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Believe it or not, we’re just over 100 days away from VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas! If you read my previous post, you already know how much I enjoy and find value in this conference, not to mention the benefits it has made toward advancing my career. Registration officially opened on April 28th – nearly one month ago, with Early Bird pricing available through June 16th. This has been an exciting year in the industry, between the advancements in AI, release of VCF 9.1, and more. Are you ready to find out what Broadcom has in store for the next year and beyond? Register now to attend Explore 2026!
What Inspires You?
The Explore conference offers a variety of benefits across disciplines – Technical practitioners, Hobbyists, and Leaders alike. The question is, what are you looking to get out of Explore? Consider some of these top benefits of attending:
🚀 Elevate your private cloud potential
At VMware Explore 2024 in Las Vegas, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan made a clear statement: the future of workloads is in your private cloud, powered by VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). His vision was communicated nearly two years ago, and Broadcom has made good on that promise. VCF is VMware by Broadcom’s flagship solution and has demonstrated a strong roadmap to solidify its stance as the premier private cloud platform. This isn’t one of those conferences where top leaders state their vision and fail to deliver; we’ve seen Broadcom’s capability and dedication to invest in their platform. If you weren’t considering VCF before, chances are it’s now front and center in your strategy.
📚 Tap into collective expertise
This is my favorite aspect of the event: meeting and collaborating with fellow customers, Broadcom employees, and Partners alike. We each serve a purpose in the vCommunity and Explore 2026 is the most significant platform to bring everyone together. Once you’re immersed in the ecosystem with like-minded enthusiasts and professionals, the collective sense of creativity and fellowship elevates to new levels, and we learn from each other. It’s sort of effortless to strike-up conversation in this environment and feel a sense of belonging within the vCommunity.
🧑🏻💻 Sharpen your competitive edge
Explore 2026 is expected to offer a wide range of technical sessions suitable for all audiences: beginner to pro. Although there seemed to be fewer breakout sessions offered at Explore 2025, you will find more technical Quick Talk sessions, Tutorials, and Adoption Workshops, which are often the most inspiring and thought provoking. Don’t forget to visit the Hands-on Labs area to demo some of the latest technology! Lastly, I highly recommend sitting a certification exam at the on-site testing center – your exam voucher is included with the Full Event Pass! I took advantage of this opportunity last year at Explore 2025 and earned the VCP-VCF Architect (2V0-13.25) certification!
🏗️ Chart your organization’s future
Broadcom’s vision for VCF is rapidly taking shape. Between Cloud Infrastructure, Security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Modern Apps, there is so much to keep pace with. If your team is asking “What’s next?” for private cloud or private AI, this is the place to hear customer stories, explore strategies, and get practical advice from those on the same path.
🤝 Make new connections
Networking at Explore 2026 goes far beyond exchanging business cards and LinkedIn connection requests. It’s about meeting peers who understand your challenges, sparking conversations that last beyond the event, and forming professional relationships that truly matter. You’ll likely leave with new insights – and at least one new LinkedIn connection who inspires you.
Conference Passes
At Explore 2026, Broadcom is offering a similar Event Pass structure to what they introduced last year, designed to make the event more accessible and value driven. This new approach offers more flexibility for those who may not be interested in some aspects of the event, such as onsite certifications, The Party, or event meals. Note that entry to VMware Explore is restricted to individuals aged 21 and over.
The table below, provided by Broadcom, outlines the available pass types and included benefits:
Notice there are some important differences between pass types:
Full Event
Attendees with a Full Event Pass enjoy the complete benefits offered at Explore 2026. This experience should feel familiar if you have attended in previous years. You get it all! Of worthy mention, Early-Bird pricing is available until June 16th, which offers a $200 discount on registration.
Essentials
Notice the Essentials Event Pass (introduced at Explore 2025) is not offered this year. Previously, the Essentials Event Pass offered access to the General Session, The Meeting Center, The Hub, Sessions & Labs Access, and On-Demand Sessions. In addition, attendees had the option to purchase add-ons such as Certification Exams and admission to The Party. That said, the Essentials Event Pass did not include Session & Labs Scheduling, Event Meals, nor Explore-branded Swag.
Meetings+
Attendees with a Meetings+ Pass are welcome to access The Meeting Center and The Hub. Although not explicitly stated on the Explore 2026 website, I suspect the Meetings+ Event Pass includes admittance to the General Session. Note there are a limited quantity of Meetings+ Passes available.
A few aspects of the event are not included with a Meetings+ Pass and cannot be purchased as add-ons to your event pass:
- The Party
This is the Wednesday evening entertainment event. Unlike previous years, there is no mention of a specific performer. Instead, The Party will be hosted at the TAO Beach and Nightclub, which is on-premises at The Venetian. - Session & Labs Access
Explore 2026 will offer over hundreds of sessions, such as breakouts, roundtables, tutorials, adoption workshops, and Hands-on Labs, available to attendees with a Full Event Pass. Sessions & Labs will not be available for attendees with a Meetings+ Pass. This goes without saying, Session & Labs Scheduling is not offered to attendees with a Meetings+ Pass either. - Certification Exam
Attendees with a Full Event Pass are provided with a complimentary VCF certification exam voucher, which was first introduced (within recent memory) at Explore 2025! Note that the VCF certification exam voucher is not available for add-on purchase with a Meetings+ Pass. - Event Meals
Attendees with a Meetings+ Pass will not have access to the meal hall. This differs from the Full Event Pass, which provides buffet-style breakfast and lunch Monday through Wednesday. Attendees with a Full Event Pass will also be provided breakfast and lunch on Thursday, if a certification exam is scheduled for the same day. Breakfast will be served on Friday for attendees with a Full Event Pass who are scheduled to sit a certification exam. Attendees with a Meetings+ Pass shouldn’t despair – there are a variety of restaurants and quick meal options available within the Venetian Conference and Expo Center, all within 5-15 minutes of walking. - Explore Swag
Explore 2026 will offer Explore-branded swag, although the event website has not committed to whether this will include a backpack and t-shirt, as they have provided in prior years. The swag design is unique to commemorate your experience but is only available to attendees with a Full Event Pass.
Discounted Full Event Passes
Full Event Pass discounts are available through the following methods:
- Group Rate (5+)
Save $100 off the prevailing rate per pass when you purchase five (5) or more Full Event Passes. See the Explore website for important details. - VMUG Advantage
VMUG Advantage Members save $100 off the Full Event Pass, which is applied toward the prevailing rate at time of purchase. Note that you must register for VMware Explore with the same e-mail address associated with your VMUG Advantage Membership. Lastly, this discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, including group pass purchases. - Education and Government
Government and Education (students and faculty) attendees can save $300 off the Full Event Pass, applied toward the prevailing rate at time of purchase. This discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, including group pass purchases. See the Explore website for important details.
The Hub
At Explore 2025, The Expo merged with The Hub, offering a fully integrated area for attendees to interact with communities, sponsors, and partners. This format is expected to continue at Explore 2026, which seemed to work well last year. This is truly a union of both settings: The Hub will continue to be a one-stop-shop for learning, networking, and recharging. The Expert Bar, Community-centric theaters, and other beloved offerings will remain in The Hub!
VCF Certification Exam Voucher
Returning this year at Explore 2026 is a complimentary VCF certification exam voucher for attendees with a Full Event Pass! Per usual, onsite exam proctoring will be offered during the event, but availability is limited. Reserving your seat in advance is highly recommended! Although not explicitly stated on the Explore 2026 website, the exam voucher was honored at an alternative time or testing location in the past. This is an exciting perk included with the Full Event Pass, as each VCF certification exam costs around $250 USD when purchased independently. I took advantage of this opportunity last year at Explore 2025 and earned the VCP-VCF Architect (2V0-13.25) certification, which was a great experience!
Stay Informed
Keep-up with the latest news and information about Explore 2026 by following the official channels, available on your favorite social media platforms:
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there is much to consider! I will publish one final article closer to the event, filled with last-minute tips and insights to help you make the most of your time in Las Vegas. Until then, take care – and I’ll see you at Explore 2026!
