VMblog:  Let's start off with a bit more details about VeeamON 2018.  Can you give us the who, what and where so people know what's coming and when?

Veeam:  VeeamON 2018 is the premier conference for intelligent data management. After taking over Vegas for our first 2 years, and New Orleans last year, we'll turn Chicago Veeam green May 14 - 16 at the McCormick Place convention center. Each year, Veeam users and partners gather at VeeamON to gain valuable insights, training and connections with industry experts.  This year, the event will offer over 60 breakout sessions, an expanded Expo Lounge, exclusive Partner Summit sessions, VMCE testing during the event, VMCE trainings following the event, and more. In addition to keynotes from our executives including president and co-CEO, Peter McKay, and co-CEO, Ratmir Timashev, as well as our premier sponsors, a big highlight will be Kenneth Cukier, Data Editor of The Economist. Kenneth will talk about the future of intelligent data management.

VMblog:  VeeamON is now in its 4th year, isn't that correct?  Why do you think the show has been so successful and keeps growing year after year?

Veeam:  The successful growth of VeeamON could be attributed to multiple factors. We do work hard to improve the conference each year by diligently collecting and reviewing feedback after each event. Insights are drawn and improvements are made based on attendee and sponsor responses. The Veeam leadership and event planning teams are driven to make each event the best Veeam experience yet.  Also, Veeam customers and partners attendance has grown aggressively every year. 

VMblog:  Veeam puts a lot of energy and effort into sponsoring other trade show events like VMworld.  How is preparing for your own event different?  Can you talk about what goes on behind the scenes, the amount of work that goes into establishing content and creating an event like this?

Veeam:  While we put a great effort into sponsoring an event like VMworld, hosting our own conference has many additional elements.  It's not only the Veeam booth, employee coordination, and the (famous) Veeam party.  We spend the full year between each VeeamON preparing the agenda, the messaging, the breakout content, the sponsorships, the promotions, and much more!

Even with a dedicated event planning team, it takes the entire Veeam ecosystem to help plan this event. The entire Veeam Team is involved with promoting VeeamON and driving conference registration.  Plus, over 100 Veeam employees from a variety of departments and regions will be on site to help work the conference in various capacities and to put a face with the Veeam name.

VMblog:  Can you highlight the key benefits of VeeamON for attendees?  And, do you have any tips for "making the case" with management for attending this year?

Veeam:  Today's business demands data that is active, intelligent and Always-On.  For that reason, and many more, VeeamON 2018 is an ideal event for any business.  At VeeamON, attendees will gain access to over 60 breakouts, an Expo Lounge packed with industry leaders and experts, hands-on experience with Veeam solutions, numerous networking opportunities, and VMCE training and certification. 

The VeeamON website is constantly being updated as new information and resources are available, including email templates to convince your boss you should attend!  Check it out at www.veeam.com/veeamon 

VMblog:  Veeam has established a fantastic partner ecosystem that is still growing.  How many sponsors will be at the event this year?  And can you talk about why those exhibitors have chosen to sponsor VeeamON?  What keeps them coming back?

Veeam:  With more than 53,000 partners and 282,000 customers, VeeamON is an ideal gathering opportunity for our partners, alliances, and customers to join in an interactive setting that is an Expo Hall, technical conference, and networking event all in one. We're thrilled to have 6 premier sponsors for VeeamON 2018: Cisco, HPE, IBM, Microsoft, NetApp and VMware. We also have several platinum sponsors, including CDW, Exagrid, iLand, Ingram Micro, Promark, phoenixNAP and Pure Storage. 

VMblog:  Can you give VMblog readers a sneak peek at what some of the high level messaging will be during this year's keynote?

Veeam:  VeeamON 2018 is focused on Hyper-Availability, a new state of intelligence, where data delivers actionable insights that fuel increased productivity and faster innovation.  Our guest keynote speaker, Kenneth Cukier, data editor of The Economist, will present on the future of intelligent data management.  We'll also have several Veeam customers on stage sharing their stories. And, expect several news announcements during the event! 

VMblog:  How many breakout sessions do you have this year?  Do you have any favorites or stand outs that attendees will be rushing to get into?

Veeam:  This year, we are offering more than 60 breakout sessions.  We will have some regular attendee favorites including our own Anton Gostev and Rick Vanover, as well as other technical Veeam experts, but we'll also have sessions focused on business, cloud, best-practices, and more.  A preview of session titles is currently available at www.veeam.com/veeamon/sessions-at-glance. 

VMblog:  Do you have any special tips to share with first time attendees of the show?  Anything they should be aware of before they head out?

Veeam:  It is important for all attendees to download and log in to the VeeamON Mobile App in the weeks leading up to the conference.  The app allows attendees to build a personal agenda, connect with other attendees, find valuable information for onsite, and more.

A link to download the app will be sent out to registrants by email and posted on the VeeamON website.

For attendees coming into town for the conference, we also recommend visiting www.veeam.com/veeamon/venue to plan your travel and hotel stay in Chicago. 

VMblog:  Are there any new trends in the industry that people should be aware of or should keep their eyes and ears on the lookout for anytime during the show?

Veeam:  Intelligent data management and Hyper-Availability will be big topics throughout VeeamON.  

VMblog:  Veeam is always known as throwing a fantastic party at other events like VMworld.  Beyond the learning at VeeamON, what do you have planned for entertainment for your attendees in Chicago?

Veeam:  The days at VeeamON days can be long and intense, but we like to create some balance with networking events each night.  We also create opportunities for networking and fun throughout the day, like taking a ping-pong break in the expo lounge.  Our big VeeamON will be held in the brand new Windtrust Arena right next to the convention center.  The fun starts with a street party outside of the arena, and it continues into the night with food, drinks, and live entertainment. 

VMblog:  If someone can't make it to VeeamON this year, is there a way for them to follow along remotely? 

Veeam:  We live stream our general session, so anyone who can't make it to Chicago should be on the lookout for the streaming link to follow along. Also, attendees will be posting on social media throughout the conference.  Follow @Veeam and #VeeamON for updates before, during and after the event!