VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas
Day 2 Recap | September 1, 2026
Welcome to VMware Explore 2026, where thousands of explorers have gathered at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center to harness the power of private cloud. Reporting live from Nevada, here’s your recap of Day 2.
Catch All the News of the Day in the Explore 2026 Media Kit
Welcome Reception Highlights
Last night’s Welcome Reception kept the energy high—complete with exciting giveaways, networking opportunities, and plenty of food and drinks. In fact, we served over 1,600 Fat Tire Classic Ales by New Belgium Brewing Company, who was featured in our plenary session. We’re pretty sure that’s a record!
Highlights from the Hackathon
The VMware {code} Hackathon challenged data-center automators to push boundaries through intense competition and strategic collaboration last night. In comparison to previous years, the event shifted focus from traditional coding contests to leveraging the collective power of people and AI. Teams rallied together, combined their unique technical skills, and engaged in spirited rivalry to solve complex problems, showcasing the true power of community-driven innovation.
Deep Dive: VMware Cloud Foundation & Career Growth
One of the hottest topics today was VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.1. Explorers got expert insights into the latest features. Pair that with a strong lineup of Hands-on Labs, Expert-led Workshops, Meet the Expert Roundtables (below), and certification exams, and it’s clear that Explore isn’t just about seeing what’s new, it’s about building the skills that drive your career forward.
Partner Highlights
Our partner presence made waves on Day 2, starting with the exclusive Resell, Distributor, and Professional Services Partner Keynote. Looking for more? Partner sessions are lined up to happen all week. Stop by the Partner Lounge where you can network, get off your feet, meet with peers, and catch a deep dive theater session for further learning.
Tomorrow: Odyssey Tournament Finals
Tomorrow, the spotlight shifts to competition. The VMware OdysseyTM final tournament kicks off at 11:00 AM in the Hands-on Labs room on Level 3 in the Murano Ballroom.
The top 8 finalists will battle it out live, climbing the leaderboard in real time. Whether you’re competing, cheering, or just curious to see pros in action, this one’s worth a front-row seat. It’s fast, fun, and always a crowd favorite.
Odyssey isn’t the only highlight about HOLs. Be sure to check out all of the offerings from Hands-on Labs at Explore this year.
Day 2 showed us what happens when innovation, career growth, and community connections come together. There’s still more, tomorrow awaits you with added opportunities to learn, connect, and grow your impact.
From VCF 9.1 deep dives to community connections, Day 2 at #VMwareExplore 2026 in Las Vegas has delivered big Ideas and bold Innovations. Share on X
