Five Reasons to attend SQLCon

The SQL community is set to gather in Atlanta this March for the inaugural SQLCon, which joins forces with FabCon, the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference, from March 16-20. By registering for just one event, you gain access to both, unlocking a wealth of SQL knowledge along with insights into Fabric, Power BI, data engineering, real‑time intelligence, and AI. Whether you’re a DBA, developer, data engineer, architect, or a leader in a data-focused team, this is your opportunity to learn, network, and influence future developments.

1. One Registration, Two Conferences—Double the Benefits

Sign up once and enjoy the advantages of both events. With SQLCon and FabCon occurring concurrently, you can start your day with an in-depth SQL session and then switch gears with an engaging talk on Fabric or AI in the afternoon. Plus, the shared expo and community lounge provide a fantastic opportunity to connect. It’s a week designed for high impact, enabling specialists to explore topics in depth while helping cross‑functional teams establish a common understanding of data, analytics, and AI.

2. Get Involved with Interactive Sessions and Workshops

SQLCon features an impressive 50 SQL sessions. That’s right—fifty! Throughout the week, you can expect hands-on content covering SQL Server, Azure SQL, SQL databases in Fabric, performance tuning, security, governance, migration, and integrating AI capabilities with SQL. The first two days are dedicated to workshops—so feel free to bring your laptop and leave equipped with practical scripts, templates, and demos that you can apply right away. From Wednesday to Friday, you can then build upon your learning with additional conference sessions, rounding out your strategy for the year.

3. Discover Atlanta: The Ideal Venue for SQLCon

SQLCon and FabCon will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center, perfectly situated in a walkable downtown area ideal for a productive conference week. Just a short stroll away from Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena—where keynotes will take place—you’ll be surrounded by a variety of dining and entertainment options. Don’t miss the attendee party at the Georgia Aquarium, which promises an unforgettable evening amid stunning exhibits and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for networking. For a sneak peek at the city and conference vibe, check out this short video featuring Guy in a Cube and myself:

4. Updates on Roadmaps and Live Engineering Insights

If you’re keen on understanding the future of SQL Server, Azure SQL, and SQL databases within Fabric, this event is not to be missed. Anticipate direct updates from the engineering team—over 30 members from the SQL product team will be present. You’ll hear exciting announcements and see live demos showcasing upcoming features in SQL tooling and drivers, as well as new integrations with Copilot and Fabric SQL experiences. You’ll walk away with a clearer picture of what lies ahead, including its repercussions for your environment and future investment opportunities.

5. The Engaged SQL Community: Revitalisation and Connection

SQLCon is more than just a conference; it’s a vibrant gathering. The lounge will host meetups and stimulating discussions. Ask-the-Experts sessions allow you to connect with engineers, MVPs, and product teams directly. Shared keynotes bring everyone together, and the city’s atmosphere encourages extended conversations into the evening. Bring your most challenging questions, real-world dilemmas, and ambitious goals—you’ll leave equipped with actionable solutions, valuable contacts, and fresh inspiration.

Bonus: Maximising Your Budget

Be on the lookout for early-bird pricing, team discounts, or buy-one-get-one offers on the registration page; these opportunities can disappear quickly! To sweeten the deal, you can also use the code SQLCMTY200 for a $200 discount!

Conclusion: Shape Your Data Strategy at SQLCon

SQLCon and FabCon represent an invaluable week for sharpening your technical skills, understanding the future of SQL, accelerating modernization and performance, and forging meaningful connections within the global community. If SQL is any part of your data framework, this is definitely an event you can’t afford to miss.

See you in Atlanta!