PASS 2025 Post-Event Recap
Author: Mehul Joshi | 8 min read | December 4, 2025
PASS Data Community Summit 2025 Event Highlights
It’s the most magical time of the year – when the Datavail team got to head to Seattle for PASS Data Community Summit 2025! We had a fantastic time connecting with everyone on the Microsoft data platform, and lots of fun as always with the PASS community. Here’s some of our highlights from this dynamic data event.
Each day delivered focused keynotes designed to translate complex trends into actionable business advantages. The opening session, “The Data Professional of the Future: How You Can Thrive in the Age of Machines,” spotlighted the evolving role of data leaders and the importance of adapting skill sets to drive business growth.
Microsoft’s keynote, “What’s New in Azure Databases: Real-World Solutions for Developers and Enterprises,” emphasized practical advancements that help organizations modernize data platforms for reliability, scalability, and readiness for AI-driven innovation. Attendees saw how Microsoft’s integrated data solutions, in partnership with AMD, enable businesses to deliver value faster, achieve cost savings, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
The Community Keynote with Adam Jorgensen provided direct, applicable guidance for today’s leaders. With a focus on strategic thinking and human skills, this session equipped data professionals with tools to move from contributors to trusted partners—ensuring their voices drive decisions and their expertise translates into organizational success.
Beyond the main sessions, the summit fostered meaningful connections through networking events, hobby huddles, and the popular Breakfast with the Microsoft Data Leadership Team. These gatherings encouraged open dialogue and collaboration, helping attendees uncover new opportunities and discuss real-world challenges across SQL Server, Azure SQL, Microsoft Fabric, and AI topics.
Datavail’s PASS Data Community Summit 2025 Presentations and Activities
We liked showing off our LEGO Pac-man Arcade set that we were giving away, and there were even book signings with JP Chen, one of our SQL Server services practice leaders and author of the book, “Migrating to Azure SQL: A Practical Guide for Cloud Migration Success.”
During the Welcome Reception, we brought out the community favorite Caricature artist, and we were so excited to see how many people were excited to get a drawing to take home with them.
This year, we had three exciting sessions. We kicked off the event on Wednesday with “Migrating to Azure SQL: A Practical Guide for Cloud Migration Success.” In this session, JP Chen explored the fundamentals of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure’s role as a leading provider. Attendees learned about planning and executing their migration to Azure SQL.
“Surviving a Ransomware Attack: SQL Database Administrator Strategies,” with Jaysukh Ramani, one of our senior SQL Server DBAs, tackled a topic that’s often pressing for data engineers. Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to SQL Server databases, potentially leading to severe data loss and operational disruptions. This presentation explored the impact of ransomware on SQL Server, detailing effective recovery strategies and best practices for database backups.
Finally, I had my session, “AI Impacts on the DBA: SQL Server Monitoring with Datavail TechBoost™,” where I talked about the impact of AI on the data engineer, and how embedded AI in production looks like at Datavail. Our approach to AI focuses on practical automation rather than abstract innovation, with input from our hundreds of DBAs.
These experiences, contacts, and knowledge are what make conferences like the PASS Data Community Summit so memorable. Want to continue the conversation or chat with myself or any of the other speakers? Get in touch today.
