James Serra

SQL Server 2025 introduces groundbreaking capabilities for performance optimization and observability, while Microsoft Fabric brings unified analytics and AI-driven insights. But how do we combine these innovations to build a truly resilient, self-healing data platform? In this session, we’ll explore AI-Augmented Query Optimization and Fabric Observability to tackle real-world challenges like unpredictable workloads, query regressions, and performance bottlenecks. You’ll learn: Who this is for: Data engineers, DBAs, and architects managing mission-critical SQL workloads in hybrid or cloud environments. What problem it solves: Eliminates manual troubleshooting by leveraging telemetry, ML notebooks, and AI-driven root-cause analysis. What you’ll take away: A practical blueprint for creating a Self-Healing SQL Fabric Dashboard that combines SQL telemetry with Fabric ML for automated anomaly detection and performance tuning. Expect live demos, POC architecture, and actionable strategies to future-proof your data platform with SQL Server 2025 and Microsoft Fabric.

Learn the pros and cons of data fabric, lakehouse, and data mesh, and how they compare to warehouses and data lakes. Cut through hype, understand what each architecture enables, and see how Microsoft Fabric supports and enhances these approaches.

This workshop defines big data and core architecture concepts, then explains warehouses, lakes, marts, virtualization, ETL vs. ELT, and compares Modern Data Warehouse, Data Fabric, Lakehouse, and Data Mesh, highlighting pros, cons, and practical considerations.

In three years I went from unknown to blogger, PASS speaker, and MVP. It wasn’t genius—just goals, branding, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Learn how to build visibility through blogging, presenting, networking, and more to grow your career.

In three years I went from unknown to blogger, PASS speaker, MVP, and then Microsoft. It wasn’t luck—just goals, branding, and work. Learn career tips on interviewing, networking, skills, social media, presenting, blogging, and building a high-paying tech career.

Thinking about presenting but too nervous to try? Join this session to learn simple steps to become a confident speaker. I’ll share how I went from fearful introvert to frequent Microsoft presenter, plus practical skills to help you present with ease.

Generative AI now works with structured data—databases, spreadsheets, CSVs—to deliver insights, patterns, and predictions. This session covers practical uses with ChatGPT, Copilot, and Fabric AI Skill, plus RAG, fine-tuning, and industry use cases.