22-25 April 2026

James Serra

James works at Microsoft as a big data and data warehousing solution architect where he has been for most of the last ten years. He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics, including data architectures such as the modern data warehouse, data lakehouse, data fabric, and data mesh. Previously he was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with nearly 40 years of IT experience. He is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker, having presented at dozens of major events including PASS Summit, SQLBits, Data Summit, SQLDay, Enterprise Data World conference, Big Data Conference Europe, SQL Saturdays, and Informatica World. He is the author of the book “Deciphering Data Architectures: Choosing Between a Modern Data Warehouse, Data Fabric, Data Lakehouse, and Data Mesh”.

James Serra's Sessions

Data Architectures and Microsoft FabricSQLBits 2026

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.

Azure Synapse Analytics Overview: A Data LakehouseSQLBits 2022

Learn about the key features of Azure Synapse Analytics and how it can help you build a data warehouse or data fabric

Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric (the alphabet soup of data architectures)SQLBits 2022

I'll explain the current popular data architectures: Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric

Data Warehousing Trends, Best Practices, and Future OutlookSQLBits 2022

Gain insights into the current Data Warehousing trends, best practices, and future outlook

Enhancing your career: Building your personal brandSQLBits 2022

Tips on building your brand to help you enhance your career

How to build your careerSQLBits 2022

I’ll cover tips I learned over my career on everything from interviewing to building your personal brand.

Learning to present and becoming good at itSQLBits 2022

Tips on becoming a better presenter and how to get started

Should I move my database to the cloud?SQLBits 2022

I'll dive into the many reasons you should move your database to the cloud

Power BI Overview, Deployment and GovernanceSQLBits 2020

I’ll discuss deployment strategies, common usage scenarios, how to store and refresh data, prototyping options, how to share externally, and then finish with how to administer and secure Power BI.

Azure Synapse AnalyticsSQLBits 2020

Learn all about Azure Synapse Analytics, including demos so you can see exactly how it works and how it can make your life easier.