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  • Writer's pictureYusuf Emre Ozensoy

VMworld For Beginners

Updated: Dec 20, 2018

5 - 8 November 2018 | Barcelona

It was wonderful to be a part of VMworld 2018 Europe. The preparations should start before the VMworld 2018 Europe. When the session dates were announced and are ready to be signed, It is better to move fast and prepare your agenda as soon as possible. This year, popular sessions were almost full in 2-3 days. Because that was my first VMworld Event, I have not thought that the attendes were so fast.


VMworld Europe was in Fira Grand Via located apart from the center. The event took almost 4 days started from Monday to Thursday. It is better to be in Barcelona the day before the first day which is Sunday. On Sunday and Monday you can go to Fira Grand Via from airport using free shuttles . When you arrive to airport, you could see the VMware Stuff carrying VMware sign who guide you to the shuttle buses. This free shuttle services are also available for the last day, Thursday.

Another way to reach Fira Grand Via is to use the train L9 line. For that L9 line , you have to buy some special ticket Aeroport just 5Euro. There are 2 metro stations near to Fira Grand Via. The closest stations' name is Fire.

This year, every attendee had a chance to get a T10 Metro ticket for 10 travels free by scanning their badges

You don't worry about your baggage even you are coming from the airport. There is a free coat/bag check area near the registration are for free.

When you reach the entrance (Hall 6) and self check in to print your badge using the QR code which you can find in VMworld Mobile App.

By using mobile app, you can schedule and register sessions, get detail info about the session, learn the attendees , get push notification about updates and sessions, fill session and general surveys and lots more. You should download the app from App Store before you go. You can use free high speed wireless internet at any area in the convention center from any device you have. Share photos, videos, posts, tweets for your social media is awesome.


The sessions started on Monday till Thursday afternoon. You can join the key sessions in the morning between 09.00am-10.30am in Hall 4. This hall has a capacity more than 700+ people. It is better to be there 20 minutes before the general sessions if you want a seat close to the stage. Also you can watch the sessions in Hall 4 outside sitting infront of the videowalls all around the expo area. There is great session for the first time VMworld Europe attendees. That is great to learn and listen general information, rules, emergency numbers, foods, shuttles, event and etc..


When you first enter the Hall in the morning, you don't want worry about the breakfast. You can find hot and cold food stands all around (Hall 6-Hall 8) with hot coffee all the day (till 06.00pm). At the food stands, you can taste the sandwiches, cookies, appetites, fruits, cold and hot drinks.


There is a huge Lab Area so that you can take HOL (Hands On Lab). But as usual , you should hurry to schedule the HOL because it is difficult to find an empty seat.


If you are ready to be certified than you can take the exam at Certification Exam Center with %50 off VMware Certified Professional (VCP) and VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) . Also take advantage of special training and certification offers at VMworld, including 25% off our on-demand courses and premium digital learning subscription. Before scheduling your exam you have to register at the exam center . It is better to be at the center 10 minutes before. Click the image to see the orginal tweet.

The best and exciting thing is you can meet and have chat with your friends, experts, CEO's, CTO's, professionals from all around the world.

This year (2018) I have been invited for exclusive Meetup with Patand Jean-Pierre. That was awesome to talk with Pat Gelsinger for he second time. My first meet was in 2017 at the VMUG Leaders Summit in VMware HQ.

Solution Exchange (Hall 7) is a huge booth. You should definitely walk around the booths , chat with the experts and explore the latest products and solutions from over 100 sponsors and exhibitors. But If you think that you only have 4 days for the VMworld, Maybe best time for checking the booth's is after 05.00pm. You should definitely join the booth raffles to win incredible gifts.

Do not forget to stop at VMware Stand. While there, be sure to head to the VMware stand where you can learn more about the latest offerings, attend our on-stand theater presentations, visit our industry showcase, and get your questions answered by product specialists covering over 100 demos.


VMUG stand is one of the best stands of Solution Excange where you can meet with Brad Tompkins CEO of VMUG, Ben Clayton President of VMUG, Ann Saari Membership and Community Engagement Director, Rebecca Ruhlman Leader Development Coordinator , Hollis Clinkinbeard Membership & Communities Senior Associate and much more. Also you can get information about membership, advantage packages and meet with the VMUG Leaders all around the world. This year I was volunteer for thr VMUG booth. That was a great experience for me to be on the booth and chat with the attendees and explain the benefits of the VMUG Membership. To be with the VMUG team for the second time is one of my unforgettable moments. This was also my second time to meet with VMUG team.


You dont feel lonely in the evenings because you can find yourself in different parties. VMworld reception, vExpert, Veeam,Cohesity,Rubrik parties are the awesome places to be. But do not forget, you have to wake up early to join the morning sessions :)


As a result you should be at VMware Europe to chat, discuss, try, hear, enjoy and much more.


To meet in the VMworld...




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