AWS re:Invent 2024 guide: Tips from AWS Hero Faye Ellis

So you’ve snagged your pass to AWS re:Invent. Now what? Whether it’s your first time attending or your 10th, here are my tips to make the most of your time there. 

And if you’re hoping for a sneak peek of what this year’s event will include, check out my webinar with fellow AWS Heroes Kesha Williams and Chris Williams. We’ll share our guesses for this year’s event—and see how they stack up against a predictor app we’ve created using the AWS GenAI service PartyRock.

As somebody who suffers from jet lag, I highly recommend taking a walk in the morning (or a run!). Spending 30 minutes or more in natural daylight helps you adjust to the local time zone and feel a little more normal if you’ve traveled across multiple time zones.

If I can make time to do this each day, I know I’m much more likely to sleep properly and have a clear head, both of which are essential for a busy week at re:Invent! 

For me, the best part about re:Invent is getting to see folks who I don’t get to see very often in person. I try to prioritize catching up with distant friends or leveraging re:Invent networking opportunities over rushing from session to session. 

Many of the sessions will be recorded, so I make a note of the ones I can’t get to and watch them afterwards. When pressed for time, I’ve even listened to keynotes from my hotel room while getting ready for the day. This feels like winning because I’m multitasking!

You may be tempted to add everything from the conference content tracks to your agenda. My advice? Keep some free time in your schedule. 

At re:Invent, you never know what will happen! I try to make sure I have some free slots available to have a spontaneous coffee with a friend, wander around the expo hall, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere for a few minutes. Otherwise it can all get a little overwhelming! 

Want a glimpse into AWS re:Invent as a first-time attendee? Check out this article by AWS All Builders Welcome Grant recipient Amber Stevens.

I like to travel light, so everything I bring has to earn its place in my luggage. One non-negotiable I’ve added to my packing list this year is a portable power bank for my phone. This is very useful if you rely on your phone a lot for taking photos, making notes, paying for things, or just getting around. This nifty piece of kit means you have one less thing to worry about!

I’ll be leading two sessions at AWS re:Invent. Check out the details:

• Wednesday, Dec 4
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. PST
• Caesars Forum | Level 1 | Academy 414

Feel like you've “missed the boat” with generative AI? You haven't. This session breaks down key concepts from A to Z in an engaging, interactive format. Brooke Jamieson and I will guide you through generative AI with clear explanations and live demos. Going beyond theory, we’ll show how to apply these concepts in practice. Get a head start with AWS services like Amazon Bedrock, Amazon Q Developer, and Amazon SageMaker, leaving with the confidence to build your own AI projects.

Learn more about the session.

• Thursday, Dec 5
• 11:30 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. PST
• Venetian | Hall B | Expo | Theater 4

In this lightning talk, discover how to develop an enterprise strategy for adopting generative AI in your organization. Discover best practices and explore guidelines for secure and ethical use. Learn about the essential technologies, skills, and roles needed for successful implementation.

Learn more about this session. No need to reserve your seat—you can just swing by!

Can’t make it to any of the sessions? Stop by the Pluralsight booth #876 in the Venetian Expo Hall to visit me for a Q&A, quiz me on AWS AI, and earn some fun giveaways!