
What we’re about
Are you a Data Platform Professional? This meetup is for you. We cover all things SQL Server in the Data Platform with local and international speakers covering topics from Basic to advanced. No topic is off the agenda.
We aim to provide you a one stop place for you to learn and expand your professional networking with like minded SQL Server Data Professionals.
Sign up now to join this new and expanding Meetup to learn and grow your professional network.
Code of Conduct
The Data Platform Downunder Meetup Group supports the diversity of our community. We strive to welcome different perspectives in a community where everyone feels respected and valued, and are committed to inclusion across race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, geography, religion, identity, and experience.
Above all, we ask that all Data Platform Downunder members be kind to one another and conduct themselves respectfully, creating a positive experience for everyone involved.
• Be friendly and welcoming
• Listen with purpose and create space for others’ communication preferences.
• Ask yourself how you can make someone life easier.
• Be patient
• Remember that people have varying communication styles and preferences.
• Recognize that not everyone is using their native language. Meaning and tone can be lost in translation.
• Be thoughtful
• Think about how others will interpret your words. Aim for clear and productive communication.
• Remember that sometimes it is best to refrain from commenting.
• Be respectful and inclusive
• Respect differences of opinion.
• Seek to understand and build bridges, not condemn or criticize.
• Make a conscious effort to include people who differ from you.
• Be open and curious
• Assume good intent and interpret others’ statements or questions in good faith.
• Ask questions to understand, not denounce.
• Focus on continuous learning. Improve upon the things you already know, tackle new things, and ask others about their expertise to deepen your own knowledge.
If you are subject to unacceptable behavior, notice that someone else is being subject to unacceptable behavior, or have concerns that this Code of Conduct is not being followed, notify us via the Meetup Group Email as soon as possible.
Data Platform Downunder reserves the right to bar any person who violates our Code of Conduct from attending any of our events in entirety or in part, and/or to cancel tickets of any person.
Sponsors
Upcoming events
2
•OnlineBeyond the Basics: Discovering Power BI’s Best-Kept Secrets
OnlineAbstract: Power BI is packed with incredible features, but let’s be honest—how many of them do we actually use? Beyond the usual visuals and DAX formulas, there’s a whole world of lesser-known tools that can boost efficiency, enhance interactivity, and optimize performance. In this session, we’ll uncover some of Power BI’s hidden gems that can take your reporting game to the next level!
Who is it for?
This session is for Power BI developers, analysts, and business users who want to go beyond the basics and unlock features they might have overlooked. Use these features to level up or use them to know more about what else Power BI has to offer.Session Takeaways:
1. Discover underutilized features that can simplify your workflow or enhance your reports/dashboards.
2. Learn how to improve navigation, performance, and interactivity in your reports.
3. Walk away with new tricks to make Power BI work smarter for you.Speaker: Santhana Lakshmi Ponnurasan
Speaker Bio: Lakshmi is a Microsoft MVP (Data Platform) and a Certified Power BI Data Analyst, currently working in the Institutional Effectiveness department at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is passionate about creating creative and innovative Power BI reports that not only make data pop but also provide actionable insights. She was a Finalist in the Microsoft Power BI DataViz World Championships 2025, showcasing her ability to combine technical expertise with storytelling. An engaging speaker, she frequently speaks about all things Power BI at user groups and conferences, and also shares tips and best practices on her Medium blog.
LinkedIn: (3) SanthanaLakshmi Ponnurasan | LinkedIn
Blog: Santhana Lakshmi .P – MediumAgenda:
• 12:15-12:30pm: Sign-in & network
• 12:30-12:35 pm: Announcements & Intro
• 12:35-1:35pm: Presentation
• 1:35-2:00pm: Q&A, wrap-upLocation:
Online. You must register for the link29 attendees
•OnlineRecent Changes to T-SQL that might surprise you
OnlineAbstract: If you haven't kept an eye on T-SQL lately, you might be surprised what's changed. In this session, Greg will show new language elements like regular expressions, and the vector data type and vector embeddings for calling AI, along with new aggregates like PRODUCT.
Speaker: Greg Low
Speaker Bio: Dr Greg Low is a long-term internationally-recognized data platform MVP. He is the founder of SQL Down Under. Many will know him from his podcasts. Greg works with organizations of all sizes from tier-one financial organizations to startups.
LinkedIn: Dr Greg Low | LinkedIn
Agenda:
• 12:15-12:30pm: Sign-in & network
• 12:30-12:35 pm: Announcements & Intro
• 12:35-1:35pm: Presentation
• 1:35-2:00pm: Q&A, wrap-upLocation:
Online. You must register for the link22 attendees
Past events
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