VMware Explore 2025: Still ‘The’ Place to Be
The upcoming VMware Explore 2025 conference remains a vital event for IT professionals and innovators and members of the multi-cloud community. The 2025 conference will take place at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas from August 25 to August 28. The conference will unite innovative ideas with technological advancements and collaborative opportunities. I have experienced the complete evolution of this event since its inception in 2009. The upcoming Explore conference stands as an essential event for anyone who wants to define the future of cloud technology.
A Storied History: From VMworld to Explore
VMware Explore started as VMworld in 2004 when it first launched in San Diego California and attracted more than 1,600 attendees in its opening year. The conference expanded into the world’s biggest multi-cloud-specific event after attracting its highest attendance of over 21,000 people. The conference honored virtualization by presenting VMware’s foundational products including ESXi and vSphere. The event transitioned to VMware Explore in 2022 because VMware transformed from a virtualization leader into a multi-cloud and private AI solutions leader. The name change corresponded with Broadcom’s ownership expansion of VMware by focusing on cloud infrastructure alongside modern applications and security. The event transitioned to “Explore” by 2025 to become a platform for IT innovation which unites customers and partners and developers to address multi-cloud complexities. The evolution from VMworld to VMware Explore to Explore reflects the industry’s movement toward hybrid and multi-cloud architectural approaches. VMware marked significant progress through successive name changes which started with virtualizing x86 architecture before advancing to workload management across multiple cloud environments. VMware demonstrates its leadership through adaptation in the fast-evolving tech industry making Explore 2025 a critical moment for the community.
My Journey Since 2009
I entered the Moscone Center in San Francisco during my first VMworld conference in 2009 as a VMware employee who wanted to experience both technical expertise and community camaraderie. The main focus of VMworld in 2009 centered on virtualization through hands-on labs which explored vCloud Director and self-paced labs that used hybrid cloud models. The event has transformed from a specialized meeting into a worldwide event throughout my 16 years of attendance. I have experienced the entire conference evolution by walking through expo halls while building relationships with peers as VMware technology progressed. The annual conference leaves me motivated by the dedication of participants and the advanced solutions we present. My attendance at this conference has provided me with a front-row view of IT’s future evolution since the “Self-Paced Rave” in 2009 until the current AI-centered keynotes.
Taking the Stage in 2019 with Sentara Healthcare
VMworld in San Francisco became the stage where I delivered a breakout session during 2019 which stands as my most memorable career achievement. The team from Sentara Healthcare joined me to present their VMware Horizon implementation success story which transformed their hospital CRM system. Sentara Healthcare replaced their Citrix solution with Horizon to create an efficient virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that provided secure access to essential applications for healthcare staff. The presentation explored how Horizon enabled Sentara to create better user experiences while strengthening security measures and simplifying operational management. I stood before a full audience while presenting actual results to them. The experience brought pride to both me and VMware because it demonstrated how our solutions create substantial value for our customers.
Las Vegas and San Francisco: Iconic Host Cities
VMware Explore has operated from two major cities which include Las Vegas and San Francisco. The conference has chosen Las Vegas as its venue for multiple years including 2005, 2008, 2011, 2016-2018 and will return in 2025. The city’s bright lights and world-class entertainment and lively nightlife create an ideal environment for a conference focused on bold innovation. The Strip shows and high-end dining experiences in Las Vegas create an electric atmosphere that energizes all attendees. The city of San Francisco hosted VMware Explore from 2007 through 2009 and 2010 to 2015 and 2019 and 2022. The city provides an inspiring environment through its combination of technological heritage and cultural depth and its picturesque views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. The Moscone Center provides modern facilities near Silicon Valley which makes it an ideal location for tech conferences. The two cities create an enhanced VMware Explore experience through their distinct environments which promote innovative connections.
Hock Tan’s Vision and Community Connection
The acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has enabled CEO Hock Tan to bring fresh energy and direction to both the company and its community. The leadership style of Tan focuses on continuous innovation through private cloud and generative AI and edge computing. During his VMware Explore 2024 keynote presentation titled “Shaping the Future of Cloud and AI Innovation” Tan outlined how VMware will simplify complex multi-cloud systems while enabling businesses to use AI capabilities. The community can feel his active involvement. The presentation of his vision extends beyond mere delivery because he actively interacts with all attendees including IT practitioners and partners to create a shared sense of purpose. The $69 billion acquisition of VMware by Broadcom in 2022 received its strategic justification from Tan through his focus on expanding VMware’s multi-cloud capabilities to provide customers with application modernization and security across different cloud environments. The community finds Explore to be a unifying event under Tan’s leadership because he uses his passion to create a shared vision for an ambitious future.
Why VMware Explore 2025 Is a Must-Attend
VMware Explore 2025 stands as the essential conference for IT professionals who want to understand the multi-cloud environment. The event at The Venetian in Las Vegas during August 25-28 provides more than 500 sessions through five content tracks which focus on cloud infrastructure and modern applications and networking and security and AI. The event provides technical deep-dives and expert roundtables and hands-on labs which include self-paced and instructor-assisted options. The event offers three pass options which include Full Event and Essentials and Meetings to match different attendee needs. The general session presentation with Broadcom leaders and customers will be broadcast live without charge so everyone worldwide can access essential announcements. The Expo Hall provides attendees with direct access to leading cloud providers and ISVs while networking events and VMUG community activities promote collaboration. The event provides on-site certification opportunities and valuable insights to help attendees simplify their cloud complexity while driving innovation.
A Journey Worth Taking
VMware Explore 2025 represents more than a conference because it honors innovation alongside community spirit and multi-cloud future development. Since its inception as VMworld in 2004 VMware Explore has developed through time to match the company’s evolving vision. My 16-year attendance at the conference reached its peak when I presented Sentara Healthcare’s Horizon success at the event in 2019. The event takes place in the energetic cities of Las Vegas and San Francisco to unite technological excellence with cultural attractions. The leadership of Hock Tan combined with Broadcom’s financial support for VMware’s vision creates a transformative period for our community. The VMware Explore 2025 event provides more than 500 educational sessions and hands-on labs and exceptional networking opportunities which make it essential for all IT future shapers to attend. I eagerly await your arrival at the event to explore the limitless possibilities.
