Microsoft at PASS Summit 2009
Everywhere you turn at PASS Summit Unite 2009, you’ll see Microsoft’s valuable participation. From its premier sponsorship of the conference and SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition giveaway to the CSS and SQLCAT SQL Server Clinic to the Ask the Experts Lounge and other Technical Learning Center areas, Microsoft is committing its top resources in support of the most value-packed SQL Server and Business Intelligence event of the year.
Here’s a snapshot of where you can find Microsoft’s most knowledgeable experts and top speakers:
- Can’t-miss keynotes from top Microsoft SQL Server executives Bob Muglia, Ted Kummert, Tom Casey, and David J. DeWitt
- 3 intensive, full-day Pre/Post-Conference Seminars
- 7 Spotlight sessions showcasing Microsoft’s most popular speakers as well as invaluable best-practices Program sessions from SQLCAT, CSS, and other top Microsoft authorities
- The walk-in SQL Server Clinic, featuring world-class customer care by top CSS engineers and SQLCAT members
- 37 self-paced and 2 instructor-led Hands-On Labs on the latest SQL Server and BI features
- The interactive Microsoft Technical Learning Center (TLC), bringing you
- The always anticipated Ask the Experts Lounge, with an exceptional roster of Microsoft SQL Server and BI developers, MVPs, and other industry experts on call to answer your questions
- Practical chalk talks, panel discussions, technical drilldowns, and product demonstrations in the Chalk-Talk Theater
- Partner Village, featuring top Microsoft partner tools and solutions for the SQL Server community
- The Microsoft Product Pavilion, with free copies of SQL Server 2008 Standard Edition available by coupon, the Partner Pavilion Spotlight Theater, and demo stations hosted by Microsoft product managers and developers as well as industry experts and speakers
Bob Muglia, president of Microsoft’s Server and Tools Business (STB), and Ted Kummert, senior vice president of the Business Platform Division, will kick off PASS Summit 2009 with an inside look at the future of Microsoft’s data platform. In addition, General Manager for SQL Server Business Intelligence Tom Casey and Technical Fellow David J. DeWitt of the Data and Storage Platform Division return to the conference by popular demand to deliver keynotes on the next generation of BI and the latest innovations from the Jim Gray Systems Lab.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 8:15-10am
- Bob Muglia: Key Industry Trends, IT’s Role in the New Economy, and Some Exciting SQL Server Demos
- Ted Kummert: Helping IT Pros be More Effective, Data Platform Vision, Key Press Announcements, and More!
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 8:30-10am
- Tom Casey: Using BI Advances to Make Better Business Decisions, BI Roadmap, Customer Testimonials, Press Announcement
Thursday, Nov. 5, 8:30-10am
- David J. DeWitt: Data Platform Insights and the Latest Cutting-Edge Developments from the Jim Gray Systems Lab
Microsoft’s three intensive pre/post-conference seminars are part of an impressive roster of 13 full-day, deep-dive workshops by leading SQL Server and BI experts. These in-depth, hands-on seminars, which bookend the main PASS Summit 2009 conference program, let SQL Server pros really dig into a topic. Note that pre/post-conference seminars require separate registration.
Monday, Nov. 2, 8:30am-4:30pm
Friday, Nov. 6, 8:30am-4:30pm
Some of Microsoft’s most dynamic and knowledgeable speakers will be delivering by-invitation-only Spotlight sessions, which highlight top presenters who’ve received high speaker ratings at past PASS Summits. The Spotlight sessions—available as part of the standard PASS Summit registration—are 90 minutes long, letting speakers drill more deeply into their technical topics.
A Who’s Who of Microsoft SQL Server and BI gurus will be sharing their expertise in a collection of PASS Summit 2009 program sessions hand-picked to help SQL Server pros get the most out of their database implementations. This year’s 75-minute program sessions, spread across 5 tracks, have an even stronger focus on helping community members return to work with skills that they can turn into immediate solutions. We will link to Microsoft program sessions in the following categories as soon as they are finalized; in the meantime, you can see the current sessions from Microsoft speakers on the Program Sessions page.
- SQLCAT Sessions
- CSS Sessions
Other Microsoft Sessions
- Application and Database Development
- BI Information Delivery
- BI Platform Architecture, Development and Administration
- Enterprise Database Administration and Deployment
Customer Care by CSS and SQLCAT
Room TBD
10:15am – 6:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday, Nov. 3-5, 2009
Building on the phenomenal success of last year’s Microsoft SQL Server First Aid Station, top Microsoft Customer Service and Support (CSS) engineers and members of the elite SQL Customer Advisory Team (SQLCAT) are joining forces at PASS Summit 2009 to provide free direct customer care in the new SQL Server Clinic.
“We have the best troubleshooters in the world from the SQL Server Escalation team teaming up with the best SQL Server design architects from SQLCAT to deliver customer care onsite. If I were a customer, the SQL Server Clinic would be more than enough reason to attend PASS Summit,” says Mark Souza, Director of the Customer Experience Team in Microsoft's Business Platform Division.
No appointment necessary. Just bring your problems and discuss with the experts, bring your ideas and get them validated, bring your questions and get them answered! It’s like having free $400-an-hour consultants help diagnose your problems and architect your next solution.
With more than 35 featured topics, Hands-on Labs (HOLs) provide fantastic drill-down technical learning opportunities in a self-paced environment as well as two instructor-led labs. Each HOL lets you experience a Microsoft product or technology by working at your own computer station. Work at your own speed with the support of experienced Technical Learning Guides (TLGs), including members of the SQL Server development team. Labs take 30-60 minutes to complete and are available on 50 computers in the HOL area.
Rooms TBD
Tuesday, Nov. 3-Thursday, Nov. 5
Self-Paced Labs Available
Click here to see the featured HOL topics and lab schedule.
Microsoft at the PASS Summit Expo Hall
Microsoft will have a large presence in the PASS Summit Expo Hall again this year by sponsoring the Microsoft Technical Learning Center(TLC) and the Microsoft Product Pavilion.
The Microsoft TLC provides a hub of interactive activities designed to give you the information you need to succeed with SQL Server. Bring your questions to the Ask the Experts Lounge, visit the Chalk-Talk Theatre, and check out partner solutions in the Microsoft Partner Village.
Plus, meet Microsoft developers, get your questions answered, and earn SQL Server “bucks” in Microsoft’s “Meet the Developers” contest. To play, find SQL Server developers (wearing brown SQL Server shirts) in the PASS Summit Expo Hall Tuesday, Nov. 3, and Wednesday, Nov. 4, and ask them a technical question. Then stuff the “bucks” you collect from the developers into the SQL Server Bucks collection envelope that you’ll find in your attendee bag. The more developers you meet and ask questions of, the more “bucks” you can collect. The attendee who collects the most SQL Server bucks wins! You must turn in your collection envelope by 4:30pm Wednesday at the Microsoft Technical Learning Center Information Desk, Exhibit Hall 4A, South Hall. Official rules posted at the TLC Info Desk. Winners will be announced during Opening Remarks, Thursday, November 5.
You’ve got questions, and these SQL Server and BI experts have the answers! Take advantage of this terrific opportunity to sit down and talk to members of the Microsoft SQL Server Development Team, MVPs, speakers, and other SQL Server and BI experts about the topics that are important to you. Bring your most pressing questions, and pick the minds of more than 100 top Microsoft developers and other industry experts.
Plus, during the Expo Reception Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6-8pm, the Ask the Experts Lounge will feature members of the elite SQLCAT team.
Click here to see the different focus areas available at the Ask the Experts Lounge.
The Microsoft Chalk-Talk Theater, an intimate and informal setting inside the TLC, features 40-minute technical drilldowns, product demonstrations, and interactive Q&A discussions on topics ranging from practical tips and SQLCAT guidance to sneak peeks into future roadmaps. With room for 40 participants, theater seating for each session is first-come, first seated. Join a Chalk-Talk session and enter to win a Microsoft Arc Mouse! Official rules and the session schedule will be posted at the Chalk-Talk Theater information desk.
Click here to see the current Chalk-Talk sessions.
The Partner Village features tools and applications from Microsoft partners that can enhance your SQL Server environment. Meet one-on-one with Microsoft partners to gain a deeper understanding of their products and solutions. Get help with your technology challenges, make new connections, and learn about new and upcoming innovations. The list of partners will be added soon.
See Microsoft technology in action at the product demo stations located throughout the Microsoft Product Pavilion. Meet directly with speakers, Microsoft product managers and developers, and industry experts. Plus, pick up your copy of Microsoft® SQL Server 2008 (NFR) at the Product Pavilion Info Desk (first come, first served). The confirmed list of product kiosks will be added soon.
Microsoft has added a 15-person theater to the Product Pavilion area this year. Programming for this area will be updated as it is confirmed.
Microsoft SQL Server Appreciation Event
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
7:00pm-10:00pm
Gameworks, 7th and Pike (Across from the Convention Center)
Join PASS and Microsoft to celebrate PASS Summit 2009! Mix it up with 2,000 of your new best friends. Eat, drink, play - Game on!