October 11-14, Seattle, WA

Can you host a SQL Saturday?Lightning Talk

John SterrettSenior DBARemote DBA Experts

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About Me….

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I am a Remote DBA Expert• Responsible 100+ Instances of SQL Server• Senior DBA on Integration Team

Mid-Atlantic Region MentorFounder of WVPASS (SQL UG)Host of SQL Saturday #36 and #80I reside in Wheeling, WV (Pittsburgh, PA)

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My SQL Saturday Story..

• Been to code camps but never attended SQL Saturday

• Wanted to put West Virginia on the SQL Server Map.

• Wanted to test the waters to see if we could build a user group.

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Tips from previous SQL Saturday’s

• Find a very cheap facility for your event.• Form a team of at least two people to

organize the event.• Team up with other organizations• Provide nametags• Don’t be a presenter if you are hosting an

event.• Make sure you attend a session.

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If you build it they will come..

• Target cities within three hour driving distance.

• Focus marketing on SQL User Groups, .NET User Groups, AITP and other IT groups.

• Target local companies IT staffs.• Blog, tweet and hit the message boards• Try to provide a unique experience for

people traveling to your event.

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How do I build my budget?

Budget = Money Raised – Money Spent

Use Microsoft UGSS to help fund your event.

Include local headhunters, training companies and economic development groups in potential sponsors list.

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Where can you go for help?

PASS HeadquartersRegional MentorsSponsorsMicrosoft Evangelists and UGSS People who organized a SQL Saturday#SQLHELPSQLSaturday wikiSQL Saturday LinkedIn Groups

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Finally….

A quote from Aaron Nelson @SQLVarient

“ If a SQL Saturday can happen in Wheeling, WV it can happen anywhere.”

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Complete the Evaluation Form to Win!Win a Dell Mini Netbook – every day – just for submitting your completed form. Each session evaluation form represents a chance to win.

Pick up your evaluation form:• In each presentation room• Online on the PASS Summit website

Drop off your completed form:• Near the exit of each presentation room• At the Registration desk• Online on the PASS Summit website

Sponsored by Dell

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October 11-14, Seattle, WA

Thank youfor attending this session and the 2011 PASS Summit in Seattle

14Session Code | Session Title

Microsoft SQL Server Clinic

Work through your technical issues with

SQL Server CSS & get architectural guidance

from SQLCAT

Microsoft Product Pavilion

Talk with Microsoft SQL Server & BI experts to learn about the next version of SQL Server and check out the new Database Consolidation

Appliance

Ask The Experts

@ Dev Pods

Meet Microsoft SQL Server Engineering team members &

SQL MVPs

Hands-on Labs

Get experienced through self-paced & instructor-led labs on our cloud based lab platform - bring your

laptop or use HP provided hardware

Room 611 Expo Hall 6th Floor Lobby Room 618-620