AWS re:Invent 2024 guide: Tips from AWS Hero Chris Williams
AWS Hero Chris Williams provides tips to maximize your AWS conference schedule, stay hydrated, and attend the top AWS workshops and sessions at re:Invent.
Nov 18, 2024 • 3 Minute Read
Ready for re:Invent? If you’re still looking for some insider advice, I’ve got you covered. From re:Invent first-timer tips to key AI/ML sessions, here’s what to know before you go.
Bonus tip: Visit Pluralsight at booth #876 in the Venetian Expo Hall for fun giveaways and cloud resources.
Looking for even more AWS insights? I sat down with fellow AWS Heroes Faye Ellis and Kesha Williams to share our predictions for this year’s re:Invent. But there’s a twist. We also built a predictor app using GenAI. Watch the on-demand webinar now for all our predictions.
Tip #1: Stay hydrated
You’ll lose water quickly in the dry desert air, especially if you aren’t used to the climate. To stay hydrated, drink more water than you’re used to.
- Bring a travel flask or water bottle with you and keep it topped off at all times using the water coolers placed around the convention center.
- If your hotel provides the amenity, get a humidifier for your room and keep it running 24/7. It prevents that sore throat you get after 3 – 4 days of breathing super dry desert air. 🤣
- Bring chapstick or lip balm and keep it in your bag or pocket.
Tip #2: De-prioritize recorded sessions
The AWS conference schedule is jam packed, and some parts of the conference experience are not recorded. (These are typically your re:Invent chalk talks, workshops, certain panel chats, and community presentations.)
If you have simultaneous events on your conference calendar, attend the event that isn’t recorded and watch the other one online later. However, if you want to chat with the person leading the recorded session, you should attend that one (more on that in tip #5 😉).
Tip #3: Turn the power saving function on BEFORE you get to Vegas
Don’t wait until your phone or tablet is at 15% before you switch on power saving. Turn on power saving mode at the beginning of your conference to get the most out of your devices.
Need a backup? Bring a portable charger. Check out fellow AWS Hero Faye Ellis’s re:Invent tips.
Tip #4: Get outside your comfort zone
Attend sessions and events that interest you and are aligned with your career path. But if you can, spread your wings and take a look at sessions from other conference content tracks. You’ll probably be pleasantly surprised and learn something new if you step outside your comfort zone.
Tip #5: Ignore tip #2 and attend my session 🤣
- Monday, December 2
- 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. PT
- Venetian | Level 3 | Murano 3304
DevOps teams face immense challenges. In this session, we explore how generative AI can revolutionize DevOps practices, accelerating deployment frequency, reducing lead time for changes, minimizing service disruptions, and mitigating change failure rates.
We’ll use live demos to see how Amazon Q and Amazon Bedrock can streamline workflows, automate tasks, and enhance collaboration. You’ll leave empowered with practical strategies to harness this cutting-edge technology and propel your team's DevOps excellence.
More AWS re:Invent tips
Stop by Pluralsight booth #876 in the Venetian Expo Hall. There will be swag, a chance to meet AWS Heroes (including me!), and daily raffles for prizes like a Nintendo Switch or Keychron Q6 Max Mechanical Keyboard.
Looking for even more re:Invent tips from AWS Heroes? Check out these blog articles:
