Dirk-Jan Alken’s history with VMUG is deep. Having joined the community back in 2021, Dirk-Jan quickly immersed himself in the unique ecosystem of collaboration and knowledge sharing that defines VMUG. He’s been a committed contributor, a passion he formally solidified by becoming a VMUG leader in 2025.
For Dirk-Jan Alken, the VMUG experience has always had a familiar cadence: the high-energy, one-day UserCon. It was a sprint, packed with sessions, quick handshakes, and a deep dive into the tech before heading back to the office. But as the first VMUG Connect wrapped up in Europe, Dirk-Jan realized the community is entering a new, multi-day era that feels fundamentally different.
"At first, I didn't know what to expect," Dirk-Jan admits. "But now that we have multiple days, connecting with people is very good. It’s something in between a UserCon and Explore. It’s new."
As a partner and a tech enthusiast, Dirk-Jan sees a shifting landscape in how knowledge is shared. While lab environments are great for demos, VMUG members, especially end users, are increasingly looking for real-world answers.
This is where the ecosystem is changing. Dirk-Jan highlights the role of the Broadcom Knights, a group of field experts (including 18 from his own team at ITQ) who are being encouraged to bring their implementation experience back to the community. These aren't just theoretical discussions; they are insights born from solving complex problems at customer sites.
For Dirk-Jan, the value of VMUG isn't just about the products; it’s about the collective strength of the people using them. His philosophy is simple: if you figure out something awesome, don't keep it to yourself.
"We all want to do awesome stuff, and sometimes one guy figures it out. Just share it with the rest."
In this video, Dirk-Jan shares his perspective on why the transition to multi-day events is strengthening peer connections and how the partner community is stepping up to ensure every member has access to hard-earned, field-tested expertise.
Watch the full conversation with Dirk-Jan to hear more about his VMUG experience.
