22-25 April 2026 
James Serra
James works at Microsoft as a big data and data warehousing solution architect where he has been for most of the last ten years. He is a thought leader in the use and application of Big Data and advanced analytics, including data architectures such as the modern data warehouse, data lakehouse, data fabric, and data mesh. Previously he was an independent consultant working as a Data Warehouse/Business Intelligence architect and developer. He is a prior SQL Server MVP with nearly 40 years of IT experience. He is a popular blogger (JamesSerra.com) and speaker, having presented at dozens of major events including PASS Summit, SQLBits, Data Summit, SQLDay, Enterprise Data World conference, Big Data Conference Europe, SQL Saturdays, and Informatica World. He is the author of the book “Deciphering Data Architectures: Choosing Between a Modern Data Warehouse, Data Fabric, Data Lakehouse, and Data Mesh”.
James Serra's Sessions
Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric (the alphabet soup of data architectures)SQLBits 2022
I'll explain the current popular data architectures: Data Lakehouse, Data Mesh, and Data Fabric
Power BI Overview, Deployment and GovernanceSQLBits 2020
I’ll discuss deployment strategies, common usage scenarios, how to store and refresh data, prototyping options, how to share externally, and then finish with how to administer and secure Power BI.
Azure Synapse AnalyticsSQLBits 2020
Learn all about Azure Synapse Analytics, including demos so you can see exactly how it works and how it can make your life easier.
AI-Augmented Query Optimization: SQL Server 2025 Meets Fabric Self-Healing Data PlatformSQLBits 2026
SQL Server 2025 introduces groundbreaking capabilities for performance optimization and observability, while Microsoft Fabric brings unified analytics and AI-driven insights. But how do we combine these innovations to build a truly resilient, self-healing data platform?
In this session, we’ll explore AI-Augmented Query Optimization and Fabric Observability to tackle real-world challenges like unpredictable workloads, query regressions, and performance bottlenecks. You’ll learn:
Who this is for: Data engineers, DBAs, and architects managing mission-critical SQL workloads in hybrid or cloud environments.
What problem it solves: Eliminates manual troubleshooting by leveraging telemetry, ML notebooks, and AI-driven root-cause analysis.
What you’ll take away: A practical blueprint for creating a Self-Healing SQL Fabric Dashboard that combines SQL telemetry with Fabric ML for automated anomaly detection and performance tuning.
Expect live demos, POC architecture, and actionable strategies to future-proof your data platform with SQL Server 2025 and Microsoft Fabric.
Data Architectures and Microsoft FabricSQLBits 2026
Learn the pros and cons of data fabric, lakehouse, and data mesh, and how they compare to warehouses and data lakes. Cut through hype, understand what each architecture enables, and see how Microsoft Fabric supports and enhances these approaches.
Deciphering Data Architectures full-day workshopSQLBits 2026
This workshop defines big data and core architecture concepts, then explains warehouses, lakes, marts, virtualization, ETL vs. ELT, and compares Modern Data Warehouse, Data Fabric, Lakehouse, and Data Mesh, highlighting pros, cons, and practical considerations.
Enhancing your career: Building your personal brandSQLBits 2026
In three years I went from unknown to blogger, PASS speaker, and MVP. It wasn’t genius—just goals, branding, and stepping out of my comfort zone. Learn how to build visibility through blogging, presenting, networking, and more to grow your career.
How to build your careerSQLBits 2026
In three years I went from unknown to blogger, PASS speaker, MVP, and then Microsoft. It wasn’t luck—just goals, branding, and work. Learn career tips on interviewing, networking, skills, social media, presenting, blogging, and building a high-paying tech career.
Learning to present and becoming good at itSQLBits 2026
Thinking about presenting but too nervous to try? Join this session to learn simple steps to become a confident speaker. I’ll share how I went from fearful introvert to frequent Microsoft presenter, plus practical skills to help you present with ease.
Using Generative AI on Structured and Semi-structured DataSQLBits 2026
Generative AI now works with structured data—databases, spreadsheets, CSVs—to deliver insights, patterns, and predictions. This session covers practical uses with ChatGPT, Copilot, and Fabric AI Skill, plus RAG, fine-tuning, and industry use cases.