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RE: Learn A Bit More

rustroot1 — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 18:22:50 GMT

Thanks Jack and Adam! I'll keep my eyes opened for the next event, and if all is well at the office, I'll be sure to make it.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:49:57 GMT

There is a NYC group run by Joe Lax. [url]http://nycsqlusergroup.com/default.aspx[/url]Philly and New Jersey (http://njsql.org/Default.aspx) have groups as well.

RE: Learn A Bit More

jay-h — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:06:39 GMT

Gee none near the NY/NJ/PA metro area???This could be nice, I'd make the weekend trip as a mini-vac if the distance wasn't that far and the site was in a nice area. My wife could play tourist during the conference (I got to do that on Cape Cod when she took in Photoshop World).

RE: Learn A Bit More

Adam Machanic — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:15:20 GMT

[quote][b]Jack Corbett (8/3/2009)[/b][hr]rustroot1,Don't know where you are in the Northeast, but Adam Machanic and his user group put on a PASS Community Connections event in the Boston area last January. It was similar to SQLSaturday.[/quote]And, for those reading, stay tuned for the next one ... I've just about forgotten how painful/stressful it was to put everything together and am thinking about when to do it again :-D

RE: Learn A Bit More

Andy Warren — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:48:32 GMT

Dan, starting a group takes some work, but lots of fun too. Worth doing and doing a SQLSat is a great membership drive too.As far as sponsors at user group meetings, just a matter of negotiating something that works for both sides. Some sponsors want to do an hour infomercial which doesn't work for me, but nothing wrong with it you know and your attendees know what to expect. For any non local speaker to come in ranges from $200 to $700 depending on airfare, hotel, rental car. Realistically to drop $500 you want 5-10 minutes to talk about what pays the bills and a chance to network before or afterward.I've visited a few groups over the past couple years, and some try really hard to help me be successful without overdoing it, others seem oblivious and seem to expect that they just get a free speaker. All I can say is think about running a business and wanting to spend some marketing dollars, and then how much return you'd want. Just negotiate something that works on both sides.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Jack Corbett — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:04:10 GMT

rustroot1,Don't know where you are in the Northeast, but Adam Machanic and his user group put on a PASS Community Connections event in the Boston area last January. It was similar to SQLSaturday.

RE: Learn A Bit More

rustroot1 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:23:13 GMT

For the last two years I was fortunate enough to attend TechEd, but I think these types of events / trips are going to be few and far between for me over the next few years. So, in anticipation of this, I'm definitely interested in the SQLSaturday programs. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like an event has been in the Northeastern part of the US as of yet - maybe that will change sometime in the future ;-)

RE: Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:58:59 GMT

you'll have to ask Red Gate, but Eugene isn't too far away. Might be a nice trip. Spent some time there in 98 and enjoyed it.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Dan Guzman - Not the MVP — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 10:55:31 GMT

I loved the SQL Saturday I attended in Portland OR this year. So much so, I'm considering starting my own user group in my city (Eugene), about 2 hours away, just so we can have our own SQL Saturday next year.I hope you'll be able to come, Steve.

RE: Learn A Bit More

dma-669038 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:24:09 GMT

I've had my user group lunches and an upcoming saturday sponsored by a vendor. They have done the user group lunches for nearly two years now, never asked for any 'marketing' time except some giveaways which we are glad to do for them. One other vendor wanted time but understood it might not be a productive use of people's time when they are here, so he agreed to a mailing and giveaways. We can work with them, they do understand nowadays the difference between a learning and a marketing session.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:19:33 GMT

Jeff, there are a few MI people that do SQL. you ought to get the user group to run a SQL Saturday. The event in Baton Rouge ran smoothly, minimal vendor impact, but they see value, as do the attendees.[url]http://www.sqlservercentral.com/blogs/steve_jones/archive/2009/08/03/looking-back-at-sqlsaturday-17-baton-rouge.aspx[/url]

RE: Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:14:12 GMT

[quote][b]Sarah B (7/31/2009)[/b][hr]I am from central Wisconsin, and the closest SQL Saturday event is in Iowa City. They will not pay for the travel, but I am considering paying for it myself. [/quote]Get in touch with user groups that are closer and ask the leaders to organize one. There is a lot of support nationally from speakers and sponsors, so it's not a huge effort for them to organize one.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:12:20 GMT

[quote][b]jpowers (7/31/2009)[/b][hr]The main reason I don't go is that many are not local. If it is within a 60 mile radius of my home, then I can go. I don't have the time or money to fly to free events.[/quote]If you have a user group nearby, tell them you want a SQLSaturday. We'll try to help you get one close.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 08:10:57 GMT

[quote][b]Terri (7/31/2009)[/b][hr]I will be driving from New Orleans to Baton Rouge tomorrow morning (1.5 hour drive) to attend SQL Server Saturday. I'm happy to have the opportunity for the free training. Microsoft has not been here to offer us free training for several years. I attend local user group meetings here or in Baton Rouge occasionally when there is a topic I am interested in. My employer rarely will pay for training and it would be impossible right now, in the current economic climate, to ask them to pay for training.[/quote]I hope you enjoyed it. Patrick put on a fantastic event and I enjoyed it.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Terri-92562 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:10:47 GMT

I attended SQLSaturday in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Aug 1 and it was definitely worth the drive from New Orleans and my time. It was 6 hours of Sql and .Net net developement. I did not get to Steve's session. I figure if I keep training current I won't need to get out my resume.:-) Yes, I have a family and things I'd like to do on a Saturday. But I feel I need to take advantage of opportunities to learn and be a more productive developer.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Jeff Moden — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:55:10 GMT

Heh... I live in Michigan, an Oracle/DB2 state where the weak are killed and eaten. :-P Most free events are product propaganda here. Even the better ones suck because people just don't know how to present or teach. That's part of the reason I started some "Developer to Developer" mini-courses in T-SQL for my local PASS group. I've only taught twice because most folks expect free soda and pop to the tune of about 300 bucks for a 2 hour night... that means we need sponsors and they usually only agree if they can push product for 1 or 2 hours. Sometimes that's a good thing and sometimes it's not.I'm like many of the others. I can neither afford the time nor the money to fly to a "free" event no matter how good it may be. Shoot... I have a hard time getting time off even for things like PASS or a good long nap for that matter.

RE: Learn A Bit More

dma-669038 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:27:13 GMT

I believe that is a truly legitimate reason..distance factors and time and cost involved in getting there. There are lot of 'not so legitimate' ones that I know of - my boss says very often if you want a 9 to 5 job with no extra time for learning or updating your skills then technology is a very wrong choice. I understand truly that people's choices may be complex than that - but as Andy said to stay 'employable' and competitive one has to make some sacrifies, time is one of them especially in this field.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Sarah S — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:22:10 GMT

My company is usually very good about paying for travel and conferences, but it is not in the budget to travel this year. They will pay for webinars and online training and allow us to do it during work time. I am new to SQL server, so I have not been to any conferences yet.I am from central Wisconsin, and the closest SQL Saturday event is in Iowa City. They will not pay for the travel, but I am considering paying for it myself. For those of you from Wisconsin and Illinois, we might be able to get an event closer, if there is enough interest. To request a SQL Saturday, go to: http://www.sqlsaturday.com/interested.aspxThanks,Sarah :-)

RE: Learn A Bit More

notquitexena — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:00:30 GMT

[quote][b]Grant Fritchey (7/31/2009)[/b][hr]I guess my question is, why would you NOT go to one of these events? Fear that maybe the people presenting don't know what they're talking about? So leave the session. It only costs some time, which, while important, is something that you should be spending to increase your knowledge and employability.[/quote]The main reason I don't go is that many are not local. If it is within a 60 mile radius of my home, then I can go. I don't have the time or money to fly to free events.

RE: Learn A Bit More

GilaMonster — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:15:26 GMT

The only free training events down where I live are usergroup meetings and Microsoft's DevDays and TechDays (which happen once a year). I make a point of going to those as well as usergroup meetings if the topic is relevant.

RE: Learn A Bit More

mazzz — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:15:19 GMT

[quote][b]ST_John (7/31/2009)[/b][hr]I've been going to SQL Bits since number 3, they are fantastic. I actually enjoy them more and feel I learn mor from them that the paid for conferences. At the paid for ones it feels like there is a lot of pressure to deliver enough content to make the deligates (and the people who paid for them) feel that they had got their moneys worth. The free ones are a lot mere relaxed and somehow seem to deliver more out of it (at least SQL Bits do)I'll definatly be going to the next one, and also doing my best to talk all my friends and collegues into going to (OK. Just the ones that are into SQL Server!) :-DMaybe see some of you peeps there too?John[/quote]I was at the last one (I volunteered to help out, so you may have spotted me when registering behind the desk - I may even have handed you your lanyard + badge!)I will be going to the next one, despite the fact that I'll have to catch a 6am train from Leeds to Newport on the SaturdayI can't travel down the night before as I have tickets to Motorhead in Leeds - what a rock'n'roll weekend that will be :-D

RE: Learn A Bit More

Terri-92562 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:14:59 GMT

I will be driving from New Orleans to Baton Rouge tomorrow morning (1.5 hour drive) to attend SQL Server Saturday. I'm happy to have the opportunity for the free training. Microsoft has not been here to offer us free training for several years. I attend local user group meetings here or in Baton Rouge occasionally when there is a topic I am interested in. My employer rarely will pay for training and it would be impossible right now, in the current economic climate, to ask them to pay for training.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Andy Warren — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:40:12 GMT

One of the reasons we've focused on Saturday events is to be able to get a good group of speakers. Many speakers have trouble taking off from work to participate, putting it on a Saturday makes it possible. Same for attendees, not all employers good about letting employees go - often a perception that free = not much value. If someone wants to do an event on Friday we'll do what we can to help, after all, the logistics are the same.And as far as giving up a Saturday to learn, that's an individual choice. I think trading a Sat or two a year for knowledge that keeps me employable is a good deal and I'd like to think that anyone who has attended would agree. I evangelize it, but everyone gets to make the value calculation based on their own circumstances!

RE: Learn A Bit More

sthomma1 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:29:10 GMT

I would love to attend one for free and during weekends....:-)

RE: Learn A Bit More

dma-669038 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:27:41 GMT

Really don't mean to debate on this...but I've got family commitments too..so do several speakers and people who volunteer their time for all the events we do on weekends, saturdays. As an organiser i even do not get time to learn from the talks like others do, just on my feet all the time dealing with logistics. All I expect is some understanding from the user community - when you get things for free there are some tradeoffs, doing it off hours is one of them. Please do respect the fact that the rest of us do have families and do put in time/commitment to do it.

RE: Learn A Bit More

P Jones — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:14:28 GMT

There's no money for conferences in this job and I don't do Saturdays - I've got a life and personal commitments :-)If it's weekday and free or cheap I would be able to go. And we do get some training courses.I used to go to BUG (Borland User Group) when I was a Delphi developer for a previous employer and that was really good for expanding knowledge. But weekends are for family and I'm certainly not "in it for the glamour" - my ambition is to retire!.

RE: Learn A Bit More

dma-669038 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 08:08:32 GMT

I think we need more people like Steve talking about and promoting user group events and SQL Saturdays. I run a user group and have a SQL Saturday coming up. The folks where I live do like to attend all this and benefit but they dont think it is a feather on their cap like attending conferences or even formal training. A conference is a very glamor thing, for lots of people - especially the big ones like Tech Ed. I got comments from people to do SQL Saturday on a working day so that they get time off from work to come..i don't change my schedule for them..if you want to learn, you come. And there are people who do. Just far fewer than the ones who are in it for the glamor.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Andy Warren — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:52:58 GMT

There's definitely a different value proposition for user group meetings vs an all day event. User groups typically only have a single presenter and if turns out not be what you expected, the only other value is the networking. I've grown to have an appreciation of the networking so it's never a total loss for me. Equally, many only go to a user group if they are interested in the topic. I can understand that, though I think they still miss out on value.By comparision, an all day event (assuming 2 tracks as a minimum) is almost a guaranteed win. If a session isn't what you expected, pick up and go to another one. There are definitely more newbie speakers at free events (by design) but I've rarely been disappointed with the content. If they have the knowledge and passion, I can live through any blips in their presentation skills.I agree with Trish that PASS (or other paid events) have value too. If budget allows I definitely recommend attending.But to answer the question, I attend any free training that I can find - it has and continues to pay dividends for me.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Grant Fritchey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:32:46 GMT

I guess my question is, why would you NOT go to one of these events? Fear that maybe the people presenting don't know what they're talking about? So leave the session. It only costs some time, which, while important, is something that you should be spending to increase your knowledge and employability.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Shawn Melton — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:29:18 GMT

I have traveled 2 hours to the SQL Saturday Event in Birmingham, AL. Then I have gone 3 hours up to Huntsville to some other user group meetings. I try to go to free events as often as I can if I have the money to travel and work lets me off.

RE: Learn A Bit More

lewandot — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:27:29 GMT

I have been to several SQL Saturdays and .Net Code Camps and I went to SQL PASS 2008. I think the free events are great and I have learned a lot and made a lot of friends (especially if you volunteer), however, as you advance in your knowledge level, attending PASS is something you want to consider. The speakers there were all tops in the industry, very knowledgeable, seasoned speakers and very open to answering questions and just chatting. The vendors at PASS were helpful as well, especially Microsoft and Redgate. I have also been to a couple of MSDN events and, although they were interesting, most of the topics were about new software or features that it will probably be a year before my office even considers getting.

RE: Learn A Bit More

Jack Corbett — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 07:14:35 GMT

I used to live in Northern New Hampshire where I was at least 2 hours from the nearest events, usually more like 3 or 4 (Boston), including user groups. When I moved to the Orlando area a couple of years ago one of the benefits was a local SQL Server user group within 30 minutes and all kinds of other events. In my first 6 months here I had gone to a Day with Joe Celko for $99, the first SQLSaturday, a day of Silverlight, and the Orlando PASS. Since then I have spoken at 2 user groups, 2 SQLSaturday's and my level of knowledge about SQL Server has increased greatly. As far as professional development goes, I couldn't imagine going back to where I was and I don't understand why anyone would NOT want to attend a free training event and/or user group.

RE: Learn A Bit More

chrisn-585491 — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 06:54:36 GMT

Outside of the local SQL Server user group and a rare local free Microsoft event, there's no money in the budget for conferences or formal training. So I take an occasional evening or weekend and hit the books. You would think I live in the third world, not one of the wealthiest counties in the US. :-P

RE: Learn A Bit More

Grant Fritchey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:40:45 GMT

There's only been one large free SQL specific event locally. I presented at it, and helped put it on (although Adam Machanic did most of the work), which technically means I attended. But yeah, I'd go to the free one's as well. Why not? It's usually many of the same people presenting, so you'll get high quality stuff. Plus, you get different perspectives from the people that aren't as well known, but are absolutely equally capable.

RE: Learn A Bit More

ST_John — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:16:47 GMT

I've been going to SQL Bits since number 3, they are fantastic. I actually enjoy them more and feel I learn mor from them that the paid for conferences. At the paid for ones it feels like there is a lot of pressure to deliver enough content to make the deligates (and the people who paid for them) feel that they had got their moneys worth. The free ones are a lot mere relaxed and somehow seem to deliver more out of it (at least SQL Bits do)I'll definatly be going to the next one, and also doing my best to talk all my friends and collegues into going to (OK. Just the ones that are into SQL Server!) :-DMaybe see some of you peeps there too?John

Learn A Bit More

Steve Jones - SSC Editor — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:10:29 GMT

Comments posted to this topic are about the item [B]Learn A Bit More[/B]