CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Downtown Chicago welcomed almost 900 data professionals to the inaugural PASS Business Analytics Conference today, as keynotes by Microsoft and Dell kick off 2 days of world-class technical sessions, hands-on solutions showcases, and networking opportunities to help attendees get the most out of their organization’s data.
As of this morning, 878 business analysts, data scientists, and BA/BI practitioners, architects, and IT Pros have gathered to learn how to make better data-driven decisions and take their companies to the next level. With 293 registrations for yesterday’s pre-conference sessions, the event – presented by the not-for-profit PASS organization – has drawn 1,171 total registrations.
“There’s never been a more exciting time for data professionals as more and more organizations turn to data-driven insights to stay ahead,” said PASS President Bill Graziano. “But staying up to speed in this rapidly changing data landscape can be a challenge. We’re thrilled this week to bring together professionals from around the world of business intelligence and analytics to connect, share their experiences, and learn more about the power of data to transform business.”
Featuring more than 70 sessions by 85 of the world’s top BI and BA experts – as well as 20+ event sponsors – the PASS BA Conference delivers the real-world insights and solutions, prescriptive guidance, best practices, and strategic vision for analyzing, managing, and sharing business information and insights through Microsoft’s collaborative BA platform.
In today’s opening keynote, Microsoft’s Kamal Hathi – Corporate Vice President, Data Platform Group – and Amir Netz – Technical Fellow, chief designer of SQL Server, and chief architect of the Microsoft BI offerings – will highlight how Microsoft is making the ability to gain insights on Big Data more accessible through familiar and easy-to-use tools, such as the new Excel 2013. In addition, Matt Wolken, GM, Information Management, in the new Dell Software Group, will talk about the promise and revenue opportunity of business analytics.
Dr. Steven Levitt, award-winning economist and co-author of Freakonomics and SuperFreakonomics, will keynote Day 2 of the conference.
For the latest event news, visit http://passbaconference.com.
About PASS
PASS is an independent, not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting the global Microsoft SQL Server and Business Intelligence and Analytics community. From local user groups and virtual chapters to webcasts and the annual PASS Summit, PASS enables knowledge sharing, in-depth learning, and the ability to influence the direction of Microsoft Data Platform technologies. For more information, visit the PASS Web site at http://www.sqlpass.org.
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