Every year, VMware Explore keeps getting better, and 2025 is shaping up to be no exception. I’ve been attending this event since 2019, and every single time, I walk away with more connections, more technical insight, and more motivation to level up.

Whether you’re deep into VMware’s ecosystem or just starting to explore what’s possible, this is the place to be. I still remember spending hours in “The Square,” meeting other tech pros from different industries, swapping real-world scenarios, and just learning from one another. It’s how I first got connected with VMUG and vExpert, and those relationships have truly shaped my career path.

One of the biggest draws for me has always been the Expo. There’s something energizing about seeing what vendors are building, testing the next big thing, and chatting face-to-face with people behind the products. Oh! and if you’re competitive like me, the Odyssey challenges are a must.

Explore 2025 Pricing Options are now live: Full Event, Essentials, and Meetings passes, there’s something for everyone depending on how you want to experience the week. Early bird pricing ends June 16, so don’t wait:
Check out pricing here

Looking to certify? Explore is also a great time to do it. You get discounted rates and, depending on the pass, even a complimentary voucher. Plus, who doesn’t want one of those shiny pins after passing?

This year’s also a big one for product direction. Yes, the Broadcom transition had its growing pains, but it’s clear they’re listening now. As a longtime customer and the current leader of the Philadelphia VMUG, I’ve seen the shifts, and there’s real momentum. ESXi remains unmatched, and the future of the platform looks solid.

As an architect, one of my personal goals was to explore alternative hypervisors. I recently attended the Nutanix conference and had the chance to see their roadmap up close, it’s clear the competition is evolving fast. That’s exactly why I’m excited to see what VMware by Broadcom brings to the table this year. With so many players stepping up, the innovation is only going to accelerate

One thing I always tell first-time attendees: reach out to someone you’ve only met virtually and plan to meet up. I’ve had the chance to meet folks I’ve worked with online for years, including execs, engineers, and even vGandalf! The energy of meeting in person just hits differently.

PAT!

Aria Expert Dale and vGandalf

VCDX crew

Hock!

And of course, don’t miss the sessions. I’ll never forget the one where vSAN was first released, it completely reshaped how we approached infrastructure at my previous job. Lately, I’ve been all about the Aria sessions, the vision of automation and a unified interface is something every IT team dreams of. And of course the deployment of VCF!

Finally, if you’re part of the community (or want to be), make time for the VMUG and vExpert events. These moments have helped me grow not just technically, but personally. In 2019, I went from being just a member to someone who wanted to give back—and I’ve been doing that ever since.

If you’re thinking about going. Do it. Start planning now. Shoot a message to that VMware contact you’ve never met in person. Because Explore isn’t just a conference it’s where the community meets, learns, and builds the future together.

Register now!