One of the coolest things about SQLCruise is the ability to network in a relaxed atmosphere.  From the moment you step aboard – earlier, even – you get to know the instructors and your fellow attendees.

For this year’s SQLCruise season, we encouraged our sponsors to send some of their own staff.  SQL Server vendors have employees who work in development, support, and marketing who know a lot about SQL Server, love to share their knowledge, and know everybody in the industry. We wanted the cruise attendees to get a chance to rub elbows with these people.

Three of a Kind, Working On a Full House

I’m excited to announce the first sponsor partner aboard our Miami cruise – Quest Software‘s Kevin Kline.  Kevin’s all over the web:

• Blog – KevinEKline.com
• Twitter – @KEKline
• Articles – SQL Server Magazine
• Videos – YouTube
• Books – SQL in a Nutshell, Pro SQL Server 2008 Design, and more

He’s worked for Quest for almost a decade, he’s been the President of the Professional Association for SQL Server, and he’s one of the most widely known names in the SQL Server business.  But set all of that aside for a minute – no matter how good he is professionally, those who know Kevin remember him for something else.

Kevin is a genuinely nice guy who sincerely cares about people.  He’s the real deal, and I’m honored to have worked with him.  Early on in my career at Quest, I got into a political dust-up.  I can’t even remember what it was today, but I remember Kevin taking the time to call me.  He delivered the right advice in the right way, told me about my bats in the cave, and never brought it up again.  I’d always thought Kevin was a stand-up guy, and that one moment reinforced my opinion of him even more.

I’m looking forward to evenings on the cruise ship deck with Kevin – no, not in a romantic way, but because I’ve already got a couple of professional development questions in mind that could really use his help.  I know all of the cruisers will leave Miami with a new appreciation for Kevin’s wisdom and tact, and I want to thank Quest Software for sending Kevin as their ambassador on the cruise.

Want to join in on the most personal SQL Server event around?  Check out the cruise, the training, the brochure, and register today!  We’ve still got a few spots left…