The Future of Cloud Infrastructure: Deep Dive into VMware Cloud Foundation Automation at Explore 2026

VCF Automation at VMware Explore 2026

As enterprise IT rapidly evolves, fueled by the explosive growth of AI and the pressing need for secure Private AI architectures, the demand for agility, rigorous security, and true self-service infrastructure has never been higher. To meet these unprecedented demands, organizations must shift from traditional, siloed IT operations to a fully realized cloud operating model. VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas is the premier destination to discover how VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is driving this transformation.

At the heart of a modern, self-service private cloud is VCF Automation, a core capability that recently helped Broadcom secure a position as a Leader in the 2026 IDC MarketScape for Worldwide Private and Hybrid Cloud Management and Automation. It goes far beyond basic provisioning. It is the engine that powers Internal Developer Platforms (IDPs), rapid application delivery, and seamless lifecycle management. For IT executives, cloud architects, cloud admins, and platform engineers, VCF Automation is the key to maximizing IT efficiency, eliminating provisioning bottlenecks, and achieving a robust return on investment.

Transforming IT from Cost Center to Strategic Enabler

This year at Explore, we’re showcasing how VCF Automation empowers platform engineering teams to architect and deliver production-ready, multi-tenant private clouds. By shifting from manual, ticket-based workflows to automated self-service, organizations can dramatically accelerate workload deployment while maintaining strict governance and security.

Must-Attend VCF Automation Sessions

We’ve curated a comprehensive track of breakout sessions, tutorials, and interactive roundtables designed to provide deep technical insights and actionable strategies. Here’s your guide to the critical VCF Automation sessions you cannot miss:

Monday, August 31

• Provisioning Modern Workloads with VMware Cloud Foundation Automation Services Offerings [CLOB1064LV]: From 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM PDT, learn how provider admins leverage VCF Automation to provision, lifecycle, and configure services for modern workloads efficiently.
• Baked-in Protection for Your Kubernetes Applications in VMware Cloud Foundation [CLOB1727LV]: From 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM PDT, explore the cutting-edge of cloud-native data protection integrated directly into VCF 9.1.
• Introducing App Stack Formation: Capturing Live VMs as Catalog Items [CLOB1061LV]: From 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM PDT, discover how to capture live VMs and instantly turn them into reusable catalog items using the new App Stack formation.

Tuesday, September 1

• Meet the Expert Roundtable: Best Practices to Build a Self-Service Private Cloud [CLOM1539LV]: From 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM PDT, discuss the best practices IT admins can take to build and create a consumable private cloud using VCF, covering topics like resource assignments, content management, and security.
• Meet the Expert Roundtable: Best Practices to Consuming a Self-Service Private Cloud [CLOM1540LV]: From 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM PDT, join an interactive session exploring how to consume a self-service private cloud using out-of-the-box services and the content catalog. You will learn how to provision resources efficiently, maintain security, and control costs.
• Building a Private Cloud: A Provider Admin Guide for Multi-Tenant Success [CLOB1062LV]: From 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM PDT, learn to architect and deliver a production-ready, multi-tenant private cloud utilizing advanced networking strategies and true self-service capabilities.
• End-to-End VMware Cloud Foundation Automation Provider, Organization, and Consumption Setup and Configuration [CLOT1063LV]: Running from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM PDT, this immersive tutorial provides an end-to-end walkthrough on designing and operationalizing a modern private cloud.

Wednesday, September 2

• Application Repo to Self-Service: Automating Applications with Infrastructure as Code [CLOB1066LV]: From 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM PDT, see real applications transform from a Git repository into a fully automated self-service experience using advanced IaC techniques.
• VMware Cloud Foundation Automation: New Capabilities for Transforming Infrastructure Delivery [CLOB1060LV]: Also from 3:15 PM to 4:00 PM PDT, get an exclusive overview of the newest features, including enhancements to service management and tenant quotas.
• Meet the Expert Roundtable: Your Questions, Expert Answers: VMware Cloud Director to VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1 Migration Service [CLOM1159LV]: From 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM PDT, drop into this session to ask anything about migrating from VMware Cloud Director to VCF 9.1. Whether you are planning or already in the middle of a migration, come share challenges and get practical, actionable advice based on real-world experience.

Ecosystem Innovation at the Booth Theater

Don’t miss our partner showcase to see how VCF Automation extends across the ecosystem:

• Deploying Modern Applications on VCF 9.1 and Rackspace VCF Cloud [CLOTH1814LVS]: Join Rackspace Technology at the Booth Theater to see how containerized and traditional applications can be deployed seamlessly on a consistent private cloud platform. [Sponsored Session]

Get Hands-On with VCF Automation

Theory is essential, but practice cements knowledge. Visit the Hands-on Labs area to interact with the latest tools at your own pace. Product experts will be on standby as you work through these self-paced labs:

• Getting Started with Automation on VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1 [SPL-HOL-2711-21-VCF-L]
• Mastering Organization Management in VCF Automation [SPL-HOL-2711-23-VCF-L]
• Provider Management and Administration in VCF Automation [SPL-HOL-2711-22-VCF-L]
• What’s New: Automation on VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1 [SPL-HOL-2711-20-VCF-L]

Ready to accelerate your cloud infrastructure? Add these sessions to your VMware Explore 2026 schedule today!