Remember when VMworld or VMware Explore was considered party central? When the conference halls would empty at 5 PM, only to refill with the same faces at rooftop bars, vendor-sponsored speakeasies, restaurant takeovers, and those legendary after-parties that somehow made enterprise virtualization feel like rock and roll? Unfortunately, those halcyon days feel like ancient history as we gear up for VMware Explore 2025, where finding a decent party has become harder than getting unanimous C-suite approval for a cloud migration budget.
The silence is deafening. Where vendors once competed to throw the most memorable bash, we’re now left scanning sparse event calendars like archaeologists searching for signs of civilization. It’s as if the entire industry collectively decided that “work-life balance” means actually going to bed before midnight during conference week. The irony isn’t lost on us: in an era where “networking” has never been more important, the actual networking seems to have gone virtual in the worst possible way.
Or, maybe I’m just WAY less connected this year than previous years. Probably not, but if anyone hears of anything not listed below, please give me a shout and I’ll happily add it to help spread the word.
The Party Lineup (So Far) – **UPDATED 8/21/25**
[ Don’t miss the VMblog Q&A with Broadcom ahead of VMware Explore or VMblog’s VMware Explore Survival Guide ]
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Hackathon
Looking to learn about automation, indulge in pizza and snacks, and spend time getting to know other automation experts? This is your time to join the VMware {Code} Hackathon event. The event runs July � August, culminating on-site at VMware Explore in Las Vegas on Monday, August 25.
Aug 25, 2025 7:00 PM, Level 2 Venetian Ballroom C
Register
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vExpert Blogger Meetup at Explore
At VMware Explore in Las Vegas, vExpert bloggers will kick off the event week at the Communities Lounge inside of The Hub on day one, August 25, from 1:00 – 2:30 PM PDT. Get to know Corey Romero, the VMware Blogger & vExpert Program Manager, and meet the VMware Explore Official Bloggers, in real life. This meetup will be the perfect place to meet and network with other bloggers, and is going to be ripe for growing your professional community.
Monday, August 25, 1:00 – 2:30 PM PDT | Level 2 The Hub, Communities Lounge
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comdivision poker tournament
Get ready to shuffle up and deal at the comdivision No Limit Hold-em Poker Tournament! Join us on Monday 25-August-2025 – 8:00 PM at the prestigious Poker Room in the Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, for an evening of strategic gameplay and friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual enthusiast, this tournament promises to be a full house of excitement and fun. Don’t miss your chance to go all in and maybe even take home some very special prizes. See you at the tables!
comdivision will cover the house / event fees, you need to just show up. All players will start with the same 10,000 in chips to start, these chips have no direct monetary value.
There are a certain set of seats reserved for people with VoucherCodes, all others will be provided on first come / first serve basis.
Monday, August 25, 2025 – 8:00 PM at the prestigious Poker Room in the Venetian Hotel
Registration is required
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VMware Explore Welcome Reception
Kick off your Explore experience at the Welcome Reception in The Hub. Network with fellow attendees in a fun atmosphere, pick up some new swag, and enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks.
Badge required
Monday, August 25 | 5:00 – 7:00 PM in The Hub, Hall C
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vFit Run Club
Monday, August 25th, Tuesday, August 26th, Wednesday, August 27th at 6:00 AM on the Gondola Bridge
Be a part of the vFIT Running Club this year at the VMware Explore conference in Las Vegas. Make sure to pack your running shoes and join us on each morning of the conference as we start off the day with a morning jog around the surrounding area.
Please gather at 6 AM on the Gondola Bridge in front of the Venetian Hotel. We will take about 5 minutes to stretch and warm up before journeying out on a 2-3 mile run at your own pace. Please register for this event so we can share any additional details leading up to the conference.
RSVP Monday
RSVP Tuesday
RSVP Wednesday
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Red Hat Evening Reception
Join Red Hat on Tuesday, August 26, anytime from 6-11 PM, for an independently organized reception being hosted at Spago Las Vegas in the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.
You’ll enjoy delicious food and drinks, a dueling pianos show, and stunning views of the Bellagio fountains. Don’t miss your chance to get dedicated time with Red Hat engineers and experts behind our virtualization platform who can help you find your way forward. No workload disruptions. No lock-in. And definitely no closed doors.
Tuesday, August 26, from 6-11 PM | Spago restaurant at the Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas
Signature drinks, hors devours, & entertainment
Uber codes provided for free rides from The Venetian to the Bellagio
Due to capacity limitations, arrive early to ensure entry before they hit a capacity limit.
Registration required.
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VMUG Member Reception
Looking for a little evening fun? Join the VMUG Member Reception on Tuesday evening at Wakuda, inside of The Venetian. VMUG members will get to mix and mingle with the community while enjoying complimentary refreshments in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Whether you’re a vExpert, part of the Champions program, or just a regular attendee, you’re invited to sign-up for VMUG and join this special event. Register for the VMUG Member Reception to become a VMUG member and get added to the entry list.
Please note – space is limited and once it reaches capacity, there will be a line to gain access. You are encouraged to arrive early!
Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 � 8:30 PM PDT | Wakuda | RSVP Required
Register
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VMUG, Rackspace & Friends Happy Hour at Explore
Join Rackspace, a trusted VMware Partner, for a relaxed and informal Happy Hour at Explore. Connect with peers, explore Rackspace’s latest VMware solutions, and discover new opportunities for partner collaboration, all over great drinks and conversation.
August 27th, 2025 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Flight Club at the Venetian
Register
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VMware Explore 2025 – The Party
Work hard, play hard. End your day on a high note and join The Party, VMware Explore’s official after-hours event. This will be an outdoor extravaganza at the Palazzo Pool from 8:00 – 10:00 PM PT. Connected to the Venetian Convention and Expo Center, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy live entertainment, plenty of tantalizing bites, and of course, some great outdoor networking with your peers!
People have been asking about the music. Well, it was announced:
- DJ SKEMADDOX back from last year’s event to turn up the tempo with immersive beats
- Honey Buckets bring funky rock flavor with an indie edge to bluegrass
Badge required
Wednesday, August 27 | 8:00 – 10:00 PM
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As you can see, the list is notably shorter than in years past. It’s possible that more events will emerge as the conference draws closer, but for now, it seems that the focus might be on the conference itself rather than the after-hours scene.
Networking Reimagined
While the party scene might be quieter, there are still plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues and peers. Informal gatherings, happy hours, and even casual conversations during conference sessions can be equally rewarding.
We’ll keep our ears to the ground and update this post as more information becomes available.
If you know of any upcoming events or have tips for networking outside of the official party scene, please share them.
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