Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on May 3rd

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Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, May 3rd, at 6:30 PM.  James Serra will overview Azure Synapse for implementing a data lakehouse. And I’ll cover the Power BI latest enhancements. For more details and sign up, visit our group page.

Presentation:Azure Synapse Analytics Overview: A Data Lakehouse
Date:May 3rd
Time:6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Click here to join the meeting
Overview:Azure Synapse Analytics is Azure SQL Data Warehouse evolved: a limitless analytics service that brings together enterprise data warehousing and Big Data analytics into a single service. It gives you the freedom to query data on your terms, using either serverless on-demand or provisioned resources, at scale. Azure Synapse brings these two worlds together with a unified experience to ingest, prepare, manage, and serve data for immediate business intelligence and machine learning needs. In this presentation, James will talk about the new products and features that make up Azure Synapse Analytics and how it fits in a modern data warehouse, as well as provide demonstrations.
Speaker:James Serra is a Data Platform Architecture Lead at EY.  He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics. Previously, James was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with over 35 years of IT experience. James is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker. He is the author of the book “Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012”.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on March 1st

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Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, March 1st, at 6:30 PM.  Your humble correspondent will discuss the business value of semantic models and implementation options for self-service BI and organizational BI. For more details, visit our group page.

Download the slide deck from here.

Presentation:Implementing Semantic Models
Date:March 1st, 2021
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Microsoft Teams
Overview:A semantic model is a layer between the data source and end user. Data analysts create self-service semantic models with Power BI Desktop or Excel. BI developers implement organizational semantic models with SSDT, Tabular Editor, and PBI Desktop. Join this session to:

·       Learn what is a semantic model and how to choose between the self-service and organizational paths.

·       Understand the implementation options for self-service BI models and best modeling practices.

·       Find how organizational semantic models can help you achieve the “Discipline at the core, Flexibility at the Edge” tenant

·       Learn how to choose a hosting platform and tool for implementing organizational semantic models.

·       Learn how data analysts can extend organizational semantic models.

Speaker:Teo Lachev is a consultant, author, and mentor, with a focus on Microsoft BI. Through his Atlanta-based company Prologika (a Microsoft Gold Partner in Data Analytics and Data Platform) he designs and implements innovative solutions that bring tremendous value to his clients. Teo has authored and co-authored several books, and he has been leading the Atlanta Microsoft Business Intelligence group since he founded it in 2010. Teo is one of the few FastTrack Recognized Solution Architects by Microsoft for Power BI in the world. Microsoft has also acknowledged Teo’s expertise and contributions to the technical community by awarding him the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Data Platform status for 15 years.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on February 1st

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Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, February 1st, at 6:30 PM.  Paul Turley (MVP) will show you how to use Power Query to shape and transform data. For more details, visit our group page.

Presentation:Preparing, shaping & transforming Power BI source data
Date:February 1st, 2021
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Click here to join the meeting

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Overview:In a business intelligence solution, data must be shaped and transformed. Your source data is rarely, if ever, going to be in the right format for analytic reporting. It may need to be consolidated into related fact and dimension tables, summarized, grouped or just cleaned-up before tables can be imported into a data model for reporting.

·       Where should I shape and transform data… At the source? In Power Query, or In the BI data model?

·       Where and what is Power Query? Understand how to get the most from this amazing tool and how to use it most efficiently in your environment.

·       Understand Query Folding and how this affects the way you prepare, connect and interact with your data sources – whether using files, unstructured storage, native SQL, views or stored procedures.

·       Learn to use parameters to manage connections and make your solution portable. Tune and organize queries for efficiency and to make them maintainable.

Speaker:Paul (Blog | LinkedIn | Twitter) is a Principal Consultant for 3Cloud Solutions (formerly Pragmatic Works), a Mentor and Microsoft Data Platform MVP. He consults, writes, speaks, teaches & blogs about business intelligence and reporting solutions. He works with companies around the world to model data, visualize and deliver critical information to make informed business decisions; using the Microsoft data platform and business analytics tools. He is a Director of the Oregon Data Community PASS chapter & user group, the author and lead author of Professional SQL Server 2016 Reporting Services and 14 other titles from Wrox & Microsoft Press.  He holds several certifications including MCSE for the Data Platform and BI.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on January 4th

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Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, January 4th, at 6:30 PM.  James Serra (Big Data/Data Warehouse Evangelist at Microsoft) will share best practices around staging data in an organizational data lake. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:Data Lake Overview
Date:January 4th, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Click here to join the meeting

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Overview:The data lake has become extremely popular, but there is still confusion on how it should be used. In this presentation I will cover common big data architectures that use the data lake, the characteristics and benefits of a data lake, and how it works in conjunction with a relational data warehouse. Then I’ll go into details on using Azure Data Lake Store Gen2 as your data lake, and various typical use cases of the data lake. As a bonus I’ll talk about how to organize a data lake and discuss the various products that can be used in a modern data warehouse.
Speaker:James Serra is a big data and data warehousing solution architect at Microsoft.  He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics. Previously, James was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with over 35 years of IT experience. James is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker. He is the author of the book “Reporting with Microsoft SQL Server 2012”.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on December 7th

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Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, December 7th, at 6:30 PM.  Patrick LeBlanc (A Guy in the Cube) will share techniques to optimize your Power BI data models. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:Optimizing the size of your model
Date:December 7th, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Click here to join the meeting

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Overview:When working with your Power BI Data Model/Dataset there are certain that can be done to optimize the size of the model.  With that, there are certain thing that can be done that wreaks havoc on your Data Model.  In this session we will walk you through several things that can be done to ensure that your data model is optimize for the best performance.  We will discuss and demonstration how items such as data types, model properties, and DAX calculations and adversely affect the size of the model.  That’s just a small list of items, join the meeting to learn all the tips and tricks.
Speaker:Patrick LeBlanc is a currently a Principal Program Manager at Microsoft and a contributing partner to Guy in a Cube. Along with his 15+ years’ experience in IT he holds a Masters of Science degree from Louisiana State University. He is the author and co-author of five SQL Server books. Prior to joining Microsoft he was awarded Microsoft MVP award for his contributions to the community.  Patrick is a regular speaker at many SQL Server Conferences and Community events.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on October 5th

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Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, October 5th, at 6:30 PM. Paco Gonzalez (CEO of SolidQ) will present and demonstrate the Power BI AI and ML capabilities. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:AI, ML and Power BI
Date:October 5th, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Overview:Perhaps some of the most powerful features of Power BI involve the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning functionality built into the platform. In this session, we will review the AI and ML capabilities built into Power BI Desktop and the Power BI Service. From Data Visualizations to Data Preparation and Data Modeling, we will discuss the various ways that AI and ML can be easily implemented in your reporting.
Speaker:Paco Gonzalez is the CEO of SolidQ North America, and a Microsoft Data Platform MVP. Focused on Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, he specializes in helping organizations become data driven from a strategic and technical perspective. Paco is a speaker at small and large conferences such as PASS Summit, Ignite, and Business Applications Summit, and he has published several books and whitepapers. He is based in Atlanta, GA.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on August 3rd

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Our group celebrates its 10 anniversary! Please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, August 3rd, at 6:30 PM. Chris Hamill from the Power BI CAT team will share techniques on creating performant reports without sacrificing design. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:Power BI Report Design Techniques for Performance
Date:August 3rd, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Overview:As you have likely observed, a performant model with optimized DAX can suffer greatly if the front-end design is too heavy.  Front end report developers are often challenged with balancing performance and the richness of user requirements. Chris Hamill from Power BI CAT team will share techniques on creating performant reports without sacrificing design.
Speaker:Chris is a Sr. Program Manager for Microsoft’s Power BI CAT team with a primary focus on front end reporting and user experience.  In his day job he spends time working with enterprise customers to help skill up report authors and guide design for high impact reporting.  Check out his blog at www.alluringbi.com for tips and tricks for the Power BI Creator.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on July 6th

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MS BI fans, please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, July 6th, at 6:30 PM. David Eldersveld, a Microsoft MVP, will demonstrate cool visualization techniques using DAX. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:DAX Visualization Techniques for the Power BI Table/Matrix
Date:July 6th, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Computer audio is recommended

Overview:Did you know that DAX is more than a modeling language and can also be used for data visualization? From sparklines to bullet charts, Unicode text to SVG, icons to maps; learn different techniques to build visuals within visuals using DAX. In this session, David Eldersveld guides you through techniques that go beyond basic conditional formatting to enhance your table and matrix visuals.
Speaker:David is a Solution Architect and Microsoft MVP who has employed skills in technology development, data integration, data analysis, and Microsoft BI for over ten years. David enjoys building BI and analytics solutions with technologies in Microsoft Azure and the Power Platform. In addition to his work with the Microsoft Data Platform at BlueGranite, he also blog at dataveld.com.
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on June 1st

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MS BI fans, please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, June 1st, at 6:30 PM. Stacey Jones, a Principal Data Solutions Architect at the Atlanta Microsoft Technology Center, will introduce you to Microsoft Cognitive Services and show you how to integrate it with Power BI. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:AI + BI = Easier paths to Insights & Action
Date:Monday, June 1st, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Computer audio is recommended

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Overview:Have you ever wondered how to leverage AI in your Reports? In this presentation, I will show you how to use Azure Cognitive Services in Power BI to accomplish things like detecting the language of a given passage of text, translate that same text into another language, detected the sentiment of the text and more. The possibilities are endless with these techniques, you could use it to assess your companies brand image, analyze what your customers are saying about your company on social media, and many others. No data scientist required!
Speaker:Stacey Jones specializes in mentoring and guiding firms in their efforts to build a modern Data, AI & BI governance programs that empower their business with Self-Service BI and Data Science capabilities. He currently serves as the Principal Data Solutions Architect at the Atlanta Microsoft Technology Center (MTC).
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Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group Meeting on May 4th

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MS BI fans, please join us online for the next Atlanta MS BI and Power BI Group meeting on Monday, May 4th, at 6:30 PM. Bill Anton will show you how to effectively apply time intelligence to your Power BI data models. For more details, visit our group page and don’t forget to RSVP (fill in the RSVP survey if you’re planning to attend).

Presentation:Power BI Time Intelligence – Beyond the Basics
Date:May 4th, 2020
Time6:30 – 8:30 PM ET
Place:Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

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Computer audio is recommended

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Overview:Time-Intelligence refers to analyzing calculations and metrics across time and is the most common type of business intelligence reporting. Power BI has a lot of built in capabilities to help you get started but these alone are not always enough for most real-world solutions.

The key to mastering time-intelligence in Power BI is a good date table and understanding how to manipulate the filter context. This session will teach you how to do both!

In this (demo-heavy) session, we’ll quickly review Power BI’s built-in time intelligence capabilities and why you should avoid them! We’ll also cover the importance of a good date table, what attributes it should include, and how it can be leveraged to simplify complex time-intelligence calculations. Finally, we’ll breakdown a handful of the 40+ DAX time-intelligence functions, showing you how they work under the covers (hint: filter context) and how they can used in combination to accommodate complex business logic.

Speaker:Bill Anton is an independent consultant whose primary focus is designing and developing Data Warehouses and Business Intelligence solutions using the Microsoft BI stack. When he’s not working with clients to solve their data-related challenges, he can usually be found answering questions on the MSDN forums, attending PASS meetings, or writing blog posts over at byoBI.com.
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