Top 5 tips for a successful AWS re:Invent 2023

Nov 7, 2023 aws reinvent reinvent2023

Let’s talk cloud, transformation and modernization at AWS re:Invent!

Hi friends! I’ve been a bit busy this 2023, however, am excited to bring you my own unofficial curated list of top 5 tips for a successful AWS re:Invent! These notes are gathered from the past years that I’ve gone and no means an end all, be all solution to maximizing your experience at the conference. My role at AWS re:Invent over the years has been a pretty wide variety. This includes:

Working the booth (I love to meet our customers! Learning from others and understanding their experience is important to me).
Enjoying hands-on workshops and chalk-talks. I’m a hands-on learner so these are valuable to me.
Seeing old/new friends! I’m a part of a few different AWS communities, and it’s a great place to interact with like-minded folks!

Let’s cut to the chase.. here’s my top 5!

#5 – Hotel choice can be important

At this point, I’m assuming you’ve booked your hotel accommodations. Your hotel choice does matter (at least to me) and Treasure Island.. as quirky as the name sounds has always been a solid choice for me.
Try to stay within the Las Vegas strip. As appealing as $10/night sounds at an off-strip resort, you may with your patience for shuttles and safety.
If you fly in early prior to check-in, having a hotel that can accommodate your bags will be important.

My hotel choice criteria is:

Clean and a history of being clean/prompt and friendly
Affordable and listed within the AWS subsidized pricing for hotel choices

Treasure Island hits these marks easily! Ask me again after this AWS re:Invent and who knows, my opinions may change :)

#4 – Fly in Sunday, be prepared for a busy week!

Try (if time/money/life) allows for it.. Fly in on Sunday and enjoy all of the AWS pre-Invent experiences!
- This allows you to settle in prior to a busy week - expect a very busy Uber/Lyft/Shuttle line at the airport and pack your patience :)
Pick up your conference badge at the airport, this helps to alleviate some of the crowds at the expo day #1
A lot of our world-traveling friends will also be flying in day(s) prior, and they should anticipate a bit of jet-lag.

#3 – Be early to the keynote speakers

The keynote speakers have the latest announcements and a compelling story on how they’re moving the needle within AWS
Werner Vogels is always fascinating to watch; during his keynotes at AWS re:Invent, Vogels often highlights the latest innovations, services, and trends within the world of cloud computing and AWS.
Expect a mass crowd of people - think the largest audience in the largest area.

#2 – Participate in all things workshops/chalk talks/sessions

Hopefully you’ve scheduled your sessions already - however, if you haven’t.. don’t sweat it. There is generally a 25% buffer for walk-in’s and the like.
The types of sessions you enroll in are what matter to you. Each sessions’ speaker has taken countless hours/days to prepare the content and are ready to deliver on what they’re passionate about. If it’s a chalk talk or interactive session:
- Be engaged! Ask questions and stay curious!
- Don’t worry about missing a portion - a lot of the content is posted to YouTube afterwards for reference, etc.
- Bring your tech: a lot of the sessions may require the use of your laptop and may/may not provision an AWS sandbox account to participate in.

If anything - choose what matters to you. That may be your personal development within the AWS Cloud, or your interests within your workplace. I try to strike a blend between my personal interests and what will help me solve problems more effectively for my customers @ Slalom.

#1 – Have fun (and attend AWS re:Invent 2023 re:Play!)

AWS re:Play is the conclusion of AWS re:Invent (sans a few additional sessions on Friday morning). What’s better then 4 action packed days of learning and growth then some of the best musical performers in the world?!

🎉AWS re:Play occurs on Thursday evening (NOV. 30 | 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM) at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds. There will be shuttles from multiple hotels/locations throughout the strip to get folks out to the festival grounds. You can expect..

Full food and drink provided by your full-expo pass
The event features live music performances across multiple stages, including rock, pop, country, hip hop, and electronic dance music.
- Some of the major headlining performers have included Beck, Billy Idol, Nas, The Chainsmokers, G-Eazy, Zedd, and Lil Wayne.
In addition to the music acts, re:Play has also featured entertainment elements like celebrity appearances, eSports tournaments, gaming lounges, and fan experiences.

I like to think that there’s something for everyone at AWS re:Play - absolutely worth checking out! Here’s a few of my favorites from last year..