Grant Fritchey (1/22/2014)
Depending on your location, I'd suggest finding the nearest user group and the nearest SQL Saturday event. Those two places will enable you to begin to network with other locals. That will give you a couple of things. First, just expanding your network is it's own reward. Second, the locals will have a better understanding of training opportunities in the area, which are good, etc.
Thanks!
I joined Meetup.com and attended a DB meetup a few weeks ago. I'm trying to find more, but there is actually not that many in my area or they are hard to find. I'll keep looking!