Going Back to the PASS Data Summit
For the second time this year, I’m heading to Seattle. PASS starts next week, and I’m excited to spend a week around database folks. I was there earlier this year dropping my kid off after a cross-country move. This time I get to fly there and back and spend some time gaining insight.
I went to PASS last year for the first time and learned a great deal — but I also missed a great deal. I was so focused on absorbing as much technical content as possible that I overloaded myself. This time I’m deliberately limiting the technical sessions and focusing more on networking and career development. Which, for me, may actually be harder than the technical stuff.
Being a natural introvert, large groups of people are hard. Meeting people is hard, especially in loud social settings. But this time I have a plan: give myself breaks, use AirPods, and find a quiet place if I get overstimulated. Additionally, I get to see the kid while I’m out there — so that’s a bonus.
I’m going to try to be more active on Twitter and LinkedIn (the social side is always a stretch), and I’m aiming to post daily recaps from the conference floor.
Update: The recaps are live — Day 1: Query Optimization Precon with Brent Ozar and Day 2.
Key Takeaways
- Adjust your strategy year over year. Last year was all technical content — this year is networking and career development. Both matter.
- Introverts need a conference plan. Scheduled breaks, noise-canceling headphones, and permission to step away aren’t weaknesses — they’re how you show up consistently across a full week.
- Networking at a conference doesn’t have to mean loud happy hours. Hallway conversations, lunch tables, and written Q&A apps all count.
Wrapping Up
PASS is one of the better SQL Server communities out there. Going back with a clearer focus — less firehose, more intention — should make this year a different kind of valuable. More updates to follow.