As a photographer you are always practicing and improving your skills. I find one of the best ways to do this is getting out to events. You can wonder around and take photos without any pressure from a client. This will give you freedom to experiment, take your time and learn your camera and lens combinations. You can push your equipment to it's limits, without the worry of losing an image. Sometimes looking like a photographer will get you access to arenas or locations the general public aren't allowed. If you share the images with the organisers you might even get asked along as the official photographer next time.