Let me know how that works. I’d be interested in trying something similar at SNESSUG. I think its a great idea!

I actually agree that it doesn’t make a difference to the actual quality of the event. But I do think that for some people a recognized name adds a level of comfort about attending.

Karla,

I’m always happy to give time to first timers at SNESSUG. It’s a great way to cut their chops so to speak.

I just wish more locals would start submitting to SQLSaturdays

In my experience, typically only 2-5 “newbies”, non MVPs, submit to a SQLSaturday. Most schedules are large enough to allow the newcomers to be added, then add in MVPs in all the remaining blocks, which is an avg of anywhere between 25-50+ spots. Plenty of room for all.

Now that said, I’m not suggesting that their first speaking engagement be a SQLSat, they need to start at the user group level. If an organizer sees a submission from someone they don’t recognize, reach out to them, find out what other times they’ve presented. If never, then suggest they come out to your user group and present prior to the SQLSaturday.

Brandon, many of the user groups will have first timers present a 10-15 minute presentation at their ug mtgs. Encourage members even to show off their very query or tool, something they find really helps them out and have them talk about it. Start grooming them from that to an hour long prez.

Andy, I’m sorry that happened to you. Don’t be discouraged, keep trying!

Karla

And here’s where I’ll get in trouble with PASS. If you have a whole slew of MVPs presenting at a SQL Saturday and no, or few, local speakers… So be it. If the organizer thinks that the topics they’re presenting are useful to the organizer’s audience, great. Further, because it’s all a bunch of MVPs, there’s a good chance that their speaking abilities might be reasonably well established. More power to the organizer. I’m just against the lobbying and pushing to try to get X number of MVPs or the event is considered a failure.

No kilt for you.

I don’t think the names draw people. The majority of people in my sessions are not there because of my name. They’re there because of the topic. I know this because I’ve asked. Plus, last week, watching everyone scramble to write down the name of my book on execution plans told me just how deep the market penetration was (I think we can measure it in millimeters).

It’s the very idea that big names are necessary that I’m trying to fight against.

Many MVPs will use the same presentations at multiple events. This makes sense since it would be very difficult for MVPs to create a new session for every event.

Local speakers can often bring in sessions that directly relate to the general business in the area and new ideas. For Providence, RI we have a lot of BI related submissions, which is a big thing around here. Many folks work for financial or healthcare companies.

Your right though it is a fine balance. Big names do draw people