I haven't written for a while. Part of it was due to the preparation for the 2005 Betas Unleashed conference and part of it is becuase I finally bit the bullet and formatted my machine which means that I have been very busy trying to get it back to a state where I can do my job. In any case I am happy to say that the conference was a success. From the feedback that I heard everyone was very happy with the content and more importantly excited to learn about SQL Server 2005 and Visual Studio 2005. I have sent my slides and demo script off to be posted on the site at http://www.2005BetasUnleashed.net so very soon you should be able to retrieve them from there and try out all of my demos for yourself.

Now to get ready for TechEd (I am especially looking forward to the GrokTalks) and seeing more demos of the 2005 stuff. Then after that I will be busy teaching a class and developing some other courses so it will be a busy summer for me.

I blogged earlier about 2005 Betas Unleashed. I have some more information now.

We have over 100 people registered to attend. We also have more information about the giveaways (not that you wouldn't attend just for the information but lets be realistic, if you can get some really cool stuff then it makes it even better).

Every person who attends will get a copy of Visual Studio 2005 Team System (Beta). This comes with Beta 2 versions of Visual Studio 2005 and Team System as well as the April CTP of SQL Server 2005. You will also have access to a web site where you can download the slides and other conference materials.

In addition there will be several sponsors with booths and giveaways. I know that Keane will be there giving away prizes. There will also be general drawings with some pretty cool prizes. These include:

• An XBox
• An Ogio laptop backpack
• Streets and Trips
• Gift Certificates

So click on over to http://msevents.microsoft.com/cui/eventdetail.aspx?culture=en-US&eventid=1032273553 and register today.