VMware Explore 2025 in Las Vegas

Day 1 Recap | August 25, 2025

If you heard the collective buzz across the Venetian Convention and Expo Center today, that was Day 1 of VMware Explore in Las Vegas coming to life. You crushed it—140 sessions across all four tracks, endless hallway conversations, and a few “just one more coffee” moments with the community to keep the pace.

The Hub

Maybe you picked up a free Explore luggage tag at the VMware by Broadcom booth, dove into a Hands-on Lab, or consulted an expert at the Expert Bar.  If you spent any time in The Hub, you saw firsthand why it’s the beating heart of Explore.

New this year, The Hub has been expanded into one centralized space that combines exhibitors, program areas, and the main footprint for attendee interaction—making it easier to relax, recharge, network, and learn all in one place. Explore activations like the Broadcast Booth featuring theCUBE, the Discovery Theater, Broadcom Rewards, sponsor booths, and yes, the crowd-favorite Bark Park where you can take a paws with some puppies. Make time to drop by the Communities Lounge, a home base for vExperts, VMTN contributors, vBarbecue followers, and anyone looking to connect. Whether you’re here to meet old friends or make new ones, The Hub has you covered.

Modern-Day Explorer Showcase

This afternoon, we welcomed former NASA astronaut, Mike Massimino, MIT robotics pioneer, Dr. Kate Darling, and Professor of Engineering and Data Science, Hod Lipson, to share their journeys on exploring uncharted frontiers. From spacewalks that redefine human endurance, to the complexities of human-robot relationships, to AI systems that discover solutions we never imagined—attendees saw how fearless exploration drives the breakthroughs shaping our future.

Partner Highlights

Our partner presence made waves on Day 1, starting with the exclusive Solution Provider and Distributor Partner Keynote: Powering Growth in a VMware Cloud Smart World. Looking for more? Partner sessions are lined up to happen all week. Stop by the Partner Lounge (Level 2, Bellini 2102) where you can network, get off your feet, meet with peers, and catch an express theater session for further learning.

Welcome Reception—Tonight at 5:00 PM

Before we sprint into tomorrow, slow down and celebrate tonight. The Welcome Reception kicks off at 5:00 PM in The Hub (Level 2, Hall C), brought to you by our Diamond Sponsors: Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Intel, and Microsoft. Expect a sea of partners, tasty bites, cold drinks, and photo-worthy encounters with our 9-foot LED Robot Stilt Walkers. If you’ve got a Full Event Pass, don’t forget to visit the Swag Station for this year’s official event backpack, then head to the VMware by Broadcom Booth #400 for the event t-shirt.

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, Ballroom C, it’s open to all data-center automators. Advanced sign-up is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome. Bring your ideas, bring your skills, and maybe bring an extra energy drink.

General Session—Tomorrow at 9:00 AM

Set your alarm (or two) for 9:00 AM, Level 2, Hall A. The VMware Explore 2025 General Session will spotlight the latest in private cloud, AI, and practical strategies to accelerate app delivery and cloud transformation. Hear from Broadcom leaders, VMware software experts, and customers who’ve been in your shoes.

Early meeting? Have colleagues who couldn’t make it? No problem—we’re broadcasting it live to deliver the latest news and announcements to anyone, anywhere. The replay will be available in the video library by the end of the day.

Hands-on Labs at VMware Explore—What to Expect this Week

Discover the new VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Labs in the Hands-on Labs room on Level 2, The Hub, Hall C. You can choose a 90-minute Expert-led Workshop (arrive 15 minutes early for walk-ins, as seats are limited) or explore over 40 Self-paced Labs (no registration needed). To speed up your check-in, remember to favorite your preferred labs in the content catalog.

VMware Odyssey^TM by Hands-on Labs returns with qualifying rounds on Monday and Tuesday, and the final tournament on Wednesday at 11:00 AM in the HOL area, where you can compete for prizes and bragging rights. Don’t miss the 30 – 45 minute Tours of the HOL Room and the Command Center Wall: Monday and Tuesday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM; Wednesday at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Check in at the Welcome Desk inside the Hands-on Labs room to get started.

Training Opportunities on Day 2

• Certification Exam Center: If you have a Full Event Pass, a complimentary VCF certification exam voucher is waiting for you. Attendees with the Essentials Pass can purchase an exam voucher as an add-on. Schedule in advance and avoid the waitlist.
• Expert Bar: Bring your trickiest questions—real answers, real humans. Find them in The Hub near the VMware by Broadcom Booth #400.
• Meet the Expert Roundtables: Small group, big insights. Pre-book to guarantee a seat.
• Expert-led Workshops in Hands-on Labs: Learn directly from the creators.

Tomorrow, the energy ramps up. Tonight, the appetizers (and maybe the code commits) are free—enjoy both and get ready to meet us back here tomorrow, for Day 2.