Five Things I Learned at My First VMworld

As someone who has been in the virtualization industry for a while, I have always heard great things about VMworld, but it wasn’t until my first time attending in 2012 that I truly understood the power of this event. Here are five things I learned during my first VMworld that have had a lasting impact on my career and personal brand:

Networking is key – Before attending VMworld, I thought conferences were all about listening to keynotes and sitting in sessions. But what I quickly realized was that the real value of the event came from the people I met. I made connections with fellow attendees, vendors, and VMware employees that have been instrumental in helping me grow my career and brand.

Be open to new experiences – As a virtualization professional, I had never been to a conference this large before, so everything was new and exciting. From the bright colors and psychedelic decorations on the show floor to the exclusive Veeam event, I was open to trying new things and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Set clear goals – With so many sessions and activities to choose from, it’s important to have clear goals for what you want to achieve at VMworld. Whether it’s learning about new technologies, meeting certain people, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, having a plan will help you make the most of your time there.

The show floor is not to be missed – Sure, the keynotes and sessions are important, but the show floor is where the magic happens. It’s where you can see the latest technologies up close and personal, get hands-on experience with products, and talk to vendors and other attendees about their experiences.

VMworld begins with you – The tagline for VMworld is “Right Here Right Now,” and that’s exactly what it felt like. It was a place where I could be myself, learn from others, and grow my personal brand. Looking back, attending VMworld was a pivotal moment in my career, and it continues to be an event that shapes my goals and aspirations every year.