Just two weeks until VMworld EU at Barcelona! Here some informations.
Location
Note that it isn’t the (old) “Fira de Barcelona” (close to Montjuic and Plaza de España), but is the new Fira center, called “Fira Gran Via” and quite far from the “old” one (this is probably the right point on GoogleMaps). It is still called “Fira Barcelona” just because is another venue (see the official site). VMworld EU will be at North Entrance Hall 8!
Use GoogleMaps to find how to move from your hotel (both bus and train are available options). From the airport seems quite close and maybe (with a sharing across some people) also the taxi could be a good option; but note that there will be also a shuttle service (see later).
Where to stay?
The VMworld area sound quite close to El Prat airport… We have to expect a bus, like was at Copenhagen?Actually no info about it and neither about the daily pass for metro and bus (available in both Copenhagen editions).
How to move
The VMworld area sound quite close to El Prat airport… We have to expect a bus, like was at Copenhagen? Actually no info about it and neither about the daily pass for metro and bus (available in both Copenhagen editions). On this thread seems confirmed!
Shuttles will be offered between Barcelona Airport, Terminals 1 and 2 to CCGV North Entrance (Hall 8.0).
- Sunday | 16.00 – 20.00
- Monday | 10.00 – 20.00
Return service will be provided from CCGV North Entrance (Hall 8.0) to the airport.
- Thursday | 12.00 – 18.00
Is not clear if there will be a free pass for metro and bus (as was in the two edition at Copenhagen).
Seems that metro pass is included (but not clear in which days and if it include also the train and the bus):
During the conference, you are encouraged to use the metro to get to and from Fira Barcelona Gran Via.
Visit the Info Counter in Hall 8, Lower Lobby or the Quantum booth in Solutions Exchange, Stand S402 to
pick one up.
Note that downton and the VMworld area is all in the zone 1. If no pass is provided the solution will be the use the TMB tickets or the Tourist Card (but seems much more expensive).
I think that could be better to wait an official news about the pass or wait first people that make the check-in!
For more information about the transport routes, see this post.
Social Media
- Social Media for VMworld 2012 Barcelona
- VMworld 2012 Social Media Guides
- VMworld 2012 Gatherings, Tweetups, Parties and Activities
Party:
- VMworld Party is indicated at Grand Via Barcelona, so probably will be in the Fira area (but is not yet confirmed)
- VMUG Party: will be on Monday evening, at Masia de Esplugues.
- VCDX, vExpert and CTO party will be a single one (not 3 different like at San Francisco) on Thu 7:30-9:30 PM, but not yet defined where.
- Community Moderator vBreakfast will probably be on Wed.
Visit the city
Do you have some spare time? You haven’t see the city? Could be a good idea… but first to all remember that there are several thieves… so be careful on metro, and places with lot of people (like La Rambla). Is not too much worst compared to other cities… just play attention.
And what you could visit? Here is an idea of 20 places.
I suggest to visit (also inside) the Sagrada Familia, and see (at least from the outside) Casa Miro and Casa Batllo (both are quite close each other). The Barri Gotic is another must and could be better in the late afternoon (also for a dinner), where you can spend some time also on La Rambla and Plaza Reial that define the west border of the area.
Museum and other places like Park Güell and Montjuïc area or also Tibidabo could be great, but they require more time and you have to make a good planning.