Insights on SQLBits

If I could pick 4 words that sum up SQLBits it would be: 

Data. Inspire. Community. European

The Conference

SQLBits is the largest SQL Server event in Europe. It is run by volunteers in the community and SQL Server enthusiasts.  The event has grown over the years and is now a 4 day event.

• Wednesday pre-con training day
• Thursday pre-con training day followed by a pub quiz
• Friday is deep dive session day concluding with the conference fancy dress party
• Saturday is the free community day event.

The Days

Every day is packed full of Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft Azure content in all forms. SQLBits now covers content from database management, development, data management, business intelligence and data science. In true tradition, the community gets the chance to vote for the huge variety of sessions.  There is also the chance to attend some sessions on professional development as well.

The Announcement
Every year there is excitement to find out the dates of the event, the location of the event and the theme of the event.

The People
There is the opportunity to meet some of the brilliant minds in the field and to be dazzled by the continual suite of innovative changes. There are a variety of speakers from Most Valued Professionals (MVPs) to new speakers from the SQL community. There are also the conference helpers who enjoy helping make the conference a success. 

The Community
There is always the hustle and bustle of the attendees in the sponsor hall. The sponsors of the event provide crucial funding for the conference and showcase their latest products and services. Then there are the attendees who come to learn, be motivated and network.

The Theme
Every event has a theme. Some of the themes have ranged from James Bond, Robin Hood, Steampunk, Superheroes, Space to Disco. 

The Event
This year, the event returned to Telford near the birthplace of the industrial revolution. This is quite fitting with 2017 being the year of the algorithm, providing the intelligence revolution.