DECLARE @SQLSummit DATETIME
DECLARE @NumDays SMALLINT
SET @SQLSummit = '10/15/2013'
SET @NumDays DATEDIFF(DAY, GETDATE(), @SQLSummit)
SELECT Status =
CASE
WHEN @NumDays = 14 THEN 'Is it ever going to be time?'
WHEN @NumDays BETWEEN 7 AND 13 THEN 'Getting closer!'
WHEN @NumDays BETWEEN 1 AND 6 THEN 'Almost!'
WHEN @NumDays BETWEEN -4 AND 0 THEN 'It''s SQL Summit Time!'
ELSE 'See you next year!'
END
We’re finally at the 2 weeks to go mark until the first events take place at this year’s PASS SQL Summit. It’s been a long time since my last and only Summit visit, way back in October 2011. I’m just as eager this time around, maybe more so. Except for packing I’m ready to leave for Charlotte right now. This time I’ll be better prepared. Here’s my Summit ToDo list so far.
Carry business cards. I’ve had some personal cards made up and printed, 
just an ego thing really. I could always use my work supplied cards, and I’ll be bringing them along as well. During the 2011 Summit I brought business cards along but usually forgot to carry them while I was at the conference. I won’t make that mistake this year. They’ll come in handy, from the First Timers events and orientations to just walking through the conference center between sessions. You never know when you’ll need them.
Get a flu shot. I’m not a germophobe but I just want to be cautious. I’d probably be getting the shot sometime this year anyway, it just seemed to make sense to get it before my trip.
Make my session schedule. I’ve been looking at the session list on the Summit 2013 webpage for a few months to see who was presenting what whey. The session builder makes it easy to save your picks, and there will probably be an app to view the schedule on your smart phone. The hardest part will be in selecting which sessions you want to see.
Order the Summit sessions. If you’re like me, you’ll see multiple sessions that you want to attend that are unfortunately scheduled at the same time. An easy way to see all the sessions is to order the session recordings. That’s also a good way to review the sessions you were able to get to in person. All sessions will be recorded and made available shortly after the Summit ends. You can purchase as downloads or a USB stick that will have the recordings. But order before you go, the price will be higher if you order them at the Summit.
Check out the other events. Are you a runner or walker? There’s a #SQLRun and #SQLWalk before Wednesday’s sessions begin. Are you a karaoke star? You’ll definitely want to go to #SQLKaraoke. Photography? There’s a photowalk Tuesday morning. My point is there’s much more to do at the Summit than just attend the sessions. Go to the Summit After Hours page for a partial list of things to do. Also check out the Midnight DBA post on Summit events. There you’ll find additional links for getting around Charlotte and a link to Denny Cherry’s webcast for first timers.
See you at the Summit!