Mini updates from our team
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January 13: Configuring PostgreSQL for Logging & Query Optimization
Speaker: Ryan Booz Solutions Engineer pganalyze Abstract: This session explores practical techniques for identifying and optimizing slow PostgreSQL queries using tools like pg_stat_statements, auto_explain, and query logging. It also highlights common query patterns that benefit from rewrites, with hands-on strategies to improve performance. Slides: Slides-And-Query-Examples-Here
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Configuring PostgreSQL for Logging & Query Optimization – January 13 Meetup
On January 13, the Illinois Prairie PostgreSQL User Group kicks off 2026 with our first PostgreSQL meetup of the year, featuring Ryan Booze, Solutions Engineer at pganalyze and an expert in PostgreSQL performance monitoring. This session focuses on PostgreSQL logging, query optimization, and database performance tuning using powerful built-in tools such as pg_stat_statements and auto_explain. Attendees will learn how to configure effective logging, analyze Postgres query execution plans, and identify performance bottlenecks that impact real-world applications. Designed for Postgres developers, database engineers, and DBAs, this Chicago PostgreSQL meetup offers practical, actionable insights to help teams build more reliable, scalable, and…
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November 18: I’m Afraid of the Database
Speaker: Jay Miller Staff Product Advocate @ Aiven Abstract: An app developer’s journey from avoiding the data layer to confidently working with PostgreSQL, using a “vibe-coded” application as a practical learning path. This talk explores how to make Postgres more approachable and less intimidating in the age of AI-driven development. Slides: I’m-Afraid-of-the-Database-Slides.pdf
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Final Meetup of 2025-November 18th
On November 18, the Illinois Prairie PostgreSQL User Group will host its final meetup of the year featuring Jay Miller, Staff Developer Advocate at Aiven and founder of Black Python Devs. Jay will discuss why many application developers hesitate to work with databases and how embracing PostgreSQL can improve AI-driven features, reliability, and developer confidence. Drawing from his work building a vibe-coded application, he will share practical insights to help “application-first” developers feel empowered not intimidated by the database layer. This session is an excellent opportunity for developers of all backgrounds to learn how PostgreSQL can enhance modern software development.…
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Gaining Confidence in PostgreSQL as an App Developer – November 18 Meetup
On November 18, the Illinois Prairie PostgreSQL User Group will host our final meetup of 2025 featuring Jay Miller, Staff Developer Advocate at Aiven and a prominent voice in developer education and community engagement. This talk brings a fresh perspective to a challenge many application developers face but rarely admit—fear of the database layer. In this presentation Jay explores the emotional and technical barriers that keep developers at arm’s length from PostgreSQL. As more applications integrate AI and data-driven features, developers can no longer treat the database as a mysterious black box. Through his experience building a vibe-coded application, Jay…
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October 15: Long Queries and the Art of Full Scan
Speaker: Hettie Dombrovskaya Database Architect at DRWHoldings Abstract: Even long-running analytical queries can and should be optimized—ignoring them early leads to severe performance degradation as data scales. This session focuses on building efficient reports proactively to prevent future bottlenecks and ensure consistent performance. Slides: Long-Queries-and-the-Art-of-Full-Scan.pptx
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Long Queries and the Art of Full Scan on October 15
On October 15, the Illinois Prairie PostgreSQL User Group will host a special meetup with Henrietta “Hettie” Dombrovskaya, Database Architect at DRW and longtime PostgreSQL community leader. This session is a sneak preview of her new talk that she will present later this month at PG Conf EU in Riga. Hettie’s presentation, “Long Queries and the Art of Full Scan,” explores a common but often overlooked challenge: analytical queries that grow slower as data volumes increase. While it’s tempting to dismiss infrequently run reports as unimportant, ignoring performance can turn a query that once took minutes into one that drags…
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