For many virtualization users, VMworld has become a sort of pilgrimage -- a must-attend event for a lot of admins who are trying to find their virtual path. These individuals will do whatever it takes to make it to the event so that they can find out what's new, what's next, and what's hot and currently available to them, thus making them a virtualization rock star at work.
VMworld 2011 returns to Las Vegas for the first time since 2008 and once again chooses the Venetian Hotel as the event's host of operations. VMworld and Las Vegas seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, popcorn and movies, and Elvis and fried bananas. But this could be VMworld's last hurrah in the entertainment capital of the world, as the show is expected to return to San Francisco for the foreseeable future. So to everyone who enjoys yelling, "let it ride," "jackpot," "hit me," and "bet it all on black," you might want to finalize those last-minute details and make your way to VMworld 2011 next week -- this could be your last time to enjoy these two venues together.
I've been fortunate to have been able to attend all of the VMworld U.S. shows thus far, as well as the first VMworld Europe event. If this is your first time attending, here are 10 quick tips that I've picked up along the way or have learned from talking with other VMware vExperts who've attended for many years. Hopefully, you'll find these useful in making your VMworld 2011 experience the best that it can be.
VMworld tip No. 1: Make time on your schedule for the Solutions Exchange. More than 250 companies have paid a lot of money to be there as a sponsor, and they want to meet you. This is your chance to find out about a number of different software products that you may not have even heard of yet. These sponsors will usually have some of their top techies at the booth ready to explain the ins and outs of their technologies. Don't just let them scan your badge -- ask them for a demo and see the product in action.
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Read the Ten VMworld Tips for Newbies on InfoWorld Virtualization Report.