I’m excited to be heading back to VMware Explore in Barcelona from 4th to 7th November 2024. This year feels different—it’s my first VMware Explore since Broadcom completed its acquisition of VMware, and that shift is sure to be a key talking point throughout the conference. From changes in VMware's portfolio and pricing to the spin-off of the EUC (End User Computing) division into the newly branded Omnissa, this year’s event is set to have a very different feel.
What’s Changed with the Broadcom Acquisition?
The acquisition by Broadcom has brought some significant shifts for VMware’s customers. Broadcom has streamlined VMware’s portfolio, aiming for simplicity. While this is a welcome move for those who prefer fewer overlapping products and clearer pathways to deployment, the flipside has been a notable increase in pricing. Many customers have been vocal about these price hikes, and it has left a bitter taste for some.
It will be interesting to see how this translates into attendance and the general mood at the conference. Will the community come together as it always has, or will there be a more reserved, cautious vibe? The spin-off of the EUC division into Omnissa means that this year, VMware Explore is likely to focus much more on infrastructure and development rather than the blend of EUC and infrastructure content we’ve seen in past years.
Hopes for Innovation and Community Spirit
Despite the changes, I’m looking forward to seeing if VMware can keep its usual spirit of community unity alive. Conferences like these have always been about more than just the sessions—they’re a chance to connect, to share stories, and to get a real pulse on where the industry is headed. I hope to hear announcements and messages that signal not only further innovation but also a focus on making technology easier and more accessible, allowing VMware to stand out from its competitors.
There’s a lot of discussion in the industry that Broadcom’s primary focus is now on selling VMware’s full suite of solutions to large enterprise customers. I’d like to see a commitment to innovation that brings value across the board, not just to the biggest customers. This is an opportunity for VMware to show that it can still be a leader in the hybrid cloud space and to demonstrate how its strategy is evolving.
Top Tips for First-Time Attendees
Having attended every VMware Explore (and VMworld) event that has taken place in Barcelona, I’ve gathered some tips for making the most out of the experience:
Explore the Expo Hall: It’s not just about VMware. The expo hall is a fantastic opportunity to meet other ecosystem vendors. Take the time to explore, ask questions, and get demos—you never know what insights you’ll pick up.
Engage with the Community: The real magic happens when you connect with others. Find opportunities to chat with fellow attendees, whether that’s in the halls between sessions or at social events in the evening. It’s a great way to get a sense of the latest trends and challenges people are facing.
Use the Metro and Be Prepared: Barcelona’s metro system is easy to navigate, and getting a 10-trip pass usually covers my time there. Bring comfortable trainers, don’t over-pack your bag, and leave space for the SWAG you’ll pick up along the way.
Plan Your Sessions, but Be Flexible: Use the session scheduler to book key sessions you don’t want to miss, but remember that you can catch recordings later. Prioritise time in the expo hall and talking to people—those real-time conversations are often where the most valuable insights come from.
Stay Safe: While Barcelona is an incredible city, be mindful of pickpockets and avoid wearing your conference badge in public spaces. Most incidents I’ve heard of involve distractions at night—keep your wits about you, especially after social events.
Setting Goals for the Conference
For me, it’s important to go into the conference with clear goals—what do I want to learn, and why am I attending? This ensures I make the most of my time there and come away with meaningful insights. Here’s what I’ll be focusing on at VMware Explore this year:
Hybrid Cloud Strategy: How is VMware really helping organisations on their hybrid cloud journey? Has their strategy shifted since the acquisition, or is it more of the same?
VMware and Symantec Collaboration: With Symantec already under Broadcom’s umbrella, I’m curious to see how this deeper relationship with VMware will influence their overall security strategy. What new integrations or synergies can we expect between VMware’s cloud capabilities and Symantec’s security expertise?
Practical AI Applications: We’ve all heard the AI hype, but I’m looking for real-world examples—how are businesses actually using AI today? I want to hear beyond the buzzwords and see the practical applications that are making a difference.
Post-Acquisition Innovation: Now that the acquisition is complete, what’s next for VMware’s innovation? Beyond changes in pricing and packaging, what new technologies or improvements are coming down the pipeline?
Let’s Connect!
Who else is planning to attend VMware Explore in Barcelona this year? I’d love to hear what you’re looking forward to, and what you think of the changes we’ve seen over the past year. Let’s catch up, compare notes, and see where VMware is headed together! Whether you’re excited, uncertain, or just curious to see how things play out, it’s going to be an event to remember. See you there!
