VMblog: This is the first VMware Explore since the Broadcom acquisition. Will attendees get an overview of Broadcom's future plans for VMware?

VMware:  Since Broadcom acquired VMware last November, our goal has been to help customers move fast in their digital transformation and position them for success. We've done this by simplifying VMware's Go-to-Market approach and modernizing the focus of our product offerings. Going forward, we'll continue to enable our customers and partners to be laser-focused on deploying the best and most innovative private cloud platform in the market.

At VMware Explore, attendees will learn more about the customer choice around our product offerings with access to more than 500 sessions. With the resources of Broadcom, we're excited to unveil new innovations that will enable enterprises and organizations to optimize their IT investments according to their unique business transformation journey. 

VMblog: What is one key theme for this year's VMware Explore event? 

VMware:  VMware Explore 2024 is the go-to event for all things cloud, where technology users and industry leaders can learn how to solve today's cloud complexities. One of the theme's for this year's event is "Set your sights higher," and attendees will explore the key technologies driving innovation across the cloud. They will learn how to efficiently modernize infrastructure, accelerate app development, and protect everything, everywhere.

Our annual event will be hosted at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas from Monday, August 26 to Thursday, August 29. In addition to the U.S.-based event, we'll host our Europe event, VMware Explore Barcelona, from Monday, November 4 to Thursday, November 7.

We also plan to return to The Venetian Convention and Expo Center for VMware Explore 2025 Las Vegas, taking place Monday, August 25 to Thursday, August 28.

VMblog: Will this year's event have any online/digital components? Or is it strictly for in person attendees?

VMware:  The general session will be broadcast live through the VMware Explore website on August 27 from 9:00-10:00 am PT and is free for everyone to view. In addition, most Explore breakout sessions will be recorded and available for anyone to view on-demand within 24 hours. This year you are not required to register for the event to view the general session live stream or on-demand sessions.

VMblog: What kind of content can attendees expect this year? Will there be a focus on specific industry verticals or emerging technologies?

VMware:  VMware Explore 2024 offers attendees a chance to engage with experts, discover innovative technologies, and gain insights into the future of cloud computing and digital infrastructure. Key highlights include hands-on labs, networking opportunities, and content sessions on topics including cloud infrastructure, software-defined edge, modern applications, and networking, security, and load balancing. The event is designed to help IT professionals enhance their skills, connect with peers, and explore Broadcom's latest products and solutions.

VMware Explore will offer a general session on Tuesday, August 27, featuring exciting new advancements in private cloud, AI, app delivery, and the edge. Additionally, attendees can expect several breakout sessions highlighting VMware Cloud Foundation advancements, insights into accelerating application delivery, customer viewpoints, and more.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend expert roundtable discussions and community quick talks to encourage in-depth exploration of complex subjects, share knowledge, and exchange ideas.

VMblog: What are you most excited about for VMware Explore 2024?

VMware:  This is our first year hosting our annual conference since the acquisition by Broadcom. Over the past year, we've shared updates on streamlining product offerings, improving go-to-market strategies, and investing in R&D for innovation. This move was an effort to align VMware's capabilities more closely with Broadcom's business model, focusing on private cloud. At this year's show, we're excited to shine a light on how Broadcom is helping customers achieve a true private cloud experience, enabling them to optimize resources, drive growth, and deliver greater value.

VMblog: What are some of the keynote highlights attendees can look forward to?

VMware:  On Tuesday, August 27, we'll have our main General Session, where we'll unveil groundbreaking advancements in private cloud, AI, app delivery, and edge computing. Attendees will gain exclusive insights from Broadcom President and CEO Hock Tan, along with other Broadcom leaders, VMware experts, and pioneering customers on optimizing, scaling, and securing enterprise workloads. You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear how to accelerate your cloud transformation journey with the latest innovations and real-world strategies.

VMblog: Sessions are key to VMware Explore learning. Are there any key sessions that you can shine a spotlight on that attendees will want to make sure they get on their schedules?

VMware:  We're pleased to offer 500-plus sessions across five content tracks this year covering Cloud Infrastructure, Software-Defined Edge, Modern Applications, Networking, Security & Load Balancing, and Innovation, but we have a few we're particularly looking forward to.

• 3 Transformations for the Smarter Way to Cloud | August 27 at 1:00 PM PT: Join this session to learn how Broadcom is transforming the way IT is being built, deployed, and used, featuring an expansive demo and first-reveal news across compute, storage, and networking.

• When The Edge Becomes the Mainstream - What's Next in Software-Defined Edge AI? | August 27 at 1:00 PM PT: Join this session to learn how customers and partners are relying on a complete software-defined edge stack for today and tomorrow's IT and OT success.

• HCA Healthcare: Real World Perspective on Network Edge Resiliency in Healthcare | August 27, 1:00 PM PT: Join this session to learn how HCA leveraged NetOps by Broadcom to gain a highly scalable, unified data model, advanced analytics, and intelligent workflows.

• Accelerate Your App Delivery with VMware Tanzu Platform | August 27 at 2:15 PM PT: Join this session to learn about new innovations from VMware Tanzu Platform and see an end-to-end demo of Tanzu Platform, where you will follow an app from code, to production and beyond.

• Innovations in Ransomware Prevention and Cloud-Speed Application Delivery with VMware vDefend and VMware Avi Load Balancer | August 27 at 2:15 PM PT:Join this session to learn about new innovations and strategic directions for vDefend and Avi Load Balancer to drastically buy-down cyber risk and accelerate application delivery. 

VMblog: What are some trends Broadcom is focused on in 2024? 

VMware:  As organizations around the world continue to modernize their data centers and harness the power of Gen AI in their enterprise environments, VMware Explore 2024 offers a gathering place for leaders, practitioners and innovators to meet, learn, solve and network. This year, VMware Explore will focus on modernized cloud infrastructures and accelerating application delivery, as well as how to optimize and secure enterprise, OT and telco infrastructure with software-defined edge.

VMblog: VMware Explore has always been a platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies. What are some of the key technology trends that will be represented at the event this year?

VMware:  Executives and IT decision-makers are forever grappling with critical challenges: the complexity of managing IT infrastructure, the need for faster deployment of applications, and the escalating costs associated with cloud services. At the show, we'll showcase how our technologies are taking away this problem for customers.

Cloud infrastructures, including VMware Cloud Foundation, VMware vSphere Foundation, VMware Private AI Foundation, and VMware Live Recovery, will be heavily focused on for this year's show and will have significant updates that will be of interest to attendees.

VMblog: What are some of the community activities attendees can look forward to and participate in while onsite?

VMware:  At VMware Explore, attendees can look forward to participating in a variety of community activities designed to foster collaboration and enhance their experience.

While onsite, we'll have "The Hub" which serves as the central gathering place where attendees can network with peers, connect with industry experts, and explore interactive demos and displays. It's a vibrant space for exchanging ideas and discovering the latest innovations.

Attendees can also look forward to Hands-on Labs, which offer a practical learning environment where participants can engage directly with VMware products. These labs allow attendees to test out the latest tools, gain real-world experience, and troubleshoot scenarios in a controlled setting. It's an opportunity to deepen technical skills and experiment with VMware technologies without any risk.

The full event pass registration allows attendees to purchase VMware Certified Professional and VMware Certified Advanced Professional certification exam vouchers at a 50% discount. These exams can only be done while onsite and give participants a chance to validate their expertise and gain official recognition, which are highly regarded in the industry.

Additionally, we'll have Community Quick Talk sessions, which provide an engaging way to learn about emerging trends and practical solutions. These sessions are focused presentations where community members share quick insights, tips, and tricks on specific topics related to VMware technologies.

VMblog: VMware Explore always puts forward a great and entertaining event. What type of entertainment do you have planned this year? What's on the agenda for fun?

VMware:  Each year, we are eager to bring engaging activities to our attendees, including the Welcome Reception in The Expo where participants will discover a vast partner ecosystem, network with fellow attendees in a fun atmosphere, pick up some new swag, and enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks. We will also have an Expo Bash where attendees can engage in unique experiences, participate in giveaways, and socialize at the sponsor booths.

Attendees won't want to miss The Party, our must-attend after-hours event on Wednesday, August 28th onsite at the Main Stage in Hall A. The Party will feature food, drinks, games, and more including a live performance by the iconic alternative rock band, Jimmy Eat World. Join us in celebrating three decades of unforgettable music.