I encourage you to sign up for the SQL Server 2008 (along with VS 2008 and Windows Server 2008) launch event; there’s more than likely one in your area. From past experiences, it’s a great way to demo new software, mingle with some of your peers, speak (gripe & moan) directly to people from Microsoft about any issues, and get some free schwag including promo copies of SQL, VS, and Windows Server 2008.
One of the highlights of these events are the informal Q&A sessions, where you can speak one-on-one with a product expert about a specific problem that you may be experiencing in your shop; they are typically very knowledgeable and have machines on hand where they can show you how to potentially leverage Microsoft technologies to address your issues.
http://www.microsoft.com/heroeshappenhere/register/default.mspx
