AWS re:Invent 2024: Your Ultimate Survival Guide

Welcome to AWS re:Invent 2024, where the cloud collides with the neon of the Las Vegas Strip from December 2–6. This isn’t your average tech gathering—it’s a whirlwind of innovation, late-night chats, and enough walking to make your fitness tracker beg for mercy. Don’t sweat it, though! The Granica team of seasoned conference pros have braved the Las Vegas conference jungle plenty of times before, and we huddled together to share our hard-earned tips to help you thrive—and maybe even have a little fun along the way.

📱 Get the App: Download the AWS Events Mobile App (seriously, do it NOW). It’s your all-access pass to session schedules, venue maps, and real-time updates. This app is your best friend at re:Invent, second only to caffeine.

📅 Master Your Schedule: Sessions fill up faster than a Vegas buffet on a Sunday morning, and you don’t want to be left with just “overflow room vibes.”

• Be Strategic: Use the Session Catalog to find the content that matters to you—and reserve seats now.  GenAI,machine learning, data lakes, serverless—plan for what aligns with your goals (and your boss’s priorities 🫣).
• Sneaky Backups: Always have a Plan B in case a session gets full. Those hallway conversations you strike up while waiting? Priceless.
• Pro Tip: Focus-heavy sessions are best tackled before lunch. Use the evenings for networking and big-picture inspiration.

🤝 Network Like a Champ: The true jackpot at AWS re:Invent? Connections. It's a hotbed of inspiration and solutions, so bring your business cards and your best elevator pitch. Don’t miss PeerTalk on the app—it’s your gateway to connecting with like-minded pros and AWS experts. Swing by one of the five PeerTalk lounges to network, chat, and find your tribe.

👟 Feet First: The Shoe Gospel: This isn’t the time to test out new shoes. Go for something comfy and proven. Between the Venetian, Caesars Forum, and the MGM Grand, you’ll be walking more than a New York City tourist. (Pedometer challenge, anyone?)

💧 Hydrate Like It’s Your Job: Vegas is drier than a dad joke, so bring a reusable water bottle and fill up often (water stations are everywhere.) Stash cough drops and lip balm in your bag, too—your throat and lips will thank you after all those back-to-back chats.

🚗 Get Uber Smart: When the Strip's abuzz and you’ve got a can’t-miss session coming up, an Uber escape plan is crucial. Here's where to catch your ride at key locations:

• Mandalay Bay: Find your ride by the convention center entrance, on the beach level.
• Luxor: Head to their north entrance.
• MGM Grand: Locate the Uber sign on the first floor of the self-parking garage.
• Cosmopolitan: The main entrance is your best bet, towards the backside of the casino.
• Caesars Palace: The Omnia/Colosseum valet area awaits in the parking ramp.
• Venetian: Seek out the 2nd level of the parking garage, signposted from the hotel elevators.

🍴 New & Noteworthy Restaurants: Networking is better with great food. Skip the fast food line and check out these fresh options:

1. Superfrico (Cosmopolitan): Psychedelic Italian-American dining experience.
2. Brezza (Resorts World): Contemporary Italian with flair.
3. Vanderpump à Paris (Paris Las Vegas): Glitzy cocktails and small plates.
4. Crossroads Kitchen (Resorts World): Plant-based fine dining (yes, really!).
5. The Bedford by Martha Stewart (Paris): Homey, elevated classics.

🕶️ Go Beyond the Conference: Need a break from the tech talk? Explore these newer Vegas attractions:

• Sphere: The mesmerizing new concert and immersive visual experience venue.
• Area15: A psychedelic art, dining, and entertainment playground.
• Omega Mart: The trippy grocery store installation by Meow Wolf.
• FlyOver Vegas: Soar through simulated landscapes—minus the turbulence.
• Escape Blair Witch: A creepy, interactive escape room.

🔋 Keep the Juice Flowing: Phones die fast with all the app-checking, tweeting, and LinkedIn-ing. Carry a power bank like your life depends on it. Trust us, finding an outlet in the Venetian is like finding a unicorn.

🎉 Network and Play After Dark: AWS isn’t all about the sessions. Don’t miss:

• re:Play Party: Think games, music, and food trucks galore.
• Unofficial Meetups: Check Twitter and Slack for community-organized gatherings.
• Pub Crawls: A great way to mix business with, well, beers.

📝 Capture the Genius: You’ll learn a lot at re:Invent. Keep a notebook or app handy for those “aha!” moments, whether it’s a product insight or the name of someone you should absolutely contact after.

🚀 Final Pro Tips for a Stellar Week

• Arrive Early: Beat the rush and get settled before the madness starts.
• Pack Smart: Layers for chilly conference rooms, mints for fresh networking breath, and an easy-to-carry bag.
• Take a Moment: Don’t overbook yourself—leave space for serendipity and reflection. You can even block “personal time” in your online agenda. 

AWS re:Invent is as much a marathon as it is a tech festival. With these tips, you’ll be ready to soak it all in, make meaningful connections, and leave Vegas with more than just a neon souvenir.

See you on the Strip! 🕶️