VMworld 2008 Parties: What Happens in Vegas
September 11th, 2008 | 
Author: Las Vegas, NV is definitely a city that never sleeps, and If you are going to VMworld 2008 next week you will have plenty of opportunity to figure out why. If you don’t already have reservations for dinner or a show one night, or you just get tired of gambling in the casinos there are plenty of activities and parties planned for the 14,000 plus attendees registered for the conference. This post is a nightly summary of some of the open activities and parties I know about that anyone in town for the conference is able to attend. Some require pre-registration. I am not including the invitation only parties being thrown by the various sponsors and exhibitors.
Disclaimer: Don’t hold me responsible if you end up having so good of a time that you end up in your own episode of Cops or C.S.I. !
SUNDAY
Sunday Night Warm up
Theron Conrey from the VMworld Underground web site has started a thread on VMworld.com for those attendees already in Vegas by Sunday evening.
The rest of you downtrodden, jet lagged souls are welcome to head down to the Nine Fine Irishmen. It’s going to be as informal as it gets. If you’re interested in talking about VMware, hop utilization rates, whatever, there will be a few of us attendees down there Sunday night around 7 PM.
To add to the festive atmosphere, everyone coming down needs to simply adhere to a simple agreement. (added this year for entertainment value only) If you start talking about a product that you a) own b) work for c) have financial interest in, or d) sell, you’re buying the next round. VMware engineers are excluded from this as they tend to be extremely funny prior to and after a few pints.
MONDAY
Solutions Exchange Welcome Reception
By Monday night most all of the conference attendees will be in town and registered. VMware and it’s conference sponsors and exhibitors are providing food and drink in the Solutions Exchange
Monday, September 15, 5:30pm-7:30pm
Kick off VMworld 2008 at the Welcome Reception! Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the Solutions Exchange floor, check out all the cool products and solutions, and interact with peers, sponsors, exhibitors and VMware staff.
Guest Passes
Guest passes are available to attend the VMworld 2008 Welcome Reception and Party. This pass does not allow access to sessions, keynotes or conference meals. Guest passes are $275, and the guest must be at least 21 years old to attend.
When the Solutions Exchange Reception ends the night will still be young, and the folks from the VMTN Communities are organizing an additional get together at The Venetian V Bar.
Community VM World Party 2008
9/15/08 – 2000 – V Bar is the new meeting place.
WE are picking a bar, so we can chat more
Sweet! Monday: 10p.m. to 2a.m. DJ Alpyne. Top 40, Club Classics, 80’s, Hip Hop
Sounds like fun: V Bar is located along restaurant row, and can accommodate up to 250
people. VIP accommodations and bottle service are also available.
I say we can meet there say around 8:00 on Monday, and talk about our first day. We can meet out front, and I can make reservations under VM Motion 
TUESDAY
Cluster-Funk at New York – New York
DoubleTake is throwing a free party that requires pre-registration. Unfortunately, the popularity of this event has closed the web registration link, but stopping by the DoubleTake booth in the Solutions Exchange may still get you in – no promises!
Release your inner Irishman!
You’re invited to the Double-Take® Software Customer Appreciation Party Featuring Cluster-Funk
We can’t promise the next Aer Lingus flight to the Emerald Isle — but we can promise a rockin’ good time at the finest Irish pub in Las Vegas! Join Double-Take Software for our first annual VMworld customer (and wannabe customer) appreciation party featuring Cluster-Funk, the Double-Take Software band.
Not familiar with Cluster-Funk yet? Step aside Bono. Just ask your friends who attended TechEd over the last few years . . . they’ll have stories to share!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Nine Fine Irishmen at New York — New York
The Strip, Las Vegas, NV
Map and directions
WEDSNESDAY
Drinking and Driving at the VMworld Party
Going by the past 2 VMworlds I’ve attended the VMworld Party is definitely something you don’t want to miss. This year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway promises to be interesting as 14,000 geeks (including myself) have the opportunity to load up on free drinks and food and then be driven at over 140 mph around the track in a race car.
Wednesday, September 17, 7:00 p.m.-11 p.m.
You won’t want to miss the VMworld Party at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. You’ll enjoy live entertainment and racing activities where you can speed around the track at 140 mph, race a go-cart, jump on a Big Wheel, or test your pit crew skills. Or, just unwind, enjoy the live entertainment and refreshments, and experience the unique venue.
More about details about the conference party can be found in the VMworld.com thread VMware Party – Where/What? The live entertainment is still a mystery however. Live bands have been mentioned, but no specific act has been confirmed. The following details about the party are reported in the VMworld thread:
- International Beer Tasting
- Martini Bar
- Oxygen Bar
- Pit Stop Challenge – Join in on the fun as attendees test their speed in this 1-on-1 timed competition, as they remove and
replace wheel lug nuts on NASCAR front clip. - Go Kart Race – Take a whirl with your attendees! Eight go karts that attendees will be racing in.
- Big Wheel Racing – Massive BigWheel car.
- Exotic Car Lounge – check out a unique collection of specialty vehicles.
John Troyer and the VMTN regulars also discussed the VMware Party on this week’s podcast. At around 48 minutes into the VMTN What To Expect at VMworld – Communities Roundtable Podcast #17 listen for some more information about the party. The podcast also discusses, and sort of confirms, the rumor that IRL superstar Danica Patrick will be in attendance.
The same $275 guest pass, mentioned above for the Solutions Exchange Reception on Monday, gets your significant other in the Party too.
After hour VMware Labs Rave
Also mentioned in the VMTN podcast, a Hands On Labs RAVE will be taking place after the VMworld Party in the TAO Nightclub at the Venetian. This has been a popular event at past VMworlds, and it’s an opportunity to do some extra labs you may not be able to get to during the normal conference hours. The podcast mentions the following about this event
- Sponsored by EMC.
- Music
- Labs
- Cartoons
- Drinks
There is not a 8 am Keynote scheduled Thursday.
If you know of any other events that I have missed please comment on this post.
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