Once again, it is time for VMworld! VMworld 2018 is taking place in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay hotel RIGHT NOW! Here is everything you need to know to have a great time. One of the things everyone is most excited about when it comes to VMworld is always the new announcements from VMware. You can find the list of new announcements here.  Some of the major announcements are the availability of VMware Cloud on AWS in all regions, vSphere 6.7 U1 and vSAN 6.7 U1, and vRealize Automation 7.5.  Be sure to spend some time at VMwolrd learning about these new innovations in sessions, labs, and from VMware employees attending the show.

Now, onto everything you need to know to make the most of VMworld 2018!

VMware Hands-On-Labs

VMware’s Hands-On-Labs or HOL is the one stop place to get your hands on everything VMware. According to the VMword website,
there are all new labs not available online! If you have some free time in your schedule, be sure to stop by and try something new.

Solutions Exchange

The Solutions Exchange or Expo is the place to go to pick up your swag and take a look at all the vendors attending VMworld. Is there a product you’ve been looking at for your VMware environment? Be sure to stop by the vendor’s booth for more information and a demo. Many vendors also have stages in their booths where they are doing presentation. Did I mention the swag?

Half Price VCP and VCAP Exams

If you have been debating whether or not to take a VCP or VCAP exam, VMworld is the time to do it! These exams are offered at half price! What better way to further your VMware certification journey. You can find more information about this offering here.

The Sessions

Of course, the biggest part of VMworld is the sessions presented by experts from around the world! Be sure to fill up your schedule with topics you are interested in, and topics you are looking to learn about. There are a ton of tracks and sub-tracks. The main tracks are:

  • Data Center & Cloud
  • Networkig & Security
  • Digital Workspace
  • Next-Gen Trends
  • Digital Transfomation

Be sure to check out the full breakdown here. VMworld is truly a conference that has something for everyone, no matter what their role is or their interests are.

Stop By the VMvillage

If you find yourself with free time, the VMvillage is the place to be. Here you can find plenty of comfortable seating and charging stations. In addition, you can find things like the vBrownBag tech talks stage where community members present short sessions. There is also a blogging area with tables and chairs, and the VMware education area if you need more information about those half priced exams. The VMvillage is where all the action is. If you are up for a challenge there is also drone racing!

The People

VMworld is also a chance to connect with other members of the virtualization community! This is another reason why the VMvillage is such a great place. If you swing by the blogger area you will undoubtably have the opportunity to meet someone in person you have only known virtually until now!

This guide will help you make the most of the rest of your week at VMworld 2018.  Remember, there is no wrong way to VMworld as long as you have having a good time, learning lots of new things, and making lots of new friends!