Understanding AWS re:Invent and the All Builders Welcome Grant
Re:Invent? Why is so important for the AWS community? And how is the All Builders Grant connected to it? We’ll be answering these questions by the end of this article.
Just in case you are new to cloud computing, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is an online platform that provides scalable and cost-effective cloud computing solutions. These services include computing power, storage, database, artificial intelligence, and more. AWS currently has the highest market share in the cloud space and offers over 200 fully managed services.
Most of these services are released during AWS re:Invent which is an annual conference (usually held towards the end of the year) where AWS typically announces and releases a significant number of new services, features and updates. Given that AWS has a culture of continuous innovation, it is important to highlight that new features and updates are also released during the course of each year to meet customer needs but re:Invent has some spice to it. During this event, you have;
Keynote Presentations:
These presentations are typically delivered by high-level executives and leaders from Amazon Web Services and during re:Invent 2023, the speakers will include Adam Selipsky (CEO of AWS), Dr. Werner Vogels (VP and CTO of Amazon.com), Peter Desantis (Senior VP of AWS Utility Computing), and other senior leaders within the organization. Keynote sessions are a platform for AWS to make significant announcements about new products, services, features, and updates. These announcements can range from major service launches to enhancements in existing services. Also, these sessions often feature presentations from AWS customers who have achieved notable success using AWS services. These customer stories provide insights into real-world implementations, highlighting the benefits and potential of AWS solutions. Attendees can also expect Technical demonstrations which aim to showcase the performance, and potential use cases of AWS technologies.
Breakout Sessions:
Breakout sessions are designed to provide detailed technical content that goes beyond the surface-level information covered in the keynote sessions. These sessions typically focus on specific technologies, use cases, best practices, and strategies of implementation. They are organized around various themes or subject areas, such as machine learning, database management, serverless computing, security, networking, thereby allowing attendees (whether new or experienced) to tailor their experience based on their interests, needs and objectives. These sessions provide real-world examples of how organizations have used AWS services to solve specific challenges, reduce cost, or have been used in innovation. This allows attendees to gain understanding into different industries and use cases and learn from the experiences of their peers. Done in various formats including presentations, panel discussions, customer case studies, and interactive Q&A sessions, they are led by AWS experts, partners, or customers who have expertise in that domain.
Workshops and Hands-on Labs:
During this event, participants (no matter their level of familiarity with AWS services), are offered the chance to gain hands-on experience with AWS services and solutions which cover a wide range of topics. Workshops and Labs are also led by AWS experts, solution architects, and experienced practitioners who provide guidance hence enabling attendees to learn the real-world implementation scenarios. However, due to their interactive nature, workshops and hands-on labs have limited seating capacity. To participate, attendees usually need to pre-register and reserve a spot in advance. Some sessions may have prerequisites or require certain levels of familiarity with AWS services.
Networking and “FUN”:
Given that during this event there is a convergence of the global AWS community, it provides an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with other professionals who share similar interests or face similar challenges. Attendees can exchange ideas, build connections, and establish relationships with peers, AWS experts, and partners. Networking breaks between sessions and the broader conference environment also facilitate these interactions. But you’ve all heard that “Learning without playing makes…….” so during re:Invent, one can also take part in “extracurricular” activities like the 5K run, AWS Table tennis tournament, Pickball tournament or even showcase your artistic skill.
Since November 2012 when the inaugural conference was organized, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States has been its home. The event is held across several venues located along the Las Vegas Strip. Yes, you read it correctly, its “several venues” because this event is attended by tens of thousands of individuals including AWS customers, partners, developers and cloud enthusiasts. AWS also offers virtual attendance options for re:Invent, allowing cloud enthusiasts to participate remotely. Registration can be done here.
The All Builders Welcome Grant
Interestingly, some participants get to attend this event (in-person) with all expenses paid for by AWS. They are the recipients of the All Builders Welcome Grant . It is part of the AWS’ commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity, while also nurturing the next generation of technical leaders. Though applications are now closed for 2023, you can follow AWS on various social media platforms for updates on the next cohort in 2024 but usually, application starts in August .
Who is the grant for?
The grant targets underrepresented technologists in the first five years of their careers. It removes the financial barrier, enabling them to attend re:Invent and immerse themselves in learning, networking, and building.
Recipients of the grant receive:
- Conference Registration: Access to five days of re:Invent content and activities.
- Airfare to Las Vegas, Nevada: A journey to the heart of tech innovation.
- Hotel Accommodations: Comfortable stay throughout the conference.
- Tailored Program: Designed to encourage learning, career growth, and in building the community. It includes;
(i) Welcome Event
(ii) Reserved Seating in Keynotes
(iii) Meetups
(iv) Mentoring Luncheon with AWS Leadership
Find the complete terms and conditions for application here
Tips from a grant recipient
Finally, to get a deeper understanding on how to stand out when applying for the grant, I had a little exchange with Stephane Noutsa who will be attending AWS re:Invent 2023 courtesy of the All Builders Grant. These were his tips:
“You need to learn AWS with passion. Tons of free resources are available if you desire to learn like AWS Educate, and AWS Skill Builder. This is because when applying for this grant, you need to state your experiences with AWS services and products”
“AWS certifications are important because they validate your knowledge. Not a must get but I believe it was a differentiator for me.”
“ I am also an AWS Community Builder. Not that you should be one to apply but I mean that you should be involved with any AWS community around. Aside from the grant, it can open other opportunities for you”.
The last and tricky challenge for the beneficiaries of this grant will be obtaining a visa. Again, learning from Stephane:
“Keep track of all the information the grant team shares with you, and be sure to ask them to send you a visa invitation letter as it helps tremendously during the visa interview. Apart from that, be honest and confident during the visa interview”
In conclusion, being able to attend re:Invent will be a career changing event for sure but attending it as a grant recipient gives you more benefits. It is certainly a worthy experience to fight for.
“Every accomplishment starts with a decision to try”
John F. Kenedy
