How do I find a local SQL Server user group?

By: Jeremy Kadlec | Read Comments (12) | Print Jeremy is the CTO @ Edgewood Solutions, co-founder of MSSQLTips.com and SQL Server MVP since 2009. Related Tips: More

Problem

Researching SQL Server information on the internet and in books is very valuable and certainly good means to learn.  But learning from other people in the same boat is extremely valuable.  Most times the same issues have been encountered and you can cut to the chase and point to the issue on your screen.  One means to learn about SQL Server in your community is via a user group.  Unfortunately, many DBAs and Developers are not aware of the local user groups that are right around the corner.

Solution

To find a user group near you, check out our online listing of SQL Server User Groups.  This is a pretty exentisve list of user groups.

Below are some other places to find a local user group:  

Culminis	Culminis is an international not-for-profit organization devoted to the development and growth of the IT community.
INETA	International .NET Association.
SQL PASS	The definitive Global Community for SQL Server Professionals.
MSSQLTips	Refer to our user group listing page

   

Web Searching

If all else fails, visit your favorite search engine such as Google to search for a local user group.  

Next Steps

• Once you find a local group, be sure to let your peers know and spread the word.
• Find out if you need to register for the meetings, so send an email to the group leader.
• Check out the meeting schedule and work some meetings into your schedule.
• Attend a few meetings and get to know some of the other people who attend, you might be surprised to hear many of the same questions you have from other attendees.
• Check out some of the other group's web site to see if you can download presentations or gather valuable URL's that you can use to meet your SQL Server needs.
• If you find out that a SQL Server user group is not in your area, get a few friends together and start your own.  The benefits to you and the community are invaluable.
• If we don't have your user group listed on this page SQL Server User Groups, send us some feedback to let us know and we will add it.

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Last Update: 7/11/2006

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Comments and Feedback:

Wednesday, December 31, 2008 - 11:42:40 AM - Sasipos	Read The Tip
You have Philadelphia wrong - it is http://www.pssug.org Thanks, Doug

Friday, January 02, 2009 - 6:46:58 AM - grobido	Read The Tip
Thanks this has been updated.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010 - 12:26:55 PM - Ayyappan	Read The Tip
wonderful information, keep updating.  In mumbai we have http://mumbaiitpro.org .......... you can include this in your list if it suits :)

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - 8:58:54 PM - admin	Read The Tip
Ayyappan, Thank you for letting us know about the group.  We have updated the list. Thank you, The MSSQLTips Team

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 8:58:35 AM - Vera Van Boxel	Read The Tip
The link to SQL Pass isn't valid.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 9:15:49 AM - admin	Read The Tip
The SQL PASS URL has been updated.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - 2:08:54 AM - Jody	Read The Tip
Hi Jeremy ,   There are 2 SQL user groups in South Africa , the one you haev listed and SQLCape  based in Cape Town ,South Africa , www.SQLCape.org.za   Thanks Jody

Monday, November 29, 2010 - 10:59:08 AM - Jeremy Kadlec	Read The Tip
Jody, Thank you for letting us know. Your group has been added to the list. Thank you, Jeremy Kadlec

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - 10:11:37 AM - Rob Sullivan	Read The Tip
Oklahoma City, USA  has a user group as well now.  Http://okcsql.org

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - 11:08:53 AM - admin	Read The Tip
This has been added to the master list on this page: http://www.mssqltips.com/usergroups.asp

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 4:26:17 AM - Arnie Rowland	Read The Tip
Please add: Oregon SQL -Developers User Group  USA   http://osql-d.org To this page: http://www.mssqltips.com/tip.asp?tip=949

Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 10:06:15 AM - Ayyappan	Read The Tip
Please update the Houston user group.  http://houston.sqlpass.org/

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