DEF CON has a lot of informational talks where research is presented. Going to villages also sometimes gives you the opportunity to join a team and learn new stuff. Research is also presented at black hat (though not necessarily as much, it's more for "suits"). Shmoocon and bsides, too.
I'm not sure if this is more security-related, but many of the top security conferences have lots of useful stuff there.
I'm not sure if this is more security-related, but many of the top security conferences have lots of useful stuff there.