First of all, congratulations on attending re:Invent! It's an unforgettable experience, and you're sure to be amazed. I'm still excited at the thought of going, even though this will be my third time. I can't wait to be in Las Vegas again!
re:Invent is a fantastic four-day conference that dazzles with its scale and can be overwhelming at times. That's why it's worth being well-prepared.
I've gathered several tips for you. Some of them are obvious and widely known for years, but even if you've heard about them, read all the way through, as some are unique and based on my own experiences. 🙂
01. Footwear
Everyone has been talking about this for a long time, and it's the number one advice to follow. Twenty thousand steps a day at re:Invent is not a big deal. Every day, for four days. That's why take comfortable shoes for walking. This time, I'm taking two pairs. I recommend lightweight, breathable running shoes for walking on pavement.
Las Vegas is in the desert.
It's a known fact, but most of us don't deal with such a climate on a daily basis. Especially in the winter. So, it's worth stocking up on supplies to help us function in such conditions.
02. Dry Air Essentials (Skincare)
- Creams (including for the face)
- Lip balm
- Eye drops / artificial tears
for me, this is a basic kit. These things can also come in handy on long flights, so it's worth packing them in your carry-on bag.
I've also heard that people bring air humidifiers with them or request a hotel room equipped with one to counteract dry air.
03. Throat Soothers (+medications)
At re:Invent, you'll meet thousands of people, and you'll probably be talking to hundreds. Excessive talking can cause a sore throat for me. To tackle it, it's a good idea to bring something for your throat. Strepsils candies work for me.
Additionally, when traveling, it's always a good idea to remember to bring tested medicines, for example, for colds, that we trust. This way, in case of sickness, there's no need to search for a CVS and figure out which American medications are equivalent to those you would buy in your own country.
04. Attire for re:Play
The Thursday party takes place outdoors and in huge tents. Last year, it was quite windy and rather cold. It's a good idea to have a jacket and warm shoes with you.
That's all that comes to mind regarding the weather and climate in Las Vegas.
05. US Power Outlets / Adapter / Extension Cord
This is rather obvious, but it's worth a reminder. The USA has different electrical outlets, so you'll need an adapter. Usually, we only use chargers for phones and laptops, so there's no need for a converter.
Additionally, whenever I have space in my luggage, I bring a regular extension cord. Firstly, in combination with one adapter, it gives me Polish sockets (I'm from Poland). Secondly, if there's no socket near the nightstand in the room, thanks to the extension cord, I'll always have my phone charging by the bed.
There's another life-hack regarding sockets. If you use Apple products, you can buy a different end for your charger. I did this and bought adapters for American outlets (on the left in the picture).
You can also buy a universal phone and laptop charger with adapters right away, e.g., Baseus GaN5 65W (I don't have one, so this is not a recommendation).
06. USB-A Cables
Sometimes, the sockets by the bed in hotels have USB outputs. They're always USB-A. The same goes for multimedia panels on the plane. So even if you've been using newer USB-C for a long time, it's worth having a USB-A to USB-C (or Lightning if you use an iPhone) cable to charge your phone.
07. Power Bank
I take a lot of slide photos during presentations, so my phone quickly runs out of battery. That's why I bring my trusted power bank with me. There are charging stations at the conference, and companies will surely be giving away power banks as goodies, but in my opinion, it's better to have your own.
08. Mobile Internet in the USA
Wi-Fi is available everywhere at re:Invent. There can be minor issues with it, but personally, I think you can survive without mobile internet on a GSM network.
But why bother, right? 😉
I've been using eSIM cards for many international trips. They only work with iPhones and Samsungs (the more expensive ones). It's a pure software solution, so you don't need to buy a physical SIM card, e.g., at the airport. And you don't need a phone that supports dual-sim.
I highly recommend the Airalo app/service. I've used it in the USA, Canada, Montenegro, Mexico, and Belize. By creating an account through this link, you and I will each receive $3 to use for purchasing eSIM cards.
A few days before departure, I buy an eSIM and set it up on my phone while still at home. After landing in the destination country, the eSIM connects to its network and only becomes active from that moment on. Sometimes, the first network login takes up to 20 minutes, but I usually have internet even before I leave the plane.
09. Leave Empty Space in Your Suitcase
On the last re:Invent, I flew with a half-empty suitcase. I collected so much swag that I could barely close it. If you like cheap t-shirts, socks, and stickers, leave some free space in your luggage to bring back home all those things. 🎁
10. Online Hotel Check-In
If possible, do an online check-in at your hotel. It significantly reduces your time at the reception.
11. Unnecessary Items
Not everything you need to take with you, some things you will receive on-site.
- Water bottle. Each participant receives one in the standard gadget pack, so I think it doesn't make much sense to bring one.
- AWS has also been giving hoodies to everyone for years, so you can take one less from home.
What to Do in Las Vegas After Hours?
re:Invent is a cloud celebration, but it's also worth coming down to earth and exploring a bit. Below are a few suggestions from me.
12. Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam
When visiting Las Vegas, it's worth taking the time to visit the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam, which are unforgettable attractions near the city.
The Grand Canyon is one of the most impressive natural wonders in the world, captivating with its immense depth and majestic rock formations. It's a place that provides unforgettable experiences associated with nature, tranquility, and peace, serving as a getaway from the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas.
The Hoover Dam, located on the Colorado River, is also an impressive structure, not only an important part of the infrastructure but also a tourist attraction. A walk across the bridge towering over the dam allows you to admire beautiful views of the Colorado River and the surrounding landscapes. Furthermore, the dam is a place steeped in history and engineering, making a visit there an educational experience.
The most impressive experience is admiring the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam from a helicopter. It's a unique and unforgettable experience that adds even more majesty to these already impressive places. A helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon allows you to admire stunning views from an aerial perspective, fully showcasing the monumentality of the canyon and its diverse rock formations. The view of the surrounding landscapes and the impressive work of nature is breathtaking. Similarly, a helicopter ride over the Hoover Dam offers an extraordinary opportunity to see this monumental structure.
I went on the tour in 2019. I bought the ticket at one of the kiosks on The Strip. Its price was rather low for such a magnificent trip. I highly recommend it, as it is one of the best places in the world for helicopter tours.
13. The Strip
A walk along "The Strip," the main street in Las Vegas, is an unforgettable experience that allows you to feel the pulse of the sin city, gambling, and entertainment. Majestic hotels and casinos showcase their impressive facades, inviting you to explore interiors filled with luxury and opulence. Strolling along this iconic street, you can admire fascinating light shows and fountains that create spectacular displays, especially after sunset.
14. The Sphere
This is the newest attraction in Las Vegas. The world's largest dome that also serves as a huge display from the inside and outside. It is simply an entertainment hall that, thanks to its multimedia structure, can provide unforgettable experiences.
15. Old Las Vegas (Fremont Street Experience)
It's not the most fantastic place in the world, but it's worth visiting to form your opinion. It was a bit tacky for me, but I don't regret going there.
16. Accompanying Events
During re:Invent, many accompanying events sponsored by vendors take place. It's usually a good idea for a free drink and snack. Sometimes it's a good opportunity to personally meet someone we know from the internet. That's how I met the founder of A Cloud Guru in 2019 - a cool thing because I started learning about the cloud from his courses a long time ago.
You can find the list of events at https://conferenceparties.com/reinvent2023/.
Summary
Those are all the good tips I have for you. I hope they prove helpful and assist you in having the best week in Las Vegas! 😃
If you think something is missing from this list, please add a comment so that others can benefit from your knowledge and experiences.
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