DataWeekender v4.2 call for speakers ends in seven days

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Just a reminder that DataWeekender v4.2 call for speakers ends in seven days. Depending on when you read this post of course. It ends on October 3, 11:59PM (CEST).

You can still submit potential sessions for it by clicking here.

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 online Microsoft Data Platform event to appear last year to make up for cancelled or postponed events around Europe. Because we are so proud of what we have achieved in the past we are going do it for a fourth time.

It will take place on Saturday November 6. You can register to attend DataWeekender either through this DataWeekender v4.2 Meetup link or by clicking on the below logo.

In reality, we have made some changes this time around. However, our core values relating to inclusiveness and diversity will remain the same.

Another thing we have kept is the one-slide session format that we introduced for the last 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 last time.

One big change is that Pragati Jain (l/t) and Justin Bird (l/t) have joined the DataWeekender organization team.

More women speakers at DataWeekender v4.2

Personally, I’d like to see more women speakers submit potential sessions for this DataWeekender. Because we are very proud of the gender balance we have had at the last few events. However, it would be great if it was even better this time around.

You can find the agenda for the last DataWeekender here and follow the link to the others to see what I mean.

With this in mind we encourage all women to submit potential sessions. In addition, feel free to encourage any woman speakers you know to submit sessions as well.

Potential new speakers at DataWeekender v4.2

Just like before we also welcome submissions from speakers at various levels. From new speakers to established MVP’s.

For example, Kay Sauter was a new speaker at the last DataWeekender. In addition, Microsoft Data Platform MVP and Microsoft Certified Trainer Angela Henry has presented at previous DataWeekenders.

I do have one piece of advice for potential new speakers. If you are thinking of submitting a session to DataWeekender v4.2 so that you can speak for the first time, you can find a mentor to help you on the Speaking Mentors site if you are selected.

DataWeekender v4.2 variety

Another good thing about DataWeekender is that it covers the entire Microsoft Data Platform. Including services such as SQL Server, Power BI, Databricks and Quantum computing.

Plus, other technologies that you can use with them. 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.

I subtly hinted the answer to this in a post I did about the increase in demand for Data Platform automation. Because these sessions are welcome.

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. For example, at the last DataWeekender Rob Farley (owner of LobsterPot Solutions in Australia) did a session about an alternative way of presenting.

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.

Token of appreciation for DataWeekender v4.2 speakers

Because we appreciate every single person who takes time out to speak at DataWeekender, we will be giving speakers a token of appreciation again as well as the stickers.

Inclusiveness at DataWeekender v4.2

I did talk about why DataWeekender is an inclusive event in a previous post here. However, that was to cover the fact that the master-slave metaphor was no longer welcome.

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.

I like to think we open up 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 in the past 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.

DataWeekender v4.2 badges

Even though the main logo has changed again you can still use the original supporter badge to show your support for DataWeekender. You can use this image for things like blog posts.

In addition, you are more than welcome to use this badge as part of your social media picture if you so wish.

You can even put yourself in as the driver as well if you so wish. However, if you intend to add anybody else in the van make sure you ask them first. Otherwise, things might get a bit weird.

Final words about DataWeekender v4.2 call for speakers ending in seven days

Now that you know for sure that DataWeekender v4.2 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 me.