The PASS Summit is the premier SQL Server conference every year, with 3 days dedicated to only SQL Server information. If your primary focus is on SQL Server, this is the best place for you to learn, network, and get access to the actual Microsoft developers that build the product.
This year's event is in Seattle on Nov. 18-21, 2008 and will be heavily attended by SQL Server developers from nearby Redmond. The last time the event was in Seattle, literally hundreds of people from the Microsoft SQL Server team were available to answer your questions or just chat about the product.
Each year SQLServerCentral.com holds an opening night party for our members that register with the SSC6 discount code. We get a referral fee for each person using this code and spend it all on a fun night of adult gaming and lots of prizes. I have a great time spending the referral fee on literally dozens of prizes, most of which are won just for sitting at a table and placing a bet or two.
SSC6
You have to use that code on your registration form. Write it in the top, or send an email to PASS immedately after you register to let them know you were referred by SQLServerCentral.com. If you register on the web, use this as the discount code and save $100!