Events

No Technical Background, No Problem: Snowflake Data Cloud Summit in the eyes of a Marketing Coordinator.

No Technical Background, No Problem: Snowflake Data Cloud Summit in the eyes of a Marketing Coordinator.

PUBLISHED ON

It can be very overwhelming to attend a four-day conference dedicated to new technology announcements, demos, and industry cloud sessions as someone who doesn’t have a technical background.

In the same way you would qualify an expert, here is a little bit about me to qualify my perspectives. My name is Ally Keuler and I’m Pandata Group’s Marketing Coordinator. I’m the one behind our LinkedIn posts, emails, website, events, and everything in between. Although what I produce relays technical solutions driven by the Snowflake Data Cloud, I rarely come up with these concepts on my own. I have an amazing team dedicated to deploying these solutions and they are the ones with the technical insight. So why did I attend Snowflake Data Cloud Summit? To learn of course.

I carefully curated an agenda of industry cloud breakout sessions, customer case studies, and conversations with Pandata Group’s technology partners. I’m going to dive into a few of my favorite sessions I attended, how I curated my agenda, and the other ways I found value throughout the week.

Sessions that Left an Impression

When I think back to the sessions that I attended, the ones that stick out all have three things in common. They included relevant panelists, discussed a pain point that had a solution, and provided a call to action that can be efficiently implemented.

The Public Sector Executive Panel on Cultivating Collaborative Partnerships for Data Driven Progress was incredibly insightful. The panelists included Chief Data Officers, a Chief Information Officer, and a Chief Technology Officer from multiple states and agencies with all varying levels of maturity in Snowflake. Each panelist provided a clear outline of where their data was or is and what it looks like now. Adam Carpenter, State of Montana CDO, shared that a big concern was how sensitive data would be governed. Yet with Snowflake sensitive data is held in trust and that each agency has control over its data. Centralization allows for data sharing to be executed seamlessly without all of the agreements and legality that was previously required to enable sharing between agencies.

Not every solution looks the same. Advancements in Snowflake Cortex, Streamlit, and OpenAI are going to play a role in solution building though. In Unleashing the Potential of Data and AI with the Snowflake AI Data Cloud for Manufacturing we were shown a quick demo that showcased the future of document AI. A hypothetical manual for a robot that operates on a shop floor was the subject. The document was uploaded and analyzed and then was able to be summarized and prompted for insights. Think about all of the time that was saved by prompting questions in __ and getting the answer within seconds instead of sifting through an index or glossary to find your solution might be in pages 40-57. This same use case can be applied through all verticals, and we can’t wait to see the business value be discovered.

You hear a lot of solutions and general applications to your industry, but what does it boil down to? How are you going to find the buy in to begin your data transformation journey? Nearly every session shared the same three steps:

1. Integrate your data into Snowflake

2. Collaborate with the Snowflake ecosystem

3. Deploy AI

We all know it’s never just that easy, but it could be. Find your catalyst within your organization and let the proof of concepts speak for themselves. Just get one decision maker really excited about the capabilities like data sharing, supply chain forecasting, risk management, or data traceability.

Agenda Building 101

It’s an overwhelming task to review all of the sessions that are available over the course of four days. It is an additional task to create an agenda that will not only add value but is also do-able. I felt I had cracked the code. I attended four breakout sessions from 11am-4pm. Three of the four sessions were 45 minutes while the fourth one was a 20-minute theater session. This provided me with enough time in the morning to attend the keynote, plenty of time to sit down for lunch, and leisure time to browse the expo hall.

Conference days are long and can be draining. It wasimportant to me that I didn’t pack my day with back-to-back commitments thatleft me with no time to myself or to take a break. Balance is truly everything.

Finding Value in the Blizzard

Now how do you find value in the chaos of announcements and new discoveries. As a Marketing Coordinator my job is to showcase the capabilities of Pandata Group and our partners.

I knew going into Data Cloud Summit that I had to filter out the technical sessions and focus on the story telling. This meant finding use cases that highlighted how organizations used collaboration, data sharing, AI/ML, and their data transformation journeys with Snowflake. I was able to observe and listen to how other organizations told their stories in hopes of curating our stories in a better light.

Industry Data Cloud sessions provided high level overviews of the solutions we aim to implement or further execute in various verticals. What are the pain points and how do we solve them? How do we showcase industry expertise? Who is our target audience? Is there a competitive advantage we haven’t utilized yet? There are so many layers that can be uncovered and reflected on depending on your perspective. During my conference experience I wore a Marketing hat. The value I found is different than those with a technical background, but it is value, nonetheless.

 

Snowflake Data Cloud Summit was filled with insightful sessions and unforgettable breakthroughs. I am so thankful to have been able to attend and expand my knowledge. My reflection is this – don’t sell yourself short in thinking a conference as large as this won’t add value to your role. It is the overflowing melting pot of personas, experience, and perspectives that make Snowflake Data Cloud Summit so impactful.

Latest

How to Start an Effective Data Governance Program

How to Start an Effective Data Governance Program

Data Governance is about decision-making. Who gets to make the decisions, how they are made, when they are made, etc. There may be several data management tasks or operations that then occur because of the decisions that were made by the data governance program. To have a successful governance program and a data management initiative, these two efforts must be in-sync with each other AND the scope of each should be known and understood. If we understand that data governance is about decision-making, then we can establish that the key to achieving acceptance from the organization for the program is to involve the right people from all parts of the organization in the right places within the program. People want to be heard and involved in decision making. It is also important to note – a data governance program is not a project that ends. It is an ongoing discipline that continues to improve and hopefully thrive over time. The focus of a data governance program could and should change throughout its lifetime as the opportunities around the use of data and information grow within your organization. With the context from above, here are 8 steps to take to implement an effective data governance program within your organization.

Read
Seeing is Believing: Transforming Complex Data into Actionable Insights

Discovery

Seeing is Believing: Transforming Complex Data into Actionable Insights

In today's data-driven world, the ability to extract meaningful insights from vast amounts of information is crucial for making informed decisions and driving business success. However, the sheer volume and complexity of data can often be overwhelming, leaving decision-makers struggling to identify relevant trends and patterns. This is where Pandata Group steps in, offering cutting-edge visualization tools that transform complex data into actionable insights, empowering organizations to navigate their data landscape with confidence.

Read
Simplifying Power BI Data Aggregation: A Comparative Overview

Best Practices

Simplifying Power BI Data Aggregation: A Comparative Overview

In the dynamic world of data science and analytics, professionals must choose the best method for managing and summarizing large datasets. Power BI offers several approaches to tackle this challenge - let's break down some of the techniques to help you understand which might be the best fit for your needs.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Read the six-part blog series in one place! Examine how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. Learn what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned.

Read
A Sustainable Future: Initiating Your ESG Journey with Data-Driven Solutions

Discovery

A Sustainable Future: Initiating Your ESG Journey with Data-Driven Solutions

In this week's Looking Forward highlight Guy Nelson explores the importance of embracing sustainability with data-driven initiatives. Assessing your starting point, building a roadmap, leveraging data, and unlocking new insights are just a few of the steps in a journey to sustainability and ESG excellence.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

This six part blog series examines how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. We'll showcase what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned. Join us each week as we uncover more to the story and move from statistics to insights.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Data Analytics

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

This six part blog series examines how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. We'll showcase what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned. Join us each week as we uncover more to the story and move from statistics to insights.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Data Analytics

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

This six part blog series examines how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. We'll showcase what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned. Join us each week as we uncover more to the story and move from statistics to insights.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Data Analytics

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

This six part blog series examines how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. We'll showcase what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned. Join us each week as we uncover more to the story and move from statistics to insights.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Data Analytics

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

This six part blog series examines how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. We'll showcase what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned. Join us each week as we uncover more to the story and move from statistics to insights.

Read
Why Differentiating Between Data Governance and Data Management Matters

Best Practices

Why Differentiating Between Data Governance and Data Management Matters

This week's Looking Forward blog highlights the importance of differentiating between data governance and data management. Jason Fishbain provides a great reminder of the differences between the two strategies and how each one impacts your organization.

Read
Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

Data Analytics

Police Data Analysis - Moving from Statistics to Insights

This six part blog series examines how one community dug deeper to analyze policing efforts when the statistics didn't add up. We'll showcase what steps needed to be taken to better understand the data that was presented. From understanding the data and building the data set to quality control and presentation of insight, and finally to the lessons learned. Join us each week as we uncover more to the story and move from statistics to insights.

Read
Unlocking New Possibilities for Business Leaders. Getting Started with Gen AI.

Discovery

Unlocking New Possibilities for Business Leaders. Getting Started with Gen AI.

In the second blog of our Looking Forward series, we explore the discovery category. Here Sumanth Donthula touches on what Generative AI is, how its leveraged, and how you can get started with Gen AI in your organization.

Read
Pandata Group Launches Bamboo SDC:  Rewire Your Sustainability Data Management

Annoucements

Pandata Group Launches Bamboo SDC: Rewire Your Sustainability Data Management

Pandata Group is proud to announce the launch of Bamboo Sustainability Data Cloud (SDC). This innovative platform streamlines the collection and management of Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data, helping organizations enhance efficiency and become more data-driven with accurate, well-modeled, and reliable data. Powered by the Snowflake AI Data Cloud, Bamboo SDC collects, structures, and processes data to develop AI-based insights and sustainability strategies.

Read
Snowflake: Evolving into an AI Powerhouse

Emerging Technologies

Snowflake: Evolving into an AI Powerhouse

What better way to kick off our new blog series, Looking Forward, than to dive into the conversation we're all having - AI. In this blog, Jefferson Duggan explores how Snowflake, a known data warehousing and cloud platform powerhouse, is pivoting to something bigger. He also discusses how emerging technologies such as Open AI are paving the way.

Read
Mastering the Data Cloud Summit: What to Pack

Events

Mastering the Data Cloud Summit: What to Pack

It's that time of the year again. Snowflake Data Cloud Summit is right around the corner and we're planning our trip to San Fransisco. Are you? Over the next few weeks, we'll highlight why you should attend, dos and donts of summit, what to pack, and everything in between to ensure you're prepared for the four-day conference. Explore why you should attend in part one here!

Read
Mastering the Data Cloud Summit: Must Do Activities During Your Visit

Events

Mastering the Data Cloud Summit: Must Do Activities During Your Visit

It's that time of the year again. Snowflake Data Cloud Summit is right around the corner and we're planning our trip to San Fransisco. Are you? Over the next few weeks, we'll highlight why you should attend, dos and donts of summit, what to pack, and everything in between to ensure you're prepared for the four-day conference. Explore why you should attend in part three here!

Read
Mastering the Data Cloud Summit 24: Dos and Donts

Events

Mastering the Data Cloud Summit 24: Dos and Donts

It's that time of the year again. Snowflake Data Cloud Summit is right around the corner and we're planning our trip to San Fransisco. Are you? Over the next few weeks, we'll highlight why you should attend, dos and donts of summit, what to pack, and everything in between to ensure you're prepared for the four-day conference. Explore why you should attend in part one here!

Read
Mastering the Data Cloud Summit 24: Why Attend?

Events

Mastering the Data Cloud Summit 24: Why Attend?

It's that time of the year again. Snowflake Data Cloud Summit is right around the corner and we're planning our trip to San Fransisco. Are you? Over the next few weeks, we'll highlight why you should attend, dos and donts of summit, what to pack, and everything in between to ensure you're prepared for the four-day conference. Explore why you should attend in part one here!

Read
The Secrets of AI Value Creation: Practical Guide to Business Value Creation with Artificial Intelligence from Strategy to Execution

Annoucements

The Secrets of AI Value Creation: Practical Guide to Business Value Creation with Artificial Intelligence from Strategy to Execution

This book presents a comprehensive framework that can be applied to your organization, exploring the value drivers and challenges you might face throughout your AI journey. You will uncover effective strategies and tactics utilized by successful artificial intelligence (AI) achievers to propel business growth.

Read
Using Snowflake Git + Kestra to Automate Pipelines

Best Practices

Using Snowflake Git + Kestra to Automate Pipelines

The power of using Kestra, an open-source declarative data orchestration tool.

Read
Transforming Data into Decisions: The Snowflake Revolution in AI/ML

Digital Transformation

Transforming Data into Decisions: The Snowflake Revolution in AI/ML

In the words of a widely acknowledged metaphor, 'Data is the oil of the 21st century, and AI/ML serves as the combustion engine, powering the machinery of tomorrow's innovations.' This analogy succinctly encapsulates the essence of our digital era, underscoring the indispensable roles that data and artificial intelligence/machine learning technologies play in powering the innovations that shape our future.

Read
Tis the Season of Gratitude: Simple Ways to Show Employees You Care Pt 2

Culture

Tis the Season of Gratitude: Simple Ways to Show Employees You Care Pt 2

Show your team how much you value them and there’s nothing they won’t strive to accomplish. We’ve got 4 great ways to show your employees your appreciation.

Read
Tis the season of gratitude: Simple Ways to Show Employees You Care Pt 1

Culture

Tis the season of gratitude: Simple Ways to Show Employees You Care Pt 1

Employees who feel valued and appreciated by their leaders are far more likely to go above and beyond in their work. Here are 5 simple ways to show gratitude to your team.

Read
Hey, you! Get on to my Cloud!

Industry Clouds

Hey, you! Get on to my Cloud!

The emergence of industry data clouds is to help accelerate the development and adoption of digital solutions such as data, apps, and AI. So, what is a data cloud and how do respective industry’s adopt it? In this series we’ll highlight how a data cloud works, the core benefits, industry use case examples, and potential obstacles to consider when implementing it.

Read
4 Reasons to Work with a Snowflake partner for Data, Analytics, and Machine Learning

Digital Transformation

4 Reasons to Work with a Snowflake partner for Data, Analytics, and Machine Learning

It requires the right technical skillset to realize your data’s full potential and see the benefits of a modern data stack built in the Snowflake Data Cloud.

Read
Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Embrace the Cloud in 2023

Digital Transformation

Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Embrace the Cloud in 2023

Now more than ever, CIOs and Leadership need to collaborate and look to the unique advantages of cloud, data, and analytics

Read
The Whats, Whys, and Hows of an Analytical Community of Excellence

Data Analytics

The Whats, Whys, and Hows of an Analytical Community of Excellence

Communities of Excellence can create operational efficiencies, drive higher ROIs on data related projects, and create trust in the organization’s information.

Read
Snowflake Summit 2023: Three Days In The Desert With Plenty Of Snow

Snowflake Summit 2023: Three Days In The Desert With Plenty Of Snow

From inspiring keynote speeches to hands-on workshops, the Snowflake Summit 2023 provided attendees with invaluable insights and practical knowledge.

Read
Data Modeling In The Cloud Era

Data Modeling In The Cloud Era

Here is why data modeling is a vital part of enterprise data management.

Read
The Time is Now for Manufacturing to Adopt Cloud Analytics

Data Analytics

The Time is Now for Manufacturing to Adopt Cloud Analytics

The manufacturing industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and one of the key technologies driving this transformation is cloud analytics.

Read