Keeping the PASS dream alive

I went to a couple of sessions yesterday hosted by the PASS executive leadership and the board. Sadly there weren’t that many leaders in the morning session, but the afternoon was more lively. A big thanks to the PASS leadership for putting on the time to do this. Remember, they are all volunteers as well and do have “day jobs”. It was refreshing to have such a down to earth conversation with them.

I appreciated the chance to have my voice heard and we talked in DETAIL about a few points that had been bugging me about the group referral codes along with why the first PASS Summit will be special. Note, nothing was revealed to me about PASS Summit other than the fact that it will be unique and certainly worth the cost.

Points that were made during the meeting – some good and some bad:

1. People, we need to attend PASS Summit. It’s not going to be free, but PASS needs as MANY people as possible to make sure there is a Summit next year. Yes, they need the money.
2. Mindy Curnutt, bless her heart, pointed out two great things: First of all, C&C has been tirelessly working to release PASS from the obligation of the convention center in Houston along with the hotel obligations. That would have CRIPPLED the organization if they had had to pay out that money! This should be shouted from the rooftops that PASS is working very hard to be fiscally responsible and preserve the organization. Second, 12 months on-demand access to ALL the sessions is included in your admission to Summit. That’s a heck of a deal and a great alternative to watching yet another cat video.
3. There WILL be social and virtual options. PASS is about great sessions AND great networking. The platform they will be using (no, not disclosed to anyone), will allow for breakout side conversations, etc.

It was pointed out that the Community will survive no matter what, and it will. It was clear to me that our board and executive leadership are data people who care about helping the Community at large.

Along that point, something that was pointed out by John Martin, Vice-President of Marketing for PASS, was that according to the demographics, the largest percentage of people joining PASS are people who are just getting started in their Data career and are looking for technical leadership and professional development. Now you know I love me some Professional Development, but the point here is as EXPERIENCED TECHNICAL PROFESSIONALS that we need to help all the PASS “newbies” and encourage them on their chosen path. Instead of talking about what was, let’s talk about what will and what can.

Going to Summit is one of those ways to realize how wonderful the SQLFamily really can be for everyone. Not only is PASS dedicated to technical and professional growth, it also does its very best to be a diverse and inclusive organization. I’m enjoying chatting over Twitter with Mala Mahadevan (@sqlmal) and I think she summed this point up nicely in her blog post this week. Everyone should take the time to read her post(s) and appreciate the time she has spent in the organization and her dedication to it.

Is PASS perfect? Of course not! It’s made up of people. I’d like to think the ones who care about sharing knowledge and other people out-weigh the rest. What’s important is that the members of the User Groups, the SQL Saturday participants, and all the rest are all trying to accomplish something better, and PASS is a pretty darned good vehicle for that.

Your board wants to hear from you. They purposely put their real email addresses and twitter handles, etc out there so they can be contacted. Please do so (respectively). Let them know your feelings, but more importantly, let them know how you can help! If you’re not sure how, let them know you’d like to help and they can match you up on a committee/job.

Since I am a member of the Oregon Data Community leadership, I will point out our referral code (LGDIS5YB5) for a 50.00 USD discount when you register for Summit. Even with the price increase as of last week, that makes it 550.00 for a top-notch three day conference with the opportunity to engage with data professionals from all over the world. And, since you’ll be so busy making new friends, you’ll also be able to watch all the sessions you missed for 12 months!

What are you waiting for!!!!