SQLBits 2023
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
Speakers
Bob Ward's other proposed sessions for 2026
Inside SQL Server 2025 Part 1 - 2026
Inside SQL Server 2025 Part 2 - 2026
SQL Server Versioning Explained - 2026
Bob Ward's previous sessions
Welcome to the world of SQL Copilots
Microsoft is building a new experience of an AI companions called Copilot that are transforming how people work, write code, and solve problems faster. In this session come learn the latest innovations in SQL Copilot technology including GitHub Copilots for developing code and assisting with the T-SQL language. In addition you will get the latest look at Copilot technology to assist you in using and managing SQL in Azure. We will have plenty of demos in this session so come in and get ready to learn the new world of AI companions with SQL.
Come see your SQL Perfmon in the cloud
Come learn the latest innovations for monitoring technologies for SQL Server and Azure SQL
The Microsoft Data Leadership Panel
TBD
SQL Server and Windows Server Better together on Azure
Join us to learn how you can reap more technical and business benefits by running Windows Server and SQL Server on Azure. In this session you will get a first look at Windows Server vNext and innovative technologies for SQL Server including new monitoring and AI experiences.
Debugging SQL Server
Have you ever thought about how Microsoft uses the Windows Debugger with SQL Server? In this session I'll show you some advanced scenarios and how we debug SQL Server using a combination of the debugger along with instrumentation in the engine and other tools. This is an extremely deep level session and not for the feint of heart. You will get the best out of this session if you already have a solid understanding of the SQL Server engine.
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
SQL Server 2022 and the Wheel of Power
Come learn about the latest major release of SQL Server and the "wheel of power" with capabilities across hybrid, built-in query intelligence, core database engine, data virtualization, and T-SQL. This is one of the most power-packed set of new capabilities in a SQL Server major version ever and this session is the one you will want to attend to learn about all of them.
SQL Server 2022 hidden gems
SQL Server 2022 has many new capabilities for the database engine across security, performance, and availability. In this demo-heavy session learn about new enhancements that you may not be familiar with that have real practical value. You will learn how these new features work and understand how they can solve real-world problems.
The Kingdom of AdventureWorks Calls for Aid
The Kingdom of Adventure works has been besieged by Monsters from the Cave of Despair – Can the able Party of Engineers save the Kingdom from the horrors of security attacks, degraded performance, stability and resiliency using the power of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform? Come to see how they battle the foe with data and analytics, and what the Campaign holds for our trustworthy band of heroes!
Platform Innovations with SQL Server 2022 + Intel
Get ready for a journey through the cutting-edge platform advancements in SQL Server 2022! In this must-attend session, our Microsoft and Intel subject matter experts will take you on a tour of the latest platform innovations, demonstrating the new capabilities and solutions that are driving the next generation of database administration. Discover how Intel technologies are powering the SQL Server experience and hear about the latest hardware advancements from Intel that are shaping the future of the platform space. We'll dive into the backup compression improvement enabled by SQL Server 2022 and Intel® QuickAssist Technology (QAT). You'll learn how this integration allows for offloading of compute overhead, reduction of CPU usage, improvement of backup completion times, and reduction of storage consumption. We will also discuss the latest Intel hardware and where we are going next with SQL Server and Intel technologies. We will also cover Intel AVX-512 (Advanced Vector Extensions 512-bit) technology designed to accelerate the performance certain computing tasks, allowing the processor to perform multiple operations in parallel. SQL Server 2022 can leverage AVX-512 instructions to improve the performance of certain query operations by offloading compute-intensive operations to the processor. By utilizing AVX-512, SQL Server can take advantage of the improved parallelism and faster performance offered by modern processors, providing customers with faster query execution times and improved overall performance by offloading some of the work from the CPU to the processor. Don't miss your chance to be at the forefront of the platform revolution and discover the latest advancements in SQL Server and Intel technologies!
Introducing SQL Server 2022
SQL Server 2022 is here! In this session, I’ll go over all the new capabilities in SQL Server 2022 including how to connect with Azure for disaster recovery, near real-time analytics, and security. I will show you innovations in the database engine for security, performance, and availability including SQL Server Ledger and Intelligent Query Processing.
How to Build Secure, Scalable, and Highly Available Applications with Azure SQL Database
This session will show you how to develop your code with .Net and C# using the latest Microsoft tools to launch quickly in the cloud while ensuring you meet the requirements of security, performance, and availability of your application. You will learn how to ensure your application is optimized with Azure SQL Database including Serverless and Hyperscale tiers, Azure Active Directory, retry and error handling, connection abstraction, automated indexing, and Intelligent Query Processing.
SQL Server 2022: The hybrid data platform
SQL Server has included capabilities to connect to the cloud for years. SQL Server 2022 moves hybrid to the next level with features to connect you to Azure for disaster recovery, near real-time analytics, and security. Come take a deep dive in this session for all the existing and new hybrid capabilities of SQL Server. See how to easily setup a managed disaster recovery site in the cloud with Azure SQL Managed Instance.
AMA with the Microsoft Engineering team hosted by Bob Ward
Come get your questions answered live on stage by members of the Microsoft engineering team. This will be a fun and interactive session hosted by Bob Ward. We will take questions live from the audience plus those who are connected virtually.
SQL Server 2019: The Modern Data Platform
SQL Server 2019 represents the next evolution of the leading database platform in the industry. In this session, we will cover the complete set of features and capabilities in SQL Server 2019.
Inside SQL Server on Kubernetes
In this session, we will dive deep into the Kubernetes platform and how SQL Server containers can be deployed, managed, and configured. This session assumes a fundamental knowledge of both SQL Server and containers.
SQL Server to Azure SQL: Performance and Availability
Translate your existing SQL Server performance and availability skills and apply them to Azure SQL.
Inside SQL Server 2019
Come learn all the new capabilities of SQL Server 2019 directly from the Microsoft engineering team. This session will provide the strategy behind SQL Server 2019 as well as a deep dive into all the new features and how they can help you modernize your data estate with SQL Server.
Inside SQL Server Containers
Containers are the new virtual machines. They present a new way to deploy, manage, and run SQL Server never possible before. This session will present an internal view of how Docker containers work, how SQL Server runs in them, and how they work in environments such as Kubernetes
Inside SQL Server 2019 Polybase
SQL Server 2019 expands on the Polybase feature from SQL Server 2019 by providing a robust data virtualization solution to reduce the need for ETL and data movement. Come learn how new data connectors work with sources like Oracle, MongoDB, CosmosDB, Terradata, and HDFS.
Experience SQL Server on Linux and Containers
SQL Server 2017 is all about choice. Choice for developers to run on Windows, Linux, or Containers. In this session we will show you the experience of running SQL Server on Linux and Containers including a behind the scenes of how we built it.
Experience SQL Server 2017: The Modern Database Platform
Looking to upgrade your SQL Server? This session will discuss all the new features and capabilities of SQL Server 2017 including SQL Server on Linux, Docker Containers, Graph Database, Python, Adaptive Query Processing, Automatic Tuning, and HADR.
Adaptive query processing in SQL databases
Come learn about the new adaptive query processor in SQL Server 2017 and Azure SQL Database. We will discuss how this feature works, how it can benefit your application and queries, and the future of intelligent query processing.
SQL Server 2016 It Just Runs Faster
Come take a deep dive and behind the scenes look at why SQL Server 2016 "Just Runs Faster" with little or no application changes.
Keep Your Environment Always On with SQL Server 2016
The Microsoft Tiger team will showcase the environments that help you keep your environment Always On
Deploying SQL Server with Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine
Many customers are looking toward Cloud technologies to reduce operational and capital expenditures. A popular choices today for SQL Server customers is to deploy in the Microsoft Azure Virtual Machine environment. Come to this session and learn how
Windows Azure SQL Database Troubleshooting
While knowledge of SQL Server troubleshooting still applies to the Windows Azure SQL Database service, there are new and different features, methods, and tools that are unique to cloud database computing. Come learn about these new techniques.
Sanjay Mishra
Sanjay Mishra's previous sessions
Building AI ready applications
In this session, we’ll explore the development of AI-ready applications using Azure SQL DB, open-source platforms and Azure AI services. We’ll cover the principles of modern application design, delve into the vector capabilities that enhance application performance, and demonstrate how to interact with your data conversationally. This session is a must for those looking to leverage Azure for building intelligent, data-driven applications.
The Microsoft Data Leadership Panel
TBD
JSON - a first class citizen in Azure SQL DB
In this session, you will learn new T-SQL features in Azure SQL Database and SQL Server. We’ll explore how Azure SQL DB treats JSON as a first-class data type, enabling seamless data exchange between applications and databases. Attendees will learn about the benefits of using JSON in Azure SQL DB, including its flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. We’ll also demonstrate how to query JSON data using SQL, providing a powerful tool for data manipulation and retrieval. Join us to discover how JSON and Azure SQL DB can work together to enhance your data management capabilities. You will get a sneak peek to other upcoming key features and improvements around T-SQL string operations too!
From the Classroom to the Boardroom – Azure SQL DB through Demos
Join us to learn about Azure SQL DB exciting features in form of demos, yes you heard it right, no slide only Demos.
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
The Kingdom of AdventureWorks Calls for Aid
The Kingdom of Adventure works has been besieged by Monsters from the Cave of Despair – Can the able Party of Engineers save the Kingdom from the horrors of security attacks, degraded performance, stability and resiliency using the power of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform? Come to see how they battle the foe with data and analytics, and what the Campaign holds for our trustworthy band of heroes!
Optimizing your Azure SQL Database workloads
In this session we will demonstrate a few workload patterns on Azure SQL Database and discuss how to identify and remove bottlenecks in order to scale those applications.
HADR for SQL Server on Linux
This session will cover High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions for SQL Server on Linux. What technology options are available and how to build a highly available database solution on Linux
Erin Stellato
Erin Stellato's previous sessions
Stabilizing Performance with Query Store
This session will demonstrate how to use plan forcing (manual and automatic) and Query Store Hints to stabilize query performance without changing code.
What You've Been Missing in SSMS
Get tips and tricks and a sneak peak at the future for SSMS.
Parameter Sensitive Plan Optimization in SQL 2022 ... As Cool as it Sounds?
We'll provide a balance perspective of the benefits and limitations of the new Parameter Sensitive Plan Optimization feature in SQL 2022 to help you decide if it's right for your environment.
Query Store Best Practices
Want to use Query Store and not sure how to make sure everything is "correct"? Tried Query Store and had issues? In this session we'll cover what you MUST know to successfully use Query Store in a production environment.
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
From Your Couch to the Cloud: When and Why to Choose the Azure Portal
In this session you'll learn how to get the most out of the Azure Portal and how to maximize its unique capabilities for Azure SQL administration.
Azure Data Studio and the Surprises Inside
If you're not sure whether you're leverating Azure Data Studio to it's full capability, then attend to this session to discover the bits you might be missing.
Erin & Monica’s Favorite SQL Stuff
Two consultants, two different companies, two data professionals passionate about performance tuning. Do we like the same things? Do we have the same approach to problems? Topics will include: Trace Flags, DMVs, DBCC commands, Community Scripts and Intelligent Query Processing Features. We will talk about the features and solutions we agree on, and discuss where we disagree.
Options for Proactively Managing Statistics in SQL Server
I often recommend that folks proactively manage statistics, but I always seem to run out of time to talk about HOW to do that...this session will cover exactly that.
Why You Need Query Store
I can spend an entire day talking about Query Store and all it can do, but in 20 minutes I can convince you that it should be a feature you start using today.
Stop Tuning Queries and Start Tuning Your Workload
This session will discuss how to look at your workload holistically using a variety of methods, so that you can target and address patterns in your code and query plans, rather than troubleshooting one query at a time.
Why You Need Query Store
If you have heard about Query Store but don't know what it can offer, or why you really need it, this session will answer those questions and demonstrate the value of this feature that continues to evolve.
Plan Stability with Automatic Tuning in SQL Server and Azure
Automatic Plan Correction is a feature you can use whether you're a pro at performance tuning or just starting with SQL Server. Come to this session to learn how to spend less time fighting fires with this new feature.
Extending your use of Extended Events
If you've been using Extended Events the same way you used to use Trace, you might be wondering if there's more to it. There is! In this session we will explore what else you can do with XE besides capture long-running queries.
Kicking & Screaming: Replacing Profiler with Extended Events
Extended Events was released with SQL Server 2008, and almost 10 years later, many data professionals are still clinging to Profiler. It's time to move forward, and in this session I'll show you how.
Niko Neugebauer
nikoport.com
Niko Neugebauer's previous sessions
Azure SQL MI & Fabric Fusion: A speed-session
We'll take the flight showcasing how data housed in Azure SQL Managed Instance can be dynamically exposed and utilized through Microsoft Fabric. This session will demonstrate the seamless altitude transition from the operational data platform of Azure SQL MI to the analytical skies of Microsoft Fabric, ensuring a smooth integration that leverages the best of both worlds for your business needs. Pilots of data – ready your instruments for this quick cruise that will equip you with the navigational know-how to soar above the rest, utilizing Azure SQL MI and Microsoft Fabric in tandem. Fasten your seatbelts; we're cleared for takeoff into the realm where data agility meets cloud efficiency.
Fly at Mach-speed with Azure SQL Managed Instance
Discover the future of SQL Managed Instance in our session! Learn about best-in-class storage tech and new capabilities for the unmatched price/performance and scalability.
Discover what's new in Azure SQL Managed Instance through an exciting Demo Party!
Let us review the latest and the greatest investment that Microsoft has made into the Azure SQL Managed Instance, the product that serve as the best target for the existing SQL Server migration into Azure PaaS.
Advancing the DBA's Role in the Cloud: In the Cockpit of Azure SQL Managed Instance
Join us to learn how DBA role has evolved from on-premises SQL Server DBA to Azure SQL DBA and what does it mean to you. You will learn how existing on-premises DBA responsibilities map to new DBA role in Azure, what are the new shared responsibilities in Azure, and opportunities for skill development helping you become Azure SQL DBA superstar.
Azure SQL MI End-to-end Demo Party for DBAs and Devs
Join us for a pure, demo-driven journey of a dozen incredible features for Azure SQL Managed Instance showing you the greatest and latest innovations enabling Database Administrators and Developers to achieve more.
Whether you’re a DBA, Azure Administrator, Developer, Business Intelligence developer, or of course any other data professional, these demos will show how you can achieve more with the exciting features that are available to you. Some of the topics we will cover are hybrid scenarios, performance and scale, application compatibility, workload modernization, compliance, data mobility/migration & business continuity/disaster recovery - and several more - in this fast-paced, demo-only session.
Secure networking with Azure and Azure SQL Managed Instance
Database migrations to the cloud must respect the existing networking and security systems already in place. Learn how Azure SQL Managed Instance combines its managed-service PaaS benefits with on-prem and hybrid⁄mixed scenarios. Modern features further leverage the benefits of the cloud to bring new value.
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
Azure SQL Managed Instance Roadmap
Learn more about the next wave of innovation coming to Azure SQL Managed Instance at this session hosted by the engineers from the product group.
Batch Execution Mode on the Rowstore
Learn in 75 Minutes what Batch Execution Mode is, when & how it will affect your workloads (in upcoming SQL Server 2019 & Azure SQLDB) on the traditional Rowstore Indexes.
Columnstore killed the OLAP Star-Did it really?
With increasing speed in relational query execution classical analytical solutions get challenged more and more. Why loose time for processing data into multi-dimensional databases? Why analyze outdated data if you can have fresh data instead?
Understanding & Solving Columnstore Problems
Dive deep into Columnstore Indexes and discover their advantages and some of the limitations.
Look into some of the Columnstore Indexes myths, understand more complex concepts of Batch Mode & Query Processing with another depth.
Getting Your Data into NodeXL
If you work with an amazing visualisation plugin NodeXL you might have asked yourself the question - how do I get my custom data for getting those great visualisation for analysis.
This session will show you a couple of ways of how to get it done.
ETL Patterns with Clustered Columnstore Indexes
Join me for an hour of playing with different ETL patterns by using Clustered Columnstore Indexes. Using different Hardware might lead you to different conclusions,and the size of the workload is always the paramount of your performance.Loading data first and then creating a Clustered Columnstore or creating Clustered Columnstore and than loading - join me to find the answers!
Dynamic MSBI content generation
In the ideal world, all information and structures are static, but in the real world almost everything is dynamic, and changes are constant. This session reviews different methods for generating MSBI content (SSIS, SSRS) dynamically.
Muazma Zahid
Muazma Zahid's previous sessions
Connecting the dots of Azure SQL DevOps
Come to this session to learn how to use tools and platforms like VS Code, Azure Data Studio, GitHub and Azure DevOps for a modern, secure, and easy-to-use database DevOps experience for Azure SQL. We will use demos to show how to implement a project / declarative approach. You will leave with a solid understanding of the broader landscape as well as specific techniques that you can implement immediately.
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
Asad Khan
Asad Khan's previous sessions
The SQL Leadership Panel
Bring all your questions about the strategy and future of Microsoft SQL to the leadership team of Microsoft in a panel hosted by Bob Ward, Principal Architect at Microsoft
The Kingdom of AdventureWorks Calls for Aid
The Kingdom of Adventure works has been besieged by Monsters from the Cave of Despair – Can the able Party of Engineers save the Kingdom from the horrors of security attacks, degraded performance, stability and resiliency using the power of the Microsoft Intelligent Data Platform? Come to see how they battle the foe with data and analytics, and what the Campaign holds for our trustworthy band of heroes!