VMblog:  What's the theme for this year's VMware Explore event?  And why was it chosen?

Broadcom:  This year's theme, "Simplify Your Cloud. Architect Your Future," speaks directly to where we see customers going. Organizations are grappling with multi-cloud complexity, AI adoption, and security demands all at once. VMware Explore 2025 is about giving them the tools and strategies to cut through that complexity to streamline the entire cloud lifecycle, from development to consumption to management. Attendees will see firsthand how VMware solutions simplify private cloud, so they can shift from managing their clouds to reaping the benefits of a modern, future-proof solution.

Explore will help customers simplify operations today while setting a long-term architectural foundation for innovation tomorrow.

VMblog:  Explore returns to Las Vegas this August. How has Broadcom's vision shaped the direction of this year's event?

Broadcom:  Broadcom is focused squarely on delivering tangible value to customers. That's reflected in our Explore program. You'll see a more streamlined content structure including 400+ deep technical sessions anchored to four tracks: Cloud Infrastructure, Modern Applications, Networking Security & Load Balancing, and Innovation. The Hub has been redesigned as the single destination for sponsors, community spaces, and demos, encouraging more cross-pollination of ideas. The Hub will also feature an expanded and enriched Hands-on Labs experience. And of course, VMware Cloud Foundation 9 runs through everything, from Hands-on Labs to breakout sessions, as the platform that makes these transformations possible.

VMblog:  What are you most excited about for Explore 2025?

Broadcom:  The energy in Las Vegas is always incredible, but this year feels special. The program reflects the momentum we've built with customers over the past year, especially in AI. We'll have brand new labs dedicated to AI-enabled operations, certification exams with the latest VCF training, and an Innovation track featuring sessions that show real-world examples of private cloud and AI working together. The conversations in the hallways and at the networking events will be just as valuable as the main stage.

VMblog:  Can you give us a preview of the major keynote themes for 2025? Which Broadcom and VMware experts will be taking the main stage, and what breakthrough announcements or strategic insights should attendees anticipate?

Broadcom:  The General Session on Tuesday, August 26 will set the tone. You'll hear from Broadcom CEO Hock Tan, along with leaders like Chris Wolf, Paul Turner, Tasha Drew, and Sabina Anja. They'll unveil the latest innovations in private cloud, private AI and app delivery, discuss how customers are running AI workloads on VMware Cloud Foundation, and share strategies for accelerating application delivery and securing workloads across distributed environments.

VMblog:  What are the most significant technology innovations and product developments that will be showcased at Explore 2025? How do these align with current enterprise priorities around AI, cloud transformation, and security?

Broadcom:  There will be a lot to see! VMware Cloud Foundation 9 will be a major focus-attendees can explore its enhanced automation, support for AI workloads, and secure multi-tenancy features. We'll also showcase updates to VMware Private AI Foundation with NVIDIA, VMware Tanzu's role in cloud-native development, application modernization, and AI-powered solutions, as well as advances in networking, security, and load balancing that help enterprises operate with greater speed and security. The real highlight is seeing these innovations in context, through customer stories and live demonstrations.

VMblog:  How has Broadcom enhanced the educational experience this year? What new learning tracks, certification opportunities, or skill-building programs are you introducing to help IT professionals advance their careers?

Broadcom:  We've doubled down on the technical depth of Explore. Attendees will have access to more labs, more certifications, and more opportunities to leave with new skills they can apply immediately. The Hands-on Labs now include dedicated environments for VCF 9. And the certification program has expanded so every Full Event Pass holder can sit for an exam onsite at no additional cost. These labs are designed to give you practical experience with the tools and technologies that can help you streamline cloud lifecycle management and focus on what matters most.

VMblog:  With hundreds of breakout sessions planned, which sessions would you highlight as must-attend for different audience segments? What technical deep dives are you most excited about this year?

Broadcom:  We have over 400 sessions, so there's something for everyone, but a few standouts include: 

• General Session: Shaping the Future of Private Cloud and AI Innovation | Aug. 26 at 9:00 a.m. PDT: A must for all attendees, with announcements from Hock Tan and VMware experts.
• From Virtualization to Modern Private Cloud - Learn How VCF 9.0 is the new vSphere [CLOB1160LV] | Aug. 26 at 2:15 p.m. PDT: Hands-on guidance and demos on automation, AI workloads, and secure multi-tenancy, with real-world success stories and how to get started.
• Accelerate Idea to Code, Code to Production: What's New in VMware Tanzu [MODB1606LV] | Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m. PDT: Demo-driven updates showing how Tanzu Platform and Tanzu Data Intelligence enable AI-ready app development, secure data access, and governed deployment.
• Accelerating Firewall and Load Balancer Operations and Troubleshooting with GenAI innovations [INVB1864LV] | Aug. 27 at 9:00 a.m. PDT: A preview of how GenAI is transforming firewall and load balancer management through natural language interfaces, delivering faster troubleshooting, actionable insights, and automation support.

VMblog:  Beyond the technical content, what networking opportunities and community-building activities have you planned? How are you fostering connections between IT professionals, partners, and VMware experts?

Broadcom:  Explore has always been about community as much as content. The Hub will merge with The Expo this year to serve as the central gathering place for learning, networking, and recharging.  Attendees can visit with sponsors, participate in hands-on labs and certification training, connect with product and technology experts at the Expert Bar, and more. VMUG is also back with a member reception at Wakuda. And of course, we'll kick off the week with the Welcome Reception in the Hub on Monday, August 25, and end the week with The Party on Wednesday, August 27. The Party is a highlight: great food, entertainment, and the kind of conversations that make the whole week memorable.

VMblog:  With a lot of talk about private, public, and hybrid cloud, and the repatriation of public cloud back to private cloud, what role will Broadcom play in helping organizations navigate this complex IT landscape? How will this be reflected at the event?

Broadcom:  Sessions this year will show how customers are consolidating workloads onto VMware Cloud Foundation for greater efficiency, security, and cost control, addressing the trend of moving certain workloads back from public to private cloud. The Innovation track also explores private AI deployments and how hybrid approaches can balance performance, compliance, and cost.

VMblog:  For IT leaders who are evaluating whether to attend or send their teams, what's your compelling argument? What specific outcomes, insights, or opportunities should they expect to gain that justify the investment in attending VMware Explore 2025?

Broadcom:  VMware Explore is designed to deliver real, measurable value for IT decision-makers and their teams. This isn't just a week of presentations, it's an opportunity to connect strategy to execution. Attendees will gain direct access to the latest innovations in VMware Cloud Foundation 9 and Private AI, along with concrete customer stories that show how peers are reducing complexity, improving security, and optimizing operations.

They'll return with not just ideas, but actionable strategies, hands-on experience, and even certifications, all built around the specific challenges organizations face today. The event's depth of technical sessions, the ability to meet directly with product leaders, and the opportunity to network with other executives make it a high-return investment for any IT organization looking to modernize their cloud and AI approach.