Microsoft Ready Launch 2005 Tour kicks of November 7th and is coming to a city near you (if you live in the USA and in a major city).

 

If you can't go to one of the main launch events Microsoft is also hosting Special Edition Launch 2005 events in cities across America.
 
The Best of Microsoft Ready Launch 2005 tour is actually two events:
 
Best of SQL Server 2005 Launch Powered by TechNet Events
And

Best of Visual Studio 2005 Launch Powered by MSDN Events

 

If taking the day off work isn't a good enough reason to go then free software should be.

 

If you attend the SQL Server Launch you will get a free copy of SQL Server™ 2005 Standard Edition and if you also attend the Visual Studio Launch you will get a free copy of Visual Studio 2005 Standard Edition.