VMware Explore Barcelona 2024 is nearly upon us! How to get ready

So like many years before I love just adding some of my tips and tricks of what I have learnt over the time and ways to help you fully get the best of your time whilst out at Explore!

One of my previous articles are here to save you searching https://www.virtualisedfruit.co.uk/conference-tips-for-2018/

1. Book in those sessions!

The first thing I always suggest is book in the sessions as quick as you secure your ticket. Also if sessions are busy do not forget to add yourself to the waitlist and add this to your favourites. This also helps the event organisers plan if a session is significantly over crowded that it may get a larger room and also help out your speakers of the session

My custom catalog – I will be updating this so do check back

2. Be comfortable

I always find at least two comfortable pairs of shoes for this event, I do prefer looking smart on stage but I usually opt for good pair of running shoes they rest of the time as they have always faired me well. I think I averaged 30,000 steps a day and after a few days this can start to take its toll

3. Stay hydrated!

This one always catches me off, you get involved in sessions and also in the flow chatting and before you know it with the air con on max you are dehydrated. There is always a drinks fridge around so grab more than one and put one in your bag just in case you are walking about or in back to back sessions. It does also help if you do decide to partake in consumption of the local beers

4. Say hello, the vCommunity will welcome you

I can certainly say as a massive introvert if you are alone or going to be sat alone at lunch do say hello to your fellow peers! You never know who you may bump into and you will always find someone with a shared common interest. If you do really need to have a chat or feeling down always head over to the community area and stop by the bloggers area, there is always a friendly face and a snack or two

5. Get your bearings

This one may sound simple but do get in early where you can and get registered! This also gives you time to look around the room layouts so you know where you are heading each day. Also plan your taxi or public transport in advance so you know roughly where you are going and how long this may take. See if you can also share that also helps out someone else and of course the environment. I do try to also do a few video tours or maps where I can https://virtualisedfruit.co.uk/VR/Explore2022/

6. Freebie Hunt!

So there is always great things to get from vendors but two musts for me were of course the coveted backpack and also the metro card! They are usually near of the esclators once you have registered.

7. Have fun

Sounds simple as many of use are there to learn, network and speak but do take a moment to yourself! I always found take 15 minutes to head up to the terrance to sit in the sun and take a breath helped me reset before taking everything back in. Do also plan out your timings for the evenings as there have always been great parties which I will do in another post and the main party is always great to attend

2024 Gatherings!

Disclaimer:- Here be dragons… Well some sponsored links!

Below are a few things I use whilst travelling and yes these are affiliated links as I want to try and see if I can improve some of the stuff I put out or even if I can get some goodies for the community!

Global E-SIM

I have been using Firsty when travelling and the free tier works great for things such as Google Maps or booking transport! Use my referral link to obtain free mobile data across the globe: https://1firsty.page.link/2GvoBxJjpJ1c2RPBA

Fee Free cards

I try my best to carry as little cash as I can just incase of theft, I do also usually leave a physical card somewhere safe along with having them on Apple Pay so I have options just in case! I usually rely on a few vendors but one I have found great is Revolut. Sign up with my link below: https://revolut.com/referral/?referral-code=garethju9o!SEP1-24-VR-GB

Added Safety

Two things I now do is have a great backpack that helps with comfort but also great security functions along with a USB port for charging devices. The one I have is the XD Design Bobby XL https://www.amazon.co.uk/XD-Design-Anti-Theft-Backpack-Unisex/dp/B07YFQJ7Z2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3LXR7P1750T39&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Fvpw_6Ws5XBzbIPmya2zNl3fkMH9Is_3GryQpftfK4wmbFKpz8A1MH6frO_41bxfJiN7dGbKzwcWRtD35wyoB57AyvuGrps5tP1KyXRwxsqkwjgBseBpQI0FCVDtKghWzF38373VdmSAU3ob_QKiAFFZw4P70hiqQBbBFWWfjaZvdO54cnKMBhbJi9_pCzVQiLuPb3KobZ8Q6OnadY656vs5AuM-8a0i8B1alN0HtHY.yYgf2Y1Hv4kS11jol5Kzwivafzl-JtZU3XdJJsnlWh4&dib_tag=se&keywords=xd%2Bdesign%2Bback%2Bpack%2Bxl&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1727553203&sprefix=xd%2Bdesign%2B%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-3&th=1

I also ensure there is usually a few Airtags hidden in different bags and also my suitcase, this helps me instantly know if something does disappear or help track my baggage!

Staying Charged!

Your battery can drain fast but I carry round this as it can also keep my watch topped up https://www.amazon.co.uk/NEWDERY-20000mAh-Magnetic-Charger-Charging/dp/B0CSF7TZX4/ref=sr_1_20?crid=2JQ0QLQCJDFOC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BVelQZ_z7Myy33aUk70LilrXQqZ7g5C8w6Z53PiqCUcUOE846POmHcqG6aM2roUbD8Y9ibCDF73I2CV31WL9B6PsxoeRZJQ08iN4cxbs0g0gqMupkKPfBinsWdTNZNDwnfdjTMxhN3lqNSpKE7IuHYpfQZ4aRv2k4N7_BdwrfkucDR_LQgkAeFASIVn6b7HT3h55zkB23p5EFIpQbPgZ9Yu9xjQeJ0B9Tfh7I3mwQnI.oRxg3CUKa7F8Glc5xTL4CEmikPT0QfY3kNrZFsOAdj0&dib_tag=se&keywords=battery+pack+apple+watch&qid=1727553321&sprefix=battery+pack+apple+watch%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-20