When:      2011/11/17   From 5:30pm onwards
Where:     The Sherlock Holmes Inn, 415 Collins Street, Melbourne
Cost:         Free!
Duration:  2+ hours

Details:
SQL Server Social aims to bring together SQL Server database & BI professionals in a relaxed atmosphere to network, make new friends and have some fun.

Special Guest!

Stephen Few, the leading educator and author of data visualisation techniques, will be joining us! So don't miss this opportunity to come and meet him and chat about anything and everything DataViz! 

Stephen runs his own consulting company called Perceptual Edge that was established to help organizations like yours learn to design simple information displays for effective analysis and communication. He writes the quarterly Visual Business Intellignce Newsletter, speaks and teaches internationally, and provides deisgn consulting. He has also written 3 books; Show Me the Numbers, Information Dashboard Design, and Now You See It.

Sponsorship:

This month's social event is brought to us by Lobsterpot Solutions Pty Ltd. Lobsterpot have kindly offered to buy you your first drink when you arrive for the event.

In order to enjoy this fine offer, you MUST print out and bring your SQL Server Social ticket with you. This will be used to check-in to the event as well as redeem your drink at the bar.

As it is Movember, we will be hosting this event as a 'Mo Party'. You are encouraged, but not required, to join the campaign and come ready to show off your work of art. There will be a prize, care of Lobsterpot, for the best Mo. Both real and fake Mos will be judged, so the ladies (Mo Sistas) are encouraged to join in the fun.

Venue:

The venue this month is the Sherlock Holmes Inn on Collins Street. Located in a basement, this truly feels like a british pub; with  red brick, timber beams and a few good beers on tap. Add in a heap of great conversation and it's sure to be a great evening!

Format:

The format of the event is generally relaxed and casual. When you arrive, you are encouraged to seek me out; I'll make sure that you get what you need to start you off for the evening, and will integrate you into any conversations that may already be underway. And whilst conversations are encouraged to be about SQL Server, you can talk about whatever you'd like. The rest of the evening is up to you :)

There are a couple of items that I'd like to note for the 'format' of the event:

1. Meet & greet on arrival  - Look for me (The tall guy wearing a ridiculously loud orange stripy shirt), or Martin (wearing a red Lobsertpot shirt)
2. Welcome (at around 6pm) - I'll give a quick run down of the event and welcome eveyone.
3. SQL Server Crossword (optional)
4. Mo Judging (at around 7pm) and prize giving - we will have loads of Movember merchandise to give away.

What you should bring:

• Business/Contact cards (it is a networking event after all) 
• A thirst
• A willingness to meet new people and participate in meaningful conversation.
• A Mo!

Hot topics for this month:

    - Power View & Tabular models (BI)

    - SQL Server 2012

    - Hadoop

    - The PASS Summit 2011 (I was fortunate enough to attend this year, so come and ask me about it)

Please note - Whilst your first first drink may be free, the remainder of the evening will be a cash bar. If you, or anyone you know of, would like to sponsor future events please be sure to get in touch with me.

-Luke