Monday, 30. September 2024
PreCon Workshops
Muazma Zahid, Data & AI Leader – Microsoft | Bob Ward, Principal Architect, Microsoft Azure Data
SQL AI Workshop
Abstract
Are you versed in SQL and eager to delve into AI? Join our workshop to grasp the essentials of Generative AI, discover its application to your datasets, and understand its synergy with SQL from edge to cloud. Dive into topics such as language models, prompt engineering, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), vectors and embeddings, AI services, Hybrid Search and more. Gain hands-on experience with SQL in Microsoft Fabric and learn to leverage Microsoft Copilot to enhance your SQL applications and streamline SQL deployment management. This workshop caters to SQL professionals of all stripes—developers, architects, administrators, and IT experts—seeking to master AI integration. It’s your comprehensive gateway to the forefront of SQL and AI, brought to you by the Microsoft engineering team.
Learning Objectives
- Grasp Generative AI: Understand its principles and impact on data and SQL.
- AI-Driven Development: Create cutting-edge AI applications using SQL and Microsoft Fabric insights.
- Copilot Mastery: Utilize Copilot to refine and oversee your SQL projects.
Who Should Attend
SQL practitioners looking to expand their horizons into AI, including developers, architects, administrators, and IT professionals.
Prerequisites
A solid foundation in SQL Server or Azure SQL is required. Prior AI knowledge is not necessary.
ROOM ?
Mo 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
English
Davide Mauri, Principal Program Manager & Data Geek – Microsoft
Modern architectures and development with Azure SQL and SQL Server: an immersion workshop
Abstract
A great number of new features have been announced for Azure SQL and SQL Server like JSON Data Type, Vector support, Data API builder, External REST invocations and more to support developers in being more efficient and productive when creating either shiny new solutions or when modernizing existing ones. In this workshop, we’ll dedicate a full day to deep diving into each one of these new features, so that you’ll learn how to take advantage of them right away
Learning Objectives
- How to use the new feature of Azure SQL for developers
- Understand the use cases
- Gain practical knowledge that can be used right away
Who Should Attend
SQL practitioners looking into application development.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of SQL Server or Azure SQL is required.
ROOM ?
Mo 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
English
Adam Saxton, Principal Program Manager – Microsoft | Patrick LeBlanc, Principal Program Manager – Microsoft
Harnessing the POWER of Microsoft Fabric
Abstract
In this session, we will explore the incredible potential of Microsoft Fabric, a cutting-edge data platform designed to unlock the full power of your data and artificial intelligence (AI). With its robust suite of capabilities, Microsoft Fabric empowers organizations to leverage data effectively and extract actionable insights. Join us as we dive into the key components of Microsoft Fabric, including OneLake, the revolutionary “OneDrive for data” solution that simplifies data storage, organization, and sharing. From leveraging lakehouses and notebooks, to data warehousing and data movement with Pipelines and Dataflows, we will also delve into how this empowers Power BI, Microsoft’s leading business intelligence tool, which allows users to visualize data and gain valuable insights through interactive dashboards and reports.
Patrick will give you an introduction to all the key features of Microsoft Fabric:
- What is OneLake and why is it so revolutionary?
- Building your Lakehouse in Fabric
- Mastering Data warehousing in Fabric
- Orchestrating with pipelines and dataflows
- Understanding Power BI’s role in Fabric
Learning Objectives
- Understand what is offered within Microsoft Fabric.
- Have a high-level understanding of the different analytical engines within Microsoft Fabric.
- Understand how data can be leveraged within Microsoft Fabric.
Prerequisites
- A general understanding of data architectures, such as data warehousing approaches, is recommended.
- An understanding of either Spark or SQL Server/Azure Synapse Analytics is helpful.
- An understanding of Power BI is helpful but not required.
ROOM ?
Mo 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
English
Chris Hamill, Principal Program Manager – Microsoft |
Gabi Münster, Senior Program Manager – Microsoft |
Alex Powers, Senior Program Manager – Microsoft
Day after Dashboard in a day
Abstract
5 seconds to sign-up and 5 minutes to WOW! with Power BI – but what about those day(s) after your first Dashboard in a Day? You’ve started creating some reports, sharing with some peers and now the boss is singing your Power BI praise! Facing mountains of data and endless design decisions, how can you take your Power BI talents to the next level? In “The Day After Dashboard in a Day” we’ll go deeper into Data Preparation, Data Modeling and Data Visualization in a full day session incorporating the best practice patterns and customer stories that we’ve learned along the way.
You will explore the following:
- Getting and shaping your data: Using Power Query techniques along with looking at Dataflows and Power Query Online.
- Model your data: This is the heart of your data in Power BI and can have massive impact on performance. Following best practices for modeling is where you can push Power BI to the furthest. This also includes DAX and calculations.
- Visualize your data: Now that you have your data, you need to tell the story of your data for people to explore and act. What’s the best way to do that?
- Help your organization adopt Power BI: Understand how Power BI can spread in your organization and your role in that journey.
- And so much more…
Learning Objectives
Deepen your knowledge and understanding of Data Integration, Data Modeling and Data Visualization
Who Should Attend
BI practitioners who are planning to use Power BI for sustainable solutions
Prerequisites
- First experiences with Power BI
- A notebook with Windows OS and the option to connect to public internet
ROOM ?
Mo 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
English
Frank Geisler, Microsoft MVP, MCT, Azure Cloud Architect and Senior Database Developer – GDS Business Intelligence GmbH |
Torsten Strauß, Microsoft MVP, MCSE, MCT – bp
Bicep Unleashed: Secrets of Efficient Azure Data Resource Creation
Abstract
In this workshop, Frank (MVP Data Platform) and Torsten (MVP Data Platform) will show you how to create Azure resources using Bicep. We will focus on the declarative syntax and first cover the basics such as parameters, variables, outputs, and the various operators, and then move on to advanced requirements such as arrays, loops, conditional deployment, modules and the creation of a parameterized Azure DevOps Infrastructure as Code Pipeline. During the hands-on exercises, we will use Azure CLI and PowerShell to create various resources such as an Azure SQL database, a storage account with containers and an Azure Key Vault. No prior knowledge is required for the workshop, but you will need an Azure trial subscription, which we will create together at the beginning of the workshop if you do not already have one.
Learning Objectives
- Get a fundamental understanding of Bicep Resources, Variables, Parametes, Output
- Get an understanding of how to structure Bicep Projects
- Integrate Bicep Deployment in your Deployment Pipeline
- Advances Concepts like Modules, Loops, Conditional Deployment
- Store Bicep Artifacts in a Repository
Who Should Attend
The workshop is designed for a diverse audience with varying levels of experience. The key groups of individuals who would benefit from attending:
- Developers and Engineers: If you’re a developer or engineer working with Azure, this workshop will empower you to create resources efficiently using Bicep. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to enhance your skills, you’ll find valuable insights here.
- Cloud Architects and Solution Designers: Architects and solution designers who want to understand how to architect Azure resources using Bicep will find this workshop valuable. Learn about best practices, scalability, and security considerations.
- Azure Enthusiasts and Hobbyists: Even if you’re new to Azure, this workshop is accessible. No prior knowledge is required, and we’ll guide you through creating an Azure trial subscription at the beginning of the workshop.
- IT Professionals and System Administrators: If you manage Azure resources or are responsible for deploying and maintaining infrastructure, attending this workshop will equip you with practical skills for efficient resource creation.
- Business Analysts and Decision Makers: Business analysts and decision-makers who want to understand the technical aspects of Azure resource deployment will gain valuable insights. Learn how Bicep simplifies the process.
Prerequisites
- Basic Understanding of Azure
- Basic Understanding of PowerShell
- Basic Understanding of Data Technologies within Azure
- Basic Understanding of Program Logic
- Basic Understanding how to use Visual Studio Code
- Bring Your Laptop: Windows or Mac is OK, ideally with Visual Studio Code, PowerShell 7 and Bicep preinstalled
ROOM ?
Mo 10:00 am – 05:00 pm
English
