Last year, I had the tremendous pleasure of fulfilling my dream and flying to the United States for VMware Explore, which was held for the first time in the famous Las Vegas. It was an unforgettable journey for me, filled with unforgettable experiences, all thanks to my work as a blogger, a complimentary blogger pass to the entire event provided by VMware, and the support of my employer, Kyndryl. Because it was my first trip to the US, it required quite a bit of preparation. And since VMware Explore 2024 will also take place in Las Vegas this year, I’ve decided to describe my entire stay in the US during VMware Explore in this article. I think it will be helpful for everyone who has never been to VMware Explore, especially those who have never been to the United States or Las Vegas. If you’re interested in VMware Explore in Barcelona, I’ve written a similar guide in another article on my blog.
VMware Explore 2024 Las Vegas Registration is now Open: https://shorturl.at/svCJM
Make sure to visit VMware Explore LinkedIn channel for the latest news about the event! https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2028037
Traveling
When traveling to the United States from Europe or other parts of the world, there are several things worth noting. First and foremost, Visa or Esta, which is permission to enter the United States. This may seem obvious, but it’s worth ensuring that you have all the required permits, including in paper form, with you. It’s also a good idea to have printed confirmation of hotel and return flight reservations.
Another important consideration is connecting flights. Typically, when connecting to another flight, you don’t need to go through additional security checks or retrieve your baggage again. However, this isn’t the case when traveling to the United States. I flew from Poland, starting my journey in Warsaw with two layovers, one in Munich and the other in Denver. Upon arriving in Munich, I had to go through additional security check, because I was traveling to the United States. In Denver, since I was transferring from an international to a domestic flight, the process was even more complicated. Right after landing, I went through passport control. After clearing it, I had to retrieve my checked baggage and recheck it for the domestic flight to Las Vegas. Fortunately, the rechecking process only involved handing it over to the appropriate person in the designated area, without additional boarding pass checks, etc. Then, I had to go through security check again and proceed to my gate for the flight to Las Vegas. All these activities should be considered, taking into account the time you have for your layover. In both cases, I had 1.5 hours, which luckily sufficient proved, but I think it’s the absolute minimum. If there are longer queues at passport control or security, time flies by very quickly.
Finally, I’d like to mention that on the return journey from the United States to Poland, I didn’t encounter any additional security checks, just moving to another gate at the terminal for the next flight.
Jet Lag
It’s worth mentioning jet lag, especially if you’re traveling from a faraway place like Europe. If possible, consider arriving a day or two earlier to allow for some time to recover and adjust to the new time zone. The entire VMware Explore event is highly intense and demanding, both mentally and physically. Some attendees even shared their smartwatch statistics online, showing significant amounts of walking and little sleep during VMware Explore. The event is demanding, but it’s definitely worth the effort to be there.
Personally, upon arriving in Las Vegas, I went to bed around 7:00 PM local time and woke up at 3:00 AM. By the next day, I felt more adjusted, but it takes each of us a different amount of time to fully acclimate.
Registration
VMware Explore 2024 Las Vegas will be held at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center. The entire complex, including the hotel, casino, and expo center, is truly massive. To reach the registration area, you have to walk through the casino from the Las Vegas Boulevard. At the casino, just from the entrance, there were staff members directing attendees to the Expo for registration at VMware Explore.
Training Sessions & Planning Your Day
It’s not possible to attend all the training sessions during this event in Las Vegas. This is mainly due to the overlapping schedules of sessions that you may be interested in. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the training sessions take place on different floors. Each room has its own unique name and number, with the first digit of the room number indicating the floor where the room is located. Therefore, careful planning of your day is crucial to navigate between the various floors and rooms.
The VMware Explore app proves to be extremely useful in this regard. Available for both iOS and Android, this application provides comprehensive information, including session schedules, locations, and FAQs. Additionally, it offers your personalized schedule to keep you on track. Fortunately, all training sessions are recorded, granting you access to them post-event, along with the hands-on labs. So, if you happen to miss a session, there’s no need to worry.
Here are some of my favorite sessions from the event:
- General Session
- Deliver DRaaS with VMware Cloud Director Availability [CEIB2294LV]
- Easy Migrations and Expansions into VMware Cloud on AWS [CEIT2555LV]
- VMware {code} Lab: Learning to Code Using CHATGPT API Interface [CODE2960LV]
- Availability and Resilience of Azure VMware Solution [CEIB2540LV]
- VMware Community Panel: Level Up Your Career Through Community Participation [VIB2959LV]
The Hub & Hands-on Labs
Following your registration, your initial destination at VMware Explore could well be The Hub. This central area is where you’ll find a variety of sections tailored to enhance your event experience. From VMware Communities and VMware Awards to Design with Us, Meet the Experts, and Customer Experience and Theater of Success, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. Consider starting your VMware Explore adventure at The Hub to maximize your time at the event. While exploring, I highly encourage you to visit the VMware Communities section, especially if you’re interested in learning more about becoming a part of the VMware community and aspiring to be a vExpert. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Corey Romero and engage in insightful conversations about community engagement. Corey will be more than happy to chat with you and provide valuable insights into joining the VMware community and pursuing vExpert status. Consider starting your VMware Explore adventure at The Hub and don’t miss out on the chance to explore VMware Communities.
Right next to The Hub, you’ll find the Hands-on Labs, where you can gain practical experience and practice various configurations, scenarios, and problem-solving exercises. The Lab staff, who are available on-site throughout the event, are eager to assist you whenever needed. Remember, practice makes perfect, so I highly recommend taking advantage of the labs to enhance your skills and knowledge.
My favorite labs were:
- VMware Cloud Provider Platform – DR and Migration using VMware Cloud Director Availability (HOL-2482-02-HBD)
- VMware Site Recovery Manager – Data Center Migration and Disaster Recovery (HOL-2205-01-SDC)
What to wear
You will be engaging in quite a bit of walking during this event, typically ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 steps or more, which is quite normal. However, do keep in mind that on the first day of my trip, I made over 20,000 steps, so be prepared for potentially higher activity levels. It’s crucial to ensure you have comfortable shoes, especially considering the hot weather in Las Vegas. The dress code is Business Casual, so while you won’t need to wear a suit, aim for something smart and weather-appropriate. Given the scorching temperatures in Las Vegas, wearing a hat and lightweight, breathable clothing is advisable.
Las Vegas typically enjoys predominantly sunny weather, but there are occasional exceptions, such as during the last VMware Explore 2023 when it rained. While rain is uncommon in Las Vegas, it’s still wise to be prepared for such possibilities. I highly recommend bringing along a backpack for the day to carry essentials like gadgets, snacks, hydration, a laptop, and anything else you might need. When packing, ensure you leave some space for your extra backpack and any items you plan to acquire while in Las Vegas.
Transportation
During my stay in Las Vegas for VMware Explore, I primarily got around on foot. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the scorching heat that prevails in Las Vegas. Make sure to be prepared by wearing a hat and staying hydrated throughout your walks. Additionally, for longer distances or when traveling from the airport to the hotel and other destinations, I opted for Lyft, a popular ride-hailing service. Uber is also widely used and readily available in the city. Additionally, if you’re staying at The Venetian hotel, you’ll find that many attractions and amenities are conveniently located within the same complex as the VMware Explore event. This proximity eliminates the need for extensive travel throughout Vegas, as everything is easily accessible within the vicinity of your accommodation.
Food
Breakfast and snacks are provided every day at the VMware Explore event in Las Vegas. You’ll find a variety of typical fare, rest assured, there’s something to suit everyone’s dietary needs. Coffee, tea, water, fruit, and other snacks are readily available at multiple locations within the building. So, you can kickstart your morning by grabbing a coffee, sandwich, or any other refreshments and head out to explore the event. From the 2nd to the 4th day, lunch is also served. You’ll have a range of options to choose from, ensuring that you find something suitable for your diet amidst the diverse offerings.
A fantastic choice to stay hydrated is by carrying your own filtering water bottle. I had one during my stay, and I found it incredibly convenient. Moreover, at the hotel, there were designated areas where I could refill it, ensuring access to clean, filtered water throughout my time in Las Vegas.
Networking
During VMware Explore, there are countless opportunities to make new connections. Everyone is open to conversation and eager to share their experiences. Throughout the event, whether during training sessions, at the expo, or even during a casual break over coffee, striking up a conversation and forming new friendships is effortless. The positive atmosphere at VMware Explore is palpable, and it truly feels like one big technological family gathering. While attendees may have diverse experiences with various technologies, there’s a shared willingness to engage in discussions and exchange knowledge.
Moreover, you’ll likely be invited to various receptions. If you’re a member of the VMware community, you’ll also receive an invitation to the VMware Communities party. Last year, it took place at the Pinball Museum. These events provide fantastic opportunities to mingle, network, and meet amazing individuals.
Become a Presenter at VMware Explore 2024
As I write this article, you can still apply to be a presenter at VMware Explore 2024 in Las Vegas or Barcelona. If you feel you have the right knowledge, a compelling topic, and something valuable to share with all participants, this is a great opportunity to present at VMware Explore.
You can submit your proposal here:
Become a Presenter at VMware Explore 2024
Summary
To sum up, for me, it was a dream come true – my first trip to the United States and as a blogger at VMware Explore. Unforgettable experiences, memories, and photographs were made. If you’re considering attending VMware Explore in Las Vegas, I wholeheartedly recommend and encourage it.
I believe that for everyone, it will be a wonderful experience, and the motto featured on the main image of this article, “What happens here, only happens once a year,” definitely captures the full uniqueness of this event.
If you’re ready for unforgettable experiences and eager to visit Las Vegas for this year’s VMware Explore, remember that registration for the event begins on April 30th. If you’re interested in VMware Explore 2024 in Barcelona, registration starts on June 25th.
Save the Date for VMware Explore 2024
VMware Explore 2024 Barcelona | Fira Gran Via | 4 – 7 November 2024
VMware Explore 2024 Las Vegas Registration is now Open: https://shorturl.at/svCJM
Make sure to visit VMware Explore LinkedIn channel for the latest news about the event! https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2028037
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