Overview

I’m happy to announce that, I have refreshed my vExpert title in 2023!🥳
It’s a great distinction issued by VMware with a great community and possibilities! In addition, I received 2 badges (Blogger and Event Speaker) visible on my vExpert profile 😉

But, what is a vExpert Program? In short words, it’s a VMware’s global evangelism and advocacy program. The vExpert Program is about giving back to the community by blogs, books, podcasts or public speaches. This is not a certification. The title is vaild for one year. After that time, you need to apply and show, what you’ve done for last year to maintain vExpert status.

Requirements

Do you want to become vExpert? Criteria are very clean. If you’re passionate about VMware, blogger, podcaster, book author, public speaker or somehow creating a content – this is for you. vExpert program is for IT Professionals who are sharing their VMware knowledge and contributing that back to the community. There are many ways to spread experience, knowledge and make positive impact to the vCommunity.

Depending from what your’re doing, there are few paths to choose:
– Evengelist (my path)
– Customer
– Partner
– VMUG & VCDX
More details about paths you can find here: https://blogs.vmware.com/vexpert/2022/06/13/vexpert-2022-second-half-applications-are-open/

There are two application deadlines per year, when you can apply. The first is in June and the second is in December.

vExpert Program Benefits

• Network with over 1,300 other vExperts
• Opportunity to apply for 8 Official VMware Business Unit lead vExpert sub programs.
• Invite to private vExpert #Slack channels
• vExpert certificate signed by our VMware CEO
• Permission to use the vExpert logo on cards, website, etc. for one year
• Exclusive gifts from various VMware and VMware partners
• Private & technical deep dive webinars with VMware and VMware partners
• Access to private betas (subject to admission by beta teams)
• 400-day eval licenses for most products for home lab
• Private pre-launch briefings via our bloggers briefing pre-VMware Explore (subject to admission by product teams)
• Featured in a public vExpert online directory
• Access to vetted VMware & Virtualization content for your social channels through VMware Advocacy
• Yearly vExpert parties at both VMware Explore U.S. Europe events or Gifts for vExperts attending VMware Explore

From my perspective the most important things from the list above are VMware licences, access to vExpert-only webinars and opportunity to talk with passionates on dedicated Slack channel. Eval licenses are especially useful, when we have home lab and need to test VMware environment. It has helped me a lot over the last months! Gifts, events or many other vCommnity initiatives are also great!

Is it worth it?

Of course YES! vExpert program is great and gives you only beneftis. It’s a good place to do something more than daily job. This is a motivation to grow, learn, meet new people, exchange experience, share VMware knowledge and engage with the community. Remember, it takes addidational time from your side, to regulary contribute in this program. But it’s definetly worth it 🙂
Feel free to apply HERE!