Microsoft Fabric Overview: Understanding the End-to-End Analytics Platform (FAB-040)

Microsoft Fabric is the latest evolution of Microsoft’s data offerings, and most people are asking – what has changed? What does it mean for me? In this session, we outline the essential tools of the Microsoft Fabric service, their roles, and the people who will be working with each of them as we embrace the new setup. 

Topics include: 

• What is Microsoft Fabric? 
• Teams, roles, and tools within the data ecosystem 
• Making choices about data storage and access 
• Analysis and reporting tools 

Microsoft Fabric: OneLake, Lakehouses, and Warehouses (FAB-041)

Microsoft OneLake is the new unified data lake for organizations. Its ability to store huge amounts of data and make it available across the enterprise make it an incredible new tool for organizations trying to build a data culture. In this session, we give you hands-on time creating and administering data warehouses and lakehouses within Microsoft OneLake. 

Topics include: 

• Set up and administer Microsoft OneLake 
• Creating data warehouses 
• Ingest data into Microsoft OneLake 

• Understanding data lakes, warehouses, and lakehouses 

Microsoft Fabric: Data Factory and Dataflows (FAB-042)

Microsoft Fabric is an end-to-end data solution, and a key part of this solution is data transformation and flow control. Microsoft Data Factory is the segment of Microsoft Fabric that solves this problem for an organization. In this session, we will uncover the foundational tools of data pipelines and dataflows. 

Topics include: 

• Defining the capabilities and use cases of Microsoft Data Factory 
• Creating gen 2 dataflows 
• Leveraging Power Query script to transform data 
• Designing a flow execution model with data pipelines 

Microsoft Fabric: Synapse Real-Time Analytics (FAB-043)

Synapse provides tools for ingesting, querying, and processing streams of data. This suite of functions for real-time analytics is a critical capacity for modern enterprises. In this session, we’ll outline the tools and benefits of using Real-Time Analytics in Fabric. 

Topics include: 

• Ingest data from various sources 
• Understand the use cases for varied data structures 
• Learn KQL for analyzing and extracting insights 
• Write KQL queries 

Microsoft Fabric: Data Science with Synapse (FAB-044)

Synapse within Microsoft Fabric gives data scientists a suite of powerful tools for organizing, collaborating, and experimenting with data. Create and use machine learning experiments, models, and notebooks, and provide predictive insights to BI reports. In this session, we’ll give an overview of the tools and scenarios that will drive improvement in your organization. 

Topics include: 

• Understanding data science and Synapse 
• Exploring and preparing data 
• Creating machine learning experiments and models 
• Managing notebooks 

Microsoft Fabric: Power BI and Fabric (FAB-045)

Power BI has been the established business intelligence reporting tool in the Power Platform suite for several years, and now it is becoming integrated into the Fabric ecosystem. In this session, we will cover the essentials of using Power BI day-to-day, but focus on the new tools, features, and integrations with the Fabric environment. 

Topics include: 

• Understanding core Power BI functionality 
• Create a data hub for the organization 
• Consume data from OneLake 
• Leverage AI for accelerated data analytics 

Microsoft Fabric: Deep-Dive into the Data Lifecycle (FAB-241)

Microsoft Fabric is the new end-to-end solution for your enterprise’s data storage, distribution, analysis, and reporting. It is composed of several applications and integrated across a new universal data lake, Microsoft OneLake. By learning how these tools fit together, we can create a truly effective data environment where our business is driven by accurate, timely data. 

Topics include: 

• Overview of end-to-end analytics 
• Working with OneLake, data warehouses, and lakehouses 
• Using Apache Spark 
• Working with Delta lake tables 
• Creating data factory pipelines and dataflows 
• Implementing analytics and data science in an organization 
• Administering Microsoft Fabric 

Microsoft Access L1: Designing Tables (ACC-051)

Data storage is most successfully handled by databases. The end-user database solution from Microsoft is called Access, and its core tool is the table. By planning and creating successful tables and the overall star schema of the database, you make the work that builds off this data easier and more efficient. 

Topics include: 

• Planning data tables in databases 

• Designing a star schema for organizing information 
• Creating queries to extract data from a database 
• Creating reports on databases 

Microsoft Access L2: Relationships and Queries (ACC-052)

The database is the foundation for thousands of business intelligence functions. In this session, we will create the necessary queries, reports, and forms to leverage our database effectively. 

Topics include: 

• Creating relationships between tables in a database 
• Designing useful queries for filtering and combining data 
• Building forms for interaction with the database 
• Adding reports to your database 

Python 1: Introduction to Python (PYT-061)

When consumer software falls short, business professionals have a range of custom development options. Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and versatility. It can be applied to countless business scenarios, and is one of the easiest languages to learn. In this session, we will outline the elements necessary to use the language, and give you a first run writing useful code. 

Topics include: 

• Defining the types of Python applications that can aid you at work 

• Writing, compiling, and running your first program 
• Essential coding skills – statements, functions, and variables 
• Calculating with text and numeric information 

Python for Data Analysis (PYT-062)

Request a Python for Data Analysis class today!

One of the core uses for Python is in processing, analyzing, and visualizing data. In this session, we will cover the fundamental usage of Python for data analysis, and prepare you to use various libraries for deeper analysis and visualization work. 

Topics include: 

• Understanding the IDE landscape for Python data analysis 
• Installing and importing useful Python modules 
• Coding fundamentals for data analysis 
• Handling errors and running cells in a Notebook 

Pandas and Python for Data Analysis (PYT-063)

There are many Python libraries that can be leveraged for data handling. One of the most popular is Pandas, which can be used for both analysis and visualization. In this session, we will detail some of the most powerful tools Pandas makes available for new developers. 

Topics include: 

• Understanding and using the DataFrame structure 
• Accessing rows and columns for analysis 

• Implementing statistical methods 
• Shape and cleanse data programmatically 

Pandas and Python for Data Visualization (PYT-064)

Pandas provides tools for data analysis and visualization. This session dives into the core charting tools of Pandas, and leverages data visualization principles to create effective visual reports. 

Topics include: 

• Using the Pandas plot method 
• Creating various chart types with Pandas 
• Using design principles to create more effective plots 
• Chaining to create the charts you want 

Seaborn and Python for Data Visualization (PYT-065)

Seaborn is a Python library for plotting a variety of charts programmatically. In this session, we will create effective charts from complex data using a well-designed code library. Additionally, we will plan and use color, labels, and other elements to make our charts more compelling. 

Topics include: 

• Understanding the Seaborn library for data visualization 
• Using general and specific methods for charting 
• Setting parameters for subplots 
• Set color palette and labels programmatically 

All sessions in this section cover topics based in the data analytics and storytelling track and are intended to be no more than 90 minutes in duration. These short-form sessions are intended to be high-energy demonstrations of tips and tricks that will inspire attendees to dig deeper with these tools on their own time. 

All descriptions you see here can be modified for content and duration. 

Modern Data Handling with Power Query in Excel 

Request a Modern Data Handling with Power Query in Excel class today!

When Power BI was being designed, the developers created a tool for importing and manipulating data. They called this tool Power Query, and they integrated it into Microsoft Excel. Today, Power Query represents one of the most powerful and potentially valuable tools in your everyday spreadsheets. 

Topics include: 

• Connecting to data sources with Power Query 
• Cleaning improperly structured data 
• Combining and comparing data tables 
• Automating imports 
• Adding data to the Data Model 

Pivot Tables for Data Analysis and Visualization 

The Pivot Table is one of the most intuitive and powerful tools in Excel. With any list or table in your workbook, you can create a summary analysis and a chart highlighting insights in just seconds. Taking more time than that, you can build an interactive dashboard with multiple charts and filters. 

Topics include: 

• Designing and controlling lists and tables as the Pivot Table source 
• Creating Pivot Tables to analyze data populations 
• Adding Slicers and Timelines to Pivot Tables for interactivity 
• Visualizing insights with Pivot Charts 
• Making multiple-chart dashboards 

Building Bulletproof Spreadsheets 

Request a Building Bulletproof Spreadsheets class today!

One of the major concerns with spreadsheets is improper updates and changes. Whether it’s you, a coworker, or a client, making ill-advised changes to a spreadsheet can break its functionality. In this session, we’ll explore a suite of tools available to you to control your spreadsheet more effectively. 

Topics include: 

• Leveraging Excel Tables rather than unstructured lists 
• Adding lookup and logical functions for categorization 
• Using Data Validation to control data entry 
• Layering Conditional Formatting to indicate changes 
• Hiding and protecting worksheets and ranges 

Data Visualization Essentials in Excel 

Effective charts and visualizations of data can help the user explore the data in question and identify insights. Then, charts can help to communicate those insights with context and clarity to outside audiences. In this session, we will cover the critical foundation to effective charts in Excel. 

Topics include: 

• Identifying and analyzing an audience 
• Choosing and implementing chart types to clearly highlight essential data 
• Format charts effectively for clarity 
• Add text content for direct messaging and support 

Advanced Data Visualization Hacks in Excel 

Many scenarios are perfectly addressed with a clear and simple chart that can be quickly generated. However, Excel is an incredibly flexible and powerful application for visualizing more complex ideas, as well. In this session, we will identify relatively unknown and hidden features for effective charting, in addition to building non-standard chart types. 

Topics include: 

• Dynamically label changing data 
• Overlay data highlights for conditional formatting 
• Leverage Conditional Formatting to create waffle charts 
• Use slope graphs for simple change illustrations

Data Modeling with Power Pivot 

If you are an advanced user of Pivot Tables, Power Pivot is a very useful upgrade to your skillset. Power Pivot was built as a component of Power BI, but Microsoft added it to Excel using an Add-in. With it, you can create relationships between data tables, and add new DAX functions to existing analyses. 

Topics include: 

• Converting existing lists into Excel Tables 
• Creating relationships between tables 
• Using the Excel Data Model in Pivot Tables 
• Writing DAX functions for use in summaries 

Data Storytelling in PowerPoint 

Request a Data Storytelling in PowerPoint class today!

Once a chart or set of charts have been created, the push begins to communicate the insights of those charts effectively to other audiences. Rather than simply create a static set of visualizations that your audience must process on their own, we add narrative structure and logical organization to the work in order to make your presentation more engaging and successful. 

Topics include: 

• Designing presentation structure to match the basic narrative structure 
• Adding charts, diagrams, and other visuals to slides effectively 
• Formatting content to address the questions in the presentation 
• Using text effectively to support your points 
• Adding motion design to static content 

Upgrade: Why Should I Learn Power BI? 

Power BI represents a huge leap forward in power and functionality when combining, analyzing, and visualizing data. However, with the advent of Power Query and Power Pivot in Excel, there are questions about when and why your typical data professional would decide to make that jump. In this session, we discuss the similarities and differences between modern Excel and Power BI 

Topics include: 

• Understanding the facets of the Power BI service 
• Improvements in Power BI Desktop over Excel functionality 
• Building dynamic reports in Power BI 
• Publishing and sharing reports and datasets 

Data Preparation: Power Query Tricks 

If the data you want to analyze is not yet ready, Power Query is an incredibly versatile and powerful tool for cleaning it. In this session, we will see Power Query and the M language jump through hoops to improve the data you need to build reports on. 

Topics include: 

• Text and date transformations 
• Content restructuring 
• Custom calculations 
• Automations and segmentations 
• Working with the Data Model 

Data Visualization: Engaging Dashboards with Power BI 

One of the shining features of Power BI is its capacity to create interactive reports. These files can include hover, click, and right-click responsiveness, as well as various standard states. Additionally, you can push these reports into areas people are not used to seeing their dashboards. 

Topics include: 

• Designing filter behavior for a report 

• Creating drill throughs and tooltips 
• Building hyperlinks, bookmarks, and slicers 
• Publishing and sharing reports