Microsoft is once again delighted to be a premier sponsor of the PASS Summit in Seattle from Oct 11 – 14, 2011. We are committing our top resources to the most value-packed SQL Server and Business Intelligence event of the year. This event includes informative keynotes from Microsoft executives as well as Microsoft Customer Service and Support (CSS), SQL Server Clinic to program sessions, Hands-On-Labs, and products on display at the Microsoft Product Pavilion.
The following is where you can find Microsoft’s most knowledgeable experts and top speakers:
  • Keynotes from top Microsoft SQL Server executives: Ted Kummert, Quentin Clark, and technical fellow David J. DeWitt
  • Expert Pods - Meet Microsoft SQL Server Engineering team members and SQL Server MVPs in an informal area on the 6th floor of the conference center
  • SQL Server Clinic - Work through your technical issues with SQL Server CSS and get architectural guidance from SQLCAT
    • SQL Server Kinection – Come to the SQL Server Clinic and sign up to control a SQL Server environment via an Xbox Kinect
  • Hands-On Labs - Get experience through self-paced & instructor-led labs on our cloud based lab platform – bring your laptop or use Hewlett Packard-sponsored hardware
    • Bare Metal Labs – Instructor led labs
      • Learn how to build out your SQL Server Code Name “Denali” based environment from scratch
      • Install SQL Server on Windows Server Core and how to implement AlwaysOn Availability groups
      • Learn new manageability capabilities in SQL Server Code Name “Denali”
  • Microsoft Product Pavilion - Talk with Microsoft SQL Server and BI experts to learn about the next version of SQL Server, check out our new appliances, and make sure you stop in and attend our Solutions Theater sessions
    • Variety of Solutions Theatre Sessions – stop by the Microsoft Product Pavilion to check out the current list of Theatre sessions
  • Microsoft Regular Sessions - Attend 75-minute to 90-minute technical sessions with an excellent lineup of Microsoft speakers
  • Focus Groups - Have your say and share your feedback on SQL Server technologies in the many focus groups that are available. Be sure to sign up now as these fill up VERY quickly! The following is just one of the many focus groups available at the event:
    • Masters, Maestros and Architects
Microsoft Learning wants to deliver quality, meaningful certifications and training to help you get to the highest levels of your profession. You will have an opportunity to ask questions about the advanced certification programs while providing valuable feedback to help us deliver the programs and training you need to reach that next level. Agenda is flexible and will flow with the direction of the discussion. Topics on the table include:
· SQL Server Master Certification (Microsoft Learning)
· SSAS Maestro Certification (SQL CAT)
· SQL Server BI Master Certification (rumored)
· SQL Server Architect Certification (Microsoft Learning)