Solving Real Business Challenges with DAX

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

Learn practical DAX patterns for business questions that don’t fit a star schema. Explore CALCULATE and related functions to solve real-world challenges without breaking your model.

Session Details

You’ve built a solid star schema and your model runs beautifully, but then the business asks questions that don’t fit the mould. How do you handle metrics that break the rules? How do you join on ranges or create non-numeric measures? In this session, we’ll explore practical DAX solutions for these real-world challenges. You’ll learn how functions like CALCULATE, USERELATIONSHIP, CROSSFILTER, and CONCATENATEX can help you answer tough questions without compromising your model. If you’ve ever hit a wall with “standard” DAX, this session will give you the tools to break through.

3 things you'll get out of this session

How to create measures for metrics that don’t fit a traditional star schema. Techniques for handling relationships, ranges, and non-numeric measures using CALCULATE and related functions. A clear understanding of why these patterns keep your model clean and performant.

James McGillivray's other proposed sessions for 2026

5 Design Patterns for Better Looking Reports - 2026

From Ranking to Rolling Totals: Windowing Functions Explained - 2026

Seconds to Save Lives: Real World Real-Time Intelligence with Fabric - 2026

Super Simple Fabric Workloads Make You Feel Precocious - 2026

The Force Awakens: Charting Your Career Path with the Data Community - 2026

Turning Data Into Stories People Remember - 2026

Understanding DAX Through Pictures - Part 1 - 2026

Understanding DAX Through Pictures - Part 2 - 2026

YMCA: You Must Consider Accessibility - 2026

Same Words, Different Worlds: Communication Across Domains, Roles and Ranks - 2026

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