Andrew Pruski

Andrew is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Docker Captain, and VMware vExpert. He also helps organise Data Ceili and EightKB. He is interested in all things database/kubernetes/container related and shares his passion for these topics by speaking at events across the world. Originally from Wales but now exploring Ireland. You can find him on Bluesky @dbafromthecold.com and blogging at dbafromthecold.com

Proposed Sessions for 2026

AI-Powered Search in SQL Server 2025

SQL Server 2025 introduces native vector support, enabling AI-powered semantic search directly inside the database engine. But what does that mean for data professionals, how does it actually work, and why should you care? In this session, we’ll break down the fundamentals of vector search and show exactly how SQL Server stores, indexes, and queries embeddings to deliver intelligent search capabilities.

New features in SQL Server 2025

With the release of SQL Server 2025, join Microsoft Data Platform MVP Andrew Pruski for a deep dive into ten exciting new features (that aren't AI) that will shape the way we work with the platform.

Previous Sessions

Disaster Recovery Strategies for SQL Server

"Hope is not a strategy" - Google SRE Team motto Being able to recover our data in the event of an outage is a (if not the most) critical aspect of managing SQL Server. But how do we plan for the worst? What technologies are available to us? And how do we implement a disaster recovery strategy when the worst has just occurred? Join Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Andrew Pruski, in this session to delve into SQL Server disaster recovery strategies.

Chaos Engineering for SQL Server

How can we test potential weaknesses in SQL Server? In this session we will explore the concept of Chaos Engineering, its core concepts, and the methodologies behind it.

Why is understanding Kubernetes important for your career as a Data Professional?

A panel discussion on why both - admins and developers - should understand the impacts and benefits of containerized applications.

Docker Deep Dive

Played around with SQL Server in containers and want to delve further into the platform? This session is for you! In this session we'll dive straight into the Docker platform and investigate its internals.

Container questions that Andrew and Anthony DM each other

A Q&A panel session with Andrew Pruski and Anthony Nocentino talking about all things containers! Hosted by Rob Sewell

Introduction to partitioning

Session will be aimed at Database Administrators\Developers who have not previously implemented partitioning within an OLTP database and is designed to give a overview into the concepts and implementation.

Containers and Clones: giant databases on tiny HDDs

Provision dev databases quickly and easily using containers and clones

An introduction to SQL Server in Containers

Containers are a new and exciting technology but what does it mean for DBAs? This session will give an introduction into SQL Server running in containers and what options are available.