VMware Explore Barcelona 2024 is just around the corner, happening from November 4-7, and while I won’t be attending in person this year, there’s still plenty to look forward to. With everything going on—from sessions packed with technical deep dives to community-driven events—this year’s Explore is shaping up to be another standout event.
VMware Community Leadership Reception
Don’t forget about the VMware Community Leadership Reception happening on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 6:30 – 9:30pm. This is an exclusive event for those attending VMware Explore Barcelona 2024. Appetizers and drinks will be served, and you’ll need your Explore badge for entry. Special guest Hock Tan, President & CEO of Broadcom, will be there too! Make sure to RSVP at the vExpert site if you’re attending!
The Hackathon: Where Taco Tuesday Meets Tapas & {code}
One of the first things that caught my eye was the VMware {code} Hackathon on Tuesday, November 5th, from 18:00 to 22:00 at Calle de Floridablanca 92. Barcelona does Tapas, not Tacos—so why not combine tapas with some coding? It’s a great opportunity for the vCommunity to come together for a hands-on experience, hacking and collaborating. The event even features a full session lab, CODEL1885BCN. It’s an event for those who want to sharpen their skills while enjoying Barcelona’s local flavor.
Broadcom Acquisition: Community Rebirth
The Broadcom acquisition has stirred the VMware community over the past year—there’s no denying that. But here’s the thing: despite the turbulence, the community has bounced back stronger than ever, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. Broadcom seems to have placed a high priority on supporting and reviving VMware’s ecosystem.
I’m particularly interested in a few sessions that highlight this community revival:
• The ABCs Of Community And Advocacy [INVP1251BCN]: This session will dive deep into VMware’s many communities—VMUG, VMTN, vExperts, and more—and how they’re essential for navigating the changes we all face in tech.
• How To Become An Enterprise Influencer [CODEB1868BCN]: It’s all about community engagement, social influence, and how building your personal brand can propel your career.
• Maximizing VMUG: Leveraging Your 150,000 Community [CMTY1614BCN]: VMUG is massive, with over 150,000 members worldwide, and this session will focus on how to make the most of that network.
It’s great to see the community thriving again, even in the face of big changes.
NetApp & Google Cloud: The Future Is Multi-Cloud
As a NetApp A-Team member, I’m looking forward to catching up on some sessions focused on how NetApp and VMware complement each other—especially in a multi-cloud world. NetApp continues to play a crucial role in optimizing VMware environments, and this year’s sessions will shine a light on those opportunities.
A few that stand out:
• Optimize Your VMware By Broadcom TCO By 25-50% With NetApp And Intel [VCFB2005BCNS]: This session will break down how NetApp and Intel can help right-size VMware deployments to maximize cost savings.
• The Future Of VMware Is On Google Cloud: 10 Key Innovations [VCFB1892BCNS]: Google Cloud VMware Engine is shaping up to be a key player in the future of VMware on the cloud, and this session will showcase some groundbreaking innovations.
• Deep Dive On Storage, Backup And DR With Google Cloud VMware Engine [VCFB1890BCNS]: A technical deep dive into the storage and backup options for VMware on Google Cloud.
• Architecting For Success: Google Cloud VMware Engine Key Design Patterns [VCFB1889BCNS]: Practical strategies for designing scalable and secure VMware environments using Google Cloud.
These sessions are key for anyone interested in optimizing their cloud and on-premises environments.
ITQ Represented in Full Force
While I won’t be at Explore this year, ITQ will have a strong presence, with around 50 attendees from our team. Our interview crew will be reporting live through Live Reports, capturing the mood, and hunting for the most interesting stories and insights. Keep an eye on the ITQ YouTube channel for interviews and updates straight from VMware Explore 2024!
Mixed Emotions, But Optimism Ahead
I have to admit, not being able to present my third session at Explore this year stings a bit. I was really looking forward to speaking with customers, partners, and Broadcom employees to hear their perspectives on the recent changes and portfolio enhancements. But knowing that the sessions will be available for replay and that ITQ has a fantastic team on the ground gives me some peace of mind. There’s always next time, and I’ll be ready!
Dive Virtual 
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