AWS re:invent 2023 - A Zillennial's First Time
Tags: reinvent, aws, community, news
Published: 2023-12-02 01:54:12

## Intro 

This is a short, sweet, information packed post I'll provide YOU with some tips and explanations which I found invaluable while attending [AWS Re:invent](https://reinvent.awsevents.com/) in 2023.

### Travel tips ✈️

Keep a day for traveling both at the start, come on **Sunday** not too late at night. 🛫

And then when leaving, depart later on **Friday** to give yourself time to recover from the longer week, and re:play (on Thursday) 🛬

![Vegas airport photo](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/02oywcddbphx4viprenw.JPG)


### Hotel choice 🏨

**[MGM Grand](https://mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com/en.html)** where I stayed, is a great affordable "hub" for the event.

Why is this a good hotel for re:invent?

- **Easy fast travel to other event hotels** (First thing in the morning @ 7am the monorail starts _from_ MGM Grand and goes _to_ everywhere else, so you'll always have a spot on the monorail if you get there before 7am :) 

![Vegas Monorail Map](https://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/e9b5e861-dc01-4cf2-bf28-3f044acca704/Monorail_Map.jpg/:/rs=w:1240,h:620,cg:true,m/cr=w:1240,h:620)

- **Affordable rooms** (MGM is fair priced compared to where lots of execs/C-levels stay, at the Venetian where the Expo & Keynotes are held)

- **Many sessions** (MGM Grand had a lot of really good sessions I attended 30-40% of my sessions right in my own hotel!)

- **Food provided** (Not all hotels have meals, MGM Grand does)

- **AWS Re:play travel** is <u>ideal</u> with the monorail setup of MGM Grand being first stop, and the re:play event being last stop. (No one else at any other hotels even came close to fitting on the monorail. Go MGM Grand, get your monorail spot at station #1 locked in!)

## Must do's

- **Reserve sessions** which you truly care about

Keep a very very close eye on AWS social media and your inbox 📥, they tell you about reserving sessions weeks/months ahead of re:invent, and you'll want to be ready for that! 

You can log in early and "favorite" all the sessions you want, then when reservations open you can easily go to your calendar and hit "Reserve Seat" on all the ones you want!

- **Go to the Keynotes!**

I only missed one keynote (the vendor keynote).
But I would highly recommend going to as many as you can!

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/b9199cqvdjvx7d1lu62m.JPG)

Dr. Werner Vogels had my favorite keynote.

If you haven't already, check out Dr.Vogels [thefrugalarchitect.com](https://www.thefrugalarchitect.com/) 

- **Meet People & Network** (Friends, Family, co-workers, clients, vendors)

<u>AWS Re:invent is the place to network!</u> I had the pleasure of meeting some fantastic folks from NASCAR, BMW, Adidas, and many more. Connect with folks on LinkedIn, or use [Apple's NameDrop feature](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/namedrop-iphone-share-contact-info-iph1b6c664b7/ios) which works very well!

I also had the pleasure of randomly bumping into my cousin in-law who happened to be there as well. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/g3tv86e1bv3olb8c6kcx.jpg)

We walked the Expo center and enjoyed some [AWS Deep Racer](https://aws.amazon.com/deepracer/)

#### The food

The meals provided were fantastic!

The dining halls are very large, the food provided is fantastic quality. They meet all dietary special needs for folks.

Herbal tea, regular teas, and coffee are provided (sometimes with snacks) in the afternoon.

Breakfast and Lunch are offered. Dinner is on YOU.

### Enjoy Re:play!

Even if you aren't a big party person, or don't drink. (which explains me) It is still an absolute blast to see all our peers in the industry just having fun and celebrating the week.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/y2fmlrhjx6w8ubz3x98m.jpg)


## In Conclusion

In conclusion, AWS re:Invent is more than just a conference; it's an experience. 

From the hotel choice to reserving your sessions, detail matters in making the most of this event!

The keynotes are a must-see, and the networking opportunities are invaluable. The food is excellent, and the Re:play event is a fun way to wrap up the week. 

Whether you're a seasoned attendee or a first-timer (like me), these tips should help you navigate re:Invent and make the most of your time. 

Remember, it's not just about learning; it's about connecting, growing, and having fun along the way!

- Logan S. @d4rkd0s