Azure

SQLCon 2026 Atlanta: What IT and Data Teams Need

3 min read

Summary

SQLCon 2026 will debut in Atlanta on March 16–20 alongside FabCon, with one registration granting access to both events and 50 SQL-focused sessions spanning SQL Server, Azure SQL, Fabric SQL, security, performance, modernization, and AI. It matters because IT and data teams managing hybrid Microsoft data estates can get hands-on training, direct engineering insights, and clearer product roadmap guidance in a single trip, helping them align database, analytics, and AI strategies more efficiently.

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Introduction: why this matters

SQLCon is launching as a new, SQL-focused event co-located with FabCon (Microsoft Fabric Community Conference) on March 16–20 in Atlanta. For IT pros and data platform admins managing mixed estates (SQL Server, Azure SQL, and emerging Fabric SQL), this is a rare opportunity to get hands-on technical guidance and roadmap clarity in the same week—without splitting budget across separate conferences.

What’s new / key highlights

One registration unlocks two conferences

A single pass covers SQLCon + FabCon, enabling attendees to move between deep SQL sessions and broader Fabric/Power BI/data engineering/AI content. This is especially valuable for cross-functional teams that need a shared language across database, analytics, and AI initiatives.

Large SQL track with hands-on learning

SQLCon includes 50 SQL sessions covering:

  • SQL Server and Azure SQL technical guidance
  • SQL database in Fabric and Fabric SQL experiences
  • Performance tuning and operational best practices
  • Security and governance considerations
  • Migration and modernization patterns
  • Building AI-powered experiences with SQL

The format is designed for applied outcomes:

  • Monday–Tuesday: hands-on workshop days (bring a laptop; leave with scripts/patterns/demos)
  • Wednesday–Friday: conference sessions to broaden strategy and implementation plans

Roadmap and engineering insight

Microsoft indicates 30+ members of the SQL product team will attend, with expected:

  • First-look announcements and engineering updates
  • Demos of upcoming capabilities across SQL tooling and drivers
  • Updates related to SSMS and VS Code extensions
  • Emerging Copilot integrations and Fabric SQL directions

Community access: experts and peer problem-solving

The event includes Ask-the-Experts opportunities with engineers, MVPs, and product teams, plus shared keynotes and community spaces designed for real-world troubleshooting and architecture discussions.

Impact for IT administrators and platform owners

For administrators, the biggest value is reducing uncertainty in planning:

  • Modernization planning: Validate timelines and patterns for SQL Server to Azure SQL/Fabric options.
  • Security/governance: Bring back updated guidance for access controls, data protection, and operational guardrails.
  • Tooling readiness: Track changes in management and developer tooling (SSMS/VS Code extensions, drivers) that may affect standard builds and supportability.
  • Skills development: Workshops can translate directly into repeatable runbooks and internal enablement.
  • Review your 2026 priorities (migration, performance, governance, Fabric adoption) and map them to sessions/workshops.
  • If sending a team, split coverage: one group deep-dives SQL operations; another covers Fabric/AI to align end-to-end architecture.
  • Check registration pricing for early-bird/team offers; the article also notes coupon code SQLCMTY200 for $200 off (availability may vary).
  • Prepare a shortlist of “blockers” to bring to Ask-the-Experts (e.g., HA/DR patterns, security model, migration tooling, Fabric SQL fit).

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Read the original article by Anna Hoffman
Azure SQLSQL ServerMicrosoft Fabricdatabase modernizationdata governance

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