A Journey through AWS re:Invent 2023

blogs / December 22, 2023

What an electrifying experience at re:Invent 2023 where the InfusionPoints crew and I navigated the landscape of innovation, inspiration, and after-hours excitement. The whirlwind of keynotes, breakout sessions, and late-night adventures created memories and lessons that will linger for a long time. This is more than a re:Cap; join me as I recount the moments that defined our journey through AWS re:Invent 2023.

Navigating re:Invent

Touching down in Las Vegas I saw the skyline, including an aerial view of The Sphere, which was a sight to behold. This was especially true because of Google’s crafted ad buy, a true battle of the cloud giants and a massive talking point overall.

Las Vegas Airport was akin to a casino in itself but had been overtaken by AWS to support the swell of people for check-in and badge pickup. From the airport the team jumped straight into sessions, with the added challenge of figuring out the labyrinth of venues, room numbers, and the transit system. Step by step, we uncovered the secrets of the various routes, shuttles, and the monorail system, proving invaluable in the vast re:Invent sprawl that overtook the entire Las Vegas strip.

re:Invent Campus Map.

Fueling Minds and Appetites

Daytime blended both insightful sessions and extensive networking, fueled by the early morning AWS-provided breakfast and mid-afternoon lunch. The sheer variety and quantity of food to sustain a record breaking 65,000 attendees daily was nothing short of a miracle.

Amidst keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, lightning talks, and more, there were several presentations that stood out. Witnessing AWS CEO and VP, Adam Selipsky and Dr. Ruba Borno on the big screen, and in person, provided a powerful look into the future of AWS to include a new wave of generative AI services, such as Amazon BedRock and Amazon Q, which are positioned to drastically change how quickly and efficiently we get things done not only on AWS, but beyond.

One major highlight was witnessing InfusionPoints launch the XccelerATOr and A-LIGN Bundle at re:Invent. The XccelerATOr offering has grown significantly during my time at InfusionPoints, and by leveraging the AWS cloud, we’ve substantially reduced costs and time for our customers to obtain their FedRAMP Authority to Operate (ATO). InfusionPoints’ Partner Bundle through the AWS Global Security and Compliance Acceleration (GSCA) Program is a comprehensive solution to achieve the Authority to Operate (ATO), streamlining procurement via AWS. Check it out here if you’re interested in learning more.

Miriam McLemore’s talk on succeeding in economies of speed and rethinking your levers resonated while Andy Rivers and Ves Sathya’s chalk talk on building cloud centers of excellence (CCoE) for state and local governments engaged professionals from around the world. I also learned about sustainable solutions, particularly how AWS is enhancing accessibility for data scientists and organizations engaged in preventing wildfires.

The AWS Expo was the heart of re:Invent and was an excellent midpoint to nearly every session. The entrance included a massive wall to wall screen where you could catch the various keynotes and innovation talks on your travels as well as a SWAG station, tattoo, and piercing booth for those looking to get a more permanent memory of the event. For those interested, all recorded presentations are available, with 650+ sessions to explore!

The Expo, AWS Village.

The Expo, Builder’s Fair.

The Expo, AWS DeepRacer.

Global Security & Compliance Acceleration (GSCA) Bundles.

Wynn, Session Venue, Preparations.

Wynn, Networking in the Dining Hall.

Ceasar’s Forum, AWS Sustainability Showcase.

Networking in the Neon Lights

After the day's rush, a recharge was crucial to tackle the networking opportunities on the vibrant Las Vegas strip. For me, that meant a quick pit stop in the hotel room, shedding my well-worn shoes (seriously in need of a deep clean at this point) and re:hydrating.

The nights in Las Vegas had a relentless energy fueling excitement for the next move. Even after covering miles during the day, the eagerness to meet colleagues and dive into adventures never waned. From catching a show at The Sphere to exploring the whimsical Omega Mart, the nights were as captivating as the conference days and allowed for candid and in-depth conversations with other re:Invent attendees from across the globe. Sharing and gathering insights from professionals across various market sectors, including members of the AWS team, was inspiring. Throughout, I tried to remain open to forging new connections and exploring potential opportunities!

Meow Wolf Las Vegas, Omega Mart.

The Sphere, Las Vegas.

One event that stood out was the GSCA evening reception at Encore Resort. A striking and fun networking event where industry experts and leaders in security and compliance gathered against the breathtaking backdrop of the Las Vegas strip with the sunset over the Spring Mountains. It was an experience I will remember for a long time to come.

Encore, AWS GSCA Reception.

The Linq, High Roller Observation Wheel.

The Venetian, YardBird Table & Bar.

The Grand Finale: re:Play

Each year AWS hosts re:Play, the grand finale to an eventful week. The fairgrounds, furnished with massive airplane hangars, featured a main stage, live performances, grub, activities, and more. Portugal. The Man and Major Lazer took the stage, and we even landed a front-row seat. A serendipitous encounter with a connection made during a pickleball match earlier that day added an awesome twist. Making connections and running into them later embodied the spirit of the conference and allowed people to sync up on shared and differing experiences to learn new things about re:Invent that you can’t experience all on your own.

AWS re:Play.

AWS re:Play, Portugal. The Man, Front Stage.

In orchestrating this truly monumental event, AWS not only connected minds from around the world but also fostered a space to connect and exchange ideas aimed at delivering unparalleled services for customers. Moreover, re:Invent served as a fertile ground for teams to cultivate strong bonds through shared experiences, nurturing the growth of our friendships and professional connections. The friendships and connections made during re:Invent 2023 are ones I eagerly look forward to rekindling at re:Invent 2024! Hope to see you there.