Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Start packing your bags, Explorers! VMware Explore 2026 in Las Vegas is less than two weeks away! Now is the time to start planning the finer details of your trip, from travel logistics to the conference essentials that are easy to overlook. Explore brings together industry professionals, enthusiasts, friends, and colleagues from across the world.

Whether this is your first trip to Las Vegas, your first major technology conference, or your first time traveling internationally, this guide is designed to help you prepare. Some of these tips may seem simple, but when travel days get busy and conference schedules fill up, even the obvious things can be surprisingly easy to forget. I’m excited to see what Explore 2026 has in store, and I hope the suggestions below help make your trip a little smoother and more enjoyable.

There’s plenty to look forward to this year! If you haven’t already read my previous article covering VMware Explore 2026, I recommend checking it out before you go. No two Explore conferences are the same and you may be surprised by some of the new developments!

Lastly, this guide builds on the same article I wrote in 2025, which received positive feedback. Although some points still apply this year, I hope you will find value in this refreshed version!

🚘 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 departing from the Las Vegas airport, you will find the 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.
• If you intend on using a rideshare service departing from The Venetian, you will find the pickup zone by walking past the front desk and through the Colonnade to The Venetian Casino. Turn right and follow signs directing guests to the rideshare area. Take the escalator to the Grand Canal Shoppes on the second floor. Take the cooridor to Level 2 of the Guest Parking Garage, following signs for the rideshare area. The Venetian adds a bit more context on their official website.
• If you intend on using a rideshare service departing from the Palazzo, you will find the pickup zone by taking the elevators in front of the front desk downstairs. Exit the main doors and walk to the Lower Porte Cochere, where you will find the rideshare pickup area by the fountains. The Venetian adds a bit more context on their official website.
• 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. 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. Self service kiosks are located at the front desk for your convenience.
• 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, self-service kiosks are available to obtain your keys, if preferred.
• Valid government-issued photo ID and a credit card for incidentals are required for check-in.
• 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, which can lead to surprise charges!
• 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 a visit from hotel security, 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 have transitioned to USB-C. Consider packing a couple of USB-A to USB-C dongles or converter cables, 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 or kiosk, 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.
• The elevators can be very busy during peak check-out times. Allow yourself extra time when leaving your room first thing in the morning – you sometimes must wait for the next elevator (or two) before finding space.

🧳 Baggage

• Although possible to get by with a small suitcase (22″ x 14″ x 9″) or duffel bag, 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 and the distance will vary.
• Some partners or vendors may offer an on-site photographer to capture professional headshots in The Hub. 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. The mobile app is typically released in early August and is currently available.
• 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!
• To expedite check-in at event registration, sign-into the Explore Mobile App and locate your registration QR code. Simply scan the QR code and show your government-issued photo identification to obtain your conference badge! No worries if the mobile app isn’t your style – you can sign-into your event portal account using tablets at the registration desk. The registration desk staff is always cheerful and helpful, so don’t hesitate to ask them any questions.

💡 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.