Power BI Field Parameters vs Calculation Groups (Clear Comparison)

Video by: Reid Havens

In this video I walk through the Field Parameters vs Calculation Groups Guide from Analytic Endeavors and explain what these two powerful Power BI features actually do, how they differ, and when to use each one in your reports.

You’ll learn:

• What Field Parameters are and how they let your users choose what to show in visuals

• What Calculation Groups are and how they let you change how measures calculate dynamically

• The key decision points between using FP and CG

• How each feature affects report design, maintenance, and flexibility

This is a conceptual walkthrough, not a step-by-step build. The goal is to help you understand the behaviors and tradeoffs so you can pick the right tool for the problem you’re solving.

Vibe Coding a Desktop Tool with AI

Video by: Reid Havens

This project was built almost entirely using Claude Code through pure vibe coding. No detailed specs.

No formal architecture. Just me giving the LLM ideas, screenshots, and plain-English requests until a real desktop tool existed. In this video, I walk through the Desktop Widget Wall I built and focus on the art of the possible, not the implementation details. This is a non-technical walkthrough meant to show how far you can go when you treat an LLM like a creative collaborator instead of a code generator.

You’ll see how:

• An idea turns into a working desktop tool

• Screenshots and rough concepts become real UI

• AI can iterate on structure, layout, and behavior - “Vibe coding” can replace traditional dev workflows for small tools

• You can prototype software without writing much code yourself This isn’t a tutorial and it’s not a “how to prompt” video.

It’s a real example of what happens when you lean into AI-assisted building and let the tool do the heavy lifting. If you’re curious about rapid prototyping, personal tooling, or what modern LLMs can actually build, this should give you plenty of ideas.

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Widget Wall Repo

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

Grow Your Skills & Visibility in Microsoft Fabric (with Shannon Lindsay)

LIVESTREAM DATE/TIME 📅

October 3rd 9:30 AM (PT)

DESCRIPTION 📄

Fabric Community Contests are a great way to get hands-on with Microsoft Fabric, grow your skills, and build visibility in the data community. In this livestream, we'll take a closer look into recent Fabric Community Contests - including Notebooks, Translytical Task Flows, and the Dataviz World Champs. We'll share how participants have gained confidence, recognition, and even new career opportunities.

We’ll also preview upcoming contests in the Fabric Skills Fest and share tips for building a portfolio that stands out. Whether you’re looking to practice your skills, share your work, or simply get inspired, this session will show you how contests can open doors.

GUEST BIO (Shannon Lindsay) 👤

Shannon’s background in global public health has shaped her commitment to community and accessibility, guiding her work leading Fabric Community Engagement at Microsoft. She loves helping people find their place in the data world—a journey that began when she first discovered the magic of Power Query, sparking a lasting enchantment with Microsoft BI tools. Now, whether she’s conjuring up data insights with the Workout Wednesday team, gathering with fellow data witches in user groups, or brewing up connections, Shannon’s focus is on making data feel less intimidating. She’s dedicated to building a welcoming community where data pros and newcomers alike can learn, grow, and connect—casting spells of empathy and connection to bring people together.