Just a reminder that DataWeekender v6.5 call for speakers ends in two days. Depending on when you read this post of course. It ends on September 30, 11:59PM (CEST).
You can submit potential sessions for DataWeekender by clicking here.
For those of you wondering why I am covering this after my recent Microsoft Fabric posts, I am one of the organizers of this event.
If my recent Microsoft Fabric posts have inspired you to do more with Microsoft Fabric, feel free to submit potential sessions about what you have been doing.
More women speakers at DataWeekender v6.5
Before I do a quick recap about DataWeekender, I just want to openly state that us organizers would really like to see more women speakers submit potential sessions for this DataWeekender.
Even though we have had some impressive sessions submitted by women so far, it would be great if we had more sessions submitted by women this time around. Because we are very proud of the gender balance we have had at the last few events.
You can look at the agenda for a previous DataWeekender here and follow the link to others to see what I mean.
With this in mind, we encourage all women to submit potential sessions. In addition, please encourage any woman speakers you know to submit sessions as well.
DataWeekender recap
Just a quick recap for you all. DataWeekender is a free online conference for the Microsoft Data Platform community.
It was the first large-scale online Microsoft Data Platform event to appear during lockdown, to make up for cancelled or postponed events around Europe.
After a brief hiatus we have decided to do it again with an iconic version number of 6.5. Which should put a smile on the faces of some of you with a SQL Server background.
It will take place on Saturday November 4. You can register to attend DataWeekender either through this DataWeekender 6.5 Meetup link or by clicking on the below logo.
By the way do you notice anything new about the DataWeekender logo? That is right it has been fabricized (non-existent patent pending) with a Microsoft Fabric logo.
Just like before, our core values relating to inclusiveness and diversity remain the same.
Another thing we have kept is the one-slide session format that we introduced for a past DataWeekender. Where you only use one-slide for the entire sixty-minute session. We’d love to see more sessions based on this format again since it was a popular format in the past.
Potential new speakers at DataWeekender v6.5
Just like before we also welcome submissions from speakers at various levels. From new speakers to established MVP’s.
I do have one piece of advice for potential new speakers. If you are thinking of submitting a session to DataWeekender v6.5, you can find a mentor to help you on the Speaking Mentors site if you are selected.
DataWeekender v6.5 variety
Another good thing about DataWeekender is that it covers the entire Microsoft Data Platform.
Including services such as SQL Server, Power BI, Databricks, Quantum computing and some new service called Microsoft Fabric. Which I think I have written some blog posts about.
Plus, other technologies that you can use with the above services. Especially if they include AI.
For example, recently we’ve been asked if it is okay to submit potential sessions about CI/CD applications and services that can be used with the Microsoft Data Platform. Of course, the answer is a resounding yes.
In the past we have had sessions relating to mental health and racial equality as well. Which are also welcome. For example, the excellent mental health session by Tracy Boggiano.
We didn’t record that session because DataWeekender tends to be live only. However, Tracy also presented the ‘Mental Health and Wellness in IT’ session for the Data Platform WIT Mental Health and Wellness Day event. So, you can watch a recording of it by clicking on this link to the YouTube video.
We also welcome other sessions that you do not regularly see at Microsoft Data Platform events as well.
So, if you have a session in mind that you think is too different for other events feel free to submit it. As long as it’s somehow related to the Microsoft Data Platform community we will consider it. Even if you intend to sing about something whilst playing the banjo.
Inclusiveness at DataWeekender v6.5
I did talk about why DataWeekender is an inclusive event some time ago in a previous post here.
In reality, we do a lot more to make sure DataWeekender is an inclusive event. For instance, we have a code of conduct and a complaints procedure.
We always aim do a lot more than that though. Part of our vision right from the start was that anybody around the world has the opportunity to speak. In addition, for anybody around the world to attend.
One of the advantages of doing this is that the event can reach more members of the Microsoft Data Platform community.
Doing this opens up the doors for a lot of people in the community. Because it opens up opportunities for people who have not being able to travel to conferences easily to be able to attend from wherever they are in the world.
All they need is an internet connection and a half decent device. Whether that be a computer, tablet or even a smartphone. After getting feedback from other members of the community, it appears that others agree that this a great way to open doors to others.
Final words about DataWeekender v6.5 call for speakers ending in two days
Now that you know for sure that DataWeekender v6.5 call for speakers ends in seven days I hope you consider submitting for it if you have not already.
Once again, the link to submit sessions is here.
Of course, if you have any comments or queries about this post feel free to reach out to any of the organizers on the ‘About us‘ page.
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