Good news for all the Guatemalan data professionals, starting from August 2018 you have an official PASS SQL Server local group near to you!

What is PASS?
First thing first, for all those future members of this local group I will like to explain what is the PASS organization all about.

PASS is the world’s largest community for Microsoft Data Platform users to connect, share and learn with fellow data professionals. Join PASS today for free. it is s a not-for-profit organization run by and for the community that supports data professionals throughout the world who use the Microsoft data platform.

Why a SQL Server group in Guatemala?
Microsoft has been doing a great lately releasing new features and tools for SQL Server, the need of the creation of a new PASS group born when I noticed that there was only one PASS group for Guatemala but it was dedicated for BI (Business Intelligence) stuff, I know it’s difficult to keep up with technology (it goes really fast) but at the same time is important at least to stay updated and if you have time why not? to get exposure to new experiences … a really good way to achieve this is through a professional community giving opportunity to people to share their knowledge and experiences to benefit others. So, that’s one of the main reasons I decided to get in touch with PASS and get the approval to create a new group specifically for SQL Server.

This is a great opportunity for all the Guatemala data professionals to share their knowledge, experiences, get exposure to new SQL Server technologies through free training and the most important to get in touch with colleagues that are doing the same kind of job as you.

Meet the crew:
I, Carlos Robles (@dbamastery) was designated as the Group leader, so I’m charge to get in touch with the PASS organization for any matter related to this group. Of course this is not a one person effort, in order to make a great group community we have to have a great team.

I will have the collaboration of Christian Araujo (@charaujo), Carlos Lopez (@MuppetRocks) and Eduardo Pivaral (@EduardoDBA) as group admins who will be actively participating in all the activities planned for this group.

Please, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me or anybody else from board members we will be more than happy to answer any of your questions. In case you wondering who we are, you can learn a little bit more about our experience working with SQL Server here.

When, where and how?
The dynamic of this group is quite simple, we will meet the last Thursday of every month at 18:00 PM, of course this schedule is always subject to change in case there is a national holiday or any other major event \ activity going on that could cause difficulties to the attendees to assist.

We will be hosting these meetings in ATOS Guatemala (3rd floor), here is the exact location:

Paseo Cayalá Oficina 301, Edificio H 3er nivel, Distrito Moda Zona 16

To assist these meetings, the requirement is to be register in the official PASS website of Guatemala SQL Server local group. Don’t forget to carry on a photo ID, you will have to present it at the building lobby to complete the check-in process to get you access to the ATOS Guatemala facilities (3rd floor).

What we will be talking about?
Anything related to SQL Server technologies, like upcoming features, known issues, best practices, tips and tricks, tools and more. We encourage members to participate as speakers and share their knowledge and experience with the local group.

Remember, this is your community the sessions won’t be limited to the topics chosen by the board members … we would appreciate hearing your thoughts on this as proposition topics that you would like to learn\discuss about.

Spread the news!!
The more members the better, this group is organized to bring professionals of all career levels that work with Microsoft’s SQL Server, together to learn and network with others. There is no charge to attend and you are encouraged to bring your co-workers\friends.

So, please go ahead and make yourself part of this new SQL Server community here created specially for all the data professionals in Guatemala!!!!

Don’t forget to follow us on twitter and facebook to stay up to day with all the local group activities.