Tag Archives: SQLSaturday

SQL Saturday Jacksonville – May 14th, 2022

Posted on May 12, 2022 by John Sterrett | Leave a comment

Hi Everyone,

This is your Austin SQL Server Consultant and I will be speaking at SQL Saturday Jacksonville. I am happy to get back out and, on the road, again. I know COVID has impacted everyone in multiple different ways. While I have enjoyed my time alone with the people who matter the most to me, I am also excited to get back out on the road and reconnect with friends and make new ones as well.

This weekend, I am happy to get do my first in-person conference in the past two years. I will be at SQL Saturday in Jacksonville talking about my favorite topic Making SQL Server Queries go Faster! My SQL Server Consulting company will be sponsoring as well. Make sure to come on over as we look forward to connect, share and learn all day long!

SQL Saturday Jacksonville is May 14th 2022 and I am speaking!

Sample Code from Presentations

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Posted in SQL Server, SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged SQLSaturday

Learn SQL Server Performance Tuning Basics in a Single Day

Posted on August 28, 2013 by johnsterrett | Leave a comment

Have you always wanted to dig into performance tuning but wasn’t sure where to start? If so, check out this Introduction to SQL Server Performance Tuning training opportunity for you in Pittsburgh on September 13th. It will be given as a PreCon for SQL Saturday #250 in Pittsburgh. Konstantin Melamud and I will be sharing our lessons learned, methodology and scripts so you can start finding the root causes to your performance issues when you go back to work on Monday. Through this all day training session you will learn how to implement and use a performance baseline to be proactive and keep yourself one step ahead of the game. We will cover bad developer practices that are constantly being repeated and show you how to fix them. We will also show you how to improve the performance of your troublesome queries when you cannot change the code. Finally, we will also cover best practices that can be applied to help performance on the database and instance settings level.

If you can make it down to Pittsburgh for the weekend of September 13th I would recommend attending the SQL Saturday and the Introduction to Performance Tuning PreCon.

Online Ticketing for Introduction to Performance Tuning with SQL Server 2012 powered by Eventbrite

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Posted in Performance Tuning, Professional Development, SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged baseline, execution plans, Extended Events, performance tuning, precon, SQLSaturday

SQL Server Performance Tuning with Free Tools!

Posted on January 14, 2013 by johnsterrett | 4 comments

The following is a recording of my Performance Tuning for Pirates session recorded by UserGroup.TV at SQL Saturday 125 in Oklahoma City. I recommend that you check out UserGroup.TV as they provide some great content for free. It was an honor to be selected for this recording. I hope you enjoy the video. If you have any questions and need some help feel free to contact me.

If the video doesn’t render correctly above try watching the video here (UserGroup.TV) or here (SQL PASS Performance Virtual Chapter).

Links to all tools and scripts plus reference material can be found at my SQL Server Performance Tuning with Free Tools page.

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Posted in SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged free tools, performance tuning, sqlpass, SQLSaturday, video

Dallas, TX to Pittsburgh, PA A #sqlsat171 Story!

Posted on October 12, 2012 by johnsterrett | 1 comment

First SQL Saturday in Pittsburgh

It was an honor to speak at the first SQL Saturday in Pittsburgh. The company I

We even got some professional development done while I was in the office.

currently work for is based out of Pittsburgh so I flew in a week early and traded my work from home lifestyle this week for working in the office. It was fun to do some training and mentoring in person this week. One of my coworkers went all out and hosted a great BBQ dinner while my boss picked me up at 1:30am on a Monday morning and let me crash with him all week. I am very lucky to work with some great people.

For this event I had two goals. One, help Gina anyway possible with finding speakers and sponsors. Second, I wanted to encourage and help some great local DBA’s in Pittsburgh give their first #sqlpass presentation. So, months before this event I gave myself a personal challenge to target three great DBA’s in Pittsburgh and I tried to get them to deliver their first presentation locally at the SQL Saturday. I was very happy to help and see two of the three potential speakers give great presentations. They even filled all the seats and had standing room only. One of them has even caught the speaking bug and submitted abstracts to SQL Saturday in DC.

Speakers Dinner…

The SQL Saturday committee did a great job on picking a venue for the speakers dinner. We meetup at the Rivers Casino across the river from downtown. We had a great view Mt. Washington and the Point. I wish I could have stayed longer but I had a work item that needed to be completed.

Day of the Event..

I started the morning by giving my Performance for Pirates (code, tools and

Kon did a great job, with the room being packed!

Kon did a great job for his first presentation with the room being packed!

videos provided with link) presentation. Next, I got the opportunity to catch Eric Keeps dive into ORM that make DBA’s happy. I was surprised when Eric showed one that allowed developers and DBA’s to build the SQL statements. Finally, I caught Konstantin Melamud who presented an “Introduction to Execution Plans” session. He did a fantastic job, most of the people in the room wouldn’t know it was his first #sqlpass presentation.

One of the most important parts of attending SQL Saturday’s is to catchup and extend your network. I love catching up with my #SQLFamily and extending it too. I had a great time catching up with Karla Landrum, Joey Dantoni, Rick Heiges, Craig Purnell, Eric Kepes and more (too many to list all!). After some networking I had to cut out early to catch my flight. I was able to hitch a ride to the airport with Joey and get a sneak peek into traveling like a rockstar as he got me through priority checkin and the US Airways club. Thanks Joey!

The After Event Buzz…

Finally, its now close to a week after the event and I am still hearing good news about the event. We were able to round up about ten co-workers to join in and attend the event. They are still talking about the event and cannot wait for the next one. Many of them mentioned that they are going to start attending the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group meetings, a few are considering going to the SQL Saturday in DC in December. If this isn’t #SQLWinning I don’t know what is!

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Posted in Professional Development, SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged Presentation, SQL Server, SQLSaturday

Upcoming speaking engagements

Posted on September 19, 2012 by johnsterrett | Leave a comment

Ayyyy, matey being that today is the International Speak Like a Pirate Day I thought it was appropriate to post some future dates for my Performance Tuning for Pirates presentation.

You can download the slides, check out the reference material and videos here!

North Texas SQL Server Group

If your in the DFW area and haven’t been to a North Texas SQL Server Group meeting I highly recommend you check one out. I will be speaking tomorrow (Thursday, September 19th) and its not too late to sign up to attend this free event.

SQL Saturday #171 in Pittsburgh, PA

On October 6th Pittsburgh will be hosting its first SQL Saturday. It’s an honor to be speaking during the first time slot. If you in the area, there is no better opportunity to get free SQL Server training. I look forward to meeting you there. If for some reason, you cannot make it make sure you check out the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Groups monthly meetings as there also free!

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Posted in SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged Presentation, SQLSaturday, User Group

Let’s Meetup [Updated]!

Posted on April 17, 2012 by johnsterrett | 2 comments

I have a confession to make. I like to meet people who also work with SQL Server. There are so many different ways to use SQL Server. I love to hear how people are using it differently than me. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to connect with people and start a conversation at SQLSaturday’s, User Group Meetings and PASS events like SQL Rally coming up in Dallas in May. Once upon a time, I would attend similar training events and was so shy I didn’t connect with anyone. Why didn’t I connect with anyone? Mainly, because I was afraid. If this is you, you are not alone I was in the same place as you. In fact, let’s meetup at one of the events listed below.

NOTE: The following schedule has been updated on May, 17th 2012

SQL Saturday #107 (Houston, TX) on April 21st

I will be presenting my Evaluating your Daily Checklist with PBM and CMS presentation. I always look forward to SQL Saturday’s in Houston as this gives me the opportunity to visit my family and my #sqlfamily in the same trip. If your in Houston its not too late to sign up.

WVPASS (Wheeling, WV) May 24th

I will be presenting “DBA’s use RML Utilities to help get your next raise!” If your in Pittsburgh or Morgantown area make the drive out. Anyone, can still signup for this free event. Not only will you learn how to prove that your new indexes or application upgrade will improve performance but you will get free pizza. As a bonus, you will also get to meet some cool DBA’s in Wheeling, WV.

SQL Satuday #117 IN COLUMBUS, OH ON June 2nd

I am looking forward to my first SQL Saturday in Columbus, OH. I will be giving my Performance Tuning for Pirates presentation. Columbus is only a two hour drive and I hope to bring #babybeluga and the wife out with me. I think they would have a blast at the Columbus Zoo.

SQL Saturday #121 in Philadelphia, PA on June 9th

Do we really need to say more? I cannot wait for SQL Saturday in the city of brotherly love. The schedule ~~hasn’t~~ has been posted and I will be giving my Performance Tuning for Pirates presentation. I look forward to learning, connecting and sharing.

Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group (Pittsburgh, PA) on June 26th

I will be presenting, “Performance Tuning for Pirates!” in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has a great SQL Server User Group and it’s always an honor to present for this group.

Performance Virtual Chapter – June 28th

I will be presenting, “Performance Tuning for Pirates!” Being that this is a virtual chapter I will not be presenting in person. This doesn’t mean that we cannot connect and chat. We always have twitter so send me shout out before or after the session.

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Posted in SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged Presentation, SQL Server, sqlpass, SQLSaturday

6 ways to get free SQL Server 2012 Training

Posted on January 31, 2012 by johnsterrett | 2 comments

I always get excited when a new version of SQL Server gets released and rumor has it that SQL Server 2012 will be released on March, 7th 2012. Why do I get excited? Well its quite easy, I know that each new release includes new features. These new features make my job easier. How do I know that these new features make my job easier? I know because I test them out and attend training sessions to see how other people are using them.

This year Microsoft is teaming up with the Professional Association of SQL Server Professionals (PASS) to provide several opportunities to give free SQL Server 2012 training. Here are six ways you can learn about SQL Server 2012 and it won’t cost you a cent.

Online Labs

I love to get my hands dirty and throw things against the wall and see what sticks. Microsoft provides several virtual labs that allow you to do this without worrying about your servers. If you want to checkout upgrading to SQL 2012, AlwaysOn Availability Groups or Installing SQL 2012 on Windows Core they have labs up and waiting for you.

Special Ops Tour

If you like to physically experience a launch event and rub shoulders with others who are using SQL Server you have to take part in the Special Ops Tour. The Special Ops Tour is a 12 city event where Microsoft experts and local DBA’s will show you the must use features coming in this new release. You can still sign up now. Hopefully, there is an event near you.

SQL Server 2012 Virtual Launch

Microsoft is also providing an all day virtual launch on March 7th that will include several topics on Mission Critical Confidence, Cloud on your Terms and Breakthrough Insights. You can review the agenda and there still is room to sign up.

24 Hours of PASS

Once again, PASS is gearing up to deliver another 24 hours of PASS on March 21, 2012. For those who don’t know 24 hours of PASS is an in-depth look at the hottest SQL Server topics over 24 back-to-back free technical webcasts. You can gain access to the best SQL Server training and several of these session will be focused on SQL Server 2012. For more information visit the 24 hours of PASS website. If you want to speak get your abstract submitted now. The deadline is today!

SQL Saturday

SQL Saturday is an all day multi-track training event for SQL Server professionals and those wanting to learn about SQL Server. These events are spread all across the USA and the globe.

User Group Meetings

User Groups are monthly or bi-monthly meetings held to allow PASS members to connect, share and learn on a local level. There are several User Group’s spread out across the country. Do you wonder if there is a user group in your area? You can find all the user groups here.

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Posted in Events, Professional Development, SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged 24HOP, sqlpass, SQLSaturday, User Group

Top 4 ways I will contribute to the SQL Community in 2012

Posted on January 10, 2012 by johnsterrett | 2 comments

One of my friends, Tom LaRock asked, “What do you want to do for your #sqlfamily in 2012?” Below is how I plan contribute to the SQL Community, and my #sqlfamily in 2012.

Bring SQL Saturday to a new city
Anyone who knows me in the community knows I am a ~~huge fan~~ sucker for a SQL Saturday. I have had the pleasure of being a host, attende, and a speaker. This year I am looking forward to being a volunteer and sharing all my knoweledge to bring a SQL Saturday to a new city. With that said, there is a city very close to me that has never hosted one. The ball is already rolling and I look forward to helping this chapter host their first SQL Saturday in 2012.
Help Chapter Leaders
Being a chapter leader I personally know it can be hard running a user group. I was very lucky and thankful to get a lot of help. I look forward to helping other chapter leaders who can use a hand. I am willing to help connect leaders to a sponsors; help leaders find swag, find books, find a speaker or anyting else. I am game and looking forward to helping.
Give Virtual Presentations
Typically I do at least four presentations a year. To this point I have never done a virtual presentation. This will change shortly as I am speaking at the Columbus User Group virtually this week.
Mentor
I have been blessed with having good mentors in my career. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. There advice and guidence has been very valuable. I reciently started mentoring a DBA but would more than willing to help others out. If you would be interested please shoot me an message.

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Posted in meme monday, SQLServerPedia Syndication

Tagged Code Camp, Regional Mentor, sqlpass, SQLSaturday, User Group

2011 was a crazy year!

Posted on December 29, 2011 by johnsterrett | 1 comment

Now that we are finishing up the last few days of the year its time to take a few minutes and reflect on my accomplishments for the year. To be honest, looking back at the blog posts I have no idea how I completed so many mile stones. Last year I privately established some long term goals and I knocked several items off my three year and five year plan in the first year.

Major Accomplishments in 2011

Vendor said, "Wow... it looks like you had a very big year. Would you like to attend our vendor party?"

My first child was born in February. Typically having a child would slow you down but somehow I still completed several milestones. I have to give huge props to my wife for all her help and support.

This year I gave presentations at the first SQL Rally; the SQL PASS Member Summit; SQL Saturday in Houston, TX (presented multiple sessions); the Pittsburgh SQL User Group and several session at the West Virginia SQL Server User Group.

One of my good friends and I co-founded the first SQL Server User Group in West Virginia. I also helped relaunch the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group and was truly honored to speak at the relaunch event. I also organized the 2nd Annual SQL Saturday in Wheeling, WV. Its was truly an honor to bring my peers and friends to my hometown for some free SQL Training (photos). Towards the end of the year I also became a PASS Regional Mentor for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Personally, I also had the following accomplishments. I was included in a local

It's never to early to get started on your professional development.

magazine article on “Digital Generation.” Finally, I changed jobs and became a SQL Server Consultant. I am truly blessed to say that many of these milestones couldn’t happen without my #sqlfamily and my ~~tech giants~~ mentors .