I had the incredible opportunity to be part of re:Invent in Las Vegas seven months ago, Now that the season has returned, I thought it would be fitting to recount my experience since it was my first time.

If you're reading this, I assume you already have some knowledge or understanding of what re:Invent is all about. However, for those who are unfamiliar, it is an annual conference organized by Amazon Web Services (AWS), typically lasting a week. The conference serves as a platform for AWS to unveil new products, services, and features, while also offering training sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for developers, IT professionals, and cloud enthusiasts. Held in the vibrant Las Vegas strip, the event attracts a diverse global audience.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call re:Invent one of the world's largest tech conferences. As soon as you touch down at Harry Reid International Airport, you're greeted by banners showcasing various vendors and sponsors, signifying that Las Vegas has transformed into "Tech Vegas" for that week. Personally, this will be a long journey for me, spanning over 20 hours of flight time, starting from Cape Town to Johannesburg, then from Johannesburg to Atlanta, and finally from Atlanta to Las Vegas.

Upon my arrival at re:Invent, my first task was to complete the registration process and get my badge, which granted me access to all the event activities. There were several registration booths available, some of which were conveniently located at the airport. With that taken care of, I checked in at the hotel before heading out to collect some re:Invent swag. I also made a stop at the certification booth, where achieving certification came with exciting perks throughout the event.

A valuable suggestion for those planning to attend re:invent for the first time is to try to connect with people beforehand. You can do this through platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, Slack communities, or online forums. By reaching out to others, you'll have the chance to meet up during the event and expand your network, which can greatly enhance your overall experience.

I was fortunate to have connected with a few people online and engaged in various discussions. One of the highlights was meeting the entire CDK day organizing community, as I've been a part of it since 2021. Being an AWS Community Builder also provided exclusive sessions and meetups.

Before the event, AWS releases the re:Invent session schedule, and attendees have the opportunity to register for the sessions they're interested in. However, the limited space in each session means they fill up quickly. I signed up for about five sessions per day, which, looking back, was a bit ambitious.

In addition to the sessions, there's the highly anticipated keynote by Dr. Werner and other AWS executives. The close proximity of numerous hotels along the Las Vegas Strip enables the feasibility of re:Invent. This layout facilitates convenient access to re:Invent activities, with sessions often being held in various conference areas within different hotels. Additionally, there is a central reception hotel where keynotes and other significant events are held.

A look at some walking I was doing at re:invent per day...

Apart from the incredible daily sessions, there are additional enjoyable events throughout the week. The certification lounge provides a more laid-back and serene environment, and there are also various competitions scheduled during the week. And, I mustn't overlook mentioning the vendor area, where all the cool swag is found. (Helpful tip: ensure you have plenty of free space in your bags to hold all the swag you might gather throughout the week.) I confess, I even brought an empty suitcase just for this purpose.

Alright, let's talk about the night before the final day – that's when the legendary re:Play kicks in. And seriously, we're talking about Vegas here – the party central. You know they've got the whole party scene down to an art. Just to give you an idea, last year they brought in heavyweights like Martin Garrix and a bunch of other top-notch DJs. I mean, we're talking about a party that's off the charts.

If you're all about soaking in the energy of a crazy good time, re:Play is the place to be. It's like the grand finale of a week filled with action, and you definitely want to be in on the action!

My main takeaways from re: Invent are that it's a massive event, and being in the Las Vegas Strip alone feels overwhelming. There are so many AWS-specific events happening that it's unlikely you'll make it to all the sessions you signed up for. I suggest trying to attend no more than two sessions per day and aim to arrive at least 20-15 before a session starts, as everything is spread out, and you'll do a lot of walking. While there are buses to transport you between locations, be prepared to spend time walking around. You might find yourself sitting in the hallways, feeling overwhelmed by all the activities. If it's your first time, try to enjoy the experience and don't put too much pressure on attending all the sessions, as most of them will be available on YouTube later.

This is my high-level experience at re:invent.

In case you're reading this before September 1, 2023, 11:59 PM (PDT) and you fall into the category of underrepresented technologists in your first five years of professional life, here's something cool for you. Take a look at the All Builders Welcome Grant. It's designed to make it easier for you to be part of AWS re:Invent happening from November 27 to December 1, 2023, in Las Vegas, NV. This grant not only sorts out the financial side of things but also opens doors for you to dive into immersive learning, networking, and hands-on building experiences.

Link to apply: Here

Bonus

There is probably Wi-Fi in most areas within the re:Invent vicinity; however, if you're not from the US I'd advise you to download this app. It will allow you to download an eSIM for about $5. Also, consider using Uber to get around in case you have some personal errands to run.