Data Point Prague 2025

Data Point Prague 2025 

Last week we had the pleasure of sponsoring another great data event — Data Point Prague, held at the Comfort Hotel in Prague. While smaller than SQL Day, the one-day format made for a focused, high-energy experience filled with meaningful conversations and some unexpected moments. 

Showcasing Our Services 

Just like in Wrocław, our orange booth centered around our SQL Server health checks, load testing, and SQL audits, with plenty of interest in our SMT monitoring solution. But what made this event special was the accidental design synergy: the conference venue already featured some wooden decor, so our wooden-themed merchandise looked perfectly at home — especially when we placed it on a large wooden barrel provided by the venue. 

It worked so well, we’re now seriously considering traveling with our own barrel in the future. Preferably full of alcohol — for branding purposes, of course. 

Time for a Cold One

With temperatures climbing as summer approaches, we came prepared: we offered free cold drinks - featuring a Mazák brew from a local Czech brewery near our headquarters. Based on attendees' reactions, it was a hit.

Real Connections in the Real World 

Several of our clients are based in Prague, and we were genuinely happy they took the time out of their busy schedules to stop by. It was great to shake hands in person after so many months (or years) of internet meetings, ticket comments, and screen shares. 

We also had the chance to reconnect with familiar faces from the speaker community. We briefly caught up with Uwe Ricken, though his agenda was packed. Meanwhile, our introduction to Johan Ludvig Brattås came with a bit of tech comedy: while preparing for his session, Johan accidentally connected his laptop to our booth’s TV instead of the projector in his room. Since the projector was still refusing to cooperate, we jokingly offered to wheel our TV into his session and let him present from there. Johan politely declined — but later stopped by for a chat and a beer, leaving us with some great conference recommendations for the future. 

Even Hugo Kornelis came by to say a few words — and help himself to a cold one. We’re still quietly hoping that one day we will welcome him into the Woodler ranks. 

Speaking Session: Full House for Partitioning 

Our colleague Maciej Pilecki once again delivered his session on “Advanced SQL Server Table and Index Partitioning.” Despite the room having space for just 50 attendees, we were thrilled to see it filled to capacity — another sign that SQL Server content still draws a crowd at broader data conferences. 

Afterparty That Wasn’t Planned 

While there wasn’t an evening party, the conference raffle at the end of the day kept the energy high. We had a good laugh when one of the winners celebrated receiving our merch — the same merch we’d been happily giving away all day long! 

After the raffle, the organizers kindly invited us to say a few closing words. We took the mic, thanked everyone, and — noticing we still had beer left — invited attendees to swing by our booth to help us finish it. To our surprise (or perhaps not?), a small group actually did. 

The scene: a handful of attendees, lingering around our barrel, laughing, chatting, and sharing a few last drinks. Even the organizers joked that we clearly had the most successful booth. 

As the venue emptied, one remaining guest, Italian speaker Francesco Bergamaschi, admitted he wasn’t much of a beer drinker. No problem — we improvised. We borrowed some shot glasses from the hotel restaurant and introduced the group to a new drink none of them had likely tried before: our beloved Hruškovička, a pear brandy from our region. To our delight, the group fully embraced it — and several rounds later, our bottle supply was running low. As it finally came time to pack up and leave, we decided to part with our last bottle and gifted it to the one who appreciated it most: Francesco himself. A well-earned send-off — and hopefully, a lasting memory of Woodler hospitality. 

Until Next Time 

Big thanks to the Data Point Prague organizers for the opportunity, and to everyone who visited our booth — especially those who stayed for the unofficial afterparty. We'll be back after the summer holidays — refreshed, recharged, and possibly bringing our own barrel next time. 

Stay tuned — and look out for the orange booth.