22-25 April 2026

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

Proposed session for SQLBits 2026

TL; DR

Working in tech can feel overwhelming with constant change and pressure to keep up. This session offers a chance to pause and explore how the Data Community provides connection, support, and growth opportunities to help you thrive in your career.

Session Details

Working in tech can feel like piloting a ship in hyperspace. Everything moves at lightspeed, and just when you think you have your bearings, something new blindsides you. It can be exhausting to keep up with the pace of change. This session is your chance to pause and discover how the Data Community can help you navigate this galaxy of constant innovation. Through networking, shared experiences, and support, you will learn how community can provide clarity, confidence, and growth opportunities for your career. Think of it as your beacon in a universe that never stops moving.

3 things you'll get out of this session

Learn about what you can get from the Data Community Learn about how you can contribute to the Data Community Understand the value of community in your career

Speakers

James McGillivray

jimbabwe.co.za

James McGillivray's previous sessions

The Fundamentals of DAX Contexts
Explore the heart of DAX with this unique session, as I take you on an African Safari-themed adventure, where stunning wildlife photography serves as the backdrop for understanding the intricacies of DAX contexts. We'll encounter row and filter contexts, just like wild creatures in their natural habitat. Through captivating visuals, you'll uncover how these contexts shape DAX calculations and measure outcomes. Whether you're a data analyst or a business intelligence enthusiast, this session ensures a memorable and educational experience. Understanding DAX Contexts is your gateway to mastering DAX while enjoying the captivating beauty of African wildlife. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on your DAX adventure.
 
Fabric Power Hour
The famous Power BI Power Hour returns, but this time it has expanded to cover the whole of Fabric!
 
5 Things You Can Do to build better looking reports
Power BI Design is a lot like an art form, a mythical beast to many IT professionals. We’re generally inclined to think very analytically about our jobs, and creativity does not always come naturally. Thankfully, there are some patterns we can apply to design reports which are clean, uncluttered, and user friendly. Learn the science behind design, and a series of logical steps to follow to ensure that your reports always meet the mark.
 
The Fundamentals of DAX Contexts
Understanding how DAX determines evaluation context is a critical skill for a Power BI Developer. Writing anything other than the most simple measures requires this skill. In this session we'll explore Filter Context and Row Context individually, and how they combine to form Evaluation Context. We'll have a look at a number of simple measures and visualise how the context affects them.
 
"Whats in a Name?", Data Stories to Impress the Bard
Data on its own is useful, but boring. Data in story form makes people sit up and take notice. Learn to craft effective stories and maximise the impact of your data communication.
 
Power BI Report Design for the Aesthetically Challenged
Have you ever looked at other people's Power BI reports, and wondered how they look so good? Designing an aesthetically pleasing report does not require a graphic designer, just the lessons you'll take away from this session.