How to Make the Most of AWS re:Invent: A Practical Guide

AWS re:Invent, the largest cloud conference, brings together cloud novices, practitioners, and experts from around the world in the vibrant city of Las Vegas to discover the latest cloud innovations, gain skills and expertise that would take weeks or months to learn at home, and network with fellow cloud enthusiasts & AWS experts. With the conference rapidly approaching, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you maximize your AWS re:Invent experience, whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran.

Getting ready for great experiences

Preparation is key to making the most of AWS re:Invent. Dive into the event’s sessions and workshops ahead of time to build a schedule tailored to your interests. We highly recommend downloading the AWS re:Invent app, which will help you keep track of your schedule and navigate the conference center.

Dedicatted Tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes and a portable battery pack to keep your devices charged throughout the day—essential for staying connected and navigating efficiently.

Understanding Session Codes

While browsing through the sessions, you’ll come across what seems like a random jumble of letters and numbers, but they’re not. The first three letters of each session code represent the track, and the first number represents the level:

100s: Foundational

200s: Intermediate

300s: Advanced

400s: Expert

Dedicatted Tip: If you identify a pattern of session topics that pique your interest, use the track code to discover other sessions that might also resonate with you.

Making the Most of Your Time

AWS re:Invent offers an incredible array of sessions, workshops, and networking events. Prioritize activities that resonate with your interests or align with your business objectives. Don’t forget to explore the Solution Expo and Partner Expo halls for hands-on demos and product insights.

Dedicatted Tip: Balance your schedule with regular breaks to recharge. After the conference, review recordings of the sessions & workshops you attended after the conference to refresh your memory.

Networking Effectively

While attending meetups and receptions is a great way to meet other professionals within your industry, you should also take advantage of networking opportunities during sessions and workshops by participating in group discussions and asking questions.

Dedicatted Tip: Exchange LinkedIn profiles at the event and take the initiative to follow up with those you met to make the most of your connections after the event. Additionally, you can use LinkedIn’s Find Nearby feature on your mobile device to find LinkedIn members in your surrounding vicinity of up to 100 feet (30 meters).

Staying Connected After The Conference

After returning home, we recommend staying connected with the people you met and developing a plan for yourself to implement any relevant techniques or technologies. After the conference, all the breakout sessions from AWS re:Invent are recorded and uploaded to YouTube, so take the time to reflect on the information you learned and revisit key insights from sessions and workshops you attended.

Dedicatted Tip: Send personalized follow-ups to your new connections via email or LinkedIn. Keep an eye out for future AWS events to continue expanding your expertise.

AWS re:Invent is your ultimate gateway to cutting-edge cloud innovations, invaluable knowledge, and game-changing connections. With the right preparation and a curious mindset, this experience can ignite new ideas and accelerate your journey in the cloud.

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