The Venetian - VMworld 2011

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1 Sep 17, 2008 So, I'm just wondering...with all the seemingly 'space' issues with last year's event (breakout session bottlenecks, etc.), and since I've not yet been to Vegas, is The Venetian big enough to accommodate VMworld? i.e. is it bigger than the San Fran Conv Ctr? Thanks, ~coolsport00 Roy Coons 16 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 8, :18 PM I attended VMWorld 2008 in Vegas at the Venetian and there was plenty of room. In general traffic flowed very well between sessions. The only problem I had was that they had some chat sessions out in a large area near the exhibits and you sometimes couldn't hear the person presenting. I ended up walking away 2 or 3 times. Just make sure you get a room close by because it is a long walk. RC Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 8, :21 PM in response to: Roy Coons Well, my room is booked in the Venetian, so hopefully that's close enough Roy Coons 16 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 8, :27 PM in response to: Shane Williford Hope it's company expensed$$$. I had a suite in the Venezia tower in 2008 but his time i'm across the street at Treasure island - budget cuts but at least I'm going! Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 8, :58 PM in response to: Roy Coons Oh, it indeed is, or else meeza wouldn't be going! Across the street? How cheap are those, if you don't mind asking? If I can save my org a few hundred bucks, I will. 1

2 So, the Venetian will be able to accommodate 25K-30K folks? We had I think a tad over 20K last year... Roy Coons 16 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 11, :16 AM in response to: Shane Williford The rate I got was $104 a nite booked through our travel egency. VMWorld is growing, in 2008 I believe 14K people attended. Glad I booked my flight and room already. Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 11, :45 AM in response to: Roy Coons Well, that's a far cry better than the rate they're offering at the Venetian (189 on the VMworld reg site). Do you think it would take forever to walk over to the conference from there? If not (like longer than 15mins or so), I may change hotels... Thanks! ~coolsport00 Roy Coons 16 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 11, :30 PM in response to: Shane Williford I'm guessing it will be a 15 to 20 minute walk depending on if I catch the traffic light. The walk outside will be hot but once you enter the convention center you pretty much stay for the day. When your walking just look for someone with a VMWorld badge and strike up a coverstion. You meet a ton of great people that way and the walk goes fast. Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 11, :33 PM in response to: Roy Coons Hmm...that's not too bad; I'll decide (soon, probably) if I'll continue to be at The Venetian or change to 'across the street' Yeah, I met several pretty neat folks last year (which was my 2

3 1st yr). Looking forward to more networking, and what new tools/features VMware has in store ~coolsport00 Joe Graziano 5 posts since May 14, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 15, :06 AM in response to: Shane Williford The Venetian was actually cheaper than the Intercontinental was for 2010 so work booked that for me Can't wait to see the crowd this year, do you really think it'll get to 25-30K? Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Apr 15, :42 AM in response to: Joe Graziano Yeah...I think it will. There were over 20K last yr...(2010 was held in San Fran). ~coolsport00 Cristian Cosma 15 posts since May 28, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 23, :14 PM in response to: Shane Williford If I remember well the count done by Paul M. at the end of the conference :-) was around 17k. And being in Moscone Ctr, everybody walked at least 5-10 min :-) from the closest hotel so...yes...i am planning to walk again and not booking Venetian. Many cheaper and good quality options around in a walking distance. 3

4 Cheers and see you all there Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 23, :37 PM Yep...you're right on (came across this via Twitter a couple wks ago - searchvmware.techtarget.com/news/ /2004-a-vmware-odyssey) certainly looking forward to it this year, as well. I for one am Regards, coolsport00 Joe Martin 7 posts since Sep 10, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 24, :50 AM I am booked at Treasure also. In 2008 a colleague and I made the mistake of booking a room at the Luxor. Holy crap that was a mistake. So minutes seems a lot better. It's going to be awesome this year!!! Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 25, :22 AM in response to: Joe Martin I am higly leaning towards changing mine as well. Though my org is paying, I like to not overdo things...you know...that thing to do with 'integrity' Cristian Cosma 15 posts since May 28, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 25, :44 AM in response to: Shane Williford Yeah...same here...no restrictions from my company on where I book (of course in a decent range and not in a royal suite at Cesar:-) ) but I prefer Marriott (status, points, etc, etc :-) ). Based on Google min walk which I don't mind. Shawn Logan 10 posts since Apr 1, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 25, :04 AM I think I am going to book myself at Treasure Island, hoping the walk is only 15 minutes, I just got back from Interop and was staying at Mandalay Bay, we walked down to EMC world and boy do I feel sorry for the perosn here that stayed at luxor. That would have been a hell of a travel every morning. I am thinking the facilities will be better for the amount of people attending this year, was pretty crammed in a lot of sessions in SFO last year. 4

5 Also hoping they keep the labs open late again was nice to get some extra time in the evening, especially with the AC. Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 25, :52 AM in response to: Shawn Logan I ended up changing my hotel to Treasure Island...almost 1/2 the price of Venetian! I Googled the street view of the area, and TI is literally across the street. It looks like there's a cat walk we may be able to take...at least from this view: sourceid=navclient&ie=utf-8&rlz=1t4ggll_enus398us398&q=3300+s.+las+vegas +Blvd.+Las+Vegas%2c+NV Looking forward to Roy Coons 16 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 25, :06 PM in response to: Shane Williford Good choice. In 2008 I was in a suite at the Venitia and when I looked out the window Treasure Island was directly accross the street. In 2008 monday was for vendors and partners, looking at the agenda it looks like they added monday as a general conference day so I don't want to miss that. When I booked my flight and room I booked from Monday through Thursday so today I'm changing the reservations to fly down on Sunday. There is a change fee but I think the boss will agree that it is worth it. 5

6 Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 May 25, :19 PM in response to: Roy Coons I'm actually flying down Sat afternoon to get a bit of some site-seeing in (haven't been to Vegas yet). So really...monday used to be for vendors/partners? All conf's I've been to have been the full wk (well, Mon-Thur)...not Tue-Thu. I will be there Sat - Fri a.m. I will certainly be ready to be home! bg@idg.com 12 posts since Sep 10, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 6, :56 AM in response to: Cristian Cosma That is a minute walk in a temperature in excess of 100 degress. I would be a dishrag. Heat is heat, I do not care if it is dry. Wlaking from the Venatian to the Bellagio at night I sweat and it is about a block away. Of cours I have to stop for frozen margarita's along the way to keep the body temp a bit better Craig Davis 1 posts since Jun 7, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 7, :56 AM I'm a bit confused with the Treasure Island reservation page. It states "Not available for guests attending meetings, conventions or other groups." for the 50% off..which they state is included in the quoted figure. Anyone know what this is about - it almost sounds as if the real price would be double the quoted figure...if they knew we were just going to walk over to the convention. Did you guys just book anyway? Thanks 6

7 Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 7, :28 PM in response to: Craig Davis It means no "double-dipping"; meaning, you can't book for a conference rate and get their discount as well. Frankly, I have yet to see that a "conf rate" is cheaper than any normal rate (minus maybe $5- $10/day). George Lytle 1 posts since May 11, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 13, :16 PM in response to: Shane Williford I have been to Vegas many times as an exhibitor. The walk from Treasure Island to the Venetian Conf center and the walk from the venetian hotel to the venetian conf center is about the same - the only difference is you have to go outside - however there is a pedestrian bridge over the strip. The Venetian rooms in my opinion are the best in Vegas - every one is a suite with a sunk in living area and blinds that you can operate from your bed - turn down service nightly with chocolates on the pillow. Having said that - Tresure Island is nice hotel also - and tight across the street. For half price that is where I have booked! Steve Wiley 2 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 13, :05 PM in response to: George Lytle Wow, looking forward to my first stay at the Venetian and from this description I shouldn't be disappointed. I'm arriving Saturday for a couple of nights on the town with my wife - I'm sure to get extra points for the sweet suite. I wasn't sure about Treasure Island, but I'll be sure to try it next time after the positive feedback here. Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 14, :50 AM Thanks for the insight George. The more I checked into TI, the more I am becoming happy with my decision to change hotels, not to mention it being 1/2 the price of the Venetian (literally!). As long as TI has a Starbucks (and they do according to the reservation specialist I spoke with), I'm golden. If anyone sees me, say 'hi'! Udo Mohr 1 posts since Jun 14, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 15, :14 PM 7

8 Anybody know if the Venetian has government rates? pslager 10 posts since Sep 20, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 15, :20 PM I really dont mind walking in heat in fact I enjoy it. Can't wait for the event been coming last 5 years. Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 15, :37 PM in response to: Udo Mohr Not sure Udo; you can probably find out either on their website or by giving them a call Regards, ~coolsport00 mrehere 40 posts since Jun 3, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 16, :43 AM in response to: Shane Williford I doubt that any government rate is going to be any better than the $189/night you get by bundling the hotel with your VMworld registration. FYI, for you sticking around for some personal fun after the conference, David Spade is playing Friday night at the Venetian. Cristian Cosma 15 posts since May 28, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 16, :14 AM in response to: mrehere I made the reservation yesterday at Venetian via VMWorld site and actually they are posting two rates $189 and $159 when you go thorugh the process both having identical description "Venetian: Standard room". I don't know the difference I am assuming different suite category but I will call today to see if I can find out. 8

9 Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 16, :24 AM in response to: Cristian Cosma Interesting; I have to honestly say that, after a handful of 'tech conferences' I've been to, I do *not* believe that the "conference rate" conferences advertise for hotels is the cheapest you can get a room for. Heck, Hotels.com, Priceline, or even a rate at the hotel itself more times than not can get you substantially cheaper rates. Sharon OBrien 23 posts since Dec 14, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 16, :56 AM in response to: Cristian Cosma yes, if you find out what the difference is between the 2 prices for the Venetian, please post - i haven't done my registration yet, since the cost is being debated by management, but I want to be ready if/when I get the OK. Cristian Cosma 15 posts since May 28, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jun 16, :11 AM in response to: Sharon OBrien Duh...my eyes fooled me :-)...actually is saying there clear $189 Venetian standard room and $159 Venetia standard room. So the $159 rate is in the Venetia Tower which is more to walk being further from the convention place and casino. However reading some reviews people are saying the rooms are the same in both areas but usually Venetia tower is more expensive and more private/quiet with its own check-in desk and pool area at 10th floor. I don t know what to say strange it is cheaper maybe just because of the distance still debating I ll do more research. tjcarst 21 posts since Jun 26, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jul 19, :49 PM in response to: Cristian Cosma I attended in 2008 and I stayed at Imperial Palace. Booked it again this year at $143 for 5 nights total. You can walk out the back using the door to the Monorail station and go through Harrah's and the Venetian's parking garage. There's an elevator you take to the third floor (I think) and then you can walk through the casino to the Sands convention rooms min walk and much cooler in the parking garage than walking on the strip. The hotel is older and nothing fancy, but the room I stayed in on the 12th floor was updated. 9

10 Roy Ballard 9 posts since Apr 6, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jul 25, :21 PM in response to: Cristian Cosma I did the $159 rate back in the Spring when registration opened. What is the difference in distance for the $159 rate compared to the $189? I've never been to Vegas so this will be an experience. Richard Caldwell 13 posts since Jul 25, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jul 27, :47 PM When I registered the Venetian wasn't showing as available Sunday-Thursday so I anted up for the Palazzo. It's still no more than we paid in SF last year and I like being able to head back to my room for some down time during the day. We walked from the Flamingo the last time it was in Vegas and that was no fun. The walk from TI or the Imperial Palace don't look too bad but I stayed at the IP years ago on a vacation trip and it seemed kind of run down back then. I'm flying out early Friday morning so I'm moving someplace cheaper Thursday night to take some of the sting off that Palazzo rate. Richard Caldwell 13 posts since Jul 25, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jul 27, :10 PM On the topic of space, the Sands has more space without having to spread everything out across multiple buildings the way they were starting to do in SF. Here is a neat interactive diagram of the Sands Expo and Venetian Congress Center. The Congress Center is the five level section which is where they had most of the breakouts the last time around. The compact layout means that in the best case getting from one session to another is much faster and easier than in SF. In the worst case there is a massive jam-up at the escalator bank that can be really frustrating. Hopefully they'll have that well planned out and managed this year. 10

11 Last time in Vegas food and refreshments were vastly better than what we got in SF the last couple of years. Hopefully that will be the case again this year. Thrilled to be back in Vegas. tjcarst 21 posts since Jun 26, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Jul 27, :34 PM in response to: Richard Caldwell I stayed at IP in I found a shortcut under Harrah's and Venetian's parking garages. If anyone is staying at IP and would like more info, contact me tjcarst@hotmail.com Shruti Iyer 2 posts since Jun 10, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Aug 4, :21 AM in response to: tjcarst This is my first time to VMworld and feeling a little overwhelmed with everything. I am staying at TI, and after reading everyone's post it seems like a good choice. Does anyone know of things that are happening or events planned out for evenings other than the Monday and Wednesday event? Any insight on what to expect and plan will be much appreciated. pslager 10 posts since Sep 20, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Aug 4, :26 AM in response to: Shruti Iyer Hi Shruti, There is a lot to do during these events here is a list of some of the activites that will be occuring. Sep 17, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Aug 4, :46 AM Great post Paul. I was gonna post one by someone else, but yours is more extensive. :) 11

12 Along with Paul's post, here is 1 on "VMworld Tips". Several of us were discussing things in a vexpert post, and some of them decided to post a blog on their site. Here is the one from (Christopher Kusek...aka #CXIParty) himself: Don't go to this thinking you have to attend any and every session/breakout, or be a part of every lab. This is more about having FUN, networking, see who all else is doing what, THEN gaining info/knowledge. Enjoy, and welcome! :) Shane Shruti Iyer 2 posts since Jun 10, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Aug 9, :10 AM in response to: Shane Williford Thanks guys!! Looking forward to meeting ppl at some of these events. Evan Ochs 4 posts since Jun 20, Re: The Venetian - VMworld 2011 Aug 9, :09 PM anyone know when we should start receiving hotel confirmation numbers? Need to call them right after I get it to use my players card for an upgrade 12