How to re:Invent: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Attending AWS re:Invent 2023

By: Thomas Benhamou

Are you planning to attend AWS re:Invent for the first time this year? Congratulations on joining one of the biggest events in the tech industry!
As a backend engineer at Lightricks, a leading technology company specializing in mobile creative tools and apps, working with numerous AWS cloud services on a daily basis, I had the privilege of attending re:Invent a few times to expand my knowledge in the AWS ecosystem. I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in the latest advancements and best practices in cloud computing and to bring them back to my team at Lightricks. The conference has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge of new technologies, discovering innovative ways of utilizing AWS services, and learning from the expertise of industry leaders. Moreover, the networking opportunities at re:Invent have enabled me to forge valuable connections within the cloud community, opening doors for collaborations.

This year, the convention will take place from November 27 to December 1, 2023. To ensure you make the most of your experience, it’s crucial to be well-prepared and have a solid strategy in place. Here are 10 things you need to know before heading to AWS re:Invent.

1. Know the process and the event

To make the most of your AWS re:Invent experience, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the registration and session selection process:

1. Registration for AWS re:Invent opens on June 14th, 2023. Make sure to secure your conference pass early to guarantee your spot at the event.
2. A few weeks before the event, you’ll need to register for the sessions you want to attend. The catalog of sessions (2022 catalog — 2023 link should be similar) will be shared beforehand and may evolve over time.
   Thousands of sessions are available, be sure to define your goal for this re:Invent: what are the domains you want to go deeper in, what are the services you want to explore. This way, you can filter out the sessions and simplify the selection process.
3. Prior to the event, download the re:Invent app a few days in advance. The app is a valuable tool that allows you to manage your agenda, access session information, and schedule meetings with other attendees using PeerTalk.
4. Starting from the Sunday before the conference begins, you can pick up your conference badge. This will serve as your entry pass to all sessions and activities at re:Invent. To save time, consider picking up your badge at the airport if the option is available like last year (check badge pickup locations in the app).

2. Secure Your Travel and Accommodation Early

Tens of thousands of Cloud addicts are coming to Las Vegas on the week of re:Invent, so it’s crucial to secure your spot early — things get sold out fast. Make sure to obtain your conference pass, book your flights, and reserve accommodation as soon as possible. When you’ll choose your hotel, check how far it is from the main venues, it will save you a lot of time walking.
To give yourself ample time to settle in, arrive in Las Vegas on Sunday. This will allow you to collect your badge, familiarize yourself with the venues, locate the shuttle stops, and ensure a good night’s sleep before the event kicks into high gear on Monday.
If, like me, you need to convince your boss or any other manager in your organization, it’s essential to work on it as soon as possible.

3. Register for Sessions

When it comes to registering for sessions, it can be quite challenging. With thousands of sessions available, it’s crucial to act quickly as most sessions fill up within minutes. As soon as the session registration opens, you need to be prepared. Ensure you have the AWS Events website open in multiple tabs, each dedicated to a session you wish to attend, so you’re ready to click that register button without delay. To optimize your session selection process and increase your chances of securing a spot, consider the following tips:

Understand the Session Types and Codes
Familiarize yourself with the different types of sessions available at AWS re:Invent: each session type offers a unique learning experience. There is no official list of session types but you can read about a few of them here. Pay attention that not all sessions are expected to be available online at the end of the event: for example, Chalk Talks, which are kind of an open discussion about some technical topics, are not usually available online.
Each session is identified by a code that provides useful information about it. The code starts with a three-letter abbreviation of the AWS service or topic discussed in the session, like “SVS” for Serverless, “ARC” for Architecture, “DMS” for Database Migration Service, “SEC” for Security, and others. The first digit of the session number typically corresponds to the session level as follows: Introductory (Level 100), Intermediate (Level 200), Advanced (Level 300), Expert (Level 400). As far as I know, no official documentation of this coding system exists, but it’s my take from the last few years.

Pay attention to the venues
Consider the session locations when planning your week. You don’t want to find yourself rushing from one venue to another or wasting time waiting for shuttles. Keep in mind that shuttle rides can sometimes take up to 45 minutes depending on the routes and traffic, so consider having 1 hour between sessions if you need to go to a distant venue. Prioritize sessions that are conveniently located to maximize your time and minimize logistical challenges.

Deeply Read the Session Abstracts
When reviewing the session abstracts, it’s important to be aware that AWS employs different levels of vagueness in their descriptions. While some abstracts intentionally remain vague to build anticipation for exclusive announcements during re:Invent, others provide more detailed insights into the session content. Take the time to carefully analyze the abstracts and decipher the information provided. Look for key details and consider how they align with your interests and objectives. Additionally, utilize the session tags (Tracks, Services, Job Role, Area of Interest) to determine if the session explores AWS technologies and services relevant to your work.

Prioritize Workshops
In my opinion, Workshops are often the most valuable content at re:Invent. They provide hands-on sessions with detailed guides, focusing on solving real-world problems. Workshops are an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience, learn best practices, and understand how to leverage AWS services effectively. Check out this SaaS solution workshop I attended at last year’s convention.

Attend a Keynote
One of the highlights of re:Invent is the Keynotes, and attending at least one is highly recommended. These sessions are monumental in scale and provide invaluable insights into the direction AWS is taking and the emerging trends in the Cloud industry. I personally recommend prioritizing Verner Vogels’ Keynote, as it offers a comprehensive overview of AWS’s vision, cutting-edge advancements, and the future of cloud technology.

Have a Plan B
You won’t be able to register for all the sessions you plan. Sessions are booked within minutes of registration opening. You need a backup plan, a kind of secondary list of sessions you want to attend. But don’t be disappointed, a lot of successful sessions are repeated multiple times during the week (the session code includes an “-R” suffix) or sometimes there are “overflow rooms”, rooms where the sessions are streamed live. Recordings are also available a few days after the event ends.

4. Plan Transportation and Meals

Allocate time for commuting, walking, waiting in lines, and grabbing meals. Use the re:Invent app for maps and navigation functionalities. It’s the best way to plan your routes within the conference venues. It’s recommended to have at least an hour between sessions to account for these factors. Additionally, if you have any dietary restrictions, inform AWS re:Invent support in advance to ensure appropriate meal arrangements.

While it’s not the end of the world, it’s important to be aware that AWS does not provide breakfast on the first day of re:Invent. To avoid any inconvenience, I recommend purchasing breakfast for yourself. It’s advisable to eat as far away from the venues as possible, as the crowded venues can have long lines for coffee and food.

5. Network with Other Attendees

One of the most enjoyable aspects of re:Invent is the opportunity to meet and connect with other attendees. Personally, I’ve found that lunchtime and shuttle rides provide the perfect settings for networking and engaging in meaningful conversations. To enhance your networking experience and stay connected with the people you meet, consider the following tips:

1. Networking is an art, and having a well-prepared elevator pitch about your work, interests, and ambitions can make a significant difference.
2. Activate your PeerTalk profile: Ensure your visibility among other attendees by activating your PeerTalk profile within the re:Invent app. This allows you to showcase your interests and availability, making it easier for like-minded professionals to connect with you.
3. Stay connected on LinkedIn: After striking up conversations with interesting individuals, don’t forget to connect with them on LinkedIn. This enables you to maintain contact beyond re:Invent, exchange insights, and explore potential collaborations.

6. Check for New Session Options in Real Time

During re:Invent, attendees often change their session registration or preferences. This dynamic environment presents an opportunity for you to optimize your schedule. Since you can only register for one session at a given time slot, keep an eye out for real-time updates on session availability. Sometimes, people may unregister from a session, freeing up a slot that you might be interested in. It’s a good idea to check for session availability updates every few hours or when you have a free slot in your schedule.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Remember, AWS re:Invent is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s crucial to avoid burnout. Don’t forget to listen to your body’s needs and take time to rest. Even consider taking power naps during heavy days to recharge, if you feel you need it.

You’ll walk a lot! Dozens of kilometers! You definitely need good and comfortable shoes for the event, it’s really important. Along with comfortable shoes, consider dressing in layers for varied indoor and outdoor temperatures. Hydration is also crucial, so carry a refillable water bottle.

8. The expo opens on Monday at 4pm

The opening of the expo tends to be heavily crowded, and I recommend avoiding the initial rush. If, like me, you enjoy collecting swag, plan a dedicated “shopping session” at the expo. Allocate 1–2 hours to explore the booths and gather your desired swag. By doing so, you’ll have the chance to focus on the fantastic demonstrations and offerings at subsequent visits to the expo, instead of spending valuable time searching for the best swag. Additionally, remember to register for all possible raffles and giveaways — you never know, you might just be one of the lucky winners!

It’s worth noting that the expo is closed during keynotes

9. Have Fun!

While the focus of AWS re:Invent is on learning and networking, there are also exciting hands-on opportunities available. One such experience is joining a Game Day session or a JAM session during the day, where you can actively participate in interactive challenges and put your skills to the test in a lively and engaging environment. It’s a fantastic way to learn, collaborate with fellow attendees, and have a memorable time.
Take part in the energizing 5K run or enjoy a chilled beer at the Expo’s Happy Hour. Either way, you’re in for a treat. 🙂

In addition to the daytime activities, the evenings provide a chance to connect with new friends you meet during the sessions. Check out reinventparties.com for information about parties happening throughout the week. Be sure to register for the ones that interest you, while also remembering to prioritize rest. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the re:Party organized by AWS on Thursday — it’s an event you won’t want to miss!

10. Essential Links and information for AWS re:Invent

1. AWS re:Invent Website
2. Session Catalog (link not available yet)
3. Venue Information: The AWS re:Invent website usually provides this information closer to the event dates.
4. AWS Events Mobile App (Android — iOS)
5. AWS Blogs: Stay up-to-date with the latest AWS news, updates, and announcements by following the official AWS Blogs.
6. AWS Community Events
7. Social Media Channels: Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitch
   Share your experiences on social media using the official hashtags for AWS re:Invent (typically announced closer to the conference dates).
8. Re:invent Parties: A list of unofficial parties and gatherings organized by the community.

To wrap it up

With these essential tips in your arsenal, you’re well-equipped to make the most of your AWS re:Invent experience. So, get ready to embark on a journey of innovation, knowledge, and fun at AWS re:Invent, and make memories that will shape your cloud journey!

If you’re attending AWS re:Invent this year, I would be delighted to connect with you and share more about what we’re doing at Lightricks. As a backend engineer at Lightricks, I’m part of the team responsible for our backend system for payment processing and purchase management. We primarily use Serverless AWS services like Lambda, SQS, DynamoDB to build our systems. I would love to discuss our success stories, challenges, and how we have leveraged AWS services to drive our product development. Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. I look forward to meeting you at AWS re:Invent and sharing our cloud journey at Lightricks.