Virtual Musings

Your registration is confirmed. You just got your hotel reservation confirmed. All those blogs out there combined with hours pouring over the content catalog for VMware Explore trying to pick the absolute best sessions to go to have perfected your schedule. You’re all set to go!

Or are you? Lots of folks have given recommendations and “Top 5” lists on what to do at VMware Explore 2023 in Las Vegas. So I’m going to take a different tack on the topic. Below are the top five things “NOT” to do at VMware Explore 2023. While a bit tongue in cheek, experience has shown me that actually doing some of things things will diminish your experience, and you won’t get the full value of the event.

1. Wear Uncomfortable Shoes

If there is one tenant of conferences of this size it’s that you are going to walk. You will walk from your hotel / room to the conference. From the expo floor to sessions. From sessions to lunch and back. And trust me, your sessions will never end up next to each other, whatever algorithm they use to assign rooms always seems to work that way.

On average I’ll pull several miles in a day at VMware Explore, and that does not include standing around. So do yourself a big favor and wear comfortable shoes. The event is not a fashion show, dress for comfort or dress up, all are welcome. But wear something on your feet that you can put a 10-12 hour day in wearing and not feel like your feet are on fire by the end of Day 1.

2. Overload Your Schedule

I know, that Content Catalog is awesome! So many sessions that sound good, and that you feel you will get value from. You’ve tweaked it just perfect!

Well – back off a bit.

Did I mention that you will be walking? And it will take sometimes 10-15 minutes just to get from session to session. Never mind if you need a bio / water break. Plus, you want to give yourself time to talk to the speakers, maybe thank them for the session and ask some questions. Or maybe someone in the session had a really good point that talked about ‘just’ the problem you are having and you want to know more. So leave some gaps in your schedule whether it’s just to take a break, take notes, or just wander around a bit and meet up with folks.

Plus, many of the sessions will be recorded and available for replay after the conference. So you ‘can’ have your cake and eat it to at VMware Explore.

3. Bring Work With You

OK, everyone that brought your laptop raise your hand.

OK, now those with their hand still down raise them if you have your work email / Slack / Teams / etc. on your phone or another device.

Anyone’s hand still down? Don’t believe you.

Look – we are all crazy busy almost everyday of work. And there is always more we want to do then we have time for. But VMware Explore is a time where your work is to learn, make connections, and recharge to push through the rest of the year. For most of you, your work is paying for you to attend, so literally being at the event and participating is your job for the week!

So try to delegate for the week. Leave the laptop closed. If you really need to check work, do it before you go to the conference. Trust me, that idea in your head that you’ll check when you get back to the room at 10PM after a full day of conference and parties just won’t work. So don’t even try to do it.

4. Skip the Expo

(Full disclaimer: I work for a vendor that has a booth on the expo floor and that’s where I will be the entire event).

I know, vendors. They are the worst! Trying to pitch their products and get your contact information when all you want to do is grab a glass of wine at the Welcome Reception at take it easy.

But, some of the smartest, most knowledgeable people will be on the expo floor all week. And they are all there to help you. It can be about learning more about their product, asking about what’s coming next, or some problem you are having that you just can’t solve. These people live and breathe these products every single day, and like your job is to learn their job is to educate you during VMware Explore.

Did I mention there can be some cool swag and prizes as well? OK, that’s just a bonus.

So please, come to the Expo. Talk to people about what cool things they are doing with VMware. Ask the tough questions, because I assure you it’s very likely someone is there that can answer it.

5. Skip Sleep (aka Party Too Much)

One of the best things about VMware Explore is the parties. VMware, vendors, VMUG, vExpert, you name is someone is throwing a party every single minute the show floor is closed. Well, except for Wednesday night but that’s The Party so there is that as well to occupy your evenings.

Take it easy. For one Vegas is going to be HOT in late August. And strange town, hotel room, long days. This is all a perfect combination for sleep deprivation (never mind hangovers). Plus Vegas is a 24-hour town so there is literally always something to do.

So pace yourself. Make sure you are getting a normal amount of sleep every night. Enjoy the parties but keep it in moderation. As much as you want to you don’t need to go to every single one.

So enjoy VMware Explore! I look forward to seeing you there and wish you safe travels as we look at gathering August 21st – 24th in Las Vegas. And, of course, if you just haven’t gotten around to registering (shame on you!) you can always go to https://www.vmware.com/explore/us.html and register.