LAS VEGAS | THE VENETIAN
AUG. 31 – SEP. 3, 2026
VMware Explore 2026 Call for Testimonials
VMware Explore is back, and we’d love your help spreading the word!
We are looking for Explore superfans to help with event promotions across social media and other digital channels.
Specifically, we are looking for passionate thought leaders (like you!) to provide testimonial quotes, headshots to accompany those, and/or to create short videos sharing why you’re excited about Explore. You’re welcome to provide some or all of the above, more is more in this case!
These submitted assets will be used for general event promotions across various marketing channels through 2026. We may also reach out for additional partnership and promotional opportunities. Examples of how these look out in the market: social media, blog, YouTube.
By participating, you are consenting to your testimonials, headshot, and/or promo video being used for marketing purposes.
Testimonial Quote Submission Requirements:
Please consider the ways in which Explore has benefitted you personally and/or professionally and then present that to prospective attendees in the form of a personal quote we can cite you on in our event promotions.
- Quantity: please submit a minimum of 1 quote, and a maximum of 3 quotes
- Word count: 20 to 35 words
- Submit: directly into the open-text field in the intake section. Please number each quote separately within the same text field if you decide to submit more than one.
Headshot Submission Requirements:
While personal quotes are great, those with accompanying headshots get more traction out in the market. People like to put a face to the name. If you’re willing, please submit your headshot as part of your promotional assets. We will do our best to adapt your headshots to our promo templates but for best the outcome, please adhere to the following specifications when submitting your personal photo…
Submission Specs:
- File Format: PNG (supports transparency) or HEIC/High-Quality JPEG.
- Resolution: 72 DPI or 96 DPI (standard for web/screens).
- Dimensions: Minimum 2000px x 2000px (allows for zooming/cropping without blur).
- Aspect Ratio: Shoot for 4:5 or 9:16. Vertical or square frames are easier to crop for social purposes than horizontal ones.
- Headroom: Leave 20% "Dead Space" around your head and shoulders if possible. Tight crops limit where the designer can place text.
- Outfit: Solid colors only. Small patterns create "digital noise" on mobile screens.
- Submit: Upload your assets to your preferred digital repository and provide us with the access link to retrieve your files. Submit your link in the open-text field in the intake section. Please ensure viewer access and download functionality in your shared link delivery.
Promo Video Submission Requirements:
The primary goal of these videos is to drive general awareness and excitement for Explore.
Start by introducing yourself. “Hi, Folks, I’m [First Name], [Job Title], with [Company Name].”
Then, share a few event highlights or top selling points from your point of view.
We want this to be all about you and your experience.
What do you specifically love about Explore? What do you look forward to every year? Why do you think it’s a worthwhile investment for other folks in your position?
A few key themes we’re hoping to hit (pick 1-2):
- Leveling Up Your Technical Game | Focus on the Hands-on Labs experience, achieving difficult certifications, and gaining valuable, career-advancing skills.
- The Power of In-Person Problem Solving | Focus on the "hallway track." Highlight the value of personal connections, like whiteboarding solutions with VMware software architects or grabbing coffee with peers who've solved similar technical issues to your own.
- Owning Your Private Cloud Strategy | Focus on practical, implementable steps for private cloud efficiency, data security, and locality—real-world knowledge you can apply immediately.
- Readying the Stack for What’s Next | Focus on future-proofing. Discuss managing modern workloads and private AI without losing control, bringing the right blueprints back to your team
At some point, please remind folks of the Explore in Las Vegas event dates.
Ex: “VMware Explore is back in Las Vegas, August 31 – September 3 at the Venetian”. This can be at the beginning, middle, end—wherever feels natural, just make sure it’s in there somewhere.
Don't forget to end your video with a friendly sign-off like, “I hope to see you there!” or “What are you most excited about? Let me know.”
Video Submission Tips:
- Be sure to check all the boxes and asks above ^
- Pick a spot with an attractive background and good lighting.
- Make sure you have good audio recording quality and your video is clear. We’re looking for folks with high energy who are excited about Explore and ready to get others excited, too!
- Be your natural, authentic self. Feel free to use a loose script if it’s helpful, but we don’t want these to feel stuffy. Instead—imagine you’re talking to a friend or colleague about Explore.
- Submit: Upload your assets to your preferred digital repository and provide us with the access link to retrieve your files. Submit your link in the open-text field in the intake section.
Please ensure viewer access and download functionality in your shared link delivery.
Submit your Testimonials:
