Network, learn, ask a question, meet other folk, get fed - these are all things that happen at user group events. These events are a really great opportunity to socialise in an informal learning experience - if you want your own exposure then come and do a 1 - 5 minute nugget in front of your peers.
Remember to tell your friends and the people you work with; make sure you register as soon as you can.
5.30 – 6:00pm Registration and networking
Meet and greet.
6:00 – 6:30pm Round Table discussion and Nuggets - ALL
Take stock and get the latest news in the SQL Server field. This is also a great opportunity to ask any burning questions you have, may be a problem at work.
It's also a great opportunity to share your knowledge and gain exposure in the industry by giving a short 1 - 6 minute "nugget" demo/tip.
6.15 – 7:15pm Mergetastic – A better way to load dimensions - Alex Whittles
Abstract:
In this session
we’ll look at how T-SQL Merge can be used to perform complex multi-stage tasks
such as loading data into data warehouse dimensions, including the handling of
type 0, 1 & 2 slowly changing dimensions.
I’ll present a
summary of my MSc dissertation findings, comparing the performance of using
T-SQL Merge against other more traditional methods of loading data warehouse
dimensions in SSIS.
We’ll also look at
how we can use simple metadata configuration and dynamic SQL to completely
automate the generation of the merge statement, resulting in an incredibly
simple meta-data configurable data warehouse platform.
Bio:
Alex is the owner
and lead consultant at Purple Frog, a SQL Server Business Intelligence
consultancy in the UK. He specialises in dimensional data modelling, data
warehouse design, ETL systems and Analysis Services. Alex is leader of the
Birmingham PASS chapter and runs the Midlands SQL Relay events. He has just
completed an MSc in Business Intelligence, writing a thesis on the performance
characteristics of loading type 2 SCDs into a data warehouse. He’s also a
regular speaker at SQLBits and at various SQL Server user groups and PASS
chapters around the UK.
v
7:15 – 7:30pm Break: Light refreshments
More time to network, ask questions and eat pizza...
7.30 – 8:00pm Performance Considerations for
BULK INSERT operations with Stephen Leach
Overview:
·
Why do we want to
BULK INSERT?
·
How does it differ
from a normal insert
·
What can we do to
improve performance
o Table locking
o Minimal logging
o Buffer size
8.00pm – 9.00pm SharePoint and SQL: You can’t have one without the other - Penelope Coventry
With more than 90% of the content accessed via SharePoint stored in SQL
Server it is important to understand the relationship between the two products.
Without the correct configuration of SQL Server it can have a detrimental
impact on the performance of SharePoint. There are critical SQL Server
configurations that can be made to that will optimize SharePoint. In this
session Penny will explain how SharePoint and SQL components relate to one
another.
Bio
Penelope Coventry, MVP SharePoint Server and MCTIP: SharePoint
Administration 2010, MCPD: SharePoint Developer 2010, is an author and
independent consultant based in the U.K. with more than 30 years of industry
experience and 10 SharePoint related Microsoft Press books to her name. She
focuses on the design, implementation, and development of SharePoint
Technology–based solutions, particularly no-code solutions using out-of-the-box
functionality. Penny has spoken at a number of conferences including TechEd North
America, SharePoint Conferences in Canada, Australia and New Zealand,
SharePoint Conferences in London, including the SharePoint International
Conference, SharePoint 2010 Evolution Conference and SharePoint Best Practices
Conferences, and SharePoint Saturdays UK and Belgium. She is also a keen
supporter of the UK SharePoint user group community.
How to find us
By car
Manchester is served by a comprehensive motorway network
and is easily accessible from all areas of the country. The
Co-operative Group buildings are all located in close proximity
to the Arndale Centre, the Printworks and Victoria Station. The
landmark CIS building can be easily identified from most parts
of the city centre.
The most convenient public car parks are located on
Corporation Street and Miller Street. The area is also well
served with short-stay pay and display parking bays.
By bus, train or metrolink tram
The Co-operative Group buildings are just a short walk from
Manchester’ Victoria Station (trains, buses and trams) and
Shudehill tram station. From Piccadilly and Oxford Road
railway stations you can walk (allow 20 minutes), take a taxi
or catch a bus or tram to Victoria.
On arrival
Please report to reception in New Century House on Miller Street to sign in
before going to the relevant building.