SQL Server 2000 conferences

I would like to attend a conference/seminar/educational presentation on
SQL Server.  I don't know what types of qualifications to use in
evaluating these types of events, nor do I really even know how to
discover where they are held.  I'm not sure what my companies budget
is, but I am relatively sure that they won't be sending me far outside
of the Washington, DC area for the event.

Does anyone have any suggestions on locations in that area?  (for the
immediate and upcoming year).

Thanks!

Hi,
You can go to microsoft.com and search for "events". There you can
find out the list of seminars will be held and where.
Regarding qualifications, it depends what's your expectation. In
general, all core SQL Server seminars are technical and therefore you
must have understanding about database modelling, database
administration, data migration, OLAP design. Even if you have some
functional background that would help as well.
Microsoft also runs SQL Server seminars for decision makers, managers
and executives. This type of seminar will provide you an overview of
technology, market, and strategy. If you coming from this background
then I also suggest that you attend Oracle and IBM as well so that you
can come up with a potential strategy for your company when it comes to
purchase software. I have started my career as database developer and
now I am sort of anchored up myself and looking after several solutions
as far as business is concerned. So if it pays to buy IBM then I will
recommend IBM. But, I have invested significant amount of time in
several technology in past 8 years and frankly speaking Microsoft did
not have a serious solutions back in 1997. Now, Microsoft has invested
Billions into SQL Server technology and perfected Management Reporting,
Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence, Data Migration in a minimal
investment. The good thing is, it all comes in one box and you don't
need to go out and find third party tools. These days, a small Pizza
shops can afford to have SQL Server looking after their sales! The
other good reason is, implementation and support is lot more cheaper
than any other technology since skill is readily available.
I also strongly recommend that you login to www.technet.microsoft.com
this portal is purely for IT Professionals rather than developers and
programmers. Zillions of white papers, discussion, best practices are
readily available.
Hope this helps!
Cheers