It’s back baby! VMware Explore 2023 is virtually (see what I did there) right around the corner. This year, the event is taking place a little earlier than usual – August 21st to August 24th. And, they swapped out the venue from San Francisco to Las Vegas at the Venetian, which is a welcomed change to many attendees.
In addition to the amazing educational and networking opportunities being made available, there will also be a number of parties taking place in Las Vegas.
VMworld sponsors have always been good hosts to a number of fantastic parties and events over the years. And I don’t expect VMware Explore 2023 to disappoint. What’s the list of parties going to look like this year? Stay tuned, as we’ll continue to monitor the situation and report back here to keep everyone informed.
NOTE: Most events will require you to take some type of signup action in order to attend. Yes, even if the event is free. They need to do that in order to take a proper head count or know when to shut things down if the list grows too big. These things are generally first come, first served. So if you are interested, I suggest you sign up if you are available before it is too late. And also take note, some of these parties may be invitation only or you might have to meet some other requirement in order to sign up / attend.
If I’m missing an event, contact me or send me a Tweet (@vmblog) and I’ll get it added.
** Updated 7/31/23 **
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#VMunderground 2023
WHEN: Sunday, August 20th, 2023 – 8:00-11:00PM
Location: Cañonita (in the Palazzo), 3377 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109, United States
For our 15th outing, we’ll be giving away tickets—approximately one month out—for zero cost. That’s right: back to our roots with no charge to enter the party. However, in honor of our anniversary, we’re going to sell 15 “VIP Tickets” at $15/ea. These tickets will act as “fast pass” tickets for entry into the party; anyone with one of these special tickets may jump to the front of the line for entry (space available; our space maxes out at 125 people!) before anyone holding a “general access” ticket.
If you miss out on the VIP tickets, we’ll still let you “tip” the VMunderground if you’d like to support our mission: the GA tickets are configured with “set your own price” with the minimum being $0. We’ll happily accept your gratuity, but it won’t get you into the party any faster.
As usual, we’re going to limit the number of tickets available to any one purchase in order to allow more people access to the event.
** UPDATED – SOLD OUT **
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Digital Workspace VMUG – VMware Explore Dinner
WHEN: Sunday, August 20th, 2023 – 7:00-10:00PM
Location: Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen The LINQ Hotel 3535 South Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109
This signup covers a Synterex-hosted dinner for the Digital Workspace VMUG.
We will be eating at Guy Fieri’s Restaurant in Vegas the night before VMware Explore to get together and hangout with good friends and colleagues.
Access code required for ticket.
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VMware Explore Welcome Reception
WHEN: Monday, August 21st, 2023 – 5:00-7:00PM
Location: VMware Explore Expo
Kick off your VMware Explore experience at the welcome reception in The Expo. Get your first look at the show floor, network with fellow attendees in a fun atmosphere, pick up some new swag, and enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks.
Cost: Free, included with your full conference badge.
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Elevate Technology User Group Meeting at VMware Explore US
WHEN: Monday, August 21st, 2023 – 7:00PM
Location: Yardbird, The Venetian Las Vegas
The Elevate Technology User Group (formerly known at CONVERGED User Group) will be returning in-person to VMware Explore US for one of their most anticipated meetings of the year! They invite you to join on Monday, August 21. You can expect to hear from incredible speakers, updates from Dell experts and valuable networking with the community over drinks and dinner.
Spots are limited, so register today!
Cost: Free
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VCDX Workshop at VMware Explore Las Vegas
WHEN: Monday, August 21st, 2023 – 1:00PM – 5:00PM
Location: The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, 201 Sands Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89169
The VCDX Workshop will be held on Monday August 21, from 1:00PM – 5:00PM. Due to the sensitivity of the topics, they will not have a virtual option available. Please note – this year your registration will require a pass to VMware Explore.
Please register by August 1, 2023, to secure your place for this in-person-only event.
Do not miss this content-rich workshop featuring the opportunity to hear from VCDX experts, network with other candidates, learn about the process and what to expect on your journey to becoming a VCDX, and get a chance to practice with real-time feedback.
Cost: Free
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VMware Certified Instructors – VCI Day
WHEN: Monday, August 21st, 2023
Location: The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, 201 Sands Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89169
Calling all VMware Certified Instructors (VCIs) – we have a special treat for you! Join us at a hospitality suite at the Venetian for a day fully dedicated to preparing you for success and providing you with new tools and training. We will be hosting this content-rich day, featuring the latest certification updates, product marketing updates, and a VMware Learning roadmap session. We will also be announcing the winners of VCI of the Year. Monday will be a day that you won’t want to miss!
Cost: Free
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INFINIDAT VMware Explore Party
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WHEN: Monday, August 21st, 2023 – 7:00PM – 10:00PM
Location: Villa Azur within the Canal Shoppes of The Venetian
Join Infinidat and unwind at the brand new Villa Azur, located within the Grand Canal Shoppes of The Venetian. Catch up and learn about Infinidat’s unmatched enterprise storage solutions while mingling with business partners and your storage industry peers from all over the world.
This restaurant is straight out of the South of France adorned with glamour and elegance from the French Riviera. You’ll be greeted with delectable serving stations and canapes. Enjoy the open bar and roaming entertainment.
This is a private event and spaces are limited.
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The VMware {code} Hackathon
WHEN: Monday, August 21st, 2023
Location: The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, 201 Sands Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89169
VMware is officially announcing the return of the VMware {code} Hackathon at VMware Explore 2023. This year, the Hackathon is organized as an Open Hack. Teams will be led by a team captain who proposes the team’s goal, theme and technology focus.
All teams will be assembled and can start coding a month before the event, culminating at the Hackathon day on August 21. You will also be allowed to join a team last-minute, even on the day of the event.
Cost: Free
Last call to register (July 15-20, 2023)
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VMware Explore vBreakfast with Commvault
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug 22nd, 6:30am – 10am
Location: Grand Lux Café at the Palazzo
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VMware Explore Hall Crawl
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug 22nd, 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: VMware Explore Expo
Toki Tuesday with Rubrik
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug 22nd, 7:00pm
Location: Wakuda Lounge, Palazzo Hotel
The EUC Party with ControlUp
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug 22nd, 8:00pm – 11:00pm
Location: Brooklyn Bowl, located on The LINQ Promenade, 3545 South Las Vegas Boulevard Las Vegas, NV 89109
Veeam’s 2023 VMware Explore Party
WHEN: Tuesday, August 22, 2023
Location: Undisclosed
INVITE AND RSVP REQUIRED
The VMUG Community Party
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug 22nd, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: Las Vegas Pinball Hall of Fame, 4925 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas NV US – 94107
Enjoy complimentary pizza, beer and wine at the event!
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Official VMware Explore Party
WHEN: Wednesday, Aug 23rd, 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Location: XS Nightclub at the Wynn Hotel and Casino
