Databases in Microsoft Fabric the cornerstone of your data strategy. By the end, you’ll be ready to simplify, connect, and scale your data journey with confidence.