What makes a successful Tech Conference?

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After my Asia-tour this summer I feel it is about time for this article. At the time of this article (09-2016) I have presented at more than 50 technical conferences around the world (Europe, Middle East, Asia, North America), from small with about 150 attendees to huge with around 5000 attendees. With that came a […]
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Tales from “certification-hell”: What an MCM, MCA, MCSM, MCSM Charter Member, MCSE or MVP really is

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It has been two years since Microsoft announced the end of the Master program. (Microsoft Certified Master & Architect (MCM & MCA) – The End of Advanced Certification. – And a planned new beginning?) But that does not mean that the certification is “dead” or even “valueless,” as has often been mistakenly referred to.
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Received 2nd MVP Award for SQL Server

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On 1 April 2015 I have been awarded the MVP Award by Microsoft (MVP=Most Valuable Professional) for the second time.
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Received MVP Award for SQL Server

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Yesterday, on 1 April 2014, I got great news: I was awarded the MVP Award by Microsoft (MVP=Most Valuable Professional) for my contributions to the community (click here for MVP profile).
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MCSM (Microsoft Certified Solutions Master) Data Platform on SQL Server 2012

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A few of my closest colleagues already know, and now I am announcing it publicly: Since 31 December 2013 I am no longer “merely” Microsoft Certified Master SQL Server 2008 (MCM) but also Microsoft Certified Solutions Master Data Platform (MCSM), the highest certification that was achievable for SQL Server 2012!
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Microsoft Certified (Solutions) Master, MCM/MCSM: Who will be the last MCM SQL Server ;-) ?

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“Extension!” After the announcement by Microsoft Learning (MSL) that they would no longer offer the certification MCM/MCSM/MCA caused a tremendous outcry among all those who were seriously occupied with the issue of advanced certification, striving for it or simply appreciative of its value as an indicator of highest technical skills (also see here: Microsoft Certified […]
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Microsoft Certified Master & Architect (MCM & MCA) – The End of Advanced Certification.

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“The MCM is dead, long live the new one…” – There is no new one. (Or maybe there is? – I’ll get to that at the end of the blog.) This morning, Saturday, the 31st of August, shortly after 7 o’clock – corresponding to a Friday evening at 10 o’clock, just before the national holiday […]
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SQL Server Master-Class Seminars – For all those who want to know exactly what’s what – Starting in May with Extended Events

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My First Blog Post here is partly for my own cause, but on the other hand, it is for You and all those who are inquisitive and eager to learn in terms of SQL Server: I have often been asked if I wouldn’t want to write a book sometime to share my knowledge, or to […]
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“Brought to you this summer”: Microsoft Certified Master SQL Server

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As some of you already may have heard: this June I passed my Lab Exam for the Microsoft Certified Master SQL Server 2008. – almost exactly 3 months after my first attempt. In fact the Exam has already taken place in the middle of May. – Unfortunately this time I had to wait more than […]
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