The teacher is a long-time SQL Server guru, MVP, and author, so the class should be well taught. It's a private class and someone sent out an email blast about the class and got in a little bit of trouble, so I'm a little gun-shy to go into more detail since I'm not sure what line was crossed and don't want to cross it myself. I'll say this though - I knew the name without having to look it up.

I more interested in the learning/education benefit, but that might be because I don't understand the value of networking. Jack, when you mention the networking at PASS Summit, are you talking about the type you leverage to get help with SQL Server issues you have later, or the type that helps you get speaking engagements, positions at large companies and progress toward MVP? I don't have a lot of desire toward the latter and feel like I get sufficient help on SQL Server issues here at SSC.

Is my concern about classes I want to attend being taught at the same time valid? I went to a medical conference a number of years ago and had that problem - one hour I had three classes I wanted to attend, another hour I sat in on a class just 'cause I had nowhere else to go. On the PASS site, they have the tracks and classes listed, but not the time/location, so it is tough to know what I would be able to take away from the conference.

If I do go to the Summit I'll be sure to attend the SSC party - I don't gamble though, so I'd likely just wander around and look for people I recognize from the forums - that would be cool enough.