Calling All Trainers!

If you're a Microsoft Certified Trainer, this is a very exciting time. With new versions of SQL Server, Visual Studio and Windows Server right around the corner (or in the case of Visual Studio 2008, upon us already) you are faced with a massive influx of new tools, technologies and (hopefully) courses to teach. By the time these products ship, your students will expect you to be the expert, and there's never enough time to prepare...

Fortunately, Microsoft understands.[1] And to help out, they're putting on a series of MCT Summit conferences designed to help prepare MCTs with both hard (technical) and soft (presentation) skills they'll need to prepare for the rough waters ahead. There is an MCT Summit in Berlin, Germany on January 14 to January 16, and another in Redmond, Washington on February 4 to February 6[2] so regardless of which side of the ocean you're on, Microsoft has you covered.

But how does this relate to this blog? Funny you should ask!

I will be presenting three different SQL Server-focused sessions at each of the Berlin and Redmond Summit events. Here are the details:

What's New in SQL Server 2008 for Database Developers
This technical session presents information on the key new features for database developers in the SQL Server 2008 product release. Emphasis is placed on the value proposition of the new features, how the features enhance and extend the functionality in SQL Server 2005, and how to communicate the importance of the features to your students. Where possible, the new features are also discussed in the context of the courseware in which they are presented.

What's New in SQL Server 2008 for Business Intelligence Developers
This technical session presents information on the key new features for business intelligence (BI) developers in the SQL Server 2008 product release. Emphasis is placed on the value proposition of the new features, how the features enhance and extend the functionality in SQL Server 2005, and how to communicate the importance of the features to your students. Where possible, the new features are also discussed in the context of the courseware in which they are presented.

So you want to be a SQL Server MCT? Jumping into the Deep End with SQL Server 2008
This session presents information for MCTs who do not currently teach SQL Server courses with the information that they need to be successful delivering SQL Server 2008 courses. The first portion of this session covers a technical introduction to the SQL Server product suite with an overview of core products and features. The second portion covers existing training materials and presents a proposed plan of self-study to help attendees build the skills they need to succeed in the classroom with the SQL Server 2008 courseware.

The Summit events look like they're going to be a lot of fun, and if you're planning on teaching the SQL Server 2008 courseware when it's ready, this is a great way to get up to speed on the new tools, technologies and features heading our way. I'll see you there!

[1] Well, sort of.
[2] There are also summits in Sydney, Australia and Singapore, but they didn't fit into my schedule. :-)