Forum Discussion
2020 Conferences
I recognize that this post is quite old but I didn't see an answer to the original question and if nothing else this may be useful to other searchers.
Your top choices for SQL Server content at conferences are the https://www.pass.org/AttendanEvent/Conferences/PASSSummit.aspx and/or https://www.sqlintersection.com/#!/?track=sql The PASS Summit is in the fall and Intersections is twice a year, one in the spring and one in the fall. I have spoken at both events multiple times and have been attending the PASS conference since 2002.
In terms of the difference, if you're looking for a lot of breadth and big sessions, PASS is the better of the two. The advantage of Intersections is that because it is smaller, there is more time for 1:1 time with speakers and other attendees, etc. It is also co-located with several other conferences so if you think you might be interested in content outside of the SQL Server realm that is a benefit too.
Lastly, http://sqlpass.org also has many smaller events both online and in person. https://sqlsaturday.com's are free training events held on Saturday's all over the world. I and/or other members of my team speak at them often.