Speaking.

An engaging exploration as we unravel the mysteries of query tuning. From deciphering sluggish queries to unleashing their full potential, we will explore advanced techniques for optimizing SQL performance. Discover the art of indexing, rewriting queries for efficiency, leveraging execution plans, and unearthing hidden bottlenecks. Whether you're a seasoned developer or SQL enthusiast, you'll leave armed with the skills to transform your queries from coffee-break slow to lightning-fast.

Quantum computing is coming, but most of the explanations out there are either too academic or too hand-wavy to be useful. This talk is a practical overview for developers who want to understand what quantum computing actually is, why it matters, and where it's headed. We walk through the core concepts like superposition, entanglement, and interference without the math-heavy deep dive. You'll see what quantum computers are good at, what they're not, and how they might affect the systems and security decisions you make in the future. No physics background required.

Dr. Codewell Mashfield has vanished from his quantum research lab, leaving behind only encrypted files, scattered notes, and a trail of cryptic code.

In this hands-on mystery workshop, you take on the role of an investigator, using Python and Qiskit to follow his quantum-encrypted trail. Each puzzle introduces a real quantum computing concept (superposition, interference, entanglement, and more) wrapped in an interactive, beginner-friendly storyline. No prior experience required. Just bring your laptop, a little Python, and a sense of curiosity.

By the end, you'll have pieced together the clues and gained enough quantum perspective to talk with confidence and recognize its role in tomorrow's development.

As your data grows, even the best SQL databases can struggle with massive tables and complex queries. This talk explores when to offload those big tables to NoSQL solutions like DynamoDB or Elasticsearch to improve performance and scalability. You'll learn how to identify the right time to make the switch, integrate NoSQL into your architecture, and optimize for analytics, search, or historical data. Leave with practical strategies to keep your applications fast and ready to scale.

Sure, you can spin up a new environment in minutes. But can you ask your manager for that promotion without breaking into a cold sweat?

In this session, we treat career conversations like LEGO bricks: small, awkward pieces that don't look like much on their own, but when snapped into place, can build something remarkable. You'll practice coding your message so it actually compiles, connecting with the right people (managers, mentors, sponsors, peers, and yourself), and constructing a career that doesn't topple like a Jenga tower at happy hour.

Practical frameworks and real practice for the conversations that unlock opportunities, strengthen relationships, and shape your professional journey.

The tech world is evolving faster than a caffeinated coder, and your career needs to keep pace. Take control of your career destiny: think about your professional identity beyond job titles and descriptions, unearth your passions and hidden talents, translate them into the language of tomorrow's tech landscape, practice showcasing the unique skillset that makes recruiters drool, and identify the ways to bridge the intent-to-action gap with a plan that actually works.

A hilarious, insightful session that leaves you ready to set your inner career chameleon free.

Tired of self-limiting beliefs holding you back? In this empowering session, we examine the cognitive distortions that sabotage your success. You'll learn to identify these sneaky thought patterns, challenge them with evidence-based strategies, and replace them with empowering beliefs that fuel your growth. We also explore the power of growth mindset, unlocking your potential to learn, adapt, and achieve your goals, no matter the obstacles.

We probably don't need this session. Technologists are excellent communicators, aren't they? For those who would like to learn (and practice) a new thing or two, here is a session packed with experiential learning: communication styles and the best approach for each, the Rhetoric Triangle and how to appeal to each side of it, the components of an effective message and how to use them, plus the more subtle aspects of communication: body language, semantics, active listening, empathy.

Bonus: the techniques talk show hosts, interrogators, and negotiators actually use. Practical exercises throughout. You will step out of your comfort zone and have fun doing it.

Can't work with some people? Don't know why some are so-o-o slow, can't make a decision, or are obsessed with controlling every step? This interactive session uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator instrument to provide objective insight into your strengths and blind spots, how you differ from others, and the value of those differences.

The knowledge helps build a culture of collaboration, empathy, awareness, and adaptability. For people leaders, it helps develop employee engagement strategies, boost the resilience of your people, strengthen leadership, improve team dynamics, and increase productivity. Invaluable in your work, relationships, and life.