AWS re:Invent 2024 guide: Tips from AWS Hero Kesha Williams
From the AWS re:Play party to the recommended re:Invent dress code and other insider tips, AWS Hero Kesha Williams shares her advice for attendees.
Nov 13, 2024 • 3 Minute Read
Headed to AWS re:Invent this year? From navigating the expo hall in style to making time for re:Invent after-hours events, here are my top tips for attending the conference, whether you’re a newcomer or a repeat attendee.
Bonus tip: Visit Pluralsight at booth #876 in the Venetian Expo Hall for fun giveaways and cloud resources.
Tip #1: Plan your sessions early and reserve seats
If this is your first time attending re:Invent, you may not know that the best sessions fill up fast. Use the re:Invent portal to create a personal agenda and reserve spots in key sessions, especially hands-on labs and breakout sessions. Include backup sessions in case your top choice fills up or gets canceled. This is one of the most important re:Invent first-timer tips.
Tip #2: Get a sneak peek into announcements from AWS Heroes
AWS re:Invent isn’t complete without major product announcements and exciting cloud news. If you want an idea of what to expect, why not check out our predictions for the event? I teamed up with fellow AWS Heroes Faye Ellis and Chris Williams to share our guesses. We also created a predictor app using AWS PartyRock. How did its predictions compare to ours? Check out our webinar to find out.
Tip #3: Stay comfortable and wear the right shoes
There’s no re:Invent dress code, but you’ll do a lot of walking. The conference is spread across multiple venues on the Las Vegas Strip, and even with shuttle bus transportation, you’ll have to walk a lot. Comfortable shoes are a must to navigate between sessions, keynotes, and events. Bring a reusable water bottle and dress in layers—conference rooms can get cold!
Tip #4: Mix networking with fun events (and use PeerTalk)
Networking is a key part of the re:Invent experience. Take advantage of after-hours events, hallway conversations, and the legendary AWS re:Play party.
AWS also offers PeerTalk, a networking tool that uses AI/ML to make it easier to network at the event. You’ll be able to connect with professionals with similar interests, message other attendees, and even arrange meetups on the re:Invent campus. If you’re looking to build your network, this is a great way to do it. You can opt in via the re:Invent mobile app.
Tip #5: Leave space for swag
The expo hall at re:Invent is packed with vendors offering amazing swag—everything from T-shirts and stickers to tech gadgets. Trust me, you’ll collect more than you expect. Pack light or leave some room in your luggage so you don’t have to scramble for extra space. Even better, bring a foldable duffle bag for all the swag surprises.
Wondering what type of swag you can snag? Check out the swag review from 2023 re:Invent.
Tip #6: Attend my AWS re:Invent session
On Thursday, December 5, I’ll be leading a breakout session, Implementing Amazon Q Developer: Lessons from the field. In this session, you’ll explore how to deploy Amazon Q Developer within a dynamic team. Learn from real-world challenges and tailored solutions that have significantly enhanced project efficiency and developer productivity when using single sign-on and tools like Bitbucket and Jira.
Bonus tip: Stop by Pluralsight booth #876 in the Venetian Expo Hall. There will be a chance to meet AWS Heroes, enter giveaways, and get resources to level up your AWS cloud and AI skills.
Want more re:Invent tips? Check out this article:
