VMware Explore (Broadcom)
August 31, 2026 – September 3, 2026
Venetian Expo — 201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
25,000+ estimated attendees
The flagship multi-cloud conference (now under Broadcom) for cloud infrastructure, networking, and security professionals. Previously VMworld. Hosted annually at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas across three days of sessions.
Dates
August 31, 2026 – September 3, 2026
Venue
Venetian Expo
Address
201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169
Est. Attendance
25,000+
Type
convention
Guest List
Free Nightclub Entry
Your VMware Explore (Broadcom) Resources
Guides & Info for VMware Explore (Broadcom) Attendees
Everything you need for VMware Explore (Broadcom) in Las Vegas — from badge pickup to after-hours nightlife.
Attendee Guide
Badge pickup, show hours, tips & logistics
🎶Nightlife & After Parties
Best clubs and bars during the show
🏨Wynn & Encore
Nightlife at Wynn for attendees
🏨The Cosmopolitan
Nightlife at Cosmo for attendees
🏨Caesars Palace
Nightlife at Caesars for attendees
🏨MGM Grand
Nightlife at MGM Grand for attendees
🏨Bellagio
Nightlife at Bellagio for attendees
🗺️All Hotels
Browse every Las Vegas hotel with nightlife access
About VMware Explore (Broadcom)
What Is VMware Explore (Broadcom)?
VMware Explore 2026 (now under the Broadcom umbrella) is one of the premier cloud infrastructure, virtualization, and private cloud conferences in the world, drawing 25,000 IT professionals, systems architects, cloud engineers, and enterprise decision-makers to The Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas from Monday, August 31 through Thursday, September 3. From multi-cloud strategy to Kubernetes and container platforms to edge computing, security, and AI-integrated infrastructure, VMware Explore covers the full stack of technologies that run modern enterprise data centers and hybrid workloads. The conference begins with the main keynote on Monday morning setting the direction for Broadcom's VMware product portfolio before breaking into hundreds of technical sessions, deep-dive workshops, hands-on labs, and the Solutions Exchange across four days of immersive content. The timing of VMware Explore 2026 is particularly strategic for Las Vegas: the conference runs the week immediately preceding Labor Day Weekend (September 4–7), which means the city operates at peak summer staffing levels with full DJ and dayclub programming still running. Pool parties, dayclubs, and nightclubs run their most complete late-summer lineups during VMware Explore week, and tech professionals who extend their trips through the weekend can access the full Labor Day roster. For convention-goers who want to pair cloud infrastructure strategy with one of the best entertainment weekends of the Las Vegas calendar, VMware Explore 2026 is the conference to attend.
From the Attendee Guide
Badge Pickup & Show Hours
Badge Pickup
Badge pickup is in the registration area at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center (201 Sands Ave). Pre-registered attendees use self-service kiosks with the QR code from their confirmation email. Registration opens Sunday, August 30 from 3:00 PM–7:00 PM for early pickup — strongly recommended to avoid Monday morning lines before the opening keynote. First-time attendees who did not pre-register can complete on-site registration Sunday or Monday at the full-service registration counters. Bring a government-issued photo ID and your conference registration confirmation. Badge pickup is not available at any hotel lobby — registration happens exclusively at the convention center.
Show Floor Hours
Quick Tips for First-Timers
- VMware Explore sessions sell out. Reserve your sessions as soon as the session catalog opens — popular deep-dive workshops, design sessions, and keynote overflow rooms go fast. Build your schedule in the VMware Explore app before you arrive.
- The hands-on labs are the hidden gem of VMware Explore. Bring a laptop and plan at least half a day doing labs — the guided scenarios give you hands-on time with configurations you cannot reproduce on your own hardware.
- August and September in Las Vegas means 100°F+ heat during the day. The Venetian Convention and Expo Center is entirely indoors and climate-controlled, but any outdoor walking between properties or to rideshare areas is brutal. Stay hydrated and carry water.
- The Solutions Exchange has hundreds of partner booths. Plan your route using the official expo hall map. Prioritize demo pods and hands-on areas for real product experience — the booth giveaways are a secondary priority.
Getting There
How to Get to VMware Explore (Broadcom)
Parking
Use The Venetian parking garage with self-park and valet options. Self-parking is free for hotel guests and typically $15–20 for non-guests during conventions.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Uber and Lyft drop off at the main Venetian porte-cochère on Las Vegas Blvd. Follow signs to the Expo from the casino floor — it is about a 10-minute walk through the property.
Public Transit / Monorail
The nearest monorail station is Harrah's / The LINQ, about a 10-minute walk. The Venetian Expo is directly connected to The Venetian and Palazzo hotels via enclosed indoor walkways.
Walking from the Strip
The Venetian Expo sits right on the Strip. Central Strip hotels are within a 5–15 minute walk. It is one of the most convenient convention venues in Las Vegas.
Vegas After Hours
Nightlife During VMware Explore (Broadcom)
When 25,000 convention attendees descend on Las Vegas for VMware Explore (Broadcom), the nightlife scene shifts into a higher gear. The Strip's biggest clubs extend their lineups, book marquee DJs, and host industry-specific after-parties to capture the surge. Expect longer peak hours, busier dance floors, and an electric atmosphere that feeds off the energy of the convention crowd. Whether your group is celebrating a successful day of meetings or just looking to unwind, you will find every style of nightlife within minutes of your hotel.
Convention weeks create a unique dynamic in Vegas. The typical weekend tourist crowd blends with professionals who are in town on expense accounts and looking to make the most of their evenings. Bottle service tables sell out faster than usual, especially at venues like XS, OMNIA, and Marquee. If VIP seating is on your radar, booking early is strongly recommended. For everyone else, the guest list is the smartest move — it guarantees free entry and lets you skip the general-admission line that grows significantly during major convention weeks.
The best part of going out during VMware Explore (Broadcom) is the social element. You will run into colleagues, competitors, and new contacts on the dance floor. Some of the most productive conversations at any convention happen after midnight over cocktails, not on the show floor. Strip clubs like Sapphire and Crazy Horse III are also extremely popular with convention groups — free guest list from your hotel and no cover through our guest list make it an easy choice for groups of any size.
After the Show
VMware Explore (Broadcom) After Dark — Nightlife Picks
VMware Explore week brings one of the highest-spending convention demographics to Las Vegas: cloud engineers and infrastructure architects with enterprise expense accounts, international travel budgets, and a well-documented appetite for Las Vegas nightlife after four intense days of technical content. Partner-sponsored evening events fill venues across the Strip every night, with Monday's opening reception and Wednesday's mid-conference networking events typically the most heavily attended official gatherings. After the official events, the nightclubs, dayclubs, and restaurants of Las Vegas are fully operational and running some of the strongest late-August programming on the calendar. The week immediately precedes Labor Day Weekend — which means Thursday September 3 (the final day) overlaps with the pre-LDW opening night at multiple Strip venues, making it one of the most electrically charged final-conference nights of the Las Vegas convention calendar.
TAO Nightclub
Nightclub
Inside The Venetian itself — zero travel required for VMware attendees staying on property. Asian-fusion aesthetic, multiple rooms, late-night restaurant-to-club pipeline via TAO Las Vegas restaurant. The most logistically efficient nightlife option of the conference.
LAVO Nightclub
Nightclub
At The Palazzo, connected to The Venetian via indoor walkways. More intimate bottle-service environment than TAO. Ideal for smaller groups of 4 to 8 people who want a quieter on-campus evening option.
Encore Beach Club
Dayclub
The premier afternoon pool experience in Las Vegas during VMware Explore week. 10-minute rideshare north from The Venetian. Thursday September 3 evening: EBC at Night runs Subtronics — the highest-energy nightclub booking of the VMware Explore closing night.
OMNIA Dayclub
Dayclub
Opened May 2026 at Caesars Palace — 46,000 sq ft with Tiësto, Chris Lake, and Alesso summer residencies. Best new dayclub in Las Vegas. 15-minute rideshare from The Venetian. Full afternoon programming through September.
Zouk Nightclub
Nightclub
At Resorts World, 20-minute walk or 12-minute rideshare north from The Venetian. State-of-the-art production and sound. Thursday September 3: Mathame performs — the Italian melodic techno duo delivering the highest-quality underground nightlife of the conference week.
OMNIA Nightclub
Nightclub
At Caesars Palace, 15-minute rideshare from The Venetian. The most visually impressive nightclub in Las Vegas with the motorized chandelier centerpiece. Wednesday September 2: Alesso residency — ideal mid-conference high-production club experience.
Skip the Cover Charge
How to Get Free Entry During VMware Explore (Broadcom)
Cover charges at Las Vegas nightclubs typically run $30 to $75 per person during convention weeks, and lines can stretch past an hour. Here is how to skip both.
- 1
Sign Up for the Guest List
Fill out the form at the bottom of this page with your name, phone number, group size, and hotel. It takes less than thirty seconds.
- 2
Get Your Confirmation
You will receive a text message confirming your spot on the guest list along with details about your free guest list entry from your hotel.
- 3
Show Up and Walk In
Your car arrives at the scheduled time. When you reach the venue, give the host your name — you bypass the general-admission line and enter with no cover charge. That is it. No catch, no minimum spend required.
Make the Most of Your Trip
Insider Tips for VMware Explore (Broadcom) Attendees
Balance Your Schedule
Convention days are long and draining. If you plan to go out at night, map out which sessions and booths are must-sees so you can leave the show floor by late afternoon. A short break at your hotel between the convention and dinner makes a massive difference in your energy level for the evening ahead.
Pick the Right Nights
The first night of VMware Explore (Broadcom) is usually the wildest — everyone has just arrived and the excitement is high. The final night tends to be more relaxed as attendees pack and prepare for early flights. For the best club lineups, Friday and Saturday nights always deliver regardless of the convention calendar.
Recovery Game Plan
Hydration is everything in the desert. Keep a water bottle on you during the convention and match every cocktail with a glass of water at night. Order room service breakfast or grab a quick bite at your hotel before heading to the venue — skipping breakfast after a late night is a recipe for a miserable afternoon on the show floor.
Book as a Group
Heading out with colleagues or clients? Larger groups get better treatment at every venue in Las Vegas. When you sign up for the guest list, include your full group count so we can arrange a ride that fits everyone and ensure your party walks in together. Groups of six or more can often request reserved seating at no extra cost.
Pool Parties During VMware Explore (Broadcom)
Convention sessions typically wrap by 5 PM. That leaves the perfect window for a pool party before dinner. Las Vegas dayclubs operate March through October with free guest list entry — a popular choice for networking or blowing off steam after a full day of sessions and exhibits.
After the Show
Top Nightclubs During VMware Explore (Broadcom)
XS Nightclub
Wynn Las Vegas
OMNIA Nightclub
Caesars Palace
Hakkasan
MGM Grand
Marquee Nightclub
The Cosmopolitan
TAO Nightclub
The Venetian
Zouk Nightclub
Resorts World
Gentlemen's Clubs
Strip Clubs During VMware Explore (Broadcom)
Las Vegas strip clubs are a popular after-hours option during convention week. Most offer free guest list entry and complimentary transportation from your hotel — no cover, no minimums.
Sapphire Las Vegas
Crazy Horse 3
Treasures
Hustler Club
Spearmint Rhino
Peppermint Hippo
Kings of Hustler
Palomino Club
Little Darlings
Deja Vu Showgirls
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VMware Explore (Broadcom) — FAQ
Where is VMware Explore 2026?
VMware Explore 2026 is at The Venetian Convention and Expo Center, 201 Sands Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89169. This is the venue formerly known as Sands Expo — it is directly connected to The Venetian and Palazzo hotels on the Las Vegas Strip.
What are the VMware Explore 2026 dates?
VMware Explore 2026 runs Monday, August 31 through Thursday, September 3, 2026. The opening keynote is Monday August 31. Thursday September 3 is a half-day conference that ends around 1:00 PM.
Is VMware Explore still called VMworld?
No. The conference was rebranded from VMworld to VMware Explore in 2022. Following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware in 2023, the conference continues under the VMware Explore name with Broadcom as the organizing entity.
What should I wear to VMware Explore?
Business casual to casual for the conference floor. Tech conference attendees typically wear company-branded polo shirts and jeans or khakis. Comfortable walking shoes are essential — the Venetian Expo spans a large footprint and you will cover significant distance between session rooms. Note: your conference clothes will not meet Las Vegas nightclub dress codes. Pack a change of clothes for evenings.
How hot is Las Vegas in late August and early September?
Expect temperatures of 100 to 108°F (38 to 42°C) during the day. The Venetian Convention and Expo Center is entirely climate-controlled, but outdoor walking to rideshare areas or between Strip properties is brutal. Carry water, wear sunscreen for any outdoor activity, and use rideshare for venue transitions after dark.
Is VMware Explore 2026 followed by Labor Day Weekend?
Yes. VMware Explore ends Thursday September 3 and Labor Day Weekend (Friday September 4 through Monday September 7) begins immediately after. Attendees who extend their stay can access the full Labor Day lineup: Diplo at EBC Friday, The Chainsmokers at EBC Saturday, Zedd at OMNIA Saturday night, and more. Plan room extensions in advance — LDW hotel rates run 40 to 60 percent above standard weekly pricing.
What is the best hotel to stay at for VMware Explore 2026?
The Venetian or The Palazzo are the optimal hotels — directly connected to the convention center via enclosed walkways, with TAO Nightclub and LAVO on-property. Caesars Palace (15-minute rideshare) provides access to OMNIA Nightclub and OMNIA Dayclub. Wynn Las Vegas (10-minute rideshare) provides access to Encore Beach Club and XS Nightclub when it reopens September 1. All three options keep you within one short rideshare of every major nightlife venue.
Can I go to nightclubs during VMware Explore (Broadcom)?
Absolutely. Las Vegas nightclubs operate year-round and convention weeks are some of their busiest periods. Most venues open at 10:30 PM and run until 4 AM. Sign up for a free guest list to skip cover charges and long general-admission lines.
Is there free transportation to nightclubs during VMware Explore (Broadcom)?
Yes. When you sign up through our guest list, you receive a free guest list entry from your hotel to the venue. The guest list is completely free with no obligation to purchase anything at the club.
What is the best night to go out during VMware Explore (Broadcom)?
The first and second nights of the convention tend to have the biggest crowds and the most energy. Many attendees save the final night for a quieter dinner instead. Friday and Saturday nights always have the strongest DJ lineups regardless of the convention schedule.
Las Vegas Nightlife — All Resources
Nightclubs
Pool Parties
Free Guest List for VMware Explore (Broadcom) Attendees
Get On The List
Free nightclub entry + free guest list entry at your hotel during VMware Explore (Broadcom)