Patrick Leblanc has started a new project called…SQL Lunch! The concept is to present a 30 minute topic every two weeks at lunch. One speaker, one topic, free. I think every other week is sustainable as far as finding speakers, and for those of wanting to make a small investment in professional development on a recurring basis.

I also think it fills an important void in the SQL speaking world. Right now if you want to start participating more actively in the SQL Community as a speaker, your options are:

• Local chapter (meaning you might to get speak once or twice in a year)
• Driving distance chapters (spend time and money)
• SQLSaturday (and Code Camp, etc) might be local, might not
• PASS Summit (very selective, requires travel)

SQL Lunch becomes one more option.

Becoming a good speaker takes a lot of practice, and some of that has to be in front of an audience. At SQLSaturday we exert a preference for local speakers, but we still have to look for a measure of experience, and make sure that we have a relatively low number of first time speakers. Much like becoming a DBA, where do you go to get experience? No good answer yet!

Patrick is going to have the same problem of course, he needs good speakers to keep people interested and coming back, but it removes the time and money obstacle. For someone who has done a chapter presentation and wants more experience, this provides another venue – and I’m not sure we can have too many venues!

He does need speakers though, and I’m betting more than few of you would like to practice your skills and give back a little bit. Sweat equity and karma, all in thirty minutes. Regardless of experience level, if you’re willing to give it a try and put in some effort practicing first, drop Patrick a note at webmaster@sqllunch.com. I’m looking forward to doing a presentation there next year, and hope you’ll give it a try too.

Note: I don’t have any stake in the project, I just think it’s a good idea.