Randy Knight
Microsoft Certified Master & Founder of SQL Solutions Group — Helping organizations achieve SQL Server stability, performance, and modernization
Woodinville, Washington, United States
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Randy Knight is the Founder and President of SQL Solutions Group, a consultancy specializing in SQL Server performance, high availability, and modernization. A Microsoft Certified Master in SQL Server, Randy has more than 25 years of experience helping organizations solve their most complex data challenges—from query tuning and execution plan analysis to designing enterprise-grade HA/DR strategies and cloud migrations.
Once referred to by a customer as the “database whisperer,” Randy has a reputation for diagnosing performance bottlenecks that others miss, while delivering practical, lasting solutions. He is also passionate about automation, using PowerShell, Azure, and intelligent monitoring tools to reduce operational risk and free DBAs for higher-value work.
Randy regularly shares his expertise through blogs, webinars, and conference sessions, with a recent focus on how AI and automation are reshaping the role of the DBA. His talks blend deep technical content with real-world lessons, leaving audiences equipped with actionable insights to take back to their environments.
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Cloud Migrations Outside the Lines
In this session, we will walk through some real-life migration scenarios and focus on the things that are the "snakes in the grass" that the documentation may not cover. Using examples from migrations we've done for customers, we will build a process for planning a cloud migration that attendees can use when they get back to their own environments.
Nightmare on NOLOCK Street
In this session we will look at what you are really doing to your data when using this hint and how “who cares if it’s right?” is really what this isolation level means.
Soft Skills for Geeks: Don’t Be a Flat Boxer
If you like being the surly IT geek who lives in a dark office and gets fed pizza under the door (i.e. a flat boxer) this session is NOT for you. However, if promotion, appreciation for what you do, and the adoration of your peers and management are appealing to you, you might want to participate in this one.
Always On Availability Groups: Real-World Lessons from the Trenches
Always On Availability Groups are powerful—but complex. Misconfigurations, quorum problems, and automatic seeding failures can bring production systems to their knees. In this session, we’ll examine real-world AG scenarios from the field, highlighting pitfalls, troubleshooting techniques, and best practices. You’ll leave with a practical roadmap for designing and maintaining robust, high-availability SQL Server environments.
The Lost Art of Debugging SQL Server Stored Procedures
Did you know SQL Server Management Studio once supported step-through debugging of stored procedures—but no longer does? Today, most DBAs have lost touch with this critical skill. In this session, we’ll explore modern techniques to debug stored procedures using Visual Studio with SSDT. You’ll learn how to set up your environment, attach to SQL Server, and walk through procedures step by step. By the end, you’ll have the tools and confidence to bring back this “lost art” of debugging.
AI for DBAs: Copilot, ChatGPT, and the Future of Database Work
AI won’t replace DBAs—but DBAs who know how to use AI will replace those who don’t. Tools like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, and other AI assistants can act as powerful force multipliers, helping DBAs write T-SQL, generate PowerShell scripts, review execution plans, and even draft documentation. But there are also risks: incorrect AI output, data privacy concerns, and over-reliance on generated code.
In this session, we’ll cut through the hype and take a realistic look at AI for DBAs.
You’ll learn:
What AI is good at today—and what it isn’t
Practical use cases: from script generation to performance tuning assistance
How to validate and safeguard AI-generated solutions
The limits of AI in sensitive, production-grade environments
You’ll leave with a clear framework for using AI responsibly and effectively in your daily DBA work, gaining leverage without losing control.
Randy Knight
Microsoft Certified Master & Founder of SQL Solutions Group — Helping organizations achieve SQL Server stability, performance, and modernization
Woodinville, Washington, United States
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