I see a lot of vExpert's flying around...

Deathmage

How does one get recognized to be a vExpert? ... and what the heck is it?

Essendon

It's an award for contribution to the VMware user community. You can become one with:

1) a blog
2) helping on sites like TE
3) VMUG memberships (or more like being a member of a VMUG committee in your area)
4) helping over on VMware's community forums
etc..

Any combination of the above, really. Lately, VMware have eased the requirements for being recognised as a vExpert, hence why you see more people with the award these days.

jibbajabba

You can also be awarded as one if you work with customers and make sure they are all vSphereriated

Oh, and you can become one as Partner and Employee as well (mainly need a VMware reference though).

scott28tt

This was the most recent announcement on vExpert nominations: vExpert 2015 applications are open | VMTN Blog - VMware Blogs