I've hit the circuit hard this year, and I think I can differentiate SMX and SES.

No doubt, folks will get all up in arms that I'm short-changing one event or another. But, from my perspective, both events have compelling reasons to visit:

SES NY

1. Is a huge corporate-style trade show
2. Has a lot of folks trying hard to sell to each other
3. Gives you a great view of the competition
4. And may get you access to potential clients

SMX West 

1. Is the best search marketing community event I've ever attended
2. Lets you rub elbows with lots of search luminaries
3. Was tons of fun

Or, as I Tweeted earlier today, SMX West has backpacks, SES NY has shoulder bags.

Personally, I'd go to both if you can afford it. If you can't, then I suggest you attend SMX West if you want to get 'in tune' with the search world and learn as much in the bar as you do in sessions. Attend SES for power networking and access to a lot of vendors/competitors/potential clients.

Let the flaming commence...