I have not been but I saw this report from the LA event:

"... the giveaways included a flimsy laptop type bag "stuffed" with all the regular promo materials, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise (32bit & 64bit DVDs) with activation codes for a license lasting 365 days from activation date, Visual Studio 2008 Standard with activation key (full license it appears) and SQL Server 2008 Developer (32bit & 64bit DVDs) with a PIN number to get an activation code on-line (must apply before 6/2/08) but it also looks like a full license.

The bulky item promised is a very large hardback book just with glossy photos and biographies of people who use Microsoft products. Totally useless.

One gem in the promo material though was a "Not For Resale" copy of Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 (32bit DVD only). Also says "Promotional Kit with Windows Live services including Windows Live OneCare Trial Edition". The OneCare trial is for 90 days and on a separate CD but nothing suggests that the Vista Ultimate license is time bombed and it refers to the regular license terms. Packet again includes a PIN to get the product key on-line."


>Is there someone who has been to one of the "Heroes Happen Here" Launch events? On Microsoft's registration web site,
>
>http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx
>
>it looks like the launch event has already occured in places such as Los Angeles.
>
>My question: What type of "promotional" versions of Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008 are given to attendees?
>
>Hopefully the versions are at least "standard" and not some form of a pre-RTM release or an "expires in 90 days" product.
>
>Your insights are always appreciated.
>
>- Tom Allan