We had a fantastic initial PHP UG meeting last night. Darren Cooper had acquired the use of a computer lab at FH (University of Applied Sciences) and nine people showed up. After a bit of chit-chat, getting to know each other and looking through the books that different people had brought with them, we had 2 presentations.

[...] This meeting re-enforced the fact in my mind, that you don't need to go to exotic conferences to hear about how PHP coders are using cutting edge technology in their everyday work. More than likely there is someone doing something cool right where you are, if not, then they probably think what you are doing is cool. Either way, find where they are, put together a couple presentations (as opposed to just chatting and drinking beer), and have fun.

I have to agree with him on the importance of the PHP user groups. I've been to a few around here and heard some really good presentations so far. The group, unfortunately, has somewhat of a turnover from meeting to meeting, but it still provides a good way to get involved with your local PHP community...