February 24, 2010 at 9:01 am
I've seen posts on this website, and in the email I get from SQL Server Central, from Steve Jones and others, about something called "SQL Saturday" (or maybe its "SQLSaturday", don't know which). What is it? Is it only in certain places, or can they occur anywhere? Is there some sort of governoring body which recognizes SQL Saturdays in location XYZ as being a ligitimate SQL Saturday?
Kindest Regards, Rod Connect with me on LinkedIn.
February 24, 2010 at 9:08 am
The site is here http://www.sqlsaturday.com/
It's a brand/franchise started by myself, Andy Warren, and Brian Knight, founders of this site. We built it to get one day events going to help people learn more about SQL Server.
Putting on an event isn't that hard, but it is complex, and so many people don't know how to do it, or are intimidated. We built a framework that attempts to transfer knowledge between people, so new events learn from previous ones, and we provide some support for people trying to register, raise funds, etc. Pretty much anyone can run one, and we list it on the site, as well as help answer questions.
we recently transferred this to PASS (http://www.sqlandy.com/archive/sqlsaturday-pass-more-details/) and they will be helping people run these events in the future.
February 25, 2010 at 8:14 am
All you need is two or three people and a lot of time and you can put one together yourself. It isn't easy, but it's very doable. I've taken part in organizing one SQL Saturday and one "Data Camp" (same thing as the SQL Saturday but without the infrastructure provided). The hardest part is the venue. The second hardest part is feeding everyone (assuming you do). Then you have to get speakers. After that it's just tons & tons of details.
Go for it.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning
February 25, 2010 at 9:11 am
We're working on doing a code camp here in the new few months. Once that's done I think I'd like to do a SQL Saturday. Most of the .NET developers in this area do work with SQL Server; naturally there are exceptions (mostly Oracle), but I think it would benefit all of us.
Kindest Regards, Rod Connect with me on LinkedIn.
March 1, 2010 at 10:45 am
There are a few places that do a Code Camp/.NET event with a SQL Saturday. No reason not to do them together if you can find the space.
Space is certainly the biggest issue to getting an event going.
March 2, 2010 at 12:59 pm
I am pretty much a beginner in SQL Server. Happily, I found out about these around the beginning of the year. I was scheduled for the Richmond SQL Saturday last month, but it was snowed out and rescheduled for April. There is one in Philadelphia in less than 2 weeks that I plan to attend.
My only issue is that the most, if not all of the sessions might be too advanced for me. I understand that it is geared for advanced SQL IT guys & gals. But the price is right & we get a free lunch. 🙂
Alan
March 2, 2010 at 1:17 pm
There are a variety of sessions. I've seen basic as well as advanced ones at various events. I ran a very high level, non-technical session last weekend at a Denver event for managers/PMs/analysts. I'm working on a basic one for technical people that aren't db people as well that I'll try to do at some events later this year.
Worst case, you're a little lost, but ask questions or grab a speaker afterwards. Someone will help point you in the right direction for learning more.
March 2, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Rod at work (3/1/2010)
Hmmm. That is not a bad idea. I'm not sure how much space we'll be able to get, though.
Check local community colleges. Many of the events have been held at these, usually for a very reasonable price. You might not be able to do a large keynote, but you could have each speaker introduce the event in their own room to start the day.
Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 9 (of 9 total)
You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login to reply