AWS re:Invent - Top tips for a top visit

AWS re:Invent is a one of a kind experience. Andy Piggott and I have put together our top tips to help you maximise your visit.

With learning at its core, re:Invent provides five days packed with opportunities to build new skills, learn from other organisations and explore the latest in cloud. Anyone attending the conference can’t leave without being impressed by the sheer scale of the event and the amazing energy from the AWS community.

The conference is an incredible feat of organisation and logistics. Thousands of visitors, thousands of meals and hundreds of sessions per day – yet things run seamlessly.

Fujitsu is a Gold sponsor at re:Invent - come and see us at booth #896 in the Expo.

Our top 10

1. Prioritise comfort over style - wear really comfy shoes, not ones that look good. You’ll be walking a lot! Select shoes that are perfectly matched to the contours of your feet to keep those blisters at bay!

2. Get ready to reserve - invest time looking through the session catalogue and create a plan. Spaces go quickly for the popular sessions, so you’ll be pleased you invested time here.

3. Stay close - pick a hotel close to the conference. Even things that look nearby are much further to walk in Las Vegas. Hotels are big, so stay close so you can save time and focus on why you are there.

4. Go with the flow - a plan is essential to make the most of AWS re:Invent, but don’t lock yourself in. Adjust your plan and be ready to change your schedule when you see sessions or content that interests you.

5. Go interactive - focus on the content that isn't being recorded like Bootcamps, Chalk Talks, Workshops and Builder Labs. These are exclusive sessions for in-person visitors only.

6. Be expo savvy - visit the Expo with a plan of what you want to get out of your time there. Avoid being distracted by the many many distractions. Also think of the planet and be selective on the swag you grab.

7. See the sky - you'll be inside hotels or conference rooms for many hours. Try to walk between venues to get some daylight and see some of the sights.

8. Power up - if you’re from outside the USA remember to take your travel adaptor to the Bootcamps or Builder Labs – you don’t want to run out of power!

9. Be the first - look out for new sessions in the catalogue during the conference week. With so many announcements at re:Invent you might see new sessions listed for the latest services.

10. Look after yourself - take a face mask and hand sanitizer. Remember to drink plenty of water and keep yourself healthy so you can maximise your experience at the conference.

Pay it forward

When you get back remember to pay it forward – AWS re:Invent is a learning conference so make sure you share what you have learnt with your colleagues and the wider AWS community.

What are your top tips for visiting AWS re:Invent?

See you there!

Andy Piggott (Digital, Data and Cloud - UK)

Daniel Pieters (AWS - Global Business Manager)