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.