In a few days, VMware Explore 2023 EMEA will open its doors in Barcelona at the Fira Gran Via. For all those attending for the first time, this should be a small guide to help you find your way around. I had already published a small survival guide for this in 2018, which is still largely accurate. Even though the event is now being held for the second time with the name VMware Explore instead of the original name VMworld.
From the Airport to the City
There are regular shuttle buses from the airport to the city center. The Aerobus lines T1 and T2 start at Terminal 1 and 2 and both go via Placa Espana to the Placa Catalunya station near the old town. The prices have increased slightly, but are still a cheap and fast way to get to the city center. A return ticket costs €11.65 per person.
If you stay near the Fira, you can also take the L9 metro from the airport to Fira.
Getting to the Fira
The public transport network in Barcelon is well organized. No matter where you live, the nearest metro station is usually no more than 2 blocks away. Trains run very frequently. The destination station is either Europa/Fira, with a 10-minute walk to VMwareExplore, or you can change trains again to Fira station from where it’s just a 5 minute walk.
The public transport company TMB offers a 10-trip ticket. 10 journeys throughout the city for just under €12.
Pro tip: Ask for a Metro Ticket when registering for VMware Explore. The above-mentioned 10-ticket was only issued to participants on request.
Activities beyond VMware Explore
VMware Explore will challenge you physically. Lots of talks, technical deep dives, interesting sessions and, above all, long distances. During the course of the day, you will walk many steps to get from the trade fair (Expo) to the presentations or to lunch. If you still have energy left, you can plunge into the nightlife. There are numerous parties and vBeers all over the city. My friend and vExpert colleague Fred Hofer (vBrain.info) has collected the most important events in his blog post “VMware Explore 2023 Barcelona – Parties and Gatherings“.
Particularly noteworthy is the traditional vBreakfast on Tuesday mornings between 7:00 and 8:30 before the General Session. This is where the part of the community that makes it out of bed so early meets. Even though the event is generously sponsored by Runecast, it has nothing in common with an promotional event. This is a meeting place for bloggers, VMUG leaders or simply people interested in the community. Even if you don’t know anyone yet – you’ll know a lot of interesting people afterwards. Guaranteed!
Community
Aside from the technical content of the presentations, it is of course all about making contacts, networking and maintaining friendships. I didn’t know anyone when I attended VMworld for the first time. To my surprise, I was quickly welcomed by well-connected members. I still count many of these first acquaintances among my circle of friends today and look forward to meeting them again every year.
Dresscode
Rule number 1: leave the office clothes in the wardrobe. Put on comfortable shoes that you can easily walk around in all day.
Nobody expects a jacket and shirt here. On the other hand, T-shirts from a past VMware or VMUG event are always good conversation starters.
Registration
When you register for VMware Explore, you will receive your exhibition badge, which gives you access to the exhibition site and the sponsored evening events.
Registration is open on all days of the fair. If you arrive early, you can pick up your badge on Sunday from 3 pm.