22-25 April 2026 
Rie Merritt
Rie Merritt has been working with SQL Server since 1999, when she started as a data analyst for a non-profit. She's worked in many industries over the years including pharmaceutical, e-commerce, legal, financial, education and both federal & state government. Most recently, she was director of database management, Integrated Payments for WorldPay, Inc. She is currently Principal PM Manager with Microsoft Azure Data, serving as the Influencers & Community lead and as liaison between the product group and Influencers, User Groups, MVPs and more. She is based out of Redmond, but works remotely from her home near Atlanta.
Over the years, Rie has done extensive work with the SQL Community. She was an MVP in the Data Platform for three years, speaking frequently at conferences across the US and moderating webinars, WIT panels and career panels. She has also served co-leader of the PASS Women in Technology Virtual Group and Executive Director of SQL Saturday Atlanta. Most recently, Rie helps run the Atlanta Azure Data User Group heading up Microsoft’s efforts for the Azure Data Community.
Rie Merritt's Sessions
Microsoft Defender for SQL: Advanced Threat ProtectionSQLBits 2023
Microsoft Defender for SQL is part of the Azure Defender family and it protects SQL Server in two main ways. We'll cover the first way, Advanced Threat Protection. This is a feature with advanced security capabilities that detect anomalous activities that might access or exploit sql server, like SQL Injection.
Understanding Maintenance in Azure SQLSQLBits 2023
You know Microsoft handles patches and updates for your OS and SQL but what does that really mean? When does that maintenance occur, what might happen and do I have any control? Let's answer these questions and more in 20 minutes.
Microsoft's Hybrid Data StrategySQLBits 2022
Learn how to build the best hybrid data strategy with Azure Stack and Azure Arc.
Women in Tech: Keys to a Successful Career Panel DiscussionSQLBits 2022
Join our panel as we discuss what it's like to be a woman in tech, what worked for us, and how building a strong network is one key to achieving your goals.
Diversity Equality and Inclusion PanelSQLBits 2022
Join the group who have been working on trying to make SQLBits more inclusive. Ask us what you would like to see us do differently and how we can improve your experience at the event.
Womens Power Hour (in 50 minutes)SQLBits 2022
Come to a meet & greet with other women data professionals and expand your network. Connect with women with similar interests and improve your entire Bits experience for the rest of the week and years to come!
Diversity at LunchtimeSQLBits 2022
Come to a meet & greet with other diverse data professionals and expand your network. Connect with others with similar interests and improve your entire Bits experience for the rest of the week and years to come!
Meeting the Microsoft PG: Rie Merritt, MVP & Community SQLBits 2022
Do you have any questions about the Microsoft MVP program? What about Microsoft’s efforts and commitment to the Data Community? Come to the Community Zone and ask!
Meet the Azure Data Community Advisory BoardSQLBits 2022
Come and the meet the group that are advising Microsoft on how to help the community. Bring them your ideas on what you think the community needs.
Meet the PG: Managed Instance with Dani Ljepava and Niko Neugebauer SQLBits 2022
Meet the PG: Managed Instance with Dani Ljepava and Niko Neugebauer
Microsoft Defender for SQL: Advanced Threat ProtectionSQLBits 2023
Microsoft Defender for SQL is part of the Azure Defender family and it protects SQL Server in two main ways. We'll cover the first way, Advanced Threat Protection. This is a feature with advanced security capabilities that detect anomalous activities that might access or exploit sql server, like SQL Injection.
Microsoft's Hybrid Data StrategySQLBits 2022
Learn how to build the best hybrid data strategy with Azure Stack and Azure Arc.
How to Use SQL Server on Azure Arc-enabled ServersSQLBits 2022
Watch this demo-based session to learn how to install the SQL Server on Arc-enabled servers agent, how your servers will appear in the Azure portal, and how to run a SQL Assessment against them.
Women in Tech: Keys to a Successful Career Panel DiscussionSQLBits 2022
Join our panel as we discuss what it's like to be a woman in tech, what worked for us, and how building a strong network is one key to achieving your goals.
Diversity Equality and Inclusion PanelSQLBits 2022
Join the group who have been working on trying to make SQLBits more inclusive. Ask us what you would like to see us do differently and how we can improve your experience at the event.
Womens Power Hour (in 50 minutes)SQLBits 2022
Come to a meet & greet with other women data professionals and expand your network. Connect with women with similar interests and improve your entire Bits experience for the rest of the week and years to come!
Diversity at LunchtimeSQLBits 2022
Come to a meet & greet with other diverse data professionals and expand your network. Connect with others with similar interests and improve your entire Bits experience for the rest of the week and years to come!
Meeting the Microsoft PG: Rie Merritt, MVP & Community SQLBits 2022
Do you have any questions about the Microsoft MVP program? What about Microsoft’s efforts and commitment to the Data Community? Come to the Community Zone and ask!
Meet the Azure Data Community Advisory BoardSQLBits 2022
Come and the meet the group that are advising Microsoft on how to help the community. Bring them your ideas on what you think the community needs.
Meet the PG: Managed Instance with Dani Ljepava and Niko Neugebauer SQLBits 2022
Meet the PG: Managed Instance with Dani Ljepava and Niko Neugebauer