The purpose of this meet-up is to focus on developer productivity tools:  a place we can showcase and share ideas to make life easier for us developers...  although SQL / SQL Server is mentioned prominently, this is due to the focus on data, but building complete applications which are based on SQL are also fair game.  The mention of SQL-Hero is not because anyone needs to have a working knowledge of this product or that it will receive prominent focus, but because Joel will inevitably demonstrate it doing things today that do solve some common problems.  Do you have some favorite scripts?  Some favorite add-in?  Bring it out, let's make these sessions interactive and fun!

A secondary purpose of the group is to provide an avenue to offer more formalized training on SQL Server topics such as stress testing, SQL source control, unit testing, and more.  For example, see http://www.codexframework.com/training

Also thanks to our book sponsor, Accelebrate, we'll have prizes at some or all meet up events.  Accelebrate offers SQL Server training, SSIS training, SSAS training, and SSRS training.