For years, VMware Explore has been the go-to event for anyone serious about cloud, virtualization, and modern IT infrastructure. Many of us fondly remember the vibrant VMware Explore conferences in Barcelona, which quickly became a highlight for the EMEA community. Barcelona was the place where thousands of IT professionals gathered to exchange ideas, learn about the latest VMware innovations, and connect with peers from across Europe.
However, as of 2025, the Barcelona edition has been retired, and VMware has shifted its focus to a new, more flexible format: VMware Explore On Tour. Instead of one big event in Europe, VMware now brings a curated, high-impact experience directly to multiple cities across the continent. This change means that the best content from the flagship Las Vegas event is now accessible closer to home, without the need for long-distance travel.
Why Explore On Tour Is Perfect for European IT Pros
The On Tour events are designed to deliver the essence of VMware Explore in a more compact, regionally relevant way. You get access to carefully selected sessions, hands-on labs, and expert-led discussions that address the unique challenges European organizations face today. As someone focused on Hybrid Cloud, I’m especially excited about the deep dives into multi-cloud strategies, seamless workload mobility, and the latest in cloud management and automation. These topics are more relevant than ever as organizations look to optimize their hybrid environments and drive business agility.
What’s more, these events foster meaningful networking with local VMware experts, partners, and fellow IT professionals. The smaller scale compared to the old Barcelona or Las Vegas events means you can engage more deeply, ask your questions, and build connections that truly matter.
Where and When in Europe?
This year, VMware Explore On Tour will visit London (September 17–18), Paris (October 15–16), and Frankfurt (November 12–13). Each stop offers a day and a half packed with valuable content, including companion programs like VMUG meetings and technical advisory boards.
If you’ve attended VMware Explore in Barcelona before, you’ll appreciate how this new format keeps the spirit alive—bringing innovation and community together, but now in a way that fits better with busy schedules and regional priorities.
Final Thoughts
While the iconic Barcelona event has passed into history, VMware Explore On Tour is a fresh chapter that brings the best of VMware’s vision and technology directly to Europe. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore new solutions, or connect with peers, these events are a must on your calendar.
As a Pre-Sales Consultant at ITQ, I’ll be planning to attend one of the events and am eager to discuss how these innovations can help you achieve your cloud goals. Keep an eye out for registration details and session announcements, and let’s make the most of this new way to explore VMware’s future—right here in Europe.
See you on tour!
Dive Virtual 
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