It’s that time a year again when VMworld rolls around. About 2 weeks to go so I figured I’d post some thoughts, goals for this years conference. This will be the 4th time attending VMworld and I’m really looking forward to making it the best one yet. (Alumni 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017).

This years schedule is quite packed with sessions so I’ve prioritized them to help make it easier for me and included some comments.

My Schedule

Must Attend List

• Meet the vCenter Server Experts Panel [SER1440PU]

Comment: Really looking forward to this session. The Panel sessions are always fun. It’s all real talk and not a lot about marketing the product. Plus sometimes you get some ‘insider’ information. Plus looking forward to hearing Emad, Adam, Mike and Kyle.

• What’s New in Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Integration with VMware NSX – A Deep Dive into Enhancements, Best Practices and New Features [SAI3317BUS]

Comment: Scheduled this one since I just purchased several PAN’s for the office and I’m looking into hooking them into our NSX implementation.

• Preparing for your VCDX Defense: Things you need to know [EDU4254U]

Comment: As I start to prepare for my VCDX defense, I need to know all the things I need to know. 🙂

• Feel the vRealize Network Insight: Overcoming Operational Challenges with NSX and Underlay Networking [NET2810BU]

Comment: Can’t miss THE Sean O’Dell‘s session. Looking forward to hearing more about Vernie!

• Defend Your vSphere Infrastructure from Evil with vCenter High Availability [SER2933BU]

Comment: As I start the migration to vSphere 6.5. Looking forward to hearing more about vCenter HA and who’s the best to hear it from? Adam & Emad, of course. Lots of good things happening with the VCSA. Migrate, You Should.

• vSphere Certificate Management for Mere Mortals [SER2936BU]

Comment: Because certificate management sucks.

• Operationalizing Micro-Segmentation Customer Panel [SAI2806PU]

Comment: Customer panels are always exciting. Free flow discussions and real life, real world questions, problems and solutions.

• VCDX Workshop – Saturday morning at the Cosmo.

Comment: Looking forward to another workshop, especially after the prices and “value” of the program has increased since the last workshop I attended. Looking forward to putting some time in with some Tweet peeps.

Try to Attend List: 

• Extreme Performance Series: Predictive DRS—Performance and Best Practices [SER2849BU]
• Become a Superhero Architect of Your vSphere SSO Domain [SER2940BU]
• An Introduction to VMware Software-Defined Storage [STO2138QU]
• Designing Multilayered Security in the Software-Defined Data Center Using VMware vSphere 6.5.0a and VMware NSX 6.3 [SAI1414GU]
• How to Upgrade to vSphere 6.5 with Zero Downtime [SER2068BU]
• A Closer Look at vSAN Networking Design and Configuration Considerations [STO1193BU]

Parties List

• VMUG Member Party
• TopGolf w/ Pure Storage
• vExperts Party
• Veeam’s Annual Party
• Rubrik’s Party w/ Ice Cube (Today was a good day)

There are TONS of other events and gathering going on. Here is a great list of those events all in one place.

ALL VMworld 2017 Gatherings

My VMworld Tips

Every year there is so much going on that I usually forget what I’m doing or where I need to be. So here’s some tips to help you (and me) get the most out of the conference.

1. If you have to miss a session to network with others, do it! All the sessions are recorded and available online after the conference ends. Trust me, it’s worth it.
2. Stay organized, if you don’t you’ll be all other the place and exhaust yourself even more than you already are.
3. It’s in Vegas, if you’re lucky to have booked a room at Mandalay Bay then you’re in better shape than some. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, you’ll thank yourself later that night. Remember, there’s parties every night whether that be VMware sponsored parties or from vendors.
4. Wear comfortable shoes. Walking from hotel to hotel or even walking the 3 quarter mile to the sessions in the MB convention center will wear your feet out. I wore boots last year. Don’t do that.
5. Take a portable USB battery pack to charge your portable devices (iPhone, iPad etc…) There are plugs located throughout the event but you’ll be tied to that plug until your charged up.
6. Meet people. New, old. Just go out and network with people. You’ll be surprised how many people you’ll meet by just walking around the VM Village, Solutions Exchange. Put some faces (in person) to all those twitter and VMTN users.
7. Be involved. If you didn’t sign up for some parties or events. Go to them and see if you can get in. If you can’t, you won’t be alone. Go start your own party.
8. When in the Solutions Exchange, if you take swag, you’re signing yourself up for a barrage of emails, sales calls and sometimes even being cornered in your office when they show up at your door. (Not kidding). If you’re interested in the vendor then by all means, learn about it, talk about it and see if it works for your business objectives.

That’s all I have for now. I’m looking forward to meeting new faces and old. If you’re around and want to meet up for a drink hit me up on Slack vExpert Group or on Twitter @_vCallaway.

Wheels down Friday at noon! See ya there!