5 Reasons for Joining a Tableau User Group: Building Community, Skills, and Connections

Joining a Tableau User Group: A fun photo of Tableau #datarockstars
Joining a Tableau User Group: A fun photo of Tableau #datarockstars

Joining a Tableau User Group (TUG) is more than just participating in a community; it’s a pathway to personal and professional growth. In this post, we’ll explore the five compelling reasons for joining a Tableau User Group and how it can enhance your experience with Tableau. From the moment I started using Tableau at CERN (read about my Tableau experience at CERN here), I realized the importance of community in mastering this robust tool.

1. The Value of Joining a Tableau User Group: Community and Collaboration

The Tableau community is one of the biggest differentiators between Tableau and the rest of the market. It’s not just about technology; it’s about ensuring the larger community is successful with it. I was able to start using Tableau at CERN in just three days, thanks to this passionate community. With a simple Google search, you can get answers to your Tableau questions in seconds. This network of users is committed to helping each other succeed.

2. What Happens at a TUG? Learn, Share, and Network

TUGs offer a variety of activities, ranging from customer speakers demonstrating Tableau usage to hands-on training and competitions. You can learn new tips ’n‘ tricks, share your experiences, and network with other Tableau enthusiasts. Whether you’re facing daily Tableau struggles or looking for new insights, TUGs are welcoming platforms for collaboration and learning. Plus, there’s often pizza and beverages to enjoy!

3. Getting Involved: How to Connect with Your Local Tableau User Group

Getting involved in a TUG is easy. Follow @Tableau and @xlth on Twitter, keep an eye on relevant hashtags, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need guidance. You can also become a speaker, sharing your data journey or work experience. Check the Tableau events page or contact your Tableau account manager to find a TUG near you.

4. Bring a Friend and Build Connections

TUGs are not only professional gatherings; they’re social and networking events too. You can bring a friend for support or make new friends easily within the community. Engage in social projects, participate in hashtags like #MakeoverMonday, and discover more events like Data+Women or The Tableau Fringe Festival. The possibilities for connection and collaboration are endless.

5. Embrace the Community Spirit

Don’t hesitate to join the Tableau community. It’s a group of interesting, knowledgeable people all using the same tool and facing the same challenges. There’s much to learn and many people to meet. Join our Tableau User Groups and become a part of this thriving community.

Stay Connected: Follow Me for More Insights

The experiences we’ve shared in the Tableau community have shaped us, and I’m grateful for every connection and collaboration. If you’re interested in diving deeper into data visualization, don’t miss my book, Visual Analytics with Tableau. It’s designed to help you master the art of data visualization with Tableau, no matter your experience level. 📚 Explore „Visual Analytics with Tableau“ (Amazon) and let’s turn data into insights together!

I invite you to join our ongoing conversation about Tableau, data visualization, and more. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together.

#data19 Visual Diary: Tableau Conference Europe 2019 in Berlin

Let me share some of my favorite #data19 impressions from Tableau Conference Europe 2019 in Berlin with you (like I did for TC18 in NOLA last year)!

Sunday, 16 June

Arriving in Berlin

Monday, 17 June

Viz for Social Good

Makeover Monday

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, 18 June

Opening Keynote

Data Village | Diversity and Inclusion

Customer Session | Digital Journey of Deutsche Bahn

Data Night Out

Wednesday, 19 June

Tableau Public booth

Customer Session | Leveraging Social Media at Commerzbank

Data Village

Goodbye

What are your #data19 highlights?

Share your favorite moments in the blog post comments or reply to this tweet:

Visual Analytics with Tableau: Book is in Stock again

Visual Analytics with Tableau on Amazon screenshot
Visual Analytics with Tableau is on stock again: Screenshot shows availability on amazon.com

Did you get your Tableau Conference Europe 2019 ticket and now need something to read for the journey?

Then I have some good news: Right on time, just a few weeks before TCE19, my new book Visual Analytics with Tableau is in stock again:

As you know from my previous Tableau Conference sessions and blog posts (TC18, TC17, TC16), I love social media! So thank you for your likes, shares, retweets…

Instagram ❤️

Twitter ❤️

Facebook ❤️

LinkedIn ❤️

Visual Analytics with Tableau: Unleash Your Data’s Potential with the Tableau Book

Visual Analytics with Tableau book cover
Visual Analytics with Tableau book cover

Today marks a significant milestone in my journey with data visualization – the release of my comprehensive Tableau book, Visual Analytics with Tableau (Amazon). This book is more than just a guide; it’s a comprehensive resource for unlocking the power of visual analytics. Also, check out the Visual Analytics with Tableau companion website for further news.

From the Back Cover

A 4-COLOR JOURNEY THROUGH A COMPLETE TABLEAU VISUALIZATION FOR NON-TECHNICAL BUSINESS USERS

Tableau is a popular data visualization and analytics tool favored by financial analysts, marketers, statisticians, business and sales professionals, data scientists, developers, and many others who need to explore insights and present visual, easy-to-understand data. Visual Analytics with Tableau is an accessible, step-by-step introduction to the world of visual analytics. This up-to-date guide is ideal for both beginners and more experienced users seeking a practical introduction to the fields of data analysis and visualization. Through hands-on examples and exercises, readers learn how to analyze their own data and clearly communicate the results.

This guide covers everything you need to get started with Tableau, from the first steps of connecting to data, creating different types of charts, and adding calculation fields to more advanced features such as table calculations, forecasts, clusters, and R, Python, and MATLAB integration for sophisticated statistical modelling. User-friendly instructions for existing options within the Tableau ecosystem–Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep, Tableau Server, Tableau Online, and Tableau Public–enable you to integrate, clean, and prepare your data and share your work with others.

Why Choose Visual Analytics with Tableau?

  • Latest Versions Covered: Stay up-to-date with the newest features of Tableau, plus Tableau Prep, Tableau’s cutting-edge data integration application.
  • No Prior Experience Required: Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, this book caters to all. No background in mathematics or programming is needed.
  • Exploring Data Visually: This book Focuses on the visual analytics functionality of Tableau rather than complex statistical programming.
  • Expert Guidance: Gain insights from Alexander Loth, Tableau’s thought leader, and world-renowned visualization expert. Alexander’s hands-on approach ensures a smooth learning curve.
  • Advanced Functionality: Dive deep into advanced Tableau functionalities and explore various data structures to elevate your analytical capabilities.
  • Top-notch Presentation: This book provides easy-to-follow instructions, full-color illustrations, learning tools, online resources, and more.

Endorsements

If you’re getting started with visual analytics and Tableau, this book will teach you everything you need to know to build the foundations and understand how and why to explore your data visually. Alexander has created a fantastic resource that guides you step by step through the process of preparing your data, using Tableau Desktop to analyse it and finding insights.

Eva Murray, Head of BI and Tableau Zen Master at Exasol

If you’re keen to go from beginner to expert in Tableau, Alexander’s excellent book gives you everything you need to know. With a crisp and clear style, he talks the reader through all aspects of Tableau, from data cleaning through data analysis and into sharing insight with others.

Andy Cotgreave, Author of Big Book of Dashboards and Technical Evangelist at Tableau Software

Visual Analytics with Tableau – an easy to understand book by Alexander Loth, one of Tableau’s very first employees based in Germany, a recognized speaker on countless conferences, and a Tableau Jedi. It contains both the basics and advanced Tableau features. If you ask me: there is nothing more you need to get started with Tableau!

Klaus Schulte, Professor at Münster School of Business & 2019 Tableau Zen Master

Get Your Copy of Visual Analytics with Tableau and Stay Connected!

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of this book! Grab your copy of Visual Analytics with Tableau on Amazon and embark on an enlightening journey through visual analytics. If you’re new to Tableau, don’t miss my blog post on joining a Tableau User Group, where you can learn, connect, and grow your skills.

Stay in touch for more insights on data visualization, analytics, and digital transformation. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together:

How China is Winning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Deep Dive into Innovation, Culture, and Strategy

China AI: The impressive Alibaba Campus in Hangzhou, a hub of innovation and intrapreneurship.
China AI: The impressive Alibaba Campus in Hangzhou, a hub of innovation and intrapreneurship.

China’s AI revolution is taking the world by storm. In this journey across cities like Hangzhou, discover how China is leading the AI industry, inspiring innovation, and shaping the future.

Currently, I’m on a 4-week China trip, visiting many cities. In Hangzhou, I met CEIBS peers who work for Alibaba. While the Alibaba campus is quite impressive, I got even more impressed by Alibaba’s leadership culture, which is encouraging its employees to innovate as intrapreneurs.

Intrapreneurship at Alibaba: The China AI Model for Success

At the impressive Alibaba Campus in Hangzhou, I discovered the power of intrapreneurship. If you start your own project (a new mobile app, a patent, a scientific paper, etc.), you’re doing it at your own pace. Employees are encouraged to innovate at their own pace, without being micro-managed. Success is rewarded with bonuses. Truly, this is where we can learn from China in the „China AI“ landscape!

China’s AI Ambitions: Leading the New World Order

Yue and me, Hangzhou West Lake

While traveling in China I was reading AI Superpowers: China Silicon Valley, and the New World Order by Kai-Fu Lee, a book that is a must-read to get an idea of where China’s AI ambitions are heading to. What matters most for AI innovation these days, the author argues, is access to vast quantities of data—where China’s advantage is overwhelming.

A quite entertaining book focusing on the new mindset of China’s young generation is this one: Young China: How the Restless Generation Will Change Their Country and the World by Zak Dychtwald.

Visualizing the Journey: Exploring my Tableau Public Viz

Which other cities in China did I visit? Check out my Tableau Public viz:

A visualization of my 2019 China Visit, exploring the cities and experiences.
A visualization of my 2019 China Visit, exploring the cities and experiences.

Interested in Visual Analytics? Grab a copy of my latest book, Visual Analytics with Tableau (Amazon), for a comprehensive guide to mastering data visualization.

Stay Connected and Explore More on China AI

China’s AI is reshaping the global landscape. From Alibaba to the nation’s strategies, China AI inspires and challenges the world. It’s a blend of technology, culture, and energy driving China’s AI revolution.

The experiences and insights from this trip have been truly enlightening. I invite you to join me as I continue to explore the fascinating world of China AI, digital transformation, and visual analytics. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn, and let’s continue learning together.

Don’t miss my upcoming book, Decisively Digital: From Creating a Culture to Designing Strategy (Amazon) Dive deep into digital transformation and be part of the new era of innovation.