SQLAuthority News – Why I am Going to Attend PASS Summit Unite 2011 – Seattle

For the third year in a row, I am attending the SQLPASS Summit, October 11-14. Every year I have explained my reasons for attending this conference in Seattle, and this year I will state those reasons again.

WHY?

I have written two articles on this subject, which you can read here: 2009 and 2010. My main reason for attending has not changed – I love it!

Why should I attend PASS Summit?

There are not one or two but many reasons why I should be a part of PASS Summit. First, it is a good platform to learn the latest skills and strategies.  This year there are over 170 expert-led technical sessions as well as two days of pre-conference sessions, which will include every aspect of SQL Server. Here, I can sharpen my skills and update myself with the latest SQL Server topics and technologies. This knowledge will help me to optimize SQL Server. It also allows me to stay ahead of the curve as I will be one of the first professionals to learn about the latest advances, roadmaps, and plans for Microsoft SQL Server.

I can learn SQL Server best practices from thousands of SQL Server MVPs, Microsoft team members, authors, experts, and peers who will attend the event.  The highlights of this PASS Summit should be the keynote speakers, Microsoft’s Ted Kummert, Quentin Clark, and David DeWitt. I can even equip myself with the strategies and skills to improve the ROI of my SQL Server environment such as virtualization technologies, performance tuning and scaling, better hardware utilization, simplified management, and need for better business intelligences, to name a few. Furthermore, I can take advantage of the group discount and enhance the knowledge and skills of the entire team.

The four-day event will be marked by a lot of learning, sharing, and networking, which will help me increase both my knowledge and contacts. Every year, PASS Summit provides me a golden opportunity to build my network as well as to identify and meet potential customers or employees. If I am a consultant or vendor who is looking for better career opportunities, PASS Summit is the perfect platform to meet and show my skills to my new potential customers and employers. Moreover, if I am already employed in an organization, here I can get in touch with top-class SQL Server experts who can help me with any future needs. Breakfasts, lunches, and evening receptions, which are included with registration, are meant to provide more and more networking opportunities.

Apart from gaining knowledge and networking, PASS Summit is a good platform to solve high-priority, mission-critical SQL Server issues through Microsoft “Ask the Experts” Lounge and the CSS First Aid Station where I can have direct access to Microsoft developers, service and support, and MVPs.

At PASS Summit, I gain not only new ideas but also inspire myself from top professionals and experts. Learning new things about SQL Server, interacting with different kinds of professionals, and sharing issues and solutions will definitely improve my understanding and turn me into a better SQL Server professional who can leverage and optimize SQL Server to improve business.

Reference: Pinal Dave (https://blog.sqlauthority.com)