Gethyn Ellis

Gethyn is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, SQL Server consultant and trainer specialising in the Microsoft Data Platform. Gethyn runs a small consultancy practice in the UK with clients across Europe and North America. The consultancy practice specialises in SQL Server upgrades, migrations to Azure, database security, architecture of highly available data platforms and database performance. Gethyn has published two books relating to SQL Server, one on SQL Server 2014 new features, and another on the Azure IaaS offering. He is also a Microsoft Certified Trainer for a number of years and has delivered approximately 200 training courses. He maintains a data platform themed blog on his website www.gethynellis.com

Proposed Sessions for 2026

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Data-Driven Culture

Learn how to build a data-driven culture using practical strategies, strong leadership, and Power BI. Discover the blueprint for overcoming resistance, empowering teams, and transforming how your organisation uses data.

Bridging the Gap: Transforming Tech Friction into Startup Success

Discover how startups can bridge the communication gap between investors and technical teams. This session shows how the Microsoft Startup Hub, Azure AI, and OpenAI enable clearer alignment, faster development, and stronger investor confidence, helping startups accelerate instead of stall.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who can sync their data best of all

Learn how Fabric Mirroring delivers near real-time data for Power BI without overloading your production SQL Server. Discover how to replicate tables safely, reduce query pressure, and improve performance across your organisation.

Moneyball – Build a killer Fantasy Football Team with Power BI

Discover how to use Power BI and FPL data to build a winning Fantasy Premier League team. In this session, we follow Berry’s journey from middling finishes to data-driven decisions, using APIs, PowerShell, modelling, and visuals to uncover real player value.

Will AI Replace Us or Raise Us? The New Landscape for Data Professionals and Consultants

AI is rewriting the rules for data professionals. Discover the gains, the challenges, and the emerging risks, and learn how to stay relevant and resilient as AI reshapes our industry.

From Zero to Hero: Accidental SQL Server DBAs Survival Guide

Didn’t choose to be a DBA? This session is your SQL Server survival guide. Learn the essentials of security, backups, maintenance, and troubleshooting so you can stop firefighting and start running SQL Server with confidence.

What you can do to protect your SQL Server and why it matters

How secure is your SQL Server? In this 20-minute session, David and Gethyn explore the CIS Benchmarks for SQL Server, discussing industry-agreed security best practices and helping you assess how well your own environment is protected.

Previous Sessions

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Data-Driven Culture in Your Business Using Power BI

Embarking on a journey to instill a data-driven culture within a prominent police force, Chief Data Officer Berry Wand discovered a transformative conference talk that unveiled the potential of Power BI in establishing a robust data infrastructure. Diving deep into a world teeming with insights, Berry gleaned invaluable strategies, such as establishing leadership support and promoting a data-focused mindset, that promised to steer her team toward an innovative future. The experience not only energized and inspired her but provided a strategic blueprint that, while challenging, paved the way for the implementation of a visionary, data-centric organizational culture. Now, armed with knowledge and a resolute spirit, Berry is poised to elevate her department into a new era of data-driven decision-making.

Data Leadership: Navigating Security, Governance, and Ethical Decision-Making in the Digitial Skies

In the complex digital realm, ensuring data's security and its ethical handling is paramount. This session delves into robust data protection, effective governance, and leadership acumen, spotlighting OneLake, Purview, and contemporary data security strategies to promote seamless, secure operations.

What you can do to protect your SQL Server and why it matters

The CIS Benchmarks, from the Centre of Internet Security (CIS), are a set of globally recognized and consensus-driven best practices to help us implement and manage our cybersecurity defences. In this 20-minute session, listen to David and Gethyn discussing these best practices, see if you agree with them, and see how many you have implemented.

Top Five Disasters we've dealt with in our time as DBAs

Come and hear our top five disasters and how we managed them (or not)