Introduction to PySpark in Microsoft Fabric

Data Engineers in Toronto July 2026 Semimonthly Meeting

Topic: Introduction to PySpark in Microsoft Fabric

Abstract:
With all of the engineering features in Microsoft Fabric, which medium should you use to move and transform data? Low-code data flows and pipelines? Good old relational SQL? What about this newfangled PySpark everyone is buzzing about?

If the last option piques your curiosity and you haven't tried it, this is the session for you. I'll cover basic Python principles that will make even complicated Python easy to read. Then I will explain important topics to understand when managing your Spark environment. Finally, I'll showcase Fabric features and community content that can support your next steps in learning to implement PySpark in Fabric.

Speaker: Jared Kuehn, Data Engineer

Speaker Profile:
For over a decade, Jared has been a data engineering consultant implementing Microsoft products. For more than three decades, he has been honing his skills in theater and other performing arts. As a speaker, Jared marries these two disciplines together, creating dynamic presentations that add entertainment to education. This symbiotic relationship can improve presentation engagement, support attendees in knowledge retention, and foster a culture of passion for the data industry.

As a speaker, Jared has spoken at events such as:
-Fabcon Vegas (Microsoft Fabric Community Conference)
-DataCon Seattle (Microsoft Data Conference)
-PASS Summit
-SQL Saturdays, Multiple
-Microsoft Fabric Global Online Conference
-Future Data Driven Summit
-GroupBy Conference
-and more!

He also runs the YouTube channel DataBard, focused on making Data fun and teaching techniques along the way.

Technically-speaking, Jared has multiple Microsoft certifications in both on-prem and cloud technologies. He has extensive knowledge in:
-Microsoft Fabric
-SQL Query Development and Performance tuning
-Kimball Data Modeling
-ETL design patterns
-Azure SQL DB and Azure SQL MI

In his spare time, he continues to perform in community theater productions, as well as musically for his church. Upon request, he would be happy to assist with more theatrical portions of events, such as performing musical numbers.

The meeting is over Microsoft Teams, and the joining link is https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_NzZkYWIyOTAtODk1MC00MjVmLWJlNjUtNTRiODZmODA2Zjdh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22bd9727e8-f539-4c76-983c-6c30130c0bee%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229e8d5a64-e773-4ca2-90f6-9a266129171e%22%7d

See you at the meeting!