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The countdown is on: Explore 2025 in Las Vegas is less than two months away! As excitement builds, this is the perfect time to start planning the finer details of your trip, from travel logistics to conference essentials. Explore has been regarded as the “big family reunion” of our industry, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts from across nations, cultures, and generations.

Whether this is your first time visiting Las Vegas, attending a tech conference, or traveling internationally, this guide is here to help. Some of the tips may seem basic, but when travel gets hectic, we tend to overlook the obvious! I’m optimistic about what Explore 2025 has in store, and I hope the insights below will help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

There’s so much to look forward to! If you haven’t already read one of my previous articles on Explore 2025, I recommend taking a moment to check it out. You may discover a couple of unexpected twists!

🚘 Transportation

Rideshare Services

Hailing a taxi, Uber, or similar rideshare in Las Vegas is pretty straightforward, although some of the pickup zones can be difficult to locate. Just about every venue from the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to hotels will designate a specific area for rideshare pick-ups, which is almost never the same place as taxi cabs. Keep this in mind and follow posted signage.
If you intend on using a rideshare service from the Las Vegas airport, you will find the rideshare pickup zone by walking to Baggage Claim, taking the elevator or escalator to the second floor, and walking outside to the adjacent parking garage. There are posted signs to help navigate, although you can usually get a sense of direction based on where the crowd is walking.
The general rule of thumb is to avoid hailing your ride using the mobile app until you have reached the rideshare pickup zone. It may take longer than you think to reach the pickup zone and drivers are pretty quick to arrive.
When hailing a ride using the mobile app, you may be surprised to find that elevated vehicle classes can sometimes be less expensive than standard/economy classes, depending on demand. For example, there have been multiple occasions when an Uber X (standard) was more expensive than the higher-end fare classes of UberXL, Comfort, or Black. The mobile apps can sometimes hide these options from your default view, so it’s worth checking all fare classes before you commit.
Now is a great time to launch your rideshare app of choice to finish setting-up your profile, add at least one payment method, and ensure your contact information is up-to-date. You won’t want to deal with it later.
Remember, rideshare services are permitted to drop you off at the main entrance/valet of most venues, but the pick-up location will most likely be a different place!

🏫 Hotel

You will receive an e-mail 24-48 before check-in, with the ability to complete the “online check-in” process. This is similar to checking-in for a flight – it’s really quick and easy. The online check-in process did not work properly for my Explore 2023 trip, but last year (2024) was a breeze. If online check-in does not work for you (or you would prefer not to use it), don’t worry – the hotel Registration Desk will happily accommodate you.
Historically, hotel guests must visit the Registration Desk to obtain keys, as the Venetian/Palazzo do not offer digital key services, as I recall. Alternatively, I believe they offer self-service kiosks to obtain your keys, if preferred.
The guest suites do not offer refrigerators. Mini (and I do mean “mini”) refrigerators can be requested for medication that requires it. That said, you will find a mini-fridge in the room, which is stocked with snacks and beverages. This is part of the minibar system. Unless you intend to purchase something from the minibar, I would not recommend tinkering with it. The mini-fridge and snack tray above are both weighted: items removed for longer than the advertised grace period (around 20 seconds if memory serves), will be automatically billed to your room and charged at check-out. You would be surprised how few hotel guests have encountered this type of system before!
One of the perks of staying in a hotel is daily housekeeping service. That said, depending on when you start your day and touch-base at the room, you may inadvertently miss housekeeping service during their standard rounds. I do not recommend missing housekeeping service beyond two consecutive days, as it will trigger the Housekeeping Supervisor to visit, regardless of whether you left the privacy sign on the door. This is for the security of all guests.
There is a small in-room safe, located either in the closet or dresser, depending on your suite configuration. The digital code is programmed by you, as the guest. Each safe is roughly 14″ in height and width, and about 2.5″ in depth. This is enough room for a laptop or two, if stacked portrait-style. The safes do not include an outlet or charger inside.
Although the Venetian and Palazzo are both very nice hotels, they subtly show their age in terms of the quantity and location of electrical outlets, which are a “must” this day in age. I recommend packing a couple of long USB cables to guarantee mobility. The bedside alarm clock offers one or two USB ports, but they use the USB-A form factor, which can be a problem given that many mobile devices are transitioning to USB-C. Consider packing a USB-A to USB-C dongle or converter cable, if needed.
You will receive an e-mail within 24 hours before check-out with a detailed receipt/folio, which offers the ability to close out the folio and check-out. Do not check-out until you are physically leaving the room! Once your folio is closed, the hotel considers you fully checked-out, and certain conveniences (such as the television) will cease to function. You may of course check-out at the front desk, if you prefer.
The hotel will e-mail you a copy of your folio, which you will likely require to complete an expense report with your organization. A paper copy may be obtained from the Registration Desk, if desired.
When checking-out, you may leave your room key(s) inside the room or deposit them inside of a drop-box near the elevators.

🧳 Baggage

Although possible to get by with a small suitcase (22″ x 14″ x 9″), you may find it challenging, given that the event covers a four-day span. I used this approach for my first Explore conference and felt it was quite restrictive.
Don’t forget that you will have ample opportunity to pick-up swag along the way! Some items can be awkwardly shaped, delicate, and/or bulky, so you want to ensure your luggage has plenty of room to support your newfound treasure.
If you arrive at the hotel prior to the standard check-in time, don’t be afraid to ask the Bell Desk to hold your bag(s) so you can explore the hotel, grab a bite, or visit any of Las Vegas’ seemingly countless attractions. This service is offered at no cost by the hotel, although gratuity is customary – albeit not required, technically. That said, the Registration Desk for the Explore event – located at the Venetian Conference and Expo Center – historically offers a complimentary bag hold service, which you may find more convenient. The only caveat is that you must retrieve your bags prior to when the event Registration Desk closes (around 7:00 PM), else it will be locked-in overnight. The standard hotel Bell Desk is available 24/7, however.

👕 Attire

Use your best judgment and dress according to your role. Many attendees wear polos or sports blazers with jeans or similar, but you will notice a fair number of attendees wearing tee-shirts and shorts as well. Remember, this is a global audience from all walks of life. You want to be comfortable but not under-dressed.
You may consider wearing something other than long pants when traveling to and from Las Vegas. Jeans can feel a bit uncomfortable quickly once you step out into the heat to hail a ride or taxi.
You will be on your feet for most of the event as you explore The Hub, walk between Breakout Sessions, etc. Make sure you pack comfortable shoes! You may even choose to bring two pairs: one pair for daytime festivities and another for social events in the evening.
I typically feel a chill indoors before most and can say from experience that I have never felt cold inside of the event venue. It does not hurt to pack a light long-sleeve shirt or similar, but I would not necessarily suggest bringing it everywhere. Worst case, you can leave it in your room and stop by to pick it up if needed – it’s only about ~10 minutes at a brisk pace between your room and the event venue. Note that if you stay somewhere other than the Venetian or Palazzo (i.e., Treasure Island), your experience will vary.
Some partners or vendors may offer an on-site photographer to capture professional headshots in The Hub (note that The Expo is merging with The Hub starting this year). If interested, you may wish to pack a more formal outfit to change into, should you wish to partake (and the activity is available, of course – it’s not guaranteed).

🌏 Event Participation

I recommend installing the “VMware Explore” mobile app, available in your device’s app store/marketplace of choice. The app provides a venue map, digital schedule, activity announcements, and more. Note that the mobile app may not be available for download until August.
Ideally, you want to arrive about 10 mins early to each Breakout Session. This will afford you the opportunity to visit a restroom along the way, find a great seat, and take a moment to relax.
Don’t be afraid to block off some time in your schedule for breaks! Between the wealth of information provided and being on your feet, it’s nice to take some time to sit down with new or existing friends to network, enjoy a snack, or collect your thoughts. Don’t cram Breakout Sessions back-to-back without leaving time for travel in-between rooms!
Once your schedule is built via the Event Portal, you can export all of your activities to the calendar app of your choice (i.e., Outlook) within a couple weeks of the event! Look for a button at the top-right corner of your activity calendar to export an ICS file!

💡 Final Thoughts

There is a Walgreens on the front (strip-side) of the Venetian hotel, which is great for picking-up snacks and other convenience items. You will find that items are likely a bit more expensive than you might pay in your hometown, but you’re also not driving to a grocery store.
Las Vegas is a hot and dry climate this time of year. You will likely need to drink more water than usual to stay hydrated. It is recommended to pick-up two or three bottles of water during your travels. Chap stick/lip balm is also recommended.
Moisturizer is highly recommended, as you may start to feel the dryness after a day or two. The hotel will provide complimentary moisturizer as part of the toiletries, but you may prefer to pack your preferred brand.
Street entertainers are not employed by the hotels but are permitted in specific areas, especially on the sidewalks lining the strip. If you engage with any of the street performers, they will expect a tip – and aren’t bashful about it. This may seem fairly obvious, but I have seen numerous travelers mistake the entertainers for hotel employees, which can lead to an awkward misunderstanding.

Know before you go: Explore 2025 in Las Vegas