Written By: Julia Klaus

Join us at VMware Explore

Barcelona, Spain | Fira Gran Via
4 – 7 November 2024

The Show Can’t Stop—We’re Excited to Bring the Community Area to VMware Explore Barcelona 2024

After the fantastic success in Las Vegas, we’re bringing the same energy, connections, and excitement to VMware Explore 2024 Barcelona! The show doesn’t stop, and we’re working hard to create an amazing space for our community. With a full lineup of activities and sessions, the VMware Communities Area will once again serve as the beating heart of the event.

This year, the Community Area will be conveniently located by The Expo, ensuring easy access to all the action. We’ve got some exciting zones lined up for you, each with its unique focus and value. In addition to the Community Area, there will be ancillary events happening throughout the week—offering the perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate, have fun, and build lasting relationships with fellow community members. I’ll share more details about these off-site events later in the post.

Stop by the Community Front Desk and VMUG Booth

When you arrive at the Community Area, be sure to stop by the Community Front Desk to say hello to the community team, grab some cool swag, and connect with us. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a long-time member of the VMware community, this is your home base for meaningful conversations—learn about our communities, join the VMTN Community, or explore other VMware communities that interest you.

Don’t miss the VMware User Group, where you can connect with VMUG Leaders and meet Jean Williams, our VMUG Director. Whether you’re already part of a VMUG or looking to get involved, this is a great opportunity to learn about the resources available to you and the community activities VMUG has in store. Come by to chat and see how VMUG can help you in your VMware journey!

Community Theater: Where the Tech Talks Happen

The Community Theater is where you’ll experience over 40 Community Quick Talks featuring practical tips, insights, and success stories from fellow community members. These Quick Talks offer real-world solutions and ideas that you can implement in your own work environment.

Why attend the Community Theater?

• Learn from your peers: See how others in the community are tackling similar challenges.
• Practical takeaways: Get actionable insights and strategies you can apply right away.
• Engage with presenters: Interactive sessions encourage questions, discussions, and shared experiences.
• Advance your career: Learn how to leverage VMware Communities to boost your professional growth.
• Explore VMware Certifications: Discover the certifications that can elevate your skill set.
• VMware product solutions: Find out how VMware products are solving real-world customer challenges.

VMware {code} Theater: Dive into Automation and Cloud-Native Tech

The VMware {code} Theater is a separate area dedicated to over 40 sessions focused on automation, infrastructure-as-code, and cloud-native technologies. If you’re looking to optimize your workflows and explore how VMware solutions can enhance your DevOps and cloud-native strategies, this is the place to be.

Why attend the {code} Theater?

• Master automation: Learn how to streamline processes using VMware automation tools.
• Innovate with cloud-native tech: Stay on top of the latest trends in cloud-native development.
• Boost productivity: Apply the knowledge gained to make your operations more efficient and scalable.
• Watch experts code live: VMware product experts will demonstrate live coding, showing real-time solutions to common challenges.

VMware {code} Labs: Get Hands-on with the Latest Tech

Located right behind the front desk, the VMware {code} Labs area will be buzzing with activity. Led by Eric Nielsen and Franky Barragan, these labs offer hands-on experience with emerging technologies like ChatGPT and PowerShell automation. You’ll also learn how AI can be leveraged to enhance coding productivity and streamline virtual machine (VM) management. Participants will dive into practical projects, gaining valuable skills in generating and optimizing scripts using AI to improve system management.

Why attend the {code} Labs?

• Hands-on learning: Gain direct experience with new technologies, including AI-enhanced coding for VM management.
• Practical skills: Walk away with actionable skills that you can immediately apply to your own projects.
• Boost productivity: Learn how to use AI to write effective, reliable code, increasing your efficiency and coding capabilities.
• Expert guidance: Eric and Franky will guide you through each lab, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.

Ancillary Events: Don’t Miss These!

VMware Explore 2024 Barcelona isn’t just about sessions and labs—we’ve got some incredible community events planned where you can socialize, collaborate, and have fun.

• Hackathon
  Date: Tuesday, 5 November 2024
  Time: 18:00 – 22:00
  Location: Calle de Floridablanca 92, Barcelona, Cataluña 08015
  Food: Tapas, Wine, Beer
  Our Hackathon is the perfect opportunity to team up with fellow community members to solve problems and build innovative solutions. You’ll work side-by-side with some of the brightest minds in the VMware ecosystem.
  Sign up for the Hackathon here.

• Community Leadership Party
  This exclusive, invite-only event is for the most active members of the community, including vExperts and VMUG leaders. Invitations are going out soon, so keep an eye on your inbox and RSVP by 30 October to secure your spot. Location details will follow in your invite!

• vROCKSTAR Party
  Date: Monday, 4 November 2024
  Time: 19:00 – 23:00
  Location: Soho House, Barcelona
  We’re proud to sponsor this year’s vROCKSTAR Party, a community favorite! It’s an evening of fun, networking, and great conversations. Make sure you have a ticket, and if you need one, reach out to the vROCKSTAR team or Patrick Redknap.

• The Party at VMware Explore
  Date: Wednesday, 6 November 2024
  Time: 19:00 – 21:00
  Location: Main Stage, Hall 6.0
  Work hard, play hard. The Party is the must-attend official evening event at VMware Explore. Plan to enjoy some food, drinks, games and, of course, great musical talent featuring the RPJ Band. It’s going to be an incredible night to celebrate a successful event, so keep an eye on the official VMware Explore Blog, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn for updates.

A Journey of Connection and Growth Awaits

There will be numerous opportunities to meet community members, socialize, and dive deep into tech conversations. Whether it’s through sessions, labs, or social events, VMware Explore Barcelona is packed with activities designed to give you the best possible experience.

Come be part of something special in Barcelona—a place where connections are made, ideas flourish, and our community grows stronger with every interaction. This is your chance to engage, learn, and contribute to the future of VMware Communities.

We can’t wait to see you there!