VMworld is…the event you don’t want to miss (and 10 reasons why you should be there)

If there’s one event you want to attend if you’re into SDDC, Hybrid- & Multi-Cloud, Containerization and End User Computing it’s VMworld! Now is the time to plan your trip. As a experienced VMworld visitor I would like to share my top 10 reasons why you should attend VMworld. Use it to your advantage! There we go…

Note: Are you attending VMworld Europe? Register by July 26th for the Early Bird registration (200 eur discount) 

VMworld is…about the latest trends in the IT industry

Listen and learn from VMware leaders like Pat Gelsinger, Sanjay Poonen, Raghu Raghuram, Ray O’Farrel about the latest trends in the IT industry. Throughout VMworld different keynotes are scheduled, the most important ones right at the start of the day. Be sure to attend these general sessions because latest news and updates are shared with the audience!

Check out the agenda to see when these general sessions are scheduled (US agenda here, Europe agenda here).

Enjoy great breakout sessions

For me VMworld is about great content. The content catalog (US catalog here, Europe catalog not yet available) is your single source of truth when it comes to all the different breakout sessions that are scheduled throughout the week. You can filter the available sessions based on products, session type, level and of course based on the topics you’re looking for. The most important topics for VMworld 2019 are Hybrid Cloud, Multi-Cloud, Modern Apps, Networking & Security, Digital Workspace and Emerging Trends. Of course you can also search by keyword.

Attend hands-on labs

You probably know the hands-on labs. At hol.vmware.com you can experience VMware’s great solutions: 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. VMworld brings something extra. During VMworld new labs are added to the catalog that are first available at the event. The self-paced labs have 15- to 60 minutes consumable modules and can be accessed through a workstation or your own laptop and are available on a first come first serve basis. 

On top of this you can also join expert-led hands-on labs next to the self-paced hands-on labs. The expert-led hands-on labs require advanced sign-up through the content catalog. Last year I also attended the hands-on labs tour, this is a 30 minute behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to run the hands-on-labs. Certainly worth a visit!

Meet your vCommunity friends

At VMworld there’s also more than enough time to meet old friends and make new friends in the vCommunity. There are different meet-up areas around the venue, including VMTN & VMware {code}, VMUG, Partner Lounge, VMware Champions and more. Don’t miss the VMware store where they have some great goodies, apparel and books. Every VMworld edition some of the leading community experts have a book signing, so make sure to get your book signed. If you’re a vExpert keep an eye on your inbox, because at VMworld you will also see some vExpert specific activities.

Stroll around the Solutions Exchange

The Solutions Exchange is the place to meet different VMware business units and companies that partner with VMware. Learn about solutions that complement your Software Defined Data Center, Hybrid Cloud or End User Computing environment. You will probably be overwhelmed the first time your enter the Solutions Exchange, but be prepared and have a chat with the companies that are of interest for you and your organisation. For some VMworld attendees collecting the best goodies is part of the fun. You also might want to attend some of the sponsor sessions that take place at the Solutions Exchange. The Europe Solutions Exchange is big…the US Solutions Exchange is HUGE. Reserve some time in your schedule to talk with sponsor, for a list of companies that sponsor VMware US click here, Europe sponsors are here.

Stay tuned for community sessions

Whether you’re a vExpert, or maybe you’re a VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) – keep an eye on your mailbox to see if any special gathering is organized. For VCDX certified attendees a VCDX townhall is organized, most of the time C-level executives show up at this meeting. 

Get certified!

VMworld is also a perfect opportunity to pass your latest certification. A lot of the different VMware Certified (Advanced) Professional exams are available at a discount at VMworld. You get 50% off VCP and VCAP exams. You will also 25% off on-demand courses and 50% off a VMware Learning Zone Premium subscription, if you include this in your VMworld subscription. More info here.

Enjoy San Francisco…or Barcelona

After several editions of VMworld in Las Vegas, the US edition is moving back to San Francisco. Located at the US West Coast, San Francisco has a lot to offer. If it’s the first time for you to visit San Francisco, be sure to “bike the (Golden Gate) bridge”. This is really a great experience, it’s a nice tour along the San Francisco Bay. You can choose to bike the bridge, cycle to Sausalito and take the Ferry back Pier 39. Especially recommended when you’re dealing with a jet-lag and want to get some fresh air. The venue for VMworld US is the Moscone Center, located in the city center of SFO. When you have so spare time, it’s pretty easy to walk around the city, go to Union Square and enjoy the atmosphere.

Barcelona is the location for VMworld Europe. A great city in the northern part of beautiful Spain. The venue for VMworld Europe is Fira Gran Via. VMworld is located at the North entrance, when you take a taxi ask for Fira Gran Via North. Fira Gran Via is about 5 KMs from the city center. Personally I would not recommend a hotel nearby the Fira, it’s better to stay in of the hotels in the center of the city. For example around Plaça Real or Plaça de Catalunya. It’s pretty easy to get to the Fira, by taxi or using the subway (station Fira). Barcelona has a lot to offer, first of all there’s a great atmosphere. If it’s your first time in Barcelona, be sure to visit Sagrada Familia (it’s highly recommended to book your tickets in advance), La Boquería, Montjuïc Mountain, Park Güell and Camp Nou. If possible book a couple of extra days around your visit.

Visit one or more of the networking drinks/parties

VMworld is also about fun! A lot of the sponsors organize networking drinks/parties during the week. Also your regional VMware team will probably organize an informal get-together, be sure to register and meet your own VMware representatives. Every year the VMware Benelux team (where I’m part of) organizes networking drink for the VMware partners and customers; it’s always a lot of fun and certainly worth a visit. After you’ve registered for VMworld, you will be invited for these kind events by your local team. Feel free to ask what we will be going on during the week.

Visit the official VMworld Fest

The VMworld Fest traditionally takes place on Wednesday. VMworld Fest is the official VMworld party and probably a famous artist or band will show up. Artist we’ve seen at VMworld are for example Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, Alabama Shakes, Black Keys, Kaiser Chiefs, Faithless, The Kooks etc. VMworld Fest takes place at the venue (Europe), but sometimes also at an external location. For San Francisco I’ve seen VMworld Fest at the Moscone Center, but also at AT&T Park (recently renamed to Oracle Park) – home of the San Francisco Giants. 

Register now!

VMworld is a week of training, learn & engage – have great conversations with your peers. Register now (US here, Europe here) if you want to be part of it!