Have you been thinking about speaking at the upcoming SQL Rally in Dallas? If so, remember that the deadline for submissions is coming up fast – you only have until this Sunday (1/22) to add your abstract to the list of potential sessions.

Why Speak at Rally?

Great question! After all, speaking is hard work and requires a lot of time to prepare. I got the opportunity to speak at last year’s inaugural SQL Rally event, and I am happy to report that it was a great experience.

I want to set you expectations appropriately, so I should dispel any rumors about speaking at this event. To be clear, the following are NOT reasons to present at SQL Rally:

• You’ll get a huge speaking fee just for showing up.
• A private limousine will chauffeur you everywhere you need to go.
• Brent Ozar will see your presentation, and will be so impressed that he’ll invite you to join Brent Ozar PLF<your initial here>.
• You'll leave with a huge following of #sqlkaraoke groupies.
• You will be appointed to a seat on the PASS board.

Sadly I can’t promise that any of these things will happen simply because you come to Dallas to present at Rally, though your mileage may vary.

I can, however, enumerate some very real expectations that SQL Rally speakers can bank on:

• You’ll take your presentations to the next level. Perhaps you’ve been speaking at local events for a while, and maybe even presented at a SQL Saturday event. Do you have your eyes on speaking at national/international events such as the SQL PASS summit, SQL Connections, or SQL Bits? Participating in a regional event such as Rally can help to position you for a run at a larger event.
• You’ll get a free pass. Those selected to speak at the event will receive complimentary admission to the event.
• You’ll get to know some awesome people. Of course, as a seasoned speaker you already know a lot of people in your area. However, presenting at a larger event such as this exposes you to a wider variety of people, including PASS board members and HQ staff as well as other experienced presenters and chapter leaders. Expanding your network will have an impact on your career (write that down).
• You have a good chance of being heckled by local MVP and world-class heckler Sean McCown. Also, SQL for Smarties author Joe Celko is just down the road as well.
• You’ll get to hang out in a championship city – with me! Dallas is home to the world champion Mavericks, the American League baseball champion Texas Rangers, and former world champion teams including the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Stars. Plus, I’ll be there!

Regardless of which of these motivates you, you won’t be disappointed by coming to Dallas for this year’s SQL Rally. Submit your abstracts today, and I’ll hope to see you there in May!