Edwin Sarmiento has a great First Timer Guide for the PASS Data Community Summit, which is updated for 2023. He’s been compiling this since 2016, and it’s worth reading.
I (along with Grant and Ryan) got asked to record some video tips, which we did. I had fun one afternoon while handling some ranch chores. Hopefully you smile when you watch mine in this playlist.
I decided to put a few things down in a post, to help those getting ready, based on my past experiences. Seattle has changed a lot, but it can be a fun place to visit. I’ve added a few sections below for:
Travel
I assume most of you can make your own travel arrangements, and Edwin has good advice in his PDF. I’ll just say that traffic in the area can be really, really bad. The train isn’t too bad, but from SEA –> downtown, it can be slow. Quite a few stops. It’s cheap, and the time is consistent. It lets you out below the Nordstrom’s, a few blocks from the convention center, but in the middle of lots of hotels.
An Uber/Lyft works well, but can be pricey. I’ve seen surge pricing more than double the cost. I think I’ve paid $25 and I’ve had $70, so I would suggest that you try to share rides with others. Lots of people coming into town, so reach out to friends, colleagues, anyone on socials with your arrival time and maybe go in a group.
Plus, the ride is a good time to network.
DO NOT RENT A CAR. Parking it cra-say-zy expensive at Seattle hotels. Plus, this is a walkable city. You’ll be able to walk easily to the Space Needle or waterfront if you want.
Seattle could have mild weather or it could be cold and rainy. It’s November, so plan for rain and 40F/8C. It it’s nicer, then great.
Food
I am not a big foodie, so take this with a grain of salt. Quite a few places have closed with the pandemic, but there are still some places I’ve enjoyed.
Hotel food is pricey. If you’re on a budget or per diem, watch out. The Cheesecake Factory is generic American chain, but it’s good and it’s across the street from the convention center. It’s been a place I’ve sometimes had a quick meal, and they don’t seem to get too crazy busy.
If you want to spend too much money on Whiskey, the Hyatt has a whiskey bar. It is $$$$, but friends who like whiskey like it.
Purple Cafe is cool. A wine bar with some interesting food, but it gets busy. Best bet is go off hours or pray for a bar seat.
Lowell’s in the Pike Market is nice for a diner type place and I’ve had a nice meal with a view. There are some nice little coffee/bakery places in the market. I also had a great Filipino breakfast at Ludi’s. I know a lot of people enjoy Top Pot Doughnuts or Biscuit Bitch.
Keep in mind that there will be a lot of people downtown between Ignite and the Summit, so go early to places or don’t be in a hurry. Or go with just 1-2 people. Groups that are bigger get harder to seat.
Conference Tips
Power will be hard to come by, so charge when you can, carry a battery, and watch your cell usage. You might go airplane mode during the day and use wifi for notifications from work.
The Community Zone is a great place where many speakers, SQL Saturday organizers (and other events), and others (esp Microsoft people) hang out. It’s worth stopping by there periodically and meeting people. Listen in on conversations, introduce yourself and say hi. Take pictures, and learn to get more involved in the data community (and #sqlfamily). Even if you’re introverted, it’s a good place to practice your networking.
The expo hall is good. The vendors certainly want to sell you services or software, they give away prizes and swag. That’s a part of conferences, so enjoy it. Take something home to a coworker or family member, ask questions of vendors. They might have a solution that helps you, but many of them are tech people as well and might suggest a solution. I’ll be at the Redgate booth at random times, and I certainly am happy to solve problems not related to Redgate tools.
Take advantage of Microsoft people at the event. Either in sessions or in the expo hall. Ask about issues, complain about problems, learn from what others ask. You never know when you’ll learn something.
If a session is interesting, or you have a question, ask. If you’re shy, hang out after and ask the speaker at the end by the stage. Or listen to what others ask. I’ve often just lurked near the speaker of a good session to see what others ask and if there is something I haven’t thought of.
Take care of yourself. These are long days. Drink water, don’t over eat, and don’t over drink. As Edwin notes, RND (RSVP for stuff, network, and drink in moderation). Enjoy the week, and expect long days.
Don’t carry too much stuff. If you don’t need a laptop, get by with paper and pencil. I think it helps you remember more, and I don’t need to charge a notebook. This year most stuff is in the main convention center, but still, it’s a lot of walking.
Tourist Things
The Space Needle is an icon. If you haven’t been in that area, it’s neat. The Music Experience Project and Sci Fi Museum are there as well, and I’ve been multiple times. In fact, I was at the MEP in July with my family and loved it.
The Underground Tour is neat. I’ve done these in a few cities, but Seattle is one of the best. The late night one is the best (I’ve done the early and late ones).
I took my kids to the Museum of Flight, but I loved it as well. There is a great Children’s museum as well. The Boeing factory tour in Everett is far, but I loved it. I did go pre-pandemic and saw 5 or 6 747s in one building. That was incredible.
The Pike Market is an icon. On the weekends, if you’re there, lots of people are selling wares in small market shops. Watching them throw fish is cool. At least for 5 minutes. The waterfront has a few nice museums and it’s a nice place to hang out. The original Starbucks is there. Lots of people line up to go in and take pictures, but I wouldn’t stand in line. Nothing amazing about it.
There is a Game Night on Wednesday night, but there are some Game bars in Seattle. It’s a vibrant, albeit expensive, town, so take advantage of that. Make friends, go out and enjoy yourself.