Everybody loves the carnival.  It only comes around every few years, but when it does, it brings in a variety of people from all around.  Young, old, short, tall, skinny, chubby, and even Buck Woody – they stand in line for tickets, mill around for hours, and endure noise, crowds, and temperature extremes for a little dose of fun.

What brings out people from all walks of life to this common activity?  Is it the nausea-inducing Tilt-A-Whirl?  The tall, slow spin of the ferris wheel?  The allure of the midway games?  The politeness and hygiene of the carnies?

Yes.  To all of the above.

The draw of the carnival is broad appeal.  The ride-on spinning sombrero is a good fit for the speed freaks, while the ferris wheel appeals to those with the taste for a slower pace with the feeling of a little danger.  Foodies can enjoy cotton candy, turkey legs, an 1800-calorie corn dog, and rabid nachos all in one sitting.  Players can waste their money try their hand at winning prizes.  Those with a sense of humor can just sit back and people watch, noting the various fashion antipatterns represented there.

The carnival isn’t just one thing.  It’s got a little something for everybody.

Warning: Bumpy Segue Ahead

In that respect, the upcoming SQL Rally isn’t unlike the carnival.  Sure, there are no big rides, no cotton candy, and (probably) fewer visible back tattoos, but for those even remotely interested in SQL Server, this event is a great opportunity to grow one’s career.

SQL Rally isn’t a geeky exclusive event, nor is it purely a deep dive for highly experienced professionals.  Software developers, business analysts, college students, DBAs, and business intelligence professionals are all represented at Rally, and there’s something to appeal to all of these groups.  Whatever your role or expertise level, chances are good that you’ll find value in attending the Rally:

You’re not a database professional, but interested in getting into the field. Check out the list of regular sessions on the agenda – several of these are branded as “introduction”, “step by step”, etc., and are aimed at those with little to no experience in the topic.

You’re already working as a SQL Server professional but what to add or change your specialty.  Years ago you could just be a SQL Server guy/gal.  These days, though, the product is so immense, it’s hard to be an expert from top to bottom.  Whether you’re a SQL Server generalist and want to move to more of a specialty role, or you’re working as a DBA and want to change to BI, you’ll fit right in at Rally.  The deep dive full-day precon sessions are a great way to get immersed in a topic, and there’s even a regular session on making the move into business intelligence.

You’re a college student.  In addition to the introductory sessions mentioned above, there are four professional development regular sessions as well as a full-day professional development precon with Kevin Kline.

You’re fine where you are.  You have been proactive at developing your career and you like where you are and where you are headed.  Great!  As someone who recognizes the essentials of professional development, you also know that effective networking is key to building a long-term career in any industry.  SQL Rally will give you the opportunity to get to know literally hundreds of other professionals in this field.  Want proof that it works?  Read my own story of networking success – I got the job I have today by networking at another PASS event.

You’re still not convinced.  If all of this isn’t enough to convince you that SQL Rally has something for you, remember this:  There’s SQL Karaoke on Thursday night.  You simply haven’t lived until you’ve sung “Bohemian Rhapsody” with a room full of database folks.

Your invitation

We won’t have a dancing chicken, nobody will try to guess your weight, and there’s unlikely to be any games in the concourse to rip you off.  What you will find, however, is a lot of solid SQL Server and business intelligence content, excellent networking opportunities, and a friendly atmosphere in which to get engaged with others.  Get registered today, and I hope to see you there!