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There are just three weeks until VMworld 2013 EU at Barcelona! I’ve already explain why attend at this event, now I also collect some (I hope useful) informations (like done in the previous year).

vmworld-2013Location

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” oneVMworld EU will be probably in the same location of previous year: North Entrance Hall 8 (Carrer Foc Barcelona 08038). There is also a map of the fira area.

Last year there was a free bus service to reach the closes metro station (L8 – Europa Fira).

When?

It depends by you and your flight options. Usually could be nice arrive for Sun aftertrnoon to attend also at the extra-events. For leave the show I prefer the Thu afternoon, considering that the last day the event is limited only in the morning. Check really well the content catalog to plan your days

How arrive?

Flight will be probably the best way. For US people the VMworld site suggest some options. Please note that there are 3 airports:

  • Barcelona El-Prat: this is really close to the event and also served by a shuttle (see next)
  • Barcelona Girona: 1 hour far from Barcelona. There is a bus from the Girona’s airport to the Barcelona’s bus station. Note that Girona it’s also a nice city to visit if you have some spare hours.
  • Reus: really far from Barcelona

Where to stay?

There is a list of suggested hotels, but I prefer choose something close to the downtown (for the evening) that could also be more cheaper. I you booking.com, but other similar services could help you at the same way. And have a look also at possible offers when you book your flight tickets.

Transportation

The VMworld area sound is almost close to El Prat airport… Exactly like last year (and according with the official FAQ) there will be a Shuttle service from the airport to the venue will be available to all VMworld attendees (Shuttle drop off/pick up at Fira Gran Via North Entrance, Hall 8.0):

  • Sunday, 13 October – 16:00 – 20:00 – Airport to venue
  • Monday, 14 October – 10:00 – 20:00 – Airport to venue
  • Thursday, 17 October – 12:00 – 18:00 – Venue to airport

Same FAQ says that “transportation is not provided from the airport to the hotel”. But the first metro station is almost close (L8 – Europa Fira) and maybe there will be same ticket option of last year (10 rides pass). Note that downton and the VMworld area is all in the zone 1. So common TMB tickets or the Tourist Card (but seems much more expensive) could be fine.

For more information about the transport routes, see this post or this other one or this other one. There is also an updated metro map.

During the conference there will be shuttle service to/from the metro station to the Fira. Service is offered during during the following hours:

  • Sun – 13 Oct 14.00 – 20.00
  • Mon – 14 Oct 7.00 – 21.00
  • Tues – 15 Oct 7.00 – 20.00
  • Wed – 16 Oct 7.00 – 00.00
  • Thur – 17 Oct 8.00 – 16.00

Logistic

Some hint are probably obvious: dress confortable, consider that you can collect some extra shirts, weather could be warm (but check forecast before leave) and plan your free space in your luggages, considering also the flight companies restriction and that you will be back with this backpack:

Social Media

Party

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.

If you are curios those are some of pictures that I’ve taken in Barcelona:

Finally just a note about safety in Barcelona: please be vigilant, especially in busy areas, and ensure you protect your personal belongings and keep luggage with you at all times, even when checking into your hotel. We kindly ask that you remove your VMworld badge when you are out enjoying Barcelona, so you don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself as a non-local….

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Virtualization, Cloud and Storage Architect. Tech Field delegate. VMUG IT Co-Founder and board member. VMware VMTN Moderator and vExpert 2010-24. Dell TechCenter Rockstar 2014-15. Microsoft MVP 2014-16. Veeam Vanguard 2015-23. Nutanix NTC 2014-20. Several certifications including: VCDX-DCV, VCP-DCV/DT/Cloud, VCAP-DCA/DCD/CIA/CID/DTA/DTD, MCSA, MCSE, MCITP, CCA, NPP.