It’s been about 3 weeks now that I returned from my first ever VMworld and I thought it would be fitting to do a recap of my experience. There are many great blog posts out there about VMware’s great announcements and such, so I highly recommend looking them up. For me this was my first VMworld; I am a Cisco Live NetVet and have been 6 times so far. Although both conferences are very comparable in terms of size and venue, there are some significant differences on how I experienced them. This year VMworld was in Las Vegas at the end of August. This is my 3rd time being in Vegas for a conference. While it certainly has its perks, I prefer San Diego as a location, it just seems more relaxed and not so much in your face. I stayed at the MGM Signature for the first time. It was a nice hotel, but I underestimated the amount of walking needed to just get to the strip. I think it took me about 20 minutes just to get past the MGM Grand. Luckily VMware provided shuttle buses, but on Sunday I walked twice from the hotel to Mandalay Bay.
One difference I noticed compared to Live was that the conference starts pretty much a 100% on Sunday afternoon. After checking in and hanging at VMunderground opening acts, the welcome reception at the solution exchange was in full swing. I got there a bit late, but still had a great time. I finished Sunday by returning to the Beerhouse for VMunderground.
Monday I had my first sessions. I scheduled my sessions mostly focusing on vsan, nsx and horizon, since I’m planing to roll this out next year. My class schedule was pretty packed, having some introductory sessions to technical deep dives.
You can’t really go wrong with sessions. I yet have to experience one that was horrible. Some of course are better than others, but I have never walked out of a session thinking “What the hell was that?”
There is however a big difference compared to Cisco Live. For one, VMworld’s sessions are shorter, usually 1 hour, where Cisco’s go anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours. I also noticed the technical deep dives are not that “deep” in comparison. I’m sure partly because they were plain shorter, but I still wish some sessions would have gone more into the nitty-gritty.
One thing where VMworld really shines is the networking and social aspect. Don’t get me wrong, Cisco has a great community and is no stranger to social events, but imho VMware does this better; First it is easier to find all the parties, events, etc. because they are all published on the web. Second, you can really feel how enthusiastic people are about the company, product and the way it keeps changing the IT-Landscape. Plus, listing to the keynotes where Pat Gelsinger talks about VMware’s support for Mercy ships, or having peace noble price winner Malala Yousafzai speak live in front of the audience, leaves the impression it is not just about business and more about improving the lives of many.
Now, there were many fun actives and getting to know people. I had great conversations and a lot of fun; there were “interesting” cab/uber rides (#vmwarelaptop), Secret Pizza at the Cosmopolitan, playing Cards against Humanity on the top of the Delano, Candy Bar, and VMworld Fest to name a few.
So at the end, which ones is better? Neither I’d say. Both are similar, but very different conferences and I’m lucky to have been able to attend both this year. One benefits greatly from the sessions and the community and usually returns exhausted, but re-charged and on a high. At least this is my experience…
Oh, one thing, the food is definitely better at VMworld!