Arijita MitraAWS re:Invent 2024 is over and it was a conference like no other. But what made it so special? What expectations did we have from the conference, and how far did it fulfil that? I feel the best ones to answer this are the first-time attendees of re:invent 2024.
Let's have a look at what few of the first timers have to say about their experiences at re:Invent 2024, and their key takeaways.
"Talking and spending time with people was the most valuable part of re:Invent for me - especially those from other parts of the world who I've interacted and collaborated with, but never get the chance to see. Your time is the single most valuable resource at re:Invent - optimize it to make meaningful connections."
"I've always wanted to attend re:invent. For years I have been an AWS User Group leader, and an AWS community builder, and I felt that attending re:invent will give me a boost on learning AWS on a deeper level. But it was far more than what I expected. It was inspiring to meet all the people I only see names written on blogs, doing talks on videos, or being influential on articles in LinkedIn. Asking them questions face to face is an opportunity of a lifetime and adds a human factor to the interaction. With discussions of problems, we hear potential solutions, and seeing the future being slowly built. Lastly, there is a boost of inspiration to continue to level up and do something with everything you learned. The conference is jam-packed with technology that there is at least one thing that will get you curious to try and experiment when you go back to work on product. AWS not too recently added sustainability as one of the pillars of architecture, and re:invent is continuously an event that fosters sustainability with re-invention and making the world a better place."
"Re:Invent was a life-changing experience for me! I had the opportunity to attend educational sessions that enlightened and added a refreshing perspective to the AWS services I currently use. I also had the opportunity of networking with cloud enthusiasts across the globe and attending fun events at night! Although re:Invent was inspiring, it was sometimes overwhelming, I must admit, and I am super grateful for all the advice I got from alumni on how to pace myself and not feel pressured to attend every event. There are just way too many sessions and events! I absolutely enjoyed re:Invent, paced it out to my preference, and was impacted."
"Attending AWS re:Invent 2024 was an incredible experience. Being surrounded by the AWS community and having the chance to network with so many accomplished individuals was inspiring. Seeing their passion for helping others grow motivated me to continue my journey and bring others along with me. This experience has not only opened my eyes to new opportunities but has also reinforced the importance of collaboration and community in achieving success and driving innovation."
"AWS re:Invent was an amazing experience! Meeting my mentors in person felt surreal, and learning about the latest tech advancements was inspiring. I got to network with so many brilliant minds, and the sessions gave me fresh ideas to explore. It truly boosted my enthusiasm for the cloud journey."
"Ever since I started working on AWS technology, attending AWS re:Invent has been a dream of mine. In 2024, that dream became a reality, and it was an experience I'll never forget. This incredible experience was made possible by the AWS All Builders Welcome Grant Program, which sponsored for my entire trip. This conference wasn't just about tech; it was about inspiration, growth, and making lifelong connections. I'm back home now, reflecting on the whirlwind of experiences and memories. One thing is certain: AWS re:Invent is more than just an event - it's a transformational opportunity for those who embrace it."
"My journey to re:Invent in Las Vegas is something I have been looking forward to since 2021. When I finally attended re:Invent in 2024, I was beyond excited. I'm incredibly grateful to the All Builder Welcome (ABW) grant for making my dream come true. At re:Invent 2024, I had the chance to meet AWS experts I've long admired, connect with my AWS colleagues, with whom I've collaborated on multiple projects, and meet new people who instantly felt like family. The experience of being present at the keynote was so much more powerful than watching it on a screen. The impact I hope for after attending re:Invent and receiving the ABW grant is to inspire more Indonesians, especially women, to apply for the ABW grant. Indonesia has so much outstanding talent, including its women. As a mother and a woman, I want to encourage more women to dream big and make those dreams a reality, with a strategic and measurable approach. By attending re:Invent, we gain access to a vast network and an extraordinary community. With such connections, the chances of achieving our dreams are much higher because we have countless role models and incredible people as our friends and mentors."
"My experience at re:Invent has been nothing short of amazing! I'm so grateful to have had the chance to meet and learn from so many inspiring people from AWS women-in-tech to community builders and Heroes. Attending chalk talks, practical workshops and taking part in a game-day has really shown me areas of interest like Kubernetes and Containerisation and I am now motivated to learning more about these and feel inspired to go down the path of building up my skills through training and certifications to increase my knowledge. I can also use what I've learned and apply it to my current role."
"Re:Invent 2024 was an absolute game-changer - a true God-given opportunity! I got to meet and listen to some of the brightest tech minds, all in one place. Massive thanks to AWS and the ABW Grant for this once-in-a-lifetime experience and for supporting us every step of the way on this incredible journey. Now officially promoted to Alumni 😜, I'm still buzzing from the epic mentoring sessions, mind-blowing insights, endless goodies, mouthwatering food, and yes, the unforgettable parties! It was truly a dream come true - networking, new friends, cultures colliding, and pure tech magic. I can't wait to give back to the community, keep growing and learning, and return next year to Re:Invent for another round of innovation, inspiration, and excitement! 🚀"
My personal takeaways:
AWS re-invent is a platter full of knowledgeable sessions, workshops and experiences which give us the opportunity to learn and increase our knowledge. Only thing we need to do is to manage the time. 5 days feels less when in Re:Invent!! This is not just a tech conference, it is much much more. The connections one can build there by interacting with fellow attendees and AWS employees are without doubt precious for their cloud journey.
So if you wish to experience the re:invent affair in 2025, keep a check on https://reinvent.awsevents.com/ and subscribe for updates. Also, if you are a technologist with less than 5 years of experience, do apply for the AWS All Builders Welcome Grant Program. It's totally worth it!!
AWS re-invent 2025 is bound to surpass all your expectations!
