If you weren't able to make is out to the Windows Vista Install Fest that Bruce ran last weekend, but you do have a copy of Vista Beta 1 (either via TechNet or MSDN), then you may want to take a look that the self guided tour document.
The guide is a pretty good overview of some of the new features in Vista including:
If you have just installed Vista Beta 1 and are not sure what to do next, head over to http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/sgtour.mspx to get the guide and start exploring.
Have fun...