A detailed guide to attending AWS re:Invent in Las Vegas, designed specifically for engineers working with large language models and generative AI.
This year, AWS re:Invent is doubling down on its AI/ML focus, introducing tailored tracks for GenAI developers with deep dives into LLM optimization, multimodal AI, and integrations with Amazon Web Services like SageMaker and Bedrock. As LLM developers, we'll have hands-on opportunities to test the latest features in real-world scenarios and collaborate with peers and AWS experts in dedicated zones.
One of the most compelling aspects for developers is the exclusive unveiling of cloud computing tools and services designed specifically for GenAI. We can expect updates to foundational models, enhanced integrations for deploying AI in production, and tools to streamline our development lifecycle. These advancements should empower us to harness the transformative potential of GenAI more effectively.
The conference also features keynotes from industry leaders, offering valuable insights into AI trends, ethics, and best practices for scalability.
Decoding AWS Sessions:
What They Really Mean? 🤨
AWS re:Invent this year brings a packed schedule with sessions spanning various categories, domains, tracks, and formats, offering something for everyone. Let’s dive into the session codes to uncover how they work and how you can navigate them to plan your perfect re:Invent experience!
Understanding Session Levels
AWS re:Invent sessions are categorized into levels based on technical depth. Here’s a breakdown:
Foundational (100 Level): Overview of AWS services, features, and use cases. Designed for beginners or those exploring AWS.
Intermediate (200 Level): Assumes basic knowledge of AWS topics. Covers architecture, integration, and common use cases. Includes best practices and troubleshooting tips.
Advanced (300 Level): For proficient AWS users. Focuses on in-depth architecture, development, and migration examples. Covers complex use cases and deployment strategies.
Expert (400 Level): Geared toward advanced users. Delves into intricate architecture and development techniques. Explores advanced deployment strategies and deep technical insights.
Session Types
AWS re:Invent provides a variety of session formats to suit different learning styles and objectives.
👋 Interactive and Hands-On
❗ Please note that hands-on session require some preparation so make sure to: bring your own laptop, ensure admin permissions are enabled for software installations. * Be prepared to troubleshoot network issues like VPNs or firewalls.
Bootcamps: Full-day training with instructors, including self-paced labs in live AWS environments.
Builders' Sessions: Small-group, hands-on learning with an AWS expert. Requires a laptop to participate.
Workshops: Interactive group problem-solving sessions to build solutions. Requires a laptop for participation.
Spotlight Labs: Step-by-step training on real-world scenarios with an expert instructor.
📚 Lecture-Style
Breakout Sessions: Educational lectures held in standard rooms or silent session stages. May include Q&A if time permits.
Keynotes: Major presentations featuring AWS leaders, customer stories, and announcements.
Innovation Talks: Highlighting customer success stories and addressing business challenges. Often livestreamed for virtual attendees.
💬 Talks
Chalk Talks: Short lecture followed by Q&A, using whiteboards for discussion.
Code Talks: Live coding demonstrations with explanations and interactive discussion.
🚅 Quick and Focused
Lightning Talks: 20-minute presentations focusing on specific stories, demos, or partner solutions.
😎 Self-Paced and Flexible
Self-Paced Training: Options like AWS SimuLearn, Builder Labs, and Jam Journeys for flexible, on-demand learning.
Interactive Training: Guided, scenario-based sessions led by AWS instructors.
Session Extensions and Identifiers
Each session has a unique ID that indicates its topic, level, and other attributes.
Language Indicators: -FR (French), -DE (German), -JA (Japanese), -ES (Spanish).
Tips for Planning Your Schedule
💙 Favoriting Sessions: Use the catalog to mark sessions as favorites by selecting the heart icon. Favoriting sessions adds them to your calendar but does not reserve a seat.
🪑 Reserved Seating: Reserve seats to guarantee entry if you arrive 10 minutes early. Unclaimed reserved seats are released to the walk-up line 10 minutes before the session begins.
👟 Walk-Up Policy: Queues open 1 hour before the session. Walk-up seating is first-come, first-served after reserved seating is fulfilled.
This year, AWS re:Invent has almost 1,489 sessions dedicated to Large Language Models (LLMs), which makes it tough to pick just a few to highlight. As fellow LLM developers, we’ve handpicked a shortlist of the most relevant and interesting sessions for you, focusing on the latest tools, techniques, and use cases that matter most to us. Whether you're exploring fine-tuning, scaling, or integrating LLMs into real-world apps, these sessions have you covered. If you want to dive deeper into all things LLM, you can check out the full list of sessions here.
Planning for Conference
Arriving to Vegas
Traveling internationally can be exhausting, especially with long flights and jet lag. Plan to arrive a few days before the event to recover and acclimate.
Ideal Arrival: Arrive Friday or Saturday for a Monday start.
Pick Up Materials: Use Sunday to collect your badge and swag with the QR code from registration.
Relax and Explore: A short hike or day trip around Las Vegas can help you shake off the jet lag and clear your mind.
Packing for Conference
Conference venues in the U.S. are expansive, and you’ll likely walk several miles each day. Prepare accordingly to stay comfortable and efficient.
Footwear: Wear supportive walking or running shoes.
Essentials: Carry a reusable water bottle and a portable battery pack for your devices.
Layered Clothing: Temperatures can range widely. Mornings are often chilly, around 37–43°F (3–6°C), while afternoons warm up to 59°F (15°C) or higher. Dressing in layers allows you to stay comfortable indoors and outdoors.
Sessions Planning Tips
Conference sessions often have limited seating and require thoughtful planning to maximize your experience.
Register Early: Reserve your spot as soon as session registration opens.
Backup Options: If you miss a spot, arrive early to stand by. Popular sessions often repeat, and recordings are usually available afterward.
Time Management: Moving between hotels and venues takes time. Allocate at least 40 minutes between sessions to navigate, eat, and relax.
Avoid Burnout: Limit yourself to three sessions per day to keep your energy levels up for networking and socializing.
Walking Between Venues
Expect to spend 30–45 minutes traveling on foot between activities, whether moving from one venue to another or within the same venue. Re:Invent ambassadors stationed across the campus can help with directions.
Key Routes to Remember:
Encore and Wynn are directly connected.
A temporary walking path links Caesars Forum and The Venetian during Expo open hours.
Shuttles and Monorail Services
Free transportation options are available for conference attendees to help you navigate the sprawling campus.
Shuttle Service: Complimentary shuttles operate between most venues, though they don’t run directly between Wynn and The Venetian or Caesars Forum and The Venetian. Real-time travel times are available in the event’s mobile app.
Monorail Access: Your conference badge includes free access to the monorail, which runs between MGM Grand Station and Harrah’s/The LINQ Station (near Caesars Forum).
AWS re:Play - Party Travel
Transportation to the re:Play party at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds is well-organized, with multiple options to make your trip smooth:
Dedicated Shuttles: Shuttles connect re:Play with campus venues and major hotels, including ARIA, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, MGM Grand, Treasure Island, The Venetian/The Palazzo, and Wynn. Additional pickup points include Flamingo, Harrah’s, The LINQ, and The Westin, all served from Caesars Forum.
Monorail: Badge holders can ride the Las Vegas Monorail to re:Play from stations like MGM, Horseshoe/Paris, Flamingo/Caesars Palace, and Harrah’s/The LINQ. Return trips are available from the SAHARA Las Vegas Station.
Taxi and Rideshare: Pickup and drop-off points are conveniently located at the Festival Grounds.
Whether you’re walking, using shuttles, or taking the monorail, planning your transportation in advance will ensure you can focus on enjoying the event and all it has to offer.
