Optimizing SQL Server Performance for Power BI

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

Power BI can often place unwanted load on SQL Server. There are a number of things you can optimize Power BI refreshes on the SQL Side. There are also unique challenges with DirectQuery mode for PBI.

Session Details

One of the most common backends for Power BI is SQL server. Unfortunately, folks can struggle working to get the two to work together quickly and efficiently. DirectQuery, in particular, can be tricky to tune.

In this session we'll cover the unique workloads of Power BI and how you can tune SQL Server to support them. We'll also cover Power BI features like query folding, which allows Power BI to make use of your work.

3 things you'll get out of this session

Understand the types of loads Power BI produces Understand how to optimize SLQ Server for Power BI Understand the unique challenges of DirectQuery mode.

Eugene Meidinger's other proposed sessions for 2026

Fabric for SQL Server Devs and DBAs - 2026

Fabric Licensing, Pricing, and Cost management - In Plain English - 2026

Hands on LLMS for Power BI Devs - 2026

Hands on LLMs for Power BI Devs - 2026

How I Deal with Depression - 2026

Keeping up with Technology: Drinking from the Firehose - 2026

Eugene Meidinger's previous sessions

How I Deal with Depression

What does depression feel like and how can you deal with it? This talk covers a data driven approach to treating depression.

Power Query in 20 Minutes - How it Works

Power Query is showing up in more and more technologies, such as Power BI and Fabric. It's easy to get started but not easy to understand. In this session we'll go through some of the internals so you have a better grasp of the tool.

DAX in 20 Minutes - The Hard Parts

One of the biggest hurdles in learning how to use Power BI is the DAX modeling language. While it looks simple, like Excel formulas, it requires a who set of mental models to use effectively. In this session, we'll cover all the roadblocks to getting started with DAX.

How I Deal with Depression

In the talk, we'll talk about the different types of depression and how to identify it. We'll also about some of the different ways that you can treat it. I will cover my personal experiences and what has worked for me personally

How Leaders Can Support Their Employee’s Mental Health

Sometimes as leaders it's hard to know how to address the topic of of a an employee's mental health. Come to this session for come practical, straightforward strategies to be used to address a very difficult topic.

How I Deal with Depression

What does depression feel like and how can you deal with it? This talk covers a data driven approach to treating depression.

Maximising everyone's super powers - Panel discussion

In this panel we will discuss approaches with leaders in the field who have first hand experience of managing neurodiversity in the work place. Welcome questions from the audience as to how everyone can maximise their and their teams super powers

Power BI Licensing in 20 Minutes

Power BI licensing can be confusing. In this talk we'll cover the difference between user licensing and capacity licensing.