About us
Data Bristol has been formed to offer knowledge sharing and networking opportunities for data professionals, techies, researchers or simply those with an interest in data applications and technologies. We aim to provide an open, friendly environment in which everyone can participate, learn and share their knowledge and experience with presentations covering a wide range of topics.
So, whether, you’re a data developer, engineer, scientist, analyst, manager, professional, academic etc, please feel free to join. Events generally cover the following subject areas: -
• Data Engineering
• Data DevOps
• Business Intelligence
• Database Administration & Development
• Advanced Analytics & Big Data
• AI and ML
• Infrastructure & Platforms
• Cloud & Internet of Things (IoT)
• Other Emerging Technologies
Meetings provide an opportunity for established and new speakers to share their experience, knowledge and thoughts for the benefit of all members. Attendees are encouraged to socialise, ask questions, network and learn from others. We aim to cater for different experience levels, with topics suitable for beginners through to more advanced subjects.
All attendees are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct below.
### Code of Conduct for group leaders
As event and experience organizers, we seek to provide a respectful, friendly, professional experience for everyone, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, disability, age, race, or religion. We do not tolerate any behavior that is degrading to any gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability, nor do we tolerate any behavior that would be deemed harassment or discrimination. Individuals are responsible for knowing and abiding by our standards and we encourage everyone to assist in creating a safe and welcoming environment. Please report any concerns, suspicious activity, or disruptive behavior to the Azure Data Community team so we can address issues immediately.
### All group members should follow
Throughout each interaction:
- 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.
###
### Summary
- Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and empathy.
- Use welcoming and inclusive language.
- Be thoughtful in how you communicate in person and online.
- Don’t be destructive or inflammatory.
- Gracefully accept constructive criticism.
- Listen with purpose and create space for others’ communication preferences.
- Reach out to the organizers if you need anything.
Upcoming events
2
Reducing Databricks Costs and SQL Server Self-Documentation
iO Associates, St Bartholomew's House, Bristol BS1 2NH, Bristol, GBLocation: iO Associates, St Bartholomew's House, Bristol BS1 2NH.
Sponsored and Hosted by iO Associates (Tech & Digital recruitment specialists), we bring you an evening of Data and Networking.AGENDA
18.00 – 18:25 Meet & Greet
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18:25 - 18:30 Introduction & Welcome
Welcome, and thanks to our sponsors
--------------18:30 - 19:15 Talk: SQL Server self-documentation with Extended Properties by Paul Mugleston
This session shows how to turn SQL Server’s extended properties into a practical, analyst‑friendly metadata layer. You’ll see how to document tables, columns, relationships, data sources, and refresh cycles directly inside the database, and how to surface that information through a simple SSRS report that analysts can actually use. It's a clear, repeatable approach for building documentation that stays accurate, lives with the data, and reduces the constant “what does this table do” questions.
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19:00 - 19:30 Pizza and Networking
--------------19:30 - 20:15 Talk: Reducing Databricks Costs by Niall Langley
Abstract coming soon
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20:15 - Social/Pub---
Speaker Bios
Please click speaker names for linkedin profiles.----
Photos
We ask that you do NOT take photos at this meetup.We will invite people to be included in a group photo/s during the event. Speakers will let you know if it's okay to photograph their presentation (excluding other attendees).
You may see organisers taking photos during the talks. These will be of speakers, if they have agreed to this, and will not include faces of attendees.
21 attendeesSQL Server 2025 - AI Search and Relational Algebra
iO Associates, St Bartholomew's House, Bristol BS1 2NH, Bristol, GBLocation: iO Associates, St Bartholomew's House, Bristol BS1 2NH.
Sponsored and Hosted by iO Associates (Tech & Digital recruitment specialists), we bring you an evening of Data and Networking.AGENDA
18.00 – 18:25 Meet & Greet
--------------
18:25 - 18:30 Introduction & Welcome
Welcome, and thanks to our sponsors
--------------18:30 - 19:15 Talk: The Burrito Bot: AI-Powered Search in SQL Server 2025 by Andrew Pruski
SQL Server 2025 introduces native vector support, enabling AI-powered semantic search directly inside the database engine. But what does that mean for data professionals and how does it actually work?
In this session, join Microsoft Data Platform MVP Andrew Pruski to break down the fundamentals of vector search and show exactly how SQL Server stores, indexes, and queries embeddings to deliver semantic search capabilities.
We’ll cover:
What embeddings are and how the vector data type works in SQL Server
How to generate and store embeddings using an external LLM
Performing searches using vector_search() and vector_distance()
How vector indexes (aka the DiskANN algorithm) work under the hoodWe'll then bring it all together to build an intelligent, AI-driven application to...provide burrito restaurant recommendations in Ireland!
This session is ideal for data professionals and developers who want a practical understanding of SQL Server’s vector capabilities, with real demos and a real use case.
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19:00 - 19:30 Pizza and Networking
--------------19:30 - 20:15 Talk: Relational Algebra and SQL by Alex Cole
Relational Algebra is the computer science theory providing the logical basis for SQL and query optimisation. This knowledge gave me an edge as a junior analyst joining a team of experienced professionals. I could simplify and debug queries in ways my team members could not. I'll explain the basics of Relational Algebra and take you through an interactive demo to make the topic come alive.
Alex Cole is a principal architect specialising in Data and AI. He builds and runs tools used by the Databricks community, including Databricks Release Hub and Spark Koans, a browser-based platform for learning PySpark. He writes about data and architecture at www.alexcole.net. Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexcole01/--------------
20:15 - Social/Pub---
Speaker Bios
Please click speaker names for linkedin profiles.----
Photos
We ask that you do NOT take photos at this meetup.We will invite people to be included in a group photo/s during the event. Speakers will let you know if it's okay to photograph their presentation (excluding other attendees).
You may see organisers taking photos during the talks. These will be of speakers, if they have agreed to this, and will not include faces of attendees.
4 attendees
Past events
75
