22-25 April 2026 Karen Lopez is a Sr. Project Manager and Architect at InfoAdvisors. As a Microsoft MVP, she specializes in the practical application of data management principles. Her speaking style is interactive and engaging. An active blogger, speaker and social networker as @datachick, she hopes to influence attendees to love their data.
She is a chronic volunteer, a frequent speaker on diversity in technology, data policy, open data and emerging technologies and a sometimes runner. She's also known for her enthusiasm for all things space-related.
Karen Lopez
Karen Lopez's Training Days
The DBA of the Future: Hands-on with AutomationSQLBits 2017
With each passing year, data professionals are asked to do more with less. Attend this session and learn how the DBA of the future will leverage automation to make their tasks more like a boogie wonderland and less like a disco inferno.
Advanced Accidental Database Design for SQL Server 2016SQLBits 2016
In this advanced workshop we cover enhancements in SQL Server 2016 for building databases in an enterprise environment on modern project teams.
Designing For Performance: Myths and MisunderstandingsSQLBits 2015
Everyone agrees that great database performance starts with great database design.
Karen Lopez's Sessions
Database Design ThrowdownSQLBits 2017
Data architects and DBAs have debated database design best practices for decades. Join us for some great debates and laughs.
Graphs Are Everywhere - Graph DB Support in SQL vNextSQLBits 2017
Learn about graph databases and how they are implemented in SQL Server vNext
The Key to KeysSQLBits 2016
Learn about keys and how to get them right.
7 Databases in 70 MinutesSQLBits 2015
Learn about 7 SQL and NoSQL databases: how they work, when to use them, and how they form a modern data architecture
Database Design Contentious IssuesSQLBits 2014
Let's debate database design issues: NULLs, surrogate keys, datatypes, RI and more
Windows Azure SQL Database Design: Concepts and Trade-offsSQLBits 2014
An overview of the architectural reasons to consider cloud-based SQL Server solutions and insights into the differences you need to know between Windows Azure SQL Database and on-premises SQL Server.
5+ Database Design Blunders and How to Avoid ThemSQLBits 2012
Karen discusses five (plus a few more) database design blunders with tips on how to avoid them. Audience members will also be able to contribute their war stories of design fails, WTHs and D'ohs.
Database Design ThrowdownSQLBits 2017
Data architects and DBAs have debated database design best practices for decades. Join us for some great debates and laughs.
Graphs Are Everywhere - Graph DB Support in SQL vNextSQLBits 2017
Learn about graph databases and how they are implemented in SQL Server vNext
The Key to KeysSQLBits 2016
Learn about keys and how to get them right.
7 Databases in 70 MinutesSQLBits 2015
Learn about 7 SQL and NoSQL databases: how they work, when to use them, and how they form a modern data architecture
Database Design Contentious IssuesSQLBits 2014
Let's debate database design issues: NULLs, surrogate keys, datatypes, RI and more
Windows Azure SQL Database Design: Concepts and Trade-offsSQLBits 2014
An overview of the architectural reasons to consider cloud-based SQL Server solutions and insights into the differences you need to know between Windows Azure SQL Database and on-premises SQL Server.
5+ Database Design Blunders and How to Avoid ThemSQLBits 2012
Karen discusses five (plus a few more) database design blunders with tips on how to avoid them. Audience members will also be able to contribute their war stories of design fails, WTHs and D'ohs.