Join us at Explore
Las Vegas, Nevada | The Venetian
Aug. 31 – Sep. 3, 2026
Mastering private cloud infrastructure takes a lot of technical skill, but it also takes a solid support system. You can read all the documentation in the world, but nothing beats asking a peer, “How did you actually get this to work without breaking production?”
At VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas, we want you to build connections that matter. If you already read our previous blog on Four Key Benefits of Attending, you know we are serious about training, but we are equally serious about community. Tap into a community powerhouse from Aug. 31 to Sep. 3 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center. Here’s a quick reference guide to inform your journey…
Heading to #VMwareExplore this year? From the Communities Lounge to the VMware {code} Hackathon, this is your handy guide to all the community happenings in Las Vegas. Share on X
The Communities Lounge and Meet-ups
Visit the Communities Lounge in The Hub to connect with fellow community members, leaders, or to relax between sessions. This space includes dedicated areas for all community groups to meet new members and catch up with old friends.
During the week, the Communities Lounge will host the following gatherings:
- vExperts Meet-up, open to all current vExperts: Monday, Aug. 31 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
- AMA with Community Experts, William Lam and Duncan Epping, open to all: Monday, Aug. 31 | 2:00 – 3:00 PM PDT
- Homelab Meet-up, open to all: Tuesday, Sep. 1 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM PDT
- Explore Insiders Meet-up, open to all: Tuesday, Sep.1 | 4:00 – 4:45 PM PDT
- VMware {code} Sensor Meet-up, open to all: Wednesday, Sep. 3 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PDT
The Hub Theater: Quick Talk Sessions
Hear what’s top of mind from community experts at the Hub Theater. This year, there are more than 40 Quick Talk sessions ranging from private cloud, AI, certifications, and more.
VMware User Group (VMUG)
Officially launched in August of 2010, VMUG is an independent, global, customer-led organization, created to empower technologists through knowledge sharing, training, collaboration, and events focused on maximizing their use of VMware Cloud Foundation and the broader technologies needed in their ever-evolving role. For more than a decade, VMUG has been committed to creating space for IT practitioners, experts, and leaders to come together to solve complex virtualization problems. VMUG proves that progress is powered by community.
At VMware Explore in Las Vegas, engage with VMUG in the following ways:
- Visit VMUG at Booth #205 to participate in our spin-the-wheel activation and win fantastic prizes such as:
- Advantage Members Giveaway: Lenovo P5 ThinkStation Homelab gifted by Intel
- All Member Giveaway: Nintendo Switch 2 Bundle
- Join Brad Tompkins on Wednesday, September 2 from 3:00 – 3:20 PM PDT for the VMUG quick talk session, Real Talk: What the VMUG Community Is Seeing in the VMware Ecosystem.
- The VMUG Member Reception will take place at Wakuda on Tuesday, September 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM PDT, featuring drinks, appetizers, and a great time! RSVP here and save your spot.
VMware {code}: For the Developers and Automation Enthusiasts
VMware {code} is a vibrant community of developers and IT professionals who are passionate about driving technology forward. The community is for participants to explore cutting-edge technology and tools, connect with experts and peers to share knowledge, and innovate by collaborating on projects that shape the future of computing.
Home Lab Meetup | Tuesday, Sep. 1 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM PDT
Swap ideas with the Home Lab community, explore the latest mini workstations and PCs, and discover smart strategies for VCF 9.1 memory expansion. We will cover extending memory footprints on legacy hardware and getting your VMUG Advantage Home Lab licenses.
VMware {code} Lab Sensor Meetup | Wednesday, Sep. 2 | 10:00 – 11:00 AM PDT
Want to deploy Raspberry Pi sensors as Kubernetes workloads? Stop by to pick up a free sensor, dive into the code on VMware vSphere® Kubernetes Service (VKS), and collaborate on your favorite projects with the community. Open to all. Sensors given on a first-come, first-served basis.
VMware {code} Hackathon
Monday, August 31 | 7:00 – 11:00 PM PDT | Level 2, Titian 2206
The VMware {code} Hackathon returns to VMware Explore in Las Vegas 2026—but this year we’re doing something different. Artificial Intelligence is transforming how we design, build, and automate software. Rather than a traditional coding competition, we’re inviting the VMware {code} Community to explore what happens when people and AI create together.
Teams will be challenged to build a start-to-finish working prototype using AI as a core part of development over the course of one single evening. Join a team, or form a new one, onsite at the Hackathon.
Full event schedule:
- 7:00 – 7:30 PM: Interactive AI Build Lab & Team Formation
- 7:30 PM: Hackathon Begins
- 10:30 PM: Team Presentations
- 11:00 PM: Awards
- 11:30 PM: Event ends
VMware vExperts: Broadcom’s Global Influencer Program
The vExperts program awards individuals for their contributions to the VMware software ecosystem. Earning the award means a demonstrated strong commitment to sharing knowledge and recognition from peers for community contributions. There are many advantages to becoming a vExpert, including being instantly connected to a vast network of over 1,000 members. Get to know the vExpert program while at Explore.
vExpert Meetup at Explore
Monday, August 31 | 11:00 AM – 12 PM PDT | The Hub, Communities Lounge
At VMware Explore in Las Vegas, attending vExperts will kick off the busy week at the Communities Lounge inside of the Hub on day one, August 31 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM PDT. Get to know Eric Nielsen, Community Program Manager, and fellow certified vExperts for an hour of networking, community building, and fun.
If you’re not already a vExpert, come by the Communities Lounge at any time to learn how to become one!
Broadcom Rewards Program
Broadcom Rewards thanks customers for their ongoing support and engagement. Program members earn points for completing online, in-platform activities, including education challenges, surveys, feedback forums, social shares, and more. Eligible members can redeem points for prizes in the Rewards catalog ranging from charity donations and certification vouchers to branded swag and high-tech gadgets!
Onsite at VMware Explore, visit the Rewards Area in The Hub to activate your account, participate in the Explorer Expedition, and unlock access to the latest product news, Broadcom announcements, networking opportunities, and more. The Rewards Area will be the central location for attendees to redeem their points earned onsite for exclusive prizes*. Eligible new members are also automatically entered into the daily drawing for our PlayStation giveaway**. Right next door is The Store where you can purchase exclusive event merchandise.
*Restricted Parties and employees are not eligible to redeem but are allowed to participate.
**Daily drawing is open to eligible US attendees and non-employees only.
Not a member yet? Activate your Account today
Don’t Miss Out on the Good Stuff
Whether you are rocking a Full Event Pass or keeping your schedule flexible with a Meetings+ Pass, you will have full access to The Hub to enjoy these community spaces. Secure your pass and register today to build connections that matter.
At the end of the day, IT is a team sport. Come out of the server room, meet someone new, and find your community.
