Fabric Data Agents & Beyond - with Mathias Halkjær

LIVESTREAM DATE/TIME 📅

December 12th, 9:30 AM (Pacific Time)

DESCRIPTION 📄

In the era of AI, the ability to quickly and easily draw insights and answers from our data, is as important than ever, and being able to ask those questions in plain human language.In this session we'll uncover the capabilities of Microsoft Fabric Data Agents, what they are, how they work, and more. We’ll also explore bringing data agents to light outside of Fabric, opening up a whole new world of data utilization.

We'll touch upon topics like the data modelling for AI, data agents, prompt context, MCPs,After watching the livestream, you’ll be able to leverage your data with AI agents inside and outside of Fabric, and you be up to date on the newest tool for AI-powered BI, and ready to advice clients or colleagues on how to use AI with Power BI and Fabric.

GUEST BIO 👤

Mathias is a dedicated data leader with a deep commitment to the intersection of data engineering, BI, AI, and modern data platforms.

Day to day, he helps enterprises elevate their data maturity, implement scalable data platform solutions, and ultimately realize greater value from their data and AI investments.

As a Microsoft Data Platform MVP, Mathias is highly engaged in the global community and is driven by a strong belief in sharing knowledge that empowers others.

With a background in Product Development and Innovation, he brings a distinct data product mindset to data architecture, combining strategic vision with practical execution. Known for his willingness to challenge convention, Mathias pushes past traditional thinking to uncover more effective, forward-looking solutions.

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Mathias's LinkedIn

The Invisible Tooltip Trick: How to Hide SVG and URL Tooltips in Power BI Tables

Video by: Reid Havens

Power BI insists on showing raw SVG or URL text when you hover over icons in tables, which makes everything look like a crime scene. This quick technique uses a tiny, blank report-page tooltip to override Power BI’s default behavior, effectively “disabling” tooltips for SVGs and URLs without breaking interactivity. It’s fast, reliable, and doesn’t require DAX sorcery or custom visuals.

This One Change Made My Time-Intelligence [DAX] Performance Faster!

Video by: Reid Havens

Microsoft's new calendar-based time intelligence isn't magic, but it's a necessary optimization for every new model (and existing ones with performance issues).

The Results:
✅ Simplified query plans
✅ Fewer rows scanned by Storage Engine (SE)
✅ Same DAX, better syntax

The performance gains come from smarter query optimization. If you're working with large fact tables and time-based calculations, this is how the engine should be working.

What I cover:

• How calendar-based functions optimize the storage engine

• DAX Studio query plan comparison (side-by-side)

• Setting up calendar categories in Power BI

• Migrating from classic DATEADD to calendar-based syntax

• FREE Power BI Calendar Template (PBIX)

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Calendar-based time intelligence
Microsoft Blog Announcement
Introducing calendar-based time intelligence in DAX

SQLBits Unplugged: Inclusivity, Costumes & the Power of Community (with Simon Sabin)

DESCRIPTION 📄

What started as a small idea among data geeks became one of Europe’s most celebrated data conferences. In this episode, I chat with Simon Sabin, founder of SQLBits, about how the event grew from its humble beginnings into a cornerstone of the Microsoft data community.

We explore what makes SQLBits unique—from its deep commitment to inclusivity and diversity, to its legendary themed parties and creative venues that make learning feel like an adventure. Whether you’ve attended before or are considering joining next year, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what makes SQLBits unlike any other tech event.

🎉 Expect stories, laughs, and maybe a bit of costume talk.

GUEST BIO (Simon Sabin)👤

Simon runs a Data Consultancy Sabin.io enabling companies to make the most of the data they have by implementing a Dev Ops strategy.

He is passionate about the importance of the community and learning. He founded and continues to run SQLBits, the largest SQL Server Conference outside of North America, has been awarded as a Microsoft MVP since 2005 and was recently made a Microsoft Regional Director.

He has worked with data for all his career and worked with companies across all industry sectors including online retail, insurance, finance, motor sport.

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SQLBits