dataMinds Connect 2020 - keep learning!
Tags: azure, events, learn
Published: 2020-10-16 10:42:24

Earlier this week the thirteenth edition of the **[(virtual) dataMinds Connect conference](https://datamindsconnect.be/)** took place. Traditionally organized as an in-person event, happening in Belgium, they moved to an online delivery for the first time this year.
The event is organized by the people from the [dataMinds](https://dataminds.be) community and is aimed at bringing together people with a passion for the **Microsoft Data platform**.

Aside from an amazing closing keynote with **Rohan Kumar**, our Azure Data CVP, they had an impressive line-up of speakers from the community, companies and also Microsoft, delivering close to 50 hours of live quality content! Great to see was how they organized the content in **8 tracks**, catering to people with different interests but also varying skill levels (kudos for the **newcomer and expert tracks**). Most of the sessions were **recorded** and will be published online 🙌. I have a bit of a sweet spot for AI and machine learning, so that's where I spent most of my time. So looking forward to seeing the recordings come online 🎥!

As Microsoft, we were a conference partner, and had a virtual booth, delivered through Microsoft Teams. We shared a bunch of learning resources, across our database, analytics and AI products and services. You've likely absorbed a lot of information during the conference. 

To make sure you make the most of it, we're providing you with a list of resources to help you **develop your skills further**.

#### Azure SQL Database

* [Azure SQL Fundamentals (MS Learn)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/azure-sql-fundamentals/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Azure SQL Documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql/azure-sql-iaas-vs-paas-what-is-overview/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Azure SQL Bootcamp by Anna Hoffman and Bob Ward](https://aka.ms/AzureSqlbootCamp)
* [Data Exposed show on Channel 9](https://channel9.msdn.com/Shows/Data-Exposed)

#### Azure Synapse Analytics

* [What is Azure Synapse Analytics](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/synapse-analytics/sql-data-warehouse/sql-data-warehouse-overview-what-is/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Azure Analytics Reference Architectures](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/browse/#analytics?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Implementing a Data Warehouse with Azure Synapse Analytics (MS Learn)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/implement-sql-data-warehouse/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Azure Synapse Demo videos](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/services/synapse-analytics/video-demos/?ocid=aid3023056)

#### Azure AI

* [What is Microsoft Machine Learning](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/machine-learning/overview-what-is-azure-ml?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Getting started with Azure AI (MS Learn)](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/paths/get-started-with-artificial-intelligence-on-azure/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Microsoft AI Reference Architectures](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/architecture/browse/#ai--machine-learning?ocid=aid3023056)

#### SQL Server 

* [What's new in SQL Server 2019](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/sql-server/what-s-new-in-sql-server-ver15?view=sql-server-ver15/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [What is Azure SQL Edge](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/azure-sql-edge/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Hands-on workshops](https://aka.ms/sqlworkshops)
* [SQL Server MS Learn modules](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/browse/?products=sql-server?ocid=aid3023056)

#### eBooks

* [Standardizing the Machine Learning lifecycle](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/standardizing-the-machine-learning-lifecycle/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [SQL Server on Azure Virtual Machines](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/sql-server-azure-virtual-machines/?ocid=aid3023056)
* [Introducing SQL Server 2019](https://info.microsoft.com/ww-landing-introducing-sql-server-2019-content.html)
* [The essential guide to data in the cloud: a handbook for DBAs](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/essential-guide-to-data-in-the-cloud/?ocid=aid3023056)

### Join a local event

For a list of all our local Azure events, check our [events page](https://aka.ms/azurebelux). Virtual Training Day events give you a technology introduction, whereas the Discover events allow you to get a hands-on experience.

- Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day: Intelligent Decision Making Through Modern Data Warehousing
- Microsoft Azure Virtual Training Day: Modernizing Web Applications and Data
- Microsoft Discover: Analytics in a Day by Element61 (Oct 14)
- Microsoft Discover: Database Modernization in a Day by Kohera (Oct 21)
- Microsoft Discover: Analytics in a Day by Cegeka (Nov 24)


### Stay Connected

If you want to stay in the loop of local events and interesting developer news, make sure to subscribe to our **[Microsoft.Source newsletter](https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/resources/join-the-azure-developer-community/?ocid=aid3023056)** (no marketing fluff, just technical stuff!).

Don't hesitate to reach out to us on [Twitter](https://twitter.com/msdev_be) to share your developer experiences or questions!