This is a tough call, because it depends on what you do for a living. The three best *paid* events I went to last year were:

- New Communications Forum
- Gnomedex
- BlogHer

I make the distinction of paid events since there is a bit more of an investment in going to a paid event rather than a local un-conference-type event.

For the past few months I have told anybody I work with in PR that they need to go to New Communications Forum this year. The event is being held March 7-9 in Las Vegas at the Venetian.

All the sessions are great and feature some of the most well-known folks in the PR/social media movement (including some guy named Josh). Like any conference though, the best interaction is during the breaks and dinners...with such a great line-up of folks on hand it's hard not to get something out of it.

The only downside? Deciding between some really great sessions that end up being scheduled opposite of each other.