Preparing for AWS re:Invent 2024

Its getting close to that time of year again. This will be my third time at re:Invent and I am expecting it to be the same physical and mental workout that it has been in the past.

That sounds dramatic doesn’t it? I look at it being my one week a year where I can allow my inner geek to run havoc to absorb as much information as I can as I don’t get the luxury of this for the rest of the year.

Before re:Invent

• Book a hotel that is in the middle of where you will spend most of your time. I will try and go for half way up the strip but that depends on being able to book the ticket and hotel early. Past July, gets more interesting and more expensive.
• Get those sessions booked. Walk up is a pain and it is likely for this year that the sessions you want are gone. “Whack-a-Mole” day/night to book the sessions was in early October (8th) so, although, the session catalogue will allow to try and book sessions, I will surprised you will get what you want.
• Use an eSIM for data. This is more for those that are not living in the USA. The Wi-Fi is not always great as there is a lot of people using it for sessions as well as personal comms.

At re:Invent

• Comfortable shoes are a must and wear something that allows you to stay warm. As anyone that has ever been, re:Invent is spread out on the strip. So, you have a choice of either walking or trying to use the buses. The buses are ok but there is a lot of waiting around so I tend to walk between venues. Now, the venues are massive too so, more walking. As for the venues, they can hot, cold or somewhere in the middle. So, take that into consideration when packing things to wear; think layers.
• Remember to stay hydrated. Obvious thing to say but when you are rushing about, it doesn’t happen for me so I always have a 750ml reusable water bottle with me. Soda ain’t going to cut it, water is your friend. The venues are air conditioned so the air is dry.
• If you get sore or dry eyes have eye drops with you. I get dry eyes so having eye drops helps me combat this due to the air conditioning.
• Lip balm. Another killer is dry lips due to the air conditioning.
• Get your badge early. As I fly in on the Saturday before re:Invent, I will go and pick up my badge on the Sunday so that I can get on with my sessions first thing Monday. Badges can be picked up from the airport (Sunday and Monday) or from the Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand or The Venetian. Without it, no access and remember to take government ID with you.
• Conference food. Breakfast (0700 - 0900) and lunch (1100 - 1330) are supplied and its pretty good, decent variety etc. I cannot speak to specialist dietary needs but would be surprised if wasn’t catered for. Available at Caesars Forum, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, The Venetian, or Wynn.
• Vegas is expensive. For snacks and drinks use Walgreens or CVS as the hotels are expensive.
• Socialising / networking. There a huge opportunity to grow your professional network when at re:Invent. Don’t miss the re:Play party (Thursday 5th December from 2000) and you can get your re:Play t-shirt!
• Swag and Expo Hall. If you want swag then the Expo hall in The Venetian is for you but what you will find there, as well, is SMEs from AWS and vendors who may be able to help you with some challenges you have right now.