VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas
Day 1 Recap | August 31, 2026
The energy across the Venetian Convention and Expo Center today proved that Day 1 of VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas is officially in full swing. Attendees maximized their time by navigating 118 sessions across our four content tracks, engaging in deep hallway conversations, and finding their people.
Catch All the News of the Day in the Explore 2026 Media Kit
Whether you picked up some free swag around the event, spent time in the Hands-on Labs, consulted a VMware software expert, or witnessed a live interview at the Virtually Speaking Podcast, you arrived ready to enhance your professional toolkit. To keep that momentum going, here is your Day 1 digest of the key highlights and updates from the event.
Plenary Session
This afternoon’s keynote session was all about news, announcements, and customer stories. Attendees in the audience heard from Broadcom leaders and left with a few key takeaways including how to scale AI in a cost-effective way, how to operate more securely, and how to innovate rapidly in the age of agentic AI. The plenary wrapped up with the grand reveal that VMware Explore is moving venues next year and will be at Resorts World Las Vegas, with new spring dates of May 3 – 6, 2027. Pre-registration is already open. Do so by September 30, and you’ll save $100 off your Full Event Pass for 2027!
Couldn’t catch the plenary session live? No worries, by tomorrow the full replay will be up on the VMware Explore Video Library. Dive in to see the announcements, tools, and big ideas shaping your next chapter.
Hands-on Labs at VMware Explore—What to Expect this Week
The labs you know and rely on are back. Test drive the brand new VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.1 labs. Find the HOL room on Level 3 in the Murano Ballroom. Get in front of the Command Center Wall to plan your tactical learning strategy or take a tour. Choose a 90-minute Expert-led Workshop (seats are limited; arrive 15 minutes early for walk-ins) or drop into one of 30+ Self-paced Labs (no registration required). Favorite your labs in the content catalog to speed up your check in.
VMware OdysseyTM by Hands-on Labs is back: qualifying rounds are on Monday and Tuesday while the final tournament is on Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the HOL area. Play for prizes, bragging rights, and a spot on the leaderboard.
What’s on Deck for Tonight
Welcome Reception—Tonight at 5:00 PM
Before we sprint into tomorrow, slow down and celebrate tonight. The Welcome Reception kicks off right after the plenary session at 5:00 PM in The Hub on Level 2.
Expect a sea of sponsors, tasty bites, cold drinks, and photo-worthy encounters with old friends and new. Tomorrow, the pace picks up. Tonight, kick back and enjoy the moment alongside some of the greatest tech minds in the industry.
Hackathon—Tonight from 7:00 – 11:45 PM
Ready to get hacking? Join the VMware {code} Hackathon for a free, after-hours evening of learning, competition, and community. Happening 7:00 – 11:45 PM, Level 2, Titian 2206, it’s open to all data-center automators. Rather than a traditional coding competition, we’re inviting the community to explore what happens when people and AI create together. Join a team, or form a new one at the event. Bring your ideas, bring your skills, and maybe bring an extra energy drink.
Get Ready for Tomorrow
- Certification Exam Center: If you have a Full Event Pass, a complimentary VCF certification exam voucher is waiting for you from now until Friday. Schedule in advance and avoid the waitlist: Level 3, Lido 3005
- Expert Bar: Walk up and bring your trickiest questions—real answers and real humans are waiting to help. Find them in The Hub right near the VMware by Broadcom Booth #200.
- Meet the Expert Roundtables: Small group, big insights. Don’t miss the chance for collective learning. Schedule in advance.
- Expert-led Workshops by Hands-on Labs: Get direct assistance by the subject matter experts who create our labs. Schedule in advance.
Tomorrow brings a full schedule of technical sessions and Hands-on Labs to help you sharpen your skills. Tonight, enjoy the reception and connecting with your peers. We look forward to seeing you back here tomorrow for Day 2 of Explore.
Day 1 of #VMwareExplore 2026 is in the books! From the latest announcements in the plenary session to hands-on learning with the experts, it’s been an incredible start. Dive into our daily recap to catch up on all the highlights. Share on X
