Edmonton Data Society - Building Your Own AI-Powered Data Assistant with Databricks
Welcome back, Edmonton Data Science Community!
We've got an exciting hands-on session that's perfect whether you're new to Databricks or looking to level up your data and AI skills. Microsoft MVP and Databricks Champion Wilson Mok is providing a hands-on dive into Databricks, a critical tool in any data practitioner's toolbox — and there are Databricks hoodies on the line (more on that below)!
📅 Date & Time Thursday, February 26th, 2026
📍 Location Singhmar Centre for Learning (SCFL) 10215 108 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 1L6
Please note: The event is in Room 3-071. Follow signage from the main entrance.
🗓 Schedule
5:30 PM – Doors Open
6:00 – 6:05 PM – Organizer's Welcome
6:05 – 6:45 PM – Main Presentation
6:45 – 8:00 PM – Networking
🎤 Presentation: From First Free Workspace to Trusted Data Assistant: Building Your Own Trusted Data Assistant
Databricks Free Edition gives anyone access to the full Databricks platform to learn and experiment with Data and AI. In this session, we'll take you from signing up for a free workspace and creating your Delta tables to building your first Genie — a conversational Data Assistant. We then go beyond and focus on improving accuracy, context, and governance so your assistant delivers reliable, trustworthy answers.
By the end of this session, you'll be able to:
Sign up for the Databricks Free Edition workspace
Create Delta tables and organize them using Unity Catalog
Build a basic Genie that queries data conversationally
Configure trusted assets and custom instructions to improve Genie accuracy
Understand how Unity Catalog governs Genie behavior
Evaluate and refine Genie performance using feedback and benchmarking
🎙 About the Speaker: Wilson Mok
Wilson Mok is an independent Senior Data Architect, Microsoft MVP, and Databricks Champion. He advises organizations on digital transformation, helping them turn data into a sustainable competitive advantage. He currently serves as a Data Architect at SMS Equipment, where he leads business application modernization initiatives and drives the development of a data-driven culture across the organization. Alongside his advisory work, Wilson delivers Databricks training as a Certified Databricks Trainer, enabling teams with practical skills required to design, build, and operationalize modern data and AI solutions.
🎁 Special Note – Hoodie Giveaway!
Wilson is generously bringing 2 Databricks hoodies to give away at the event! Entries are earned by submitting feedback after the event — so show up, learn something great, and share your thoughts for a chance to win!
🏢 Sponsors
We'd like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support:
KPMG
NorQuest College
We can't wait to see you there. Whether you're a seasoned data engineer or just Databricks-curious, this session has something for you. Register now and bring a friend — this one's going to be a great evening of learning and networking!
📍 Room Reminder: The event is held in Room 3-071 within the Singhmar Centre for Learning. Look for Room 3-071 on the third floor.