[vc_row][vc_column][themeum_title title=”Pre-Conference Speakers”]

Siva Harinath

Siva Harinath

Siva is a Principal Program Manager on the Microsoft Business Applications Platform Innovation (BAPI) team. Siva joined Microsoft Business Intelligence team in 2002 and has been part of the Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Power BI product teams. Siva has closely worked with enterprise customers in architecting solutions with Microsoft BI stack. Siva currently leads the team helping the MVPs, user groups, community, education/training content and marketing websites of Dynamics 365, Power BI, PowerApps, and Stream.

Sergei Gundorov

Sergei Gundorov

The presenter, Sergei Gundorov, currently works as a Program Manager on the Power BI team at Microsoft. He has Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Sergei published numerous articles over the course of the last 26 years through multiple channels on various subjects that range from accounting and economics to in depth technical articles on MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network). Sergei’s most recent contribution was to the Security Whitepaper for Power BI published in May of 2017. He presented his most valuable technological advancements to worldwide developer audiences at TechEd, TechReady, and Office/SharePoint Developer conferences. He participated and contributed to numerous webcasts that focused on various technologies that he is considered to be an expert on. He is an inventor and filed several patent applications. Sergei runs popular technical “XLGeek’s Space” blog where his work is praised very highly by the readers and his apps users.

Reza Rad

Reza Rad

Reza Rad is author, speaker, trainer and consultant. He is the world well-known name in the Microsoft BI field. Reza Rad is invited speaker in world’s best and biggest SQL Server and BI conferences such as PASS Summits, PASS Rallys, SQLBits, TechEds, Ignites, Microsoft Data Insight Summit, and so on. He is author of books on this topic, and he has more than 15 years’ experience in the Microsoft BI technologies. 10 years of his experience focused on training and consulting to the largest BI teams in the world. He is also Microsoft Certified Trainer for years. He is Microsoft SQL Server MVP (Most Valuable Professional) focused on BI and Data Analysis, He has been awarded MVP from Microsoft because of his dedication and expertise in Microsoft BI technologies. He is author of Power BI online book; from Rookie to Rock Star; http://radacad.com/online-book-power-bi-from-rookie-to-rockstar

Regis Baccaro

Regis Baccaro

Régis is a Senior Consultant working with databases and BI since 1999. He specializes in mentoring, performance tuning and scalable architecture of datawarehouses and bi-solutions. His background and work experience mixes technology and business, providing him a unique edge to contribute to datawarehouse and database projects, and effectively interacting with technical and business decision makers. Régis is a frequent speakers at SQL Server conferences around the globe and is a board member of the Danish SQL Server User Group and the founder of the SQL Saturday Denmark community event. He is also Recipient of an MVP award for Data platform for four years in a row.

Pinal	 Dave

Pinal Dave

Pinal Dave is a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and an independent consultant. He has authored 11 SQL Server database books, 21 Pluralsight courses and has written over 4000 articles on the database technology on his blog at a https://blog.sqlauthority.com. Along with 16+ years of hands on experience he holds a Masters of Science degree and a number of database certifications.

Leila	Etaati

Leila Etaati

Leila is a Artificial Intelligence Microsoft MVP, PhD, Trainer, and BI consultant. She is world well-known speaker in Machine Learning and Analytics topics, and spoke in world’s best international conferences in Data Platform topics, such as; Microsoft USA Ignite, Microsoft data Insight Summit, Microsoft NZ ignite, SQL PASS Summits, PASS Rally, SQL Nexus, SQL Saturdays and so on. She has more than 10 years’ experience in Data Mining and Analytics. She writes blog posts in RADACAD and also publishes YouTube videos in our channel. She also is an invited lecturer in universities such as University of Auckland, and Unitec, and some other universities. She worked in many industries including banking financial, power and utility, manufacturing, tourism, and so on.

Kenneth Nielsen

Kenneth Nielsen

Kenneth M. Nielsen currently work at Microsoft as Data Insights Architect, focusing on data services on Azure. Previously worked as managing consultant and teamlead for the company Rehfeld Partners in Denmark. He has worked at various consulting firms and worked on many small/large/very large bi installations in Denmark over the last 12 years. He really likes to advice the customers to take the right decisions, but also maintains a high technical knowledge, so he can act at both architect and developer.

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin M Sarmiento is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack.  He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, professional and organizational development, leadership and management matters when not working with databases.   He lives up to his primary mission statement – “To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential.

Matt Allington

Matt Allington

Matt Allington is a career data professional that has spent more than 30 years leveraging data to drive success. In 2014 Matt left the corporate world to start his own company (Excelerator BI) and now works full time to help others to use Microsoft BI products (Power BI, Power Pivot for Excel, Power Query for Excel). Matt is Microsoft MVP based in Sydney Australia, however has a global reach through his blog at http://xbi.com.au/blog

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_title title=”Microsoft Speakers”]
Chimene Bonhomme

Chimene Bonhomme

Chimène Bonhomme is a Technical Solution Specialist in Data and Artificial Intelligence on the Enterprise team at Microsoft. Her focus is on the Cortana Intelligence Suite, big data analytics and machine learning. Prior to joining Microsoft, she worked as a Data Specialist Consultant and has successfully delivered projects for various industries and companies in the US, Australia and New Zealand. She is also a speaker in the NZ Business Intelligence - Power BI User Group.

Nagaraj Venkatesan

Nagaraj Venkatesan

Nagaraj Venkatesan is a Data Platform MVP from Singapore and the leader of Singapore SQL PASS Chapter. As a SQL Server enthusiast, Nagaraj is a regular speaker in Asia Pacific region at Data Platform events like SQL Saturdays, SQL Server Geeks Summit, User group meetups etc. Nagaraj shares his technical expertise at strictlysql.blogspot.com. Nagaraj also runs a YouTube channel called "DataChannel", which contains technical interviews with top Microsoft Data Platform experts in the world.

Lace Lofranco

Lace Lofranco

Lace is a Senior Software Development Engineer on the Commercial Software Engineering (CSE) Team at Microsoft. Her focus is on big data analytics, machine learning, data engineering, and scalable architecture. Prior to joining Microsoft, she worked as a Senior Consultant and has successfully delivered projects for various industries and companies across the globe, particularly in the US, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. She is also a co-founder of the Azure Nights Melbourne User Group.

Sam Denton-Giles

Sam Denton-Giles

Sam Denton-Giles is the Internet of Things Business Group Lead for Microsoft Asia-Pacific. He is responsible all up for managing the health and growth of the IoT business in APAC, from developing and integrating the partner ecosystem through to marketing and direct sales. He works closely with Microsoft specialist sales teams and partner ISV and Solution Integrators to deliver high impact Internet of Things and Advanced Analytics projects to customers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Julian Lee

Julian Lee

Julian is not your traditional Microsoft employee. He does not know SQL, .NET or Windows. He started his career in Cancer Research and specialized in Genomics. Half of his time was spent in tools such as R, Bioconductor, Perl and a Sun Machine to do High Performance Computing work. 5 years ago, a Palo Alto based company (Revolution Analytics) started its operations in Asia and he joined them as their early ‘revolutionaries’ preaching R and Data Science. In 2015, Microsoft acquired this company and today he preaches Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

Lindsey Allen

Lindsey Allen

Lindsey is Partner Group Program Manager for SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server core engine (SE, RE, EE, In-Memory OLTP and Columnstore) Prior, she was lead architect and manager of Azure Data Customer Advisory Team focusing on end to end solution design and optimization for strategic Microsoft customers such as IoT connected cars and hospitals, mission critical transactional and data warehouse systems, real time monitoring system with streaming analytics. In the 21 years working at Microsoft, Lindsey architected and optimized some of the largest and most complex mission critical systems in the world.

Siva Harinath

Siva Harinath

Siva is a Principal Program Manager on the Microsoft Business Applications Platform Innovation (BAPI) team. Siva joined Microsoft Business Intelligence team in 2002 and has been part of the Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Power BI product teams. Siva has closely worked with enterprise customers in architecting solutions with Microsoft BI stack. Siva currently leads the team helping the MVPs, user groups, community, education/training content and marketing websites of Dynamics 365, Power BI, PowerApps, and Stream.

Sergei Gundorov

Sergei Gundorov

The presenter, Sergei Gundorov, currently works as a Program Manager on the Power BI team at Microsoft. He has Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Sergei published numerous articles over the course of the last 26 years through multiple channels on various subjects that range from accounting and economics to in depth technical articles on MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network). Sergei’s most recent contribution was to the Security Whitepaper for Power BI published in May of 2017. He presented his most valuable technological advancements to worldwide developer audiences at TechEd, TechReady, and Office/SharePoint Developer conferences. He participated and contributed to numerous webcasts that focused on various technologies that he is considered to be an expert on. He is an inventor and filed several patent applications. Sergei runs popular technical “XLGeek’s Space” blog where his work is praised very highly by the readers and his apps users.

Regis Baccaro

Regis Baccaro

Régis is a Senior Consultant working with databases and BI since 1999. He specializes in mentoring, performance tuning and scalable architecture of datawarehouses and bi-solutions. His background and work experience mixes technology and business, providing him a unique edge to contribute to datawarehouse and database projects, and effectively interacting with technical and business decision makers. Régis is a frequent speakers at SQL Server conferences around the globe and is a board member of the Danish SQL Server User Group and the founder of the SQL Saturday Denmark community event. He is also Recipient of an MVP award for Data platform for four years in a row.

Regan Murphy

Regan Murphy

Regan is part of the worldwide Commercial Software Engineering (CSE) team at Microsoft, but based in Auckland, NZ.  The CSE team has a focus across all development areas, with Regan specialising in Data Platform and Machine Learning.  Like the rest of my team I love technology, gadgets, and the promise of new things to come - including #mixedreality.  I like beer, craft beer. I also enjoy wine. To offset the beer and wine, I run. Running is also a nice way to sightsee when travelling.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_title title=”Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Speakers”]
Martin Catherall

Martin Catherall

Martin is a Consultant with SQL Down Under in Melbourne, Australia and has over 10 years’ experience as a TSQL developer and database administrator. He is a current recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for The Data Platform and is a Regional Mentor for the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) in the Asia Pacific area as well as the former leader of the Christchurch SQL Server User Group

Warwick Rudd

Warwick Rudd

Warwick Rudd is a Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008, Founder and Principal Consultant at SQL Master Consulting. With over 15 years of experience beginning with the release of SQL Server 6.5, he has worked in both Australia and England from small start-ups to Multi-National Corporations. Warwick predominantly specialises in designing and implementing HA & DR Solutions. He is a frequent speaker at local SQL Server User Groups & SQL Saturday events, Ignite in Australia and New Zealand. When not playing with the SQL stack, Warwick likes to get away to the cold and spend time snowboarding.

Victor Isakov

Victor Isakov

Victor Isakov (MCA, MCM, MCT, MVP) is a Database Architect that specializes in SQL Server performance tuning, optimization, high-availability and upgrade projects. Victor has authored a number of books and Microsoft courseware for SQL Server and regularly speaks at various conference internationally. He was one of the first IT professionals to achieve the Microsoft Certified Master certification and is the only Microsoft Certified Architect in Australia.

Tobiasz Koprowski

Tobiasz Koprowski

CEO of Shadowland Consulting. In January 2015 decided to permanently leave Poland and discover new worlds. Actually settled in Hucknall (The Last home of The Byron Family). Community leader focused on SQL Server, SharePoint, security, collaboration and ITIL, DR, BCM, and SLA. Love licensing stuff. MCT, freelancer, and consultant. Subject Matter Expert at Microsoft. Member of Microsoft Terminology Community, Friends of RedGate PLUS, PASS, ISSA, ACM and several communities in the world. Since 1st July 2010 Data Platform MVP. Former President of the Polish SQL Server USer Group. Creator of SQLDAY Conference and Conference CEO 2009-2011. Co-Leader of PASS East Midlands Group. Speaker at group meetings and conferences.STEM Ambassador.

Satya Jayanty

Satya Jayanty

"Microsoft Data Platform MVP (12+ years and counting). Satya Jayanty is a Data Platform Consulting professional based in United Kingdom, with over 25+ years of IT experience working within cross-industry, cross-functional and cross-domain know-how. The Consulting journey experience surrounding data platform comprises solution of architecture management service at the layers of definition, implementation and on-going evolution of IT strategy. He is a self-starter and team player who drives CxO & clients’ accounts with a focus to solve real-world business problems with achievable solution practices. A constant learner and always keen to gain perception on newer technologies, proven methodologies with best patterns & practices."

Reza Rad

Reza Rad

Reza Rad is author, speaker, trainer and consultant. He is the world well-known name in the Microsoft BI field. Reza Rad is invited speaker in world’s best and biggest SQL Server and BI conferences such as PASS Summits, PASS Rallys, SQLBits, TechEds, Ignites, Microsoft Data Insight Summit, and so on. He is author of books on this topic, and he has more than 15 years’ experience in the Microsoft BI technologies. 10 years of his experience focused on training and consulting to the largest BI teams in the world. He is also Microsoft Certified Trainer for years. He is Microsoft SQL Server MVP (Most Valuable Professional) focused on BI and Data Analysis, He has been awarded MVP from Microsoft because of his dedication and expertise in Microsoft BI technologies. He is author of Power BI online book; from Rookie to Rock Star; http://radacad.com/online-book-power-bi-from-rookie-to-rockstar

Pinal	 Dave

Pinal Dave

Pinal Dave is a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and an independent consultant. He has authored 11 SQL Server database books, 21 Pluralsight courses and has written over 4000 articles on the database technology on his blog at a https://blog.sqlauthority.com. Along with 16+ years of hands on experience he holds a Masters of Science degree and a number of database certifications.

Philip Seamark

Philip Seamark

An experienced database and business intelligence (BI) professional with a deep knowledge of the Microsoft BI stack along with extensive knowledge of data warehouse (DW) methodologies and enterprise data modelling. 

Martin Cairney

Martin Cairney

Martin has over 15 years’ experience in SQL Server technologies. His experience spans both the Database Engine and infrastructure requirements, and Data Warehousing and BI implementations. He has worked across many industry sectors including London’s global financial institutions and both State and Federal Government Departments. He is a SQL Server MVP, MCT and an experienced conference presenter, having presented at PASS Summit, SQLBits, and SQL Saturday events and User Groups round the world

Leila	Etaati

Leila Etaati

Leila is a Artificial Intelligence Microsoft MVP, PhD, Trainer, and BI consultant. She is world well-known speaker in Machine Learning and Analytics topics, and spoke in world’s best international conferences in Data Platform topics, such as; Microsoft USA Ignite, Microsoft data Insight Summit, Microsoft NZ ignite, SQL PASS Summits, PASS Rally, SQL Nexus, SQL Saturdays and so on. She has more than 10 years’ experience in Data Mining and Analytics. She writes blog posts in RADACAD and also publishes YouTube videos in our channel. She also is an invited lecturer in universities such as University of Auckland, and Unitec, and some other universities. She worked in many industries including banking financial, power and utility, manufacturing, tourism, and so on.

Manohar	Punna

Manohar Punna

"Manohar Punna is an SQL Geek and President of DataPlatformGeeks by passion and a Data Platform Consultant by profession. He is a speaker at various SQL Server Day events and user groups, SQL Saturday Melbourne and Sydney, SQLBits, SSGAS and DPS conferences.  He has authored over 150 blogs and has written a One DMV a Day series which is a longest one day series on any topic on SQL Server till date. "

Ingeborg Hawighorst

Ingeborg Hawighorst

Ingeborg has several decades of experience in all aspects of information technology. For the last few years, her main focus has been on collaboration, data analysis, and her favourite: data visualisation. She is active in the online communities with the alias “teylyn” and has received the Microsoft MVP award for Excel every year since 2012. In 2001 Ingeborg moved with her family from Germany to New Zealand. She is a Senior System Analyst at Spark Digital, where her current focus is on data analytics and Office 365 integration.

Hamish Watson

Hamish Watson

Hamish is a Systems Management Specialist with a passion for efficient database & application deployment using DevOps methodologies. He has 19 years IT experience in managing large scale databases on SQL Server technologies. He has been managing SQL Server since SQL Server 2000 and pragmatic architectural design is his main focus at Jade Software. Educating and helping others learn is a driver for Hamish and he is a PASS Chapter Leader, International speaker and a repeat guest lecturer at a local university.

Gilbert Quevauvilliers

Gilbert Quevauvilliers

Microsoft MVP - Power BI Consultant using Microsoft Power BI to provide solutions for business challenges by sitting with the users within the business to build Power BI models which enable the business to gain insights My goal is for the business to see their data on their terms by delivering Microsoft Power BI Solutions in weeks or less, thereby enabling them to move forward to leverage their data I have assisted with the implementation and completion of Power BI which includes Power BI Desktop development, assistance with Power BI Gateway, Power BI Service, Power BI Internal Training, Power BI Best Practice & Power BI User Group sessions. Power BI training provided to Businesses based on their requirements. Participate and present at the Brisbane Power BI User Group Leader, SQL Saturday Presenter, Brisbane Power BI User Group, Power BI Community and publish blog posts to the Power BI Community Blogs Past working experience in Business Intelligence (BI), working on large, complex end to end BI solutions for customers.

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin M Sarmiento is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack.  He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, professional and organizational development, leadership and management matters when not working with databases.   He lives up to his primary mission statement – “To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential.

Dharmendra Keshari

Dharmendra Keshari

Dharmendra Keshari is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. He has been organizing world renowned events like SQL Saturday (Singapore), also a co-organizer of KDSSG MSSQL Tech Unite events (in India), and also a core member of “Singapore SQL PASS Chapter”. He also frequently blogs on his website and also a regular contributor at sqlservercentral.com Currently working as Senior Database Administrator at Micron Technology, Singapore. He has worked in a variety of roles including SQL DBA, Windows/Hyper-V Administrator and also worked very closely with Storage team and vendor management which have given him extensive experience planning and implementing large-scale environment changes and upgrades. In his free time, Dharmendra loves to hang out with family & friends, joining Marathons and spend time reading on SQL Server new technology developments.

Ásgeir Gunnarsson

Ásgeir Gunnarsson

Ásgeir works as a Business Intelligence Developer for Össur. Ásgeir has been working with business intelligence for over 10 years, and with Power BI since its inception. Ásgeir has been awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional twice for his technical experience implementing Microsoft BI, as well as his contributions to the community as speaker and a user group leader. Ásgeir presents on international conferences such SQL Saturdays and others multiple times each year. In 2017 Ásgeir has presented Power BI sessions on SQL Bits, SQL Nexus and Microsoft Data Insight Summit with few other conferences coming up in the autumn. Besides speaking on international events Ásgeir also speaks locally and internationally in user groups and teaches multi day courses on Power BI and Power Pivot at the University of Ic

Matt Allington

Matt Allington

Matt Allington is a career data professional that has spent more than 30 years leveraging data to drive success. In 2014 Matt left the corporate world to start his own company (Excelerator BI) and now works full time to help others to use Microsoft BI products (Power BI, Power Pivot for Excel, Power Query for Excel). Matt is Microsoft MVP based in Sydney Australia, however has a global reach through his blog at http://xbi.com.au/blog

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_title title=”Microsoft Certified Master (MCM) Speakers”]
Warwick Rudd

Warwick Rudd

Warwick Rudd is a Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008, Founder and Principal Consultant at SQL Master Consulting. With over 15 years of experience beginning with the release of SQL Server 6.5, he has worked in both Australia and England from small start-ups to Multi-National Corporations. Warwick predominantly specialises in designing and implementing HA & DR Solutions. He is a frequent speaker at local SQL Server User Groups & SQL Saturday events, Ignite in Australia and New Zealand. When not playing with the SQL stack, Warwick likes to get away to the cold and spend time snowboarding.

Victor Isakov

Victor Isakov

Victor Isakov (MCA, MCM, MCT, MVP) is a Database Architect that specializes in SQL Server performance tuning, optimization, high-availability and upgrade projects. Victor has authored a number of books and Microsoft courseware for SQL Server and regularly speaks at various conference internationally. He was one of the first IT professionals to achieve the Microsoft Certified Master certification and is the only Microsoft Certified Architect in Australia.

Patrick Flynn

Patrick Flynn

Patrick Flynn is a full time Production DBA and has worked with Microsoft Database and Development products since 1994. He specializes in providing Automation, Monitoring, Performance Tuning, High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions for Enterprise environments. He has particular interests in Database Internals and Corruption Recovery Techniques as well as applying Powershell and PowerBI to assist in DBA tasks. He is a regular Presenter at SQLSaturday events in Australia and NZ.

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin M Sarmiento is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack.  He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, professional and organizational development, leadership and management matters when not working with databases.   He lives up to his primary mission statement – “To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_title title=”All Speakers”]
Chris Lowe

Chris Lowe

Chris Lowe is GM Architecture, Data and Analytics at Genesis Energy and plays a key role in building the capabilities to become a truly data driven organisation. He has worked with Microsoft data platforms for 18 years and is currently establishing the new data capabilities at Genesis to meet the needs of enterprise business intelligence, data science exploration and also expanding their artificial intelligence capability. Prior to joining Genesis, he worked in Telecommunications, Packaging, Forestry, Mining and Appliance Manufacturing in a variety of Operations Research and Information Technology roles.

Chimene Bonhomme

Chimene Bonhomme

Chimène Bonhomme is a Technical Solution Specialist in Data and Artificial Intelligence on the Enterprise team at Microsoft. Her focus is on the Cortana Intelligence Suite, big data analytics and machine learning. Prior to joining Microsoft, she worked as a Data Specialist Consultant and has successfully delivered projects for various industries and companies in the US, Australia and New Zealand. She is also a speaker in the NZ Business Intelligence - Power BI User Group.

Nagaraj Venkatesan

Nagaraj Venkatesan

Nagaraj Venkatesan is a Data Platform MVP from Singapore and the leader of Singapore SQL PASS Chapter. As a SQL Server enthusiast, Nagaraj is a regular speaker in Asia Pacific region at Data Platform events like SQL Saturdays, SQL Server Geeks Summit, User group meetups etc. Nagaraj shares his technical expertise at strictlysql.blogspot.com. Nagaraj also runs a YouTube channel called "DataChannel", which contains technical interviews with top Microsoft Data Platform experts in the world.

Lace Lofranco

Lace Lofranco

Lace is a Senior Software Development Engineer on the Commercial Software Engineering (CSE) Team at Microsoft. Her focus is on big data analytics, machine learning, data engineering, and scalable architecture. Prior to joining Microsoft, she worked as a Senior Consultant and has successfully delivered projects for various industries and companies across the globe, particularly in the US, South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand. She is also a co-founder of the Azure Nights Melbourne User Group.

Martin Catherall

Martin Catherall

Martin is a Consultant with SQL Down Under in Melbourne, Australia and has over 10 years’ experience as a TSQL developer and database administrator. He is a current recipient of the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award for The Data Platform and is a Regional Mentor for the Professional Association of SQL Server (PASS) in the Asia Pacific area as well as the former leader of the Christchurch SQL Server User Group

Sam Denton-Giles

Sam Denton-Giles

Sam Denton-Giles is the Internet of Things Business Group Lead for Microsoft Asia-Pacific. He is responsible all up for managing the health and growth of the IoT business in APAC, from developing and integrating the partner ecosystem through to marketing and direct sales. He works closely with Microsoft specialist sales teams and partner ISV and Solution Integrators to deliver high impact Internet of Things and Advanced Analytics projects to customers in the Asia-Pacific region.

Julian Lee

Julian Lee

Julian is not your traditional Microsoft employee. He does not know SQL, .NET or Windows. He started his career in Cancer Research and specialized in Genomics. Half of his time was spent in tools such as R, Bioconductor, Perl and a Sun Machine to do High Performance Computing work. 5 years ago, a Palo Alto based company (Revolution Analytics) started its operations in Asia and he joined them as their early ‘revolutionaries’ preaching R and Data Science. In 2015, Microsoft acquired this company and today he preaches Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence

Lindsey Allen

Lindsey Allen

Lindsey is Partner Group Program Manager for SQL Server 2016 and SQL Server core engine (SE, RE, EE, In-Memory OLTP and Columnstore) Prior, she was lead architect and manager of Azure Data Customer Advisory Team focusing on end to end solution design and optimization for strategic Microsoft customers such as IoT connected cars and hospitals, mission critical transactional and data warehouse systems, real time monitoring system with streaming analytics. In the 21 years working at Microsoft, Lindsey architected and optimized some of the largest and most complex mission critical systems in the world.

Siva Harinath

Siva Harinath

Siva is a Principal Program Manager on the Microsoft Business Applications Platform Innovation (BAPI) team. Siva joined Microsoft Business Intelligence team in 2002 and has been part of the Analysis Services, Reporting Services, Power BI product teams. Siva has closely worked with enterprise customers in architecting solutions with Microsoft BI stack. Siva currently leads the team helping the MVPs, user groups, community, education/training content and marketing websites of Dynamics 365, Power BI, PowerApps, and Stream.

Gosia Borzecka

Gosia Borzecka

Gosia Borzecka works as a full stack .NET developer. While searching for her path, she has been working as a network administrator and IT systems supervisor according to Prince2 and ITIL methodologies. Currently, she loves programming and looking for news related to it, to which she devotes most of her time. While she started work with Office 365 and SharePoint she found an opportunity to add more fun to existing business apps using the newest technology provided by Microsoft. After work, she teaching kids programming and co-organizing workshop meetup: NottsDevWorkshop.co.uk

Robert Blaas

Robert Blaas

"I have over 20 years of experience in the architecture, design and delivery of Business Intelligence solutions with a focus on the data structures required to effectively deliver business information. Over this time I have consulted with large multi nationals, local government and private companies in New Zealand and overseas. I have designed and developed enterprise data warehouses and large corporate data stores ensuring high quality data and information to business users. I enjoy working with people across a business to understand their requirements and translates these into sound technical structures. Having worked within multi-cultural environments, I am able to easily facilitate, mentor and coach business teams in meeting their information requirements."

Warwick Rudd

Warwick Rudd

Warwick Rudd is a Data Platform MVP, Microsoft Certified Master – SQL Server 2008, Founder and Principal Consultant at SQL Master Consulting. With over 15 years of experience beginning with the release of SQL Server 6.5, he has worked in both Australia and England from small start-ups to Multi-National Corporations. Warwick predominantly specialises in designing and implementing HA & DR Solutions. He is a frequent speaker at local SQL Server User Groups & SQL Saturday events, Ignite in Australia and New Zealand. When not playing with the SQL stack, Warwick likes to get away to the cold and spend time snowboarding.

Victor Isakov

Victor Isakov

Victor Isakov (MCA, MCM, MCT, MVP) is a Database Architect that specializes in SQL Server performance tuning, optimization, high-availability and upgrade projects. Victor has authored a number of books and Microsoft courseware for SQL Server and regularly speaks at various conference internationally. He was one of the first IT professionals to achieve the Microsoft Certified Master certification and is the only Microsoft Certified Architect in Australia.

Tobiasz Koprowski

Tobiasz Koprowski

CEO of Shadowland Consulting. In January 2015 decided to permanently leave Poland and discover new worlds. Actually settled in Hucknall (The Last home of The Byron Family). Community leader focused on SQL Server, SharePoint, security, collaboration and ITIL, DR, BCM, and SLA. Love licensing stuff. MCT, freelancer, and consultant. Subject Matter Expert at Microsoft. Member of Microsoft Terminology Community, Friends of RedGate PLUS, PASS, ISSA, ACM and several communities in the world. Since 1st July 2010 Data Platform MVP. Former President of the Polish SQL Server USer Group. Creator of SQLDAY Conference and Conference CEO 2009-2011. Co-Leader of PASS East Midlands Group. Speaker at group meetings and conferences.STEM Ambassador.

Stijn Wynants

Stijn Wynants

Stijn is an independent Data Platform Consultant & DataMinds (Belgian Data Platform User Group) core member. He is also one of the organisers of the local user group sessions & the yearly event called DataMinds Connect (SQL Server Days). He spends his days tuning SQL Servers & solving problems with the data platform. He is primarily a DBA consultant, but has also done various BI & ETL projects. He gets his kicks out of Columnstore indexes & tuning queries but shivers at the sight of an SSAS cube. When Stijn is not working with SQL Server, you can probably find him enjoying the local cuisine & local beers or enjoying time with his wife and his dog.

Sergei Gundorov

Sergei Gundorov

The presenter, Sergei Gundorov, currently works as a Program Manager on the Power BI team at Microsoft. He has Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Sergei published numerous articles over the course of the last 26 years through multiple channels on various subjects that range from accounting and economics to in depth technical articles on MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network). Sergei’s most recent contribution was to the Security Whitepaper for Power BI published in May of 2017. He presented his most valuable technological advancements to worldwide developer audiences at TechEd, TechReady, and Office/SharePoint Developer conferences. He participated and contributed to numerous webcasts that focused on various technologies that he is considered to be an expert on. He is an inventor and filed several patent applications. Sergei runs popular technical “XLGeek’s Space” blog where his work is praised very highly by the readers and his apps users.

Satya Jayanty

Satya Jayanty

"Microsoft Data Platform MVP (12+ years and counting). Satya Jayanty is a Data Platform Consulting professional based in United Kingdom, with over 25+ years of IT experience working within cross-industry, cross-functional and cross-domain know-how. The Consulting journey experience surrounding data platform comprises solution of architecture management service at the layers of definition, implementation and on-going evolution of IT strategy. He is a self-starter and team player who drives CxO & clients’ accounts with a focus to solve real-world business problems with achievable solution practices. A constant learner and always keen to gain perception on newer technologies, proven methodologies with best patterns & practices."

Reza Rad

Reza Rad

Reza Rad is author, speaker, trainer and consultant. He is the world well-known name in the Microsoft BI field. Reza Rad is invited speaker in world’s best and biggest SQL Server and BI conferences such as PASS Summits, PASS Rallys, SQLBits, TechEds, Ignites, Microsoft Data Insight Summit, and so on. He is author of books on this topic, and he has more than 15 years’ experience in the Microsoft BI technologies. 10 years of his experience focused on training and consulting to the largest BI teams in the world. He is also Microsoft Certified Trainer for years. He is Microsoft SQL Server MVP (Most Valuable Professional) focused on BI and Data Analysis, He has been awarded MVP from Microsoft because of his dedication and expertise in Microsoft BI technologies. He is author of Power BI online book; from Rookie to Rock Star; http://radacad.com/online-book-power-bi-from-rookie-to-rockstar

Regis Baccaro

Regis Baccaro

Régis is a Senior Consultant working with databases and BI since 1999. He specializes in mentoring, performance tuning and scalable architecture of datawarehouses and bi-solutions. His background and work experience mixes technology and business, providing him a unique edge to contribute to datawarehouse and database projects, and effectively interacting with technical and business decision makers. Régis is a frequent speakers at SQL Server conferences around the globe and is a board member of the Danish SQL Server User Group and the founder of the SQL Saturday Denmark community event. He is also Recipient of an MVP award for Data platform for four years in a row.

Regan Murphy

Regan Murphy

Regan is part of the worldwide Commercial Software Engineering (CSE) team at Microsoft, but based in Auckland, NZ.  The CSE team has a focus across all development areas, with Regan specialising in Data Platform and Machine Learning.  Like the rest of my team I love technology, gadgets, and the promise of new things to come - including #mixedreality.  I like beer, craft beer. I also enjoy wine. To offset the beer and wine, I run. Running is also a nice way to sightsee when travelling.

Pinal	 Dave

Pinal Dave

Pinal Dave is a SQL Server Performance Tuning Expert and an independent consultant. He has authored 11 SQL Server database books, 21 Pluralsight courses and has written over 4000 articles on the database technology on his blog at a https://blog.sqlauthority.com. Along with 16+ years of hands on experience he holds a Masters of Science degree and a number of database certifications.

Philip Seamark

Philip Seamark

An experienced database and business intelligence (BI) professional with a deep knowledge of the Microsoft BI stack along with extensive knowledge of data warehouse (DW) methodologies and enterprise data modelling. 

Patrick Flynn

Patrick Flynn

Patrick Flynn is a full time Production DBA and has worked with Microsoft Database and Development products since 1994. He specializes in providing Automation, Monitoring, Performance Tuning, High Availability and Disaster Recovery solutions for Enterprise environments. He has particular interests in Database Internals and Corruption Recovery Techniques as well as applying Powershell and PowerBI to assist in DBA tasks. He is a regular Presenter at SQLSaturday events in Australia and NZ.

Myles Matheson

Myles Matheson

Myles is a Solution Specialist for Microsoft New Zealand. He has worked in the field of business intelligence and data warehousing for the last 15 years both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Martin Cairney

Martin Cairney

Martin has over 15 years’ experience in SQL Server technologies. His experience spans both the Database Engine and infrastructure requirements, and Data Warehousing and BI implementations. He has worked across many industry sectors including London’s global financial institutions and both State and Federal Government Departments. He is a SQL Server MVP, MCT and an experienced conference presenter, having presented at PASS Summit, SQLBits, and SQL Saturday events and User Groups round the world

Leila	Etaati

Leila Etaati

Leila is a Artificial Intelligence Microsoft MVP, PhD, Trainer, and BI consultant. She is world well-known speaker in Machine Learning and Analytics topics, and spoke in world’s best international conferences in Data Platform topics, such as; Microsoft USA Ignite, Microsoft data Insight Summit, Microsoft NZ ignite, SQL PASS Summits, PASS Rally, SQL Nexus, SQL Saturdays and so on. She has more than 10 years’ experience in Data Mining and Analytics. She writes blog posts in RADACAD and also publishes YouTube videos in our channel. She also is an invited lecturer in universities such as University of Auckland, and Unitec, and some other universities. She worked in many industries including banking financial, power and utility, manufacturing, tourism, and so on.

Manohar	Punna

Manohar Punna

"Manohar Punna is an SQL Geek and President of DataPlatformGeeks by passion and a Data Platform Consultant by profession. He is a speaker at various SQL Server Day events and user groups, SQL Saturday Melbourne and Sydney, SQLBits, SSGAS and DPS conferences.  He has authored over 150 blogs and has written a One DMV a Day series which is a longest one day series on any topic on SQL Server till date. "

Kenneth Nielsen

Kenneth Nielsen

Kenneth M. Nielsen currently work at Microsoft as Data Insights Architect, focusing on data services on Azure. Previously worked as managing consultant and teamlead for the company Rehfeld Partners in Denmark. He has worked at various consulting firms and worked on many small/large/very large bi installations in Denmark over the last 12 years. He really likes to advice the customers to take the right decisions, but also maintains a high technical knowledge, so he can act at both architect and developer.

Jonathan	Stewart

Jonathan Stewart

Jonathan Stewart is a Business Intelligence Consultant specializing in data visualization, data warehousing and data management technologies. An advocate for educating others, he is a public speaker, teacher and blogger, continually teaching people about the Microsoft BI Stack.  Since 2000, he has been working in the database field with industry leaders in healthcare, manufacturing, financial, insurance and federal, state and local governments. Jonathan is very active in the community. He has presented on SQL Server, SSIS, Reporting Services, Power BI and business intelligence at numerous SQL Saturday events, local user groups and conferences throughout the United States and around the world. He participates in webcasts, podcasts and online presentation events. He is also an active board member for his local Columbus, Ohio PASS chapter. Jonathan maintains a blog at https://sqllocks.net/. He is a frequent speaker at local, national and international events and is a board member of the Columbus SQL Server User Group. In his free time, Jonathan works with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning commission to help improve central Ohio and enhance the quality of life of its residents.

Ingeborg Hawighorst

Ingeborg Hawighorst

Ingeborg has several decades of experience in all aspects of information technology. For the last few years, her main focus has been on collaboration, data analysis, and her favourite: data visualisation. She is active in the online communities with the alias “teylyn” and has received the Microsoft MVP award for Excel every year since 2012. In 2001 Ingeborg moved with her family from Germany to New Zealand. She is a Senior System Analyst at Spark Digital, where her current focus is on data analytics and Office 365 integration.

Hamish Watson

Hamish Watson

Hamish is a Systems Management Specialist with a passion for efficient database & application deployment using DevOps methodologies. He has 19 years IT experience in managing large scale databases on SQL Server technologies. He has been managing SQL Server since SQL Server 2000 and pragmatic architectural design is his main focus at Jade Software. Educating and helping others learn is a driver for Hamish and he is a PASS Chapter Leader, International speaker and a repeat guest lecturer at a local university.

Gilbert Quevauvilliers

Gilbert Quevauvilliers

Microsoft MVP - Power BI Consultant using Microsoft Power BI to provide solutions for business challenges by sitting with the users within the business to build Power BI models which enable the business to gain insights My goal is for the business to see their data on their terms by delivering Microsoft Power BI Solutions in weeks or less, thereby enabling them to move forward to leverage their data I have assisted with the implementation and completion of Power BI which includes Power BI Desktop development, assistance with Power BI Gateway, Power BI Service, Power BI Internal Training, Power BI Best Practice & Power BI User Group sessions. Power BI training provided to Businesses based on their requirements. Participate and present at the Brisbane Power BI User Group Leader, SQL Saturday Presenter, Brisbane Power BI User Group, Power BI Community and publish blog posts to the Power BI Community Blogs Past working experience in Business Intelligence (BI), working on large, complex end to end BI solutions for customers.

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin Sarmiento

Edwin M Sarmiento is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Master from Ottawa, Canada specializing in high availability, disaster recovery and system infrastructures running on the Microsoft server technology stack.  He is very passionate about technology but has interests in music, professional and organizational development, leadership and management matters when not working with databases.   He lives up to his primary mission statement – “To help people and organizations grow and develop their full potential.

Dharmendra Keshari

Dharmendra Keshari

Dharmendra Keshari is a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. He has been organizing world renowned events like SQL Saturday (Singapore), also a co-organizer of KDSSG MSSQL Tech Unite events (in India), and also a core member of “Singapore SQL PASS Chapter”. He also frequently blogs on his website and also a regular contributor at sqlservercentral.com Currently working as Senior Database Administrator at Micron Technology, Singapore. He has worked in a variety of roles including SQL DBA, Windows/Hyper-V Administrator and also worked very closely with Storage team and vendor management which have given him extensive experience planning and implementing large-scale environment changes and upgrades. In his free time, Dharmendra loves to hang out with family & friends, joining Marathons and spend time reading on SQL Server new technology developments.

Craig Bryden

Craig Bryden

Craig has been working in Business Intelligence since the late 90’s and has gained experience in almost all industries. He has previously been seconded by Microsoft to assist in creating certification tests for the Microsoft Business Intelligence tools, and is a regular speaker at BI related user groups and conferences. Craig is the organiser for the QLD Power BI user group. Craig is the COO at BiTQ (www.bitq.com.au) where he and his team help customers to transform business data into intelligent data.

Ásgeir Gunnarsson

Ásgeir Gunnarsson

Ásgeir works as a Business Intelligence Developer for Össur. Ásgeir has been working with business intelligence for over 10 years, and with Power BI since its inception. Ásgeir has been awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional twice for his technical experience implementing Microsoft BI, as well as his contributions to the community as speaker and a user group leader. Ásgeir presents on international conferences such SQL Saturdays and others multiple times each year. In 2017 Ásgeir has presented Power BI sessions on SQL Bits, SQL Nexus and Microsoft Data Insight Summit with few other conferences coming up in the autumn. Besides speaking on international events Ásgeir also speaks locally and internationally in user groups and teaches multi day courses on Power BI and Power Pivot at the University of Ic

Anupama	Natarajan

Anupama Natarajan

I am a Software Professional with over 15 years experience in designing and developing Web, Data Warehouse, Business Intelligence and Mobile solutions. I am a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) and really passionate in sharing knowledge. I love solving complex business problems for my clients with innovative solutions using Microsoft Technologies and use that experience in my trainings.

Matt Allington

Matt Allington

Matt Allington is a career data professional that has spent more than 30 years leveraging data to drive success. In 2014 Matt left the corporate world to start his own company (Excelerator BI) and now works full time to help others to use Microsoft BI products (Power BI, Power Pivot for Excel, Power Query for Excel). Matt is Microsoft MVP based in Sydney Australia, however has a global reach through his blog at http://xbi.com.au/blog

David Lyth

David Lyth

David is a Premier Field Engineer (PFE) working for Microsoft NZ. He runs workshops covering SQL Server performance tuning and optimization, high availability configurations, maintenance and management, and Powershell. He also works onsite with customers to analyze and improve the health of their SQL environments, and provide advice on consolidation and modernization. As well as SQL Server, David supports APS (parallel data warehouse) appliances. Prior to joining Microsoft, David worked for an outsourcing company, supporting large SQL Server installations for a variety of NZ customers.

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