Five reasons to attend SQLBits in the UK
Microsoft SQL team is returning as headline sponsor of SQLBits 2026, taking place from 22–25 April at ICC Wales in Newport. I’m speaking for the whole team when I say we’d love to see you there. I’m here today to give you five reasons you should attend SQLBits. This year we’re teaming up with AMD to bring the community full-day workshops, 30+ sessions, and plenty of good stuff in between.
If you’ve never been to SQLBits, think of it as the kind of conference where you leave having learned something, made real connections, and had a few laughs along the way. It’s one of the biggest data conferences in Europe, and if Microsoft SQL (SQL Server, Azure SQL, and SQL database in Fabric) or Fabric is any part of your job, it’s worth the trip.
Personal take: SQLBits 2019 was my first big SQL event that I spoke at and attended. I had so much fun, met so many people, and learned so much (from the team and all the community speakers). Here’s a blast from the past picture from the keynote for that event.
Figure: The SQLBits Keynote crew from SQLBits 2019.
These are 5 reasons you should attend:
1: 30+ sessions from the people building the product
We’re not just showing up to hand out stickers (though there will be stickers). Priya Sathy, VP of Microsoft SQL Product, will be keynoting the event, with Bob Ward and me showing you some scenarios that accompany the vision, announcements, and roadmap. Throughout the week, we’re running more than 30 breakouts, workshops, and lunch-and-learns led by Microsoft engineers, product leaders, and customer architects—the people building this stuff. Agentic AI, analytics, modernization, app development, tooling; there’s something here for every corner of the data world.
Start building your agenda.
2: Everything in one place
Figure: SQLBits cartoon theme banner with cartoon characters.
SQLBits is back at ICC Wales in Newport this year, which means no shuttling between venues. The opening evening reception, the legendary Pub Quiz night, and the Friday-night party are all under one roof.
And yes, there’s a theme. This year: Cartoons. Dress accordingly and you will be impressed by how well your fellow attendees commit to this assignment (and find somewhere for karaoke after).
3: Get hands-on with AI + SQL
On Friday, 24 April, we’re running a full-day training: “From Vectors to Agents: Building AI-Powered Solutions with Microsoft SQL.” You’ll go end-to-end building a solution that combines SQL’s reliability with real AI capabilities.
As a bonus, finishing this training puts you on the path toward the new DP-800: Microsoft Certified SQL AI Developer Associate certification (currently in beta).
4: Bring your questions to the Microsoft SQL leadership team for honest answers
On Thursday, 23 April at 1:30pm in the Expo Hall, Bob Ward is moderating the returning crowd-favorite panel: “Migrating On-Prem SQL Server to Azure SQL.” Bring your real questions and get straight answers from the product team.
5: Come find us at the booth for coffee and conversation
Figure: Photograph of three custom coffee beverages with Fabric and SQL logos featured as decorative latte art.
Need a coffee? A break from back-to-back sessions? Swing by the Microsoft + AMD booth. We’ll have giveaways running all week and plenty of people ready to connect and chat.
Use code 10MICROSOFT to save 10% on your registration. We’ll see you in Wales!
