I flew back last night from what I can only describe as the best SQL Rally ever. I loved the time I spent there meeting old friends and making a few new ones. I think I was most excited for Grant Fritchey (blog | @gfritchey) as he delivered his first ever pre-conference seminar, a very big step for him and his career.
Seeing him at the front of the room that day made me think back to the very first PASS event I ever attended, the 2004 PASS Summit, which was also held in Orlando. It was there that I first met Allen Kinsel (blog | @sqlinsaneo), who now serves on the Board of Directors with me.
Speaking of which, we had a PASS Board meeting while in Orlando. I think we had a very good meeting, and in fact I think the board meetings we have been having have been more productive as of late. I don’t know what the difference may be but it could be something as simple as making certain that everyone comes prepared and contributes.
It was just over a year ago when the PASS Board had come together to discuss the idea of hosting an event similar to what SQL Rally became. I am quite happy to have been in the position to offer my support for the event, and very grateful for the people that did all the hard work to make it happen.
And very grateful for the Community members that could attend this week. Without you we wouldn’t have…anything. Thanks for sharing your time, your knowledge, your experience, and your friendship. I can’t wait to see you again at another PASS event soon.
Thanks for your support of the event Tom. I know I had a great time helping to put it together and an even better time being there as it happened.
I wish I could have been at the Rally but even though I was not I’m sure it was a great event. I really look forward to the future ideas that PASS and the Board come up with! Thank you guys for all that you do.
SQLRally 2011 was fantastic. From an attendee perspective, it ran smooth. I don’t know if Andy, Kendal, Jack or the others had any problems, but if they did, I would have never known it. I very much appreciated the high quality of the event, but with a price low enough to be easier to attend mid-year; almost made it a family vacation too.
I find the SQL community to be a bunch of givers, and I’ve only met a few of you so far. For years, I have taken from the SQL community, not knowing thst it was so open and accessible. Now, it’s time to give back. I am truly impressed and very excited about to integrate more and meet other good attitudes.
This is starting to sound like a corny love letter (awww shucks) so I’d better stop now. But on a serious note, huge thanks for putting this event on; it has truly supercharged me all-the-more.
Absolutely agree. The event was fantastic. Perfect balance between SQLSaturday and the Summit. As I understand it that was the goal and it was executed extremely well.