SQLBITS - Key Persons


Abhiman Tiwari

Job Titles:
  • Product Manager
Abhiman Tiwari is a Product Manager on the Azure SQL team at Microsoft, primarily focusing on developer experience with Azure SQL DB. In his previous roles, he has worked as a Web Developer/ Tech-lead, developed several software applications/ products majorly in .NET and related technologies, and done a lot of .NET debugging, reverse engineering, and web application performance tuning.

Adi Polak

Job Titles:
  • Developer
  • Senior Software Engineer
Adi Polak is a Senior Software Engineer and Developer Advocate in the Azure Engineering organization at Microsoft. Her work focuses on OSS, distributed systems, real-time processing, big data analysis and machine learning at scale. Her advocacy work focuses on bringing her vast industry research & engineering experience to bear in helping teams design, architect and build cost-effective software and infrastructure solutions that emphasize scalability, team expertise and business market fit.

Adriano da Silva

Job Titles:
  • Principal Consultant at Bright International Corporation
Adriano da Silva is a Principal Consultant at Bright International Corporation, a consulting and advisory company focused in addressing complex business problems with innovative, effective and robust solutions in the BI, AI, Big Data, Machine Learning & Power BI arena. He has several years of experience in partnering with businesses leaders to advise and implement technical and process oriented solutions at Global 100 companies. He is engaged in knowledge sharing initiatives by presenting at in-person and online conferences, user groups and authoring articles. He is also a lead organizer at the South Florida Power BI (SFPBI) and the Microsoft Data and AI South Florida (DataAISF) user groups.

Annette Allen

Job Titles:
  • Board & Speaker Lead
Meet Annette, the SQL Server superstar! She earned her very first MVP award in 2019, marking the beginning of her impressive journey. With a solid 15 years of experience under her belt, Annette has seen it all in the SQL Server world. She started as a Developer and eventually transitioned into the role of a DBA in 2015. Annette lends a helping hand to her husband, Jonathan, in managing SQLSouthWest, the coolest SQL User Group in Cornwall/Devon, based right in the heart of Exeter. Her passion for sharing knowledge and fostering a vibrant community led her to join the SQLBits committee!

Darren Green - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
Darren had a brilliant idea to revolutionize knowledge sharing and education, leading to the creation of SQLBits. A platform where people from all walks of life can come together to explore the world of data. But that's not all he's up to... Darren earned his first MVP award back in 2002 and has been working his magic as an independent consultant ever since. With his extensive experience in SQL Server (starting from version 6.5!), Darren has become a true guru in the field. His focus lies in cracking the toughest challenges and finding ingenious solutions using SQL Server and SSIS.

Jonathan Allen

Job Titles:
  • Board & Community Lead
Jonathan's passionate about performance tuning, development, and leveraging SQL Server to deliver effective business solutions. As a Data professional, Jonathan played a key role in launching SQLBits, an incredible resource designed to empower individuals like you with the knowledge needed to succeed in this industry. Beyond his involvement with SQLBits, Jonathan is the founder and leader of the PASS SQL South West user group, where he fosters a vibrant community of SQL enthusiasts.

Rob Sewell

Job Titles:
  • Board & Session Lead
Rob's all about PowerShell, Azure, Automation, and rocking the SQL world (PaaS geddit?). Rob is a Cloud and Data Center MVP, a Data Platform MVP, and a true champion of the Data and PowerShell communities by being co-leader of Data South West UK User Group and PSConf EU organiser as well as being part of the SQLBits team! When he's not busy sharing his wisdom online and through international talks, you'll find him solving problems and embracing the joy of technology. Plus, he's got a fabulous beard that adds to his awesomeness!

Simon Sabin - Founder

Job Titles:
  • Founder
Simon's passion for community and learning led him to create SQLBits, the preeminent global data platform conference. As a Microsoft MVP since 2005 and a Microsoft Regional Director, Simon's expertise is unparalleled. He is also the force behind Sabin.io, a data consultancy that turbocharges companies through cutting-edge DevOps strategies. With a track record spanning diverse sectors like finance, retail, and motor sports, Simon is the ultimate data expert. He propels companies to new heights by: 1. revolutionizing their data practices, championing DevOps, agile methodologies, and continuous integration. 2. He crafts visionary cloud data strategies and 3. Fine-tunes platforms for peak performance, security, and scalability.

Steph Martin

Job Titles:
  • Board & Helper Lead
Steph is a systems thinking guru pursuing an MSC while juggling roles as a DE&I and Helper advocate at SQLBits, an inspiring MCR Pathways Mentor, and a dynamic community powerhouse with a history of organizing and volunteering at SQL Saturday, SQLBits, and the Southampton Data Platform and Cloud User Group. With a mind for complexity, a heart for inclusion, and a flair for community magic, Steph is a true embodiment of awesome!

Traci Sewell

Job Titles:
  • Board & DEI Lead
Traci joined the committee to take the tech down a notch! She lives in Somerset with some (very cute) cats, some horses and her husband, Rob. When not looking after all of those, she also works to sooth people's minds as a psychotherapist. Being tech-adjacent she has been drawn into the tech event organising world, where she brings her life long knowledge, expertise and fearsome determination to empower and protect those who are outside of the generic majority box.