The Journey: becoming a vExpert
Many years ago as I was getting more and more into all-things virtualization I was green to VMware as well as conferences in general. So I hopped on Twitter to let the social media experience be my guide. It wasn’t long before I was connecting with a lot of like-minded people. One person stands out and would go on to become a good friend, fellow vExpert, Luigi Danakos. He would be the sherpa at my first VMworld conference. Luigi recommended that we meet before one of the general sessions and from there it was an amazing experience being introduced to a lot of the folks I had been communicating with online. The conference was fantastic and I would go on to another 5 visits before making the leap from being an admin at my local company into consulting and finally joining VMWare.
At that time I didn’t know about the vExpert program. It would be quite a number of years later while working for VMWare that I would hear about vExperts and decide to take the chance and join their ranks. My first application was rejected. But that didn’t stop me from learning what things I needed to do better to increase my chances of being selected next time. I started participating more in social media, Twitter, Facebook, and the VMTN community forums. I also took a more active role in my local VMUG, speaking and leading Hands-on Labs. These proved the difference and earned me the title of the expert
Becoming a vExpert is actually quite simple. Go to the vExpert website and, when applications are being accepted, fill out the form and submit to be in the running. Then you sit back and wait for the committee to review your application and let you know if you’ve been selected. No, it absolutely is not that easy. After you click submit prepare yourself for the anxiety of waiting, and waiting, and maybe some more waiting to find out if “You’re In“. OK, OK, it’s really not that long of a wait but it sure feels like it.
One of the newer opportunities for existing vExperts are the #SubPrograms. These are more specialized aspects of the VMware technology and community where you get to showcase, evangelize and promote an area that you feel most passionate about. My passion even before becoming a VMware employee and vExpert is #EUC. I have applied and hope to become one of the first vExperts for EUC. You can read a bit more about this particular Sub Program in the VMware EUC Blog post. There are 6 Sub Programs in all. Cloud Management, EUC, HCX, NSX, Security, and Pro.
One of the really cool things about the program is #SWAG. You know, the cool shirts, bags, toys, glasses that you get when you attend conferences!? A long time vExpert and a friend of mine is married to an amazing woman who runs her own business STKPromotions #ShamelessPlug. Every year when the vExperts are announced they create a pop-up shop where you can order all manner of #SWAG. Shirts, glasses, Hats and all sorts of #SWAG to show off that you are vExpert.
In addition to the #SWAG that you can purchase from STK, there are also lots of opportunities to get NFR licenses from companies that support the vExpert community and if you attend VMworld you have a chance to get a #SwagBag that has all sorts of goodies inside. Last year there was even a Raspberry Pi!! This year there have been a number of really amazing conference calls/webinars set up just for vExperts covering many topics like Tanzu, Project Pacific, Cohesity, Runecast, and VMware Cloud Health just to name a few. These invite-only meetings are a huge perk to get ahead of the curve. Huge props to Corey Romero @vExpert/@vCommunityGuy for his endless support, hard work, and dedication!
Wrapping up this post I will leave you with these words; if you are into technology, virtualization, VMware and some or all of the tools that encompass this vast ecosystem and are active in your community (online and offline) I highly recommend you find out more and submit yourself to be a vExpert. I encourage you to reach out to me with any questions, comments or suggestions too! Until next time #StayVirtual.
