[vc_row][vc_column][themeum_title title=”Pre Conference Workshops 17th February, Post Conference Workshops 20th February”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”analysissqlserver”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Analysis of your SQL Server like a PRO[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 300

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]SQL Server is a mission critical database platform but is sensitive to misconfigurations, bad practices, sub-optimal indexing strategies and poor coding mistakes. Even the fastest hardware can end up performing like a ZX-81 if you get things wrong.
If you are a Database Administrator or Consultant who is responsible for expert performance analysis, problem detection and tuning of the SQL engine then it is important you are able to analyse and tune SQL Server like a PRO.

In this full training day, I will explain how to identify and resolve serious real world performance problems using concrete examples, demonstrations, possible effects and answers. This workshop will provide over 40 scripts which can be used directly in the workshop on your own machines during the day and we shall simulate performance problems and look to resolve them using a top-down approach.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Uwe Ricken

Uwe Ricken

Uwe Ricken has been working with IT systems since the 90s. He found the way to the technology of Microsoft SQL Server with the assignment for the development of membership administration software for the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany. After the development the software has been distributed to five additional European countries. The primary passion for developments with Microsoft SQL Server expanded in 2007 with his engagement as a DBA for the Deutsche Bank AG in Frankfurt am Main. After 6 years of operational experiences as a DBA and over 14 years as a developer of complex database models he earned in May 2013 the Microsoft Certified Master SQL Server 2008 certification which the highest technical certification by Microsoft. The successful year 2013 has been finalized with the first MVP award for his outstanding support to the Microsoft SQL Server community in Germany and Europe. Uwe Ricken was the first MCM + MVP in Germany! To provide his deep knowledge about Microsoft SQL Server to the interested community Uwe Ricken is blogging since 2010 at http://www.sqlmaster.de about his daily experiences with Microsoft SQL Server. His blog posts are in German language only to provide the German speaking SQL community enthusiasts deep inside views into the technology of Microsoft SQL Server. Uwe Ricken is a speaker on many international conferences and events and preferred topics for Database Internals Indexing and Development.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”datasciencealgorithms”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Data Science Algorithms[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 400 Expert

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Advanced data analysis techniques are gaining popularity. With modern statistics / data mining / machine learning engines, products and packages, like SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), R, Python, and Azure ML, data mining has become a black box. It is possible to use data mining without knowing how it works.

However, not knowing how the algorithms work might lead to many problems, including using the wrong algorithm for a task, misinterpretation of the results, and more. This seminar explains how the most popular data mining algorithms work, when to use which algorithm, and advantages and drawbacks of each algorithm as well.

Demonstrations show the algorithms usage in SQL Server Analysis Services, R and Python languages and SQL Server Machine Learning Services, Azure ML native algorithms, using R in Power BI, and using the R and Python algorithms in Azure ML. The attendees also learn how to evaluate different predictive and unsupervised models.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/3Ke4JyyEIe4″ title=”Data Science Algorithms”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Dejan Sarka

Dejan Sarka

Dejan Sarka, MCT and Data Platform MVP, is an independent trainer and consultant that focuses on development of database and business intelligence applications. Besides projects, he spends about half of the time on training and mentoring. He is the founder of the Slovenian SQL Server and .NET Users Group. Dejan Sarka is the main author or co-author of eighteen books about databases and SQL Server. Dejan Sarka has also developed many courses and seminars for Microsoft, SolidQ, and Pluralsight.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” el_id=”datasciencedatabricks”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Getting Started with Data Science and Databricks[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 100

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Databricks is a very popular environment for developing data science solutions. More and more companies are interested in Databricks as it is very simple to set up and contains a collaborative workspace for working with a team of people. In this session you will see how to create Machine Learning Solutions with multiple workflows starting with ETL, to data exploration, model experimentation, and lastly to a production release of a data science solution.

Today, more and more development is performed on very large datasets. Attendees will learn how to use Apache Spark, which is part of Databricks, to rapidly analyze lots of data. Learn how to use Databricks to reduces operational complexity to create solutions which can be scaled up or down depending on the amount of data needed to process without having to change the underlying code.
Python, Jupyter Notebooks, and Apache Spark are the technologies used to create solutions within this session. No experience is required.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Ginger Grant

Ginger Grant

Ginger is a consultant who shares what she has learned while working with data technology at clients by providing training to people around the world. As a Microsoft MVP in Data Platform and a Microsoft Certified Trainer, she is proficient in creating solutions using the entire Microsoft Data Stack, which includes SQL Server, T-SQL, SSIS, SSAS, Power BI and Azure Data Cloud components including Databricks, Data Factory, Data Lakes, Data Analytics, IOT, Event Hubs, Machine Learning. In addition to blogging at http://www.desertislesql.com, Ginger has authored 70-774 Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning. When not working, she maintains her blog and spends time on twitter @desertislesql.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”dax”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Demystifying DAX[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 200

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]DAX is the data modelling language of Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel.  It is reasonably easy to get started with DAX, however sooner or later most people hit a wall where they get stuck and can’t move forward. Have you ever typed a DAX formula, pressed enter and then crossed your fingers hoping you will get the right answer? If this sounds like you, then chances are there are some deeper concepts that you don’t fully understand, and these gaps are stopping you from moving forward.

In this full day pre-con session, Matt Allington (Author of the book Supercharge Power BI) will clearly explain how the DAX language really works under the hood. At the end of the session you will fully understand filter propagation, initial filter context and evaluation contexts. The session will use real world examples to explain the concepts. This is not a beginners course you should already know the basics of DAX before attending.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

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_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”powerbipremium”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Power BI Premium – What is it, how does it work and how can it help my organisation[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 200

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I will cover what Power BI Premium is, what features it offers.

Then walk through showing people how it works by walking through demo’s using those features such as (Free users, Incremental Refreshing, Paginated Reports, XMLA End Points & more as new features become available. And if there is anything of particular interest people are looking for.)

I will also cover off what actually happens when using some of the features in Power BI Premium and how this could affect the performance not only of reports, but of your Power BI Premium capacity.

During the entire session, I will also explain how it can help your organisation to ensure that you can deliver the best reporting solution to your end users be that internal or external.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

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.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”masteryourdata”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Master your data for Excel & Power BI[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 200

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The sad reality is that not all data we need for our reports is stored in nicely curated databases. While some of the data may be, the reality is that we also need to piece together data provided in text files, Excel files, web pages and even the body of emails in order to build the complete business intelligence solutions we need. Until now this has been a painful process with a great deal of cutting and pasting into Excel files. Updates have been tedious and error prone, if the solution isn’t abandoned outright. That stops today.
This course is about Data. It’s about getting, transforming, cleaning and reshaping your data. It’s about turning awkward data into shiny golden tables that are perfect for analysis, whether you need it in Excel, or in Power BI. In fact, the techniques are so portable, that you’ll be able to follow along in whichever program you like best![/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/9nK2n2kHdcs” title=”Master Your Data for Excel and Power BI with Power Query”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Ken Puls

Ken Puls

Ken Puls, FCPA, FCMA, is a Chartered Professional Accountant, blogger, author and trainer with over 20 years of business and financial modelling experience. His passion lies in exploring tools to turn data into information, and teaching others how to benefit from them. Ken has held the Microsoft MVP distinction since 2006 in both the Excel and Data Platform categories. He is also one of about 4% of CPAs to be recognized as a Fellow of his accounting body. Learn more about Ken at https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kenpuls.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”definitivepowerbiarchitecture”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Definitive Power BI Architecture[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 300 (Advanced)

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This training is designed for data architect or administrator, who is designing the architecture of leveraging Power BI in a solution. Someone who wants to understand how all components of Power BI are sitting beside each other to build the whole solution. This training is designed for understanding the strategy of using Power BI rather than the development of it.

In this training, you will learn about architecting the strategy of a Power BI solution from end to end. This is not training about development (Modules 1 to 3 already covered that). You do not need to attend previous modules to attend this course. This course is designed separately from those. However, knowing some of the basics of Power BI is helpful.

You will learn about Power BI Service, and different types of connections in Power BI and choose the right type of connection for your solution. You will also learn all different ways of sharing a Power BI Solution and the pros and cons of each. The course continues with a detailed discussion about row-level security. You will learn how gateway configuration and set up will be in the whole package. You will also learn about integrating Power BI with other tools, and some architecture blueprints to follow when you are designing a Power BI solution.

At the end of this training, you will be able to design the architecture of Power BI for your requirement; you can choose the right way of sharing and design the gateway configuration as well as the communication of Power BI with other tools and services. You will be able to answer any questions that come to your mind about a solution architecture in Power BI world and make the right decision to choose the right strategy of Power BI usage in your organization.

The training includes but not limited to topics below:

1: Power BI Service

Power BI service or website plays an important role in designing a Power BI solution. Power BI website is the hosting environment for Power BI reports, dashboards and datasets. In this section, you will learn about these objects and their configuration. You will also learn about the different types of connections in Power BI, and the position of the gateway in the solution, configuring and installing it.

Power BI Components
Power BI Service Content; Dashboard, Report, and Dataset
Dashboard Features in the service
What is Gateway?
Two types of Gateway; On-premises, Personal
Configuration and Installation of Gateway
Import Data and Schedule Refresh
DirectQuery Connection
Live Connection
Composite Model

2: Sharing

There are several ways of sharing Power BI reports and dashboards. Each of the methods has pros and cons and should be used in specific scenarios. In this section, you will learn scenarios to use each of these methods for sharing, and the sharing of architecture, and a comparison between all these methods at the end.

Basic Dashboard or Report Sharing
Workspaces in Power BI; Dev Environment
Power BI Apps; User Environment
Publish to Web
Embed in SharePoint Online; Office 365 Integrated Sharing
Power BI Embedded; Embedding content into another application
Comparison of all Sharing methods

3: Security

Sharing is about giving users access to the entire content; security is about giving them access to part of it. There are different ways of implementing security (which is called row-level security in Power BI). Statics row-level security is a good option when roles are limited items. The next level is to define a dynamic row-level security using DAX functions. Dynamic row-level security comes as different patterns which will be discussed here through examples.

Row Level Security
Dynamic Row Level Security
Patterns for Dynamic Row Level Security
Manager Level Access
Organization Chart Access as Dynamic Row Level Security
Profiles and Users; Dynamic Row Level Security
Dynamic Row Level Security using SQL Server Analysis Service Live Connection

4: Administration and Licensing

As a Power BI administrator, you need to have a careful eye on some of the metrics, and control some of the settings across your organization Power BI tenant. In this section, you will learn about Power BI administrator configuration options and options which are critical to controlling. You will also learn about all licensing options for Power BI and will have a clear view of what would be the best licensing option for you.

Power BI Administrator Configuration
Usage Metrics
Customizing Usage Metrics
Power BI Licensing Guide
Power BI Premium
Power BI Embedded Licensing

5: Integration

Power BI can integrate with other tools and services such as Reporting Services and Excel. In this section, you will learn about all integration options for Power BI. This section will also give you a full understanding of Power BI Report Server; the on-premises usage of Power BI. You will learn Power BI REST API capabilities (not at a developer level, more in architecture level), and you will learn about real-time streaming options available with Power BI.

PowerPoint Integration with Power BI
Power BI and Excel; More than just an Integration
Power BI Report Server: Power BI on-premises
SQL Server Reporting Services Integration with Power BI
Real-time Streaming with Power BI, and Azure Stream Analytics
Power BI REST API

6: Architecture

The last part of the training focuses on architecture blueprints for Power BI. In addition to architecture best practices for sharing, self-service, enterprise-level architecture, you will learn about a tool that can help in Power BI solution designed by RADACAD; Power BI Helper.

Architecture for Enterprise Scale
Architecture for Sharing
Architecture for Self-Service
A tool that helps: Power BI Helper[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

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

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”azureaiinaday”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Azure AI in a Day[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 100

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Module One: Machine Learning

Introduction to Machine Learning and AI

First, some introduction to Machine Learning and AI concepts will be presented; Audience learns what AI and ML are and what the main lifecycle for the machine learning. All related concepts such as predictive analytics and descriptive will be explained.

Azure ML Studio

In this module, the audience will learn machine learning process discuss in above using an easy to use application name Azure ML Studio and practice the life cycle of machine learning via this tool to create a simple machine learning model.

Azure ML Services

In this part, the audience learns about new Azure ML Services that combination of automated ML, Visual interface (same as Azure ML Studio) and the code base environment for Automated ML.

Automated ML

The needs for Automated ML will be discussed; audience will see how to use this visual tool to get more insight from their data

Visual Interface

The new-look of Azure mL Studio inside Azure mL Services will be shown; audience will see the pipeline and all process from building models to publish and make it available to use in other applications

Python for Azure Automated ML

The code-based behind the Automated ML will be shown. The audience will see how they can use Python code instead of visual interface for the aim of ML.

Module Two: AI for Apps and Reports

In this module, we mainly focus on the usage of the AI in creating apps and reports in Power platform.

Cognitive Services

Some introduce introduction to Cognitive Service will be present; the audience will learn about the different module.

AI in Power BI

The usage of AI in Power BI desktop and Services from using cognitive service APIs such as language and Azure ML Studio in Power Query will be shown, also how a business user able to use AI in Data flow (Power BI Service) will demonstrate.

AI Builder

There is a possibility to create a smart application using Power Apps and Flow. The new feature call AI Builder will be shown audience will see how they can use it for the form processing and Object detection purpose. Also, some introduction to Flow and Power Apps will be provided.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Leila Etaati

Leila Etaati

Leila is the First Microsoft AI MVP in New Zealand and Australia. She has a PhD in Information System from the University Of Auckland. She is the Co-director and data scientist in RADACAD Company with more than 100 clients in around the world. She is the co-organizer of Microsoft Business Intelligence and Power BI Use group (meetup) in Auckland with more than 1200 members. Leila is also the co-organizer of three main conferences in Auckland: SQL Saturday Auckland (2015 till now), Difinity (2017 till now) and Global AI Bootcamp 2-18. She is a Data Scientist, BI Consultant, Trainer and Speaker. Leila is a well-known International Speakers to many conferences such as Microsoft ignite, SQL pass, Data Platform Summit, SQL Saturday, Power BI world Tour and so forth in Europe, USA, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. She has over ten years’ experience working with databases and software systems. She was involved in many large-scale projects for big-sized companies. She also AI and Data Platform Microsoft MVP. Leila is an active Technical Microsoft AI blogger for RADACAD.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”dataintegrationssisazure”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Intelligent Data Integration with SSIS and Azure Data Factory[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 300

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This session focuses on the all Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution of Azure SQL DB/Managed Instance (MI) + SSIS in Azure Data Factory (ADF) to lift & shift, modernize, and extend ETL workflows. We will first show you how to provision Azure-SSIS Integration Runtime (IR) – dedicated ADF servers for running SSIS – with SSIS catalog (SSISDB) hosted by Azure SQL DB/MI, configure it to access data on premises using Windows authentication and Virtual Network injection, and extend it with custom/Open Source/3rd party components.

You can then use the familiar SSDT/SSMS tools to deploy/execute/manage your packages in the cloud just like you do on premises. We will next show you how to modernize your ETL workflows by invoking/scheduling SSIS package executions as first-class activities in ADF pipelines and combining/chaining them with other activities, allowing you to leverage ADF connectors (+80), connect using Azure Active Directory authentication, store secrets in Azure Key Vault, automatically (de)provision SSIS IR just in time, and splice advanced transformations, such as Power Query Source, Data Quality Components, etc.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/stlqY7iQzMY” title=”Intelligence Data Migration with SSIS and Azure Data Factory”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

Andy Leonard

Andy Leonard

Andy Leonard is founder and Chief Data Engineer at Enterprise Data & Analytics, creator of the DILM (Data Integration Lifecycle Management) Suite, an SSIS Trainer, Consultant, and developer, a Business Intelligence Markup Language (Biml) developer and BimlHero, SQL Server database and data warehouse developer, community mentor, engineer, and farmer. He is a co-author of The Biml Book and SQL Server Integration Services Design Patterns and author of Managing Geeks - A Journey of Leading by Doing, Data Integration Lifecycle Management with SSIS, Building Custom Tasks for SSIS, and the Stairway to Integration Services. Andy blogs at andyleonard.blog where you can learn more on the About Andy page. .

Sandy Winarko

Sandy Winarko

Sandy is a seasoned Product Manager with extensive experience in the US, Europe, and Asia, combining commercial/technical responsibilities in principal/senior roles at various TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) companies, such as Microsoft/Skype/Nokia, BSkyB (British Sky Broadcasting), and C&W (Cable & Wireless). At Microsoft, he is currently driving the efforts to modernize SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services) on premises and in the cloud as part of ADF (Azure Data Factory).

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”powerbidevelopersprogrammers”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Power BI for Developers and Programmers[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 300

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This course targets programmers who want to leverage Power BI in their applications, or want to extend Power BI features with custom visuals. It’s an advanced course where you will learn what Power BI platform has to offer developers including:

Embedding Power BI content into web applications
Power BI REST API and using it into custom .NET applications
Streaming data concepts; pushing data into real-time dashboards.
Introduction to Custom Visuals; creating new visuals

Prerequisites:
Familiarity with Power BI content creation (i.e., modeling, report building, publishing to service)
Familiarity with .Net, PowerShell and JavaScript basics are highly desirable
Power BI Pro account (60 day free trial is sufficient)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

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.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”masteryourinnerflow”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Master Your Inner Flow[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 100

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This training is designed for a Power User who is keen to understand how Microsoft Flow really works. This is also suitable for a developer who is learning what these low-code solutions can do and how Flow solutions can rapidly assist with automation tasks with Microsoft products like O365 as well as external data sources.

The workshops labs are tuned for the Power BI audience, we will also spend some time to look at using Flow to perform data gathering prior to schedule refresh. We can do this on schedule or on data changed trigger.

The saying goes, there’s nothing that brings out the learning by actually doing. Join Business Apps/Flow MVP, the Flow Ninja John Liu to run through the basics and get into unfamiliar territory, master your expressions and formulas with best practice patterns. Work away with a full understand of how it really all works and a handful of great recipes to take with you.

The workshop includes several hands on labs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

John Liu

John Liu

John is a trainer, consultant based in Sydney and founder of Flow Studio App In the last twenty years he specializes and blogs ( johnliu.net ) frequently on client-side scripting, custom development, Flows and PowerApps. Originally from a technical background in .NET, he is fluent with both creating custom software from scratch as well as extending out of box capabilities. John is a frequent speaker at Office 365 conferences and events around Sydney and Australia. He helps with organizing Sydney's SharePoint user group and Sydney PowerApps & Flow usergroups. He is a dual Microsoft MVP in Office apps and services and Business Applications (Flow and PowerApps). In 2018 he created Flow Studio app to help Microsoft Flow makers take their Flows to the next level.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”datavisualization”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]An Introduction to Data Driven Storytelling: Data Visualization for all![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Level: 200

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We hear the term data visualization nearly everyday in our daily life. It has become an integral part of not only our day to day business practice but our actual daily life. It is the language of data. However, it can be overwhelming to those that are new to the topic, are unfamiliar with new tools or are looking to keep up with new technology.

In this session, we will have fun discussing the ins and outs of data driven visualizations. We will discuss the theory that becomes the practical. We will learn not only the how, but the WHY!

Get hands on experience as we work through multiple scenarios and learn how to build impactful data driven visualizations!

Topics in this course:
– History of visualization
– Psychology and theory behind visualization
– Understanding your data
– Ethics
– Legal concerns
– Finding your story with story-boarding
– Mock-up development
– How we see the world
– Avoiding common mistakes
– Choosing the correct chart/graph
– Real world applications
– Demos!!
Prerequisites: Just a desire to tell a story with data! Everyone from beginners to experts will learn from this session and become better practitioners.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″]

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 SQLSaturday 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 Columbus, Ohio PASS Local Group. Jonathan maintains a blog at https://sqllocks.net/. 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.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”Dashboardinaday”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]DIAD – Dashboard in a day[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Pre-Conference: 17th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Getting started with PowerBI. A 1-day workshop Practical hands-on experience to bring data to life in a full-day instructor-led report building session.

At the end of the day, attendees will better understand how to:

  • Connect to, import, and transform data from a variety of sources.
  • Define business rules and KPIs.
  • Explore data with powerful visualization tools.
  • Build stunning reports.
  • Share dashboards with their team and business partners, and publish them to the web.

The last two hours of the workshop are dedicated to attendees building reports and dashboards out of their own data with the support of their instructor.

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Yana Berkovich

Yana Berkovich

Yana is a program manager in Microsoft, Power Platform team. Creating instructor led content for Power Platform products based in Bellevue WA. A former data platform MVP and consultant, moved from Russia to Israel to Canada and currently based in Seattle. Worked with Microsoft enabling the best data solutions using Microsoft products for customers across industries and countries. Community speaker and PowerBI enthusiast

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”appinadayfocusingonnewfeatures”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]App In A Day focusing on new features![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Full Day Workshop

Post-Conference: 20th of Feb 2020[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

This precon takes the Power Apps training to the next level by adding the latest additions to the Power Platform: Power Apps Components, Power Virtual Agents, Power Apps Portals and AI Builder.

Agenda:

Common Data Service for Apps Deep-dive and Lab Introduction
Model-driven Apps Deep-drive and Lab Introduction
Canvas Apps Deep-drive Hands on Lab
Adding AI and Business Card Reader functionality
Microsoft Flow Introduction
Introduction to Power Virtual Agents

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Charles Sterling

Charles Sterling

Charles Sterling is Senior Program Manager in Power BI Team based in Redmond. He came to Microsoft from being a marine biologist working for United States National Marine Fisheries doing marine mammal research on the Bering Sea. He started out at Microsoft supporting Excel and moved through a couple of support teams to being an escalation engineer for Microsoft SQL Server. Taking his love for customers (and diving), Chuck moved to Australia as a product manager and developer evangelist for the .NET Framework. In 2008 he moved back to Redmond as the Visual Studio community program manager and just recently moved to the Power BI team to continue his community passion and looking after the Power BI influencers and MVPs.

[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][themeum_button display=”block” btn_link=”https://www.eventbrite.com/e/difinity-conference-auckland-new-zealand-2020-tickets-64151384518″ btn_name=”Register for this workshop” target=”_blank” btn_text_size=”16″ btn_background=”#92278f” btn_background_hover=”#561554″ border_radius=”4″ btn_weight=”500″ btn_margin=”0 20px 0 0″ btn_padding=”15px 30px”][/vc_column][/vc_row]