SQL Saturday #39, New York City
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I just registered for my very first SQL Saturday (#39, down in what we upstate New Yorkers simply call "the City," on April 24)!
Having never been to one of these, I was wondering what can I expect from this event. Anything I should be aware of?
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Hi Ray,
I'm on the team that's bringing SQLSaturday to NYC, and here are some things you can expect:
* We've invited dozens of top experts in the industry to present on a wide range of SQL Server topics including SQL Server programming/administration, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS, and even Sharepoint, so you can expect to get great information about SQL Server 2008 (including R2) and the Microsoft BI Stack from the folks who literally wrote the book(s) on it.
* We'll be running multiple tracks, so you can choose to attend presentations of topics that are specifically of interest to you.
* Lunch will be served on the premises, so you don't have to run out between the morning and afternoon sessions to find food in the city.
* There will be plenty of swag and a raffle of a wide range of valuable prizes provided by our sponsors.
We're looking forward to seeing you there!
Thanks
Michael
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Michael -- thanks a bunch for writing back!
Just for my own planning purposes (I'm probably taking either Amtrak or MegaBus down and back), any idea yet of a tentative schedule? I've been checking the schedule pretty regularly and haven't seen anything yet.
What time do you think the first sessions will start? Also, I registered for the post-event reception; any idea of a time for that? Ballpark times are okay -- again, I'm just trying to figure out train/bus schedules! 🙂
Thanks again! (And thanks for putting this together!)
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Hi Ray
The event will start around 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM. The official schedule should be published later this month when we meet to assign speaker sessions to tracks. We'll also be sending emails to all registrants once the schedule is set.
The post-reception (if there is one--that hasn't been finalized just yet) will be immediately after the main event, probably around 6 or 7 PM. Whether or not there will be an after-event hasn't been finalized yet, but we'll let everyone know via email once we it's official.
Thanks
Michael
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Fortunately, I found out about these SQL Saturdays not too long ago. I am pretty much a beginner in SQL Server. I was scheduled for one last month, but it was snowed out and rescheduled for April.
My only issue is that most, if not all of the sessions might be too advanced for me. I understand this event is geared for advanced SQL IT developers & administrators. But the price is right & we get a free lunch. 🙂
Alan
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I am also registered for the SQL Saturday in NYC on 4/24. This is my first and I am really looking forward to it. I personally know one of the presenters and I have a very high opinion of his knowledge and his ability to convey that knowledge clearly to others.
Ray(?) I am also coming from upstate NY and I think I have decided on the Amtrak. I will probably pick it up in Hudson, but maybe Rensselaer(Albany). Do you have any interest in meeting during the ride down or back? I have been curious about forming a SQL Server user group in the Capital Region and I would like to get feedback from others.
For the person worried about the topics being too advanced, from the looks of this one the topics and the degree of difficulty cover a wide range. Generally my opinion is that if you can get one good useful thing from one of these it was worth the effort. I expect to get many useful things from this trip.
Can anyone tell me how long it takes to get from Penn station to the MS office where the event is being held? By subway and block or 2 of walking, by bus, by cab?
Thanks, looking forward to it.
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From Penn Station catch the
train up to 50th street and 8th avenue. Then walk East two blocks to 6th Ave ("Avenue of the Americas") and one block North to 51st Street. The address is 1290 Avenue of the Americas. The subway ride is about 15 minutes + about 5 minutes for the walk. If you caught a cab it would probably take longer and cost more 🙂Mike C
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Mike,
One thing I'd also suggest, especially in a big city like NYC, is that you schedule an early BOF session or two, and just have someone there to moderate or lead a discussion on a couple topics. There will be people that arrive early and after or before registration, they'll be looking for something to do.
Good luck with the event, and sorry I can't make it.
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dbowlin (4/1/2010)
Ray(?) I am also coming from upstate NY and I think I have decided on the Amtrak. I will probably pick it up in Hudson, but maybe Rensselaer(Albany). Do you have any interest in meeting during the ride down or back? I have been curious about forming a SQL Server user group in the Capital Region and I would like to get feedback from others.I'm scheduled on the 6:05 AM (ouch!!!) out of Rensselaer Station. If you're interested in hooking up, definitely let me know!
I need to double-check the directions from Mike, but I was planning on taking the subway from Penn Station up to Rockefeller Plaza and walking over from there.
Edit: I just mapped it, and it looks like there are a number of subway stops near the office. The E train also stops at 53rd/5th, which is also near the Microsoft offices. The Rockefeller Center lines (B, D, F, V) don't go directly to Penn Station; rather, they go to Herald Square, about a block east of Penn Station. So, take your pick.
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Mike -- anything you suggest I should bring? My laptop? Something to take notes?
I'm one of those people who feels naked going to a business-related event without carrying something. I regularly carry a briefcase to and from work, regardless of whether or not I need it! 🙂
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I'd bring something to take notes. Power can be hard to come by, and unless you are blogging or reporting on it, I think getting notes, and then ensuring you get the slide downloads from presenters will be enough.
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Ray,
I expect to join the same train in Hudson (First stop south of Rensselaer). Is there a way to contact you offline?
Dan
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Look for the strange guy in a SQL baseball jersey?
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dbowlin (4/6/2010)
Ray,I expect to join the same train in Hudson (First stop south of Rensselaer). Is there a way to contact you offline?
Dan
Dan:
I'll send you a PM with my contact info.
If you want to look for me on the train, I'm a heavyset Asian-American guy with a mustache and a goatee. And to make me even easier to spot, I'll also make it a point to wear a NY Yankees baseball cap.
BTW, my wife works in Hudson!
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Steve Jones - Editor (4/6/2010)
Look for the strange guy in a SQL baseball jersey?Oh man, now you have me thinking about it!
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