The Training

Today was kicked-off on a professional development note by former SQL Cruiser from Miami 2011 (as well as PASS President Emeritus) Kevin Kline.  Kevin provided us with a compelling discussion on Leadership Skills for the Database Professional in a very interesting venue – the Cagney’s Steakhouse restaurant on board the Norwegian Epic.  One would think that to be an odd venue but you could argue the point that anywhere on a cruise ship is an odd venue… but it just simply works and works well.  Kevin’s presentation included some great discussion points between cruisers and the presenters on board.  It’s a joy to have Kevin aboard SQL Cruise and particularly satisfying to have him come with us as a presenter.

After lunch it was Aaron Betrand’s turn.  Aaron, SQL Server expert with SQL Sentry, a veteran presenter from SQL Cruise Alaska 2011 is presenting twice on this cruise and his first session was one of the favorites from that last cruise to Alaska – What’s New in SQL Server 2012.  This session was the best-received and most engaging in Alaska.  I was quite surprised that the classroom discussion wasn’t to the same level here as it was in Alaska.  The last cruise this same presentation ran to almost 3 hours when class interaction factored-in.

I really enjoy Aaron’s company and was glad that SQL Sentry was able to spare him again on this cruise.  He’s welcome any time.

The Contest

Once Aaron was finished with his presentation he moved into Game Show Host mode.  Aaron’s company, SQL Sentry, presented their Hairy Execution Plan Contest – their spin on the Hairy Chest Contests you’ll often have the misfortune of encountering on board a cruise ship vacation.  The contest came down to two submissions: Steven Ormrod and DeWet Erasmus – each a strong candidate for hairiest plan.  The winner was DeWet Erasmus all the way from South Africa who will be receiving a one year license to SQL Sentry’s Performance Advisor and Event Manager products.

Thank you SQL Sentry and congratulations to De Wet Erasmus for winning this Cruise’s SQL Sentry Hairy Execution Plan Contest!

The Evening

Finally we moved on to a relaxing evening at sea.  Carl Brosseau and his family, Bill and Mickey Sanscrainte, and Brandon Leach were able to take in the Cirque du Soleil show along with my family then whiled away the evening discussing work and any other tangential topics that geeks invariably move towards.  It’s been a great SQL Cruise so far and we are anxious for our first day in port tomorrow in St. Maarten.  I know I’m looking forward to taking photos of things other than pasty SQL Professionals presenting sessions at sea!