My Real-Time Intelligence Journey: From Power BI Data Visualization to Streaming Data
Proposed session for SQLBits 2026TL; DR
This session shows what it takes for a Power BI professional to make the shift into Real-Time Intelligence. I share the lessons, challenges and mindset changes from moving to streaming data in Fabric, and give a clear, practical starting point for anyone ready to explore real-time reporting.
Session Details
As a Power BI expert, I have always focused on data visualization and storytelling. Working with reports and dashboards, I aim to make data actionable and insightful for business users. But when I started exploring Real-Time Intelligence in Fabric, I had to rethink my approach. How does data in motion change the way we build reports? What challenges come with time-series data and high volume? And more importantly, how do I even get this data?
In this session, I will share my journey into Real-Time Intelligence, focusing on the transition from traditional Power BI reporting to working with streaming data. Expect practical insights, key lessons, and real-world considerations, including:
• Getting started with real-time data as a Power BI professional
• Challenges I faced shifting from static reports to live data streams
• What I would do differently if I started again
• The business impact: when real-time and time-series data helps, and when it doesn’t
• Practical tips for visualizing and working with streaming data in Fabric
This session is for Power BI users, analysts, and business professionals who want to understand how Real-Time Intelligence fits into their reporting strategy. If you're looking to move beyond traditional dashboards and explore the potential of real-time data, without getting lost in technical complexity, this session will give you a clear starting point.
In this session, I will share my journey into Real-Time Intelligence, focusing on the transition from traditional Power BI reporting to working with streaming data. Expect practical insights, key lessons, and real-world considerations, including:
• Getting started with real-time data as a Power BI professional
• Challenges I faced shifting from static reports to live data streams
• What I would do differently if I started again
• The business impact: when real-time and time-series data helps, and when it doesn’t
• Practical tips for visualizing and working with streaming data in Fabric
This session is for Power BI users, analysts, and business professionals who want to understand how Real-Time Intelligence fits into their reporting strategy. If you're looking to move beyond traditional dashboards and explore the potential of real-time data, without getting lost in technical complexity, this session will give you a clear starting point.
3 things you'll get out of this session
Understand the mindset and skills needed to move from static reports to real-time data.
Learn how to get started with streaming data in Fabric without unnecessary complexity.
Recognize where real-time adds value and how to visualize it effectively.
Speakers
Valerie Junk's other proposed sessions for 2026
Dashboard Design - The icing on the cake - 2026
Get Creative with Power BI: Make these core visuals shine! - 2026
Power BI - This is Not an Art Project - 2026
Power BI Tables and Matrix Visuals: The Next Step - 2026
Data Literacy: Navigating Your Way to Data-Driven Success! - 2026
A structured approach to (Power BI) report creation - 2026
Valerie Junk's previous sessions
Visualizing Data for Non-Data Experts: Making Reports Accessible to All
Learn how to visualize data in a way accessible to everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. In this session, you will learn to identify your audience's needs, select the appropriate visualizations for your data, and present your findings clearly and concisely.
ADHD - Failing at normal (and dealing with a mind that needs stimulation to focus)
Experience and tips and tricks on how to (better) deal with the challenges going together with ADHD. And of course, also, how to use the “positive side effects” to your advantage during your career.