AWS re:Invent 2025 Guide: Agenda, Must-See Sessions & Best Things to Do

Anastasiia Kuten Marketing & Partnerships Department Manager

December 1, 2025

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AWS re:Invent 2025 – the flagship AWS conference is back in Las Vegas, running from December 1–5, 2025. This annual tech mega-event gathers tens of thousands of cloud enthusiasts, AWS customers, partners, and startups for a week of learning and innovation. Every re:Invent marks a milestone of cloud innovation, bringing together the global AWS community for the latest product announcements, peer-to-peer learning, and invaluable networking opportunities.

For AWS customers and startups alike, re:Invent offers a unique mix of deep technical content and fun community experiences in the AWS events Las Vegas scene. In this post, we’ll break down what to expect at AWS re:Invent 2025 – from keynotes and DevOps sessions to after-hours events – and how to make the most of this casual yet professional tech extravaganza.

What to Expect at AWS re:Invent 2025

AWS ReInvent 2025 is a week-long AWS conference packed with activities from morning till night. Your full conference pass unlocks everything: from hands-on trainings and breakout sessions to networking events and entertainment. Here’s a quick overview of the agenda and highlights:

• Five Action-Packed Days: The event runs Monday through Friday (with pre-event activities on Sunday). Each day starts early with breakfast and sessions, and often ends with evening receptions or after-hours events. All the major venues on the Las Vegas Strip – like Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand, The Venetian, Wynn, and Caesars Forum – will host various activities. Expect a buzzing atmosphere across multiple hotels as attendees shuttle between keynotes, sessions, and the Expo. (Tip: Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll walk a lot!)
  
• Keynotes and Big Announcements: AWS reInvent is famous for its marquee keynotes where AWS leaders unveil new products and share the cloud roadmap. In 2025 there are five keynotes.
  
  The fun kicks off with an Opening Keynote by AWS CEO Matt Garman on Tuesday, showcasing AWS’s latest innovations across the cloud.
  
  Wednesday morning brings Dr. Swami Sivasubramanian’s AI/ML keynote, exploring how “Agentic AI is poised to transform the way we live and work” and what tools you can use to build secure, scalable AI agents on AWS. Later Wednesday, Dr. Ruba Borno hosts “The Partnership Advantage” keynote, sharing incredible customer transformation stories powered by AWS partners.
  
  On Thursday, Peter DeSantis and Dave Brown will dive deep into Infrastructure Innovations – from AWS’s custom silicon to the culture of engineering that drives new services. Finally, CTO Werner Vogels delivers the much-anticipated closing keynote on Thursday afternoon, a developer-focused talk about building modern applications in an AI-driven world.
  
  These keynotes are must-see events – they set the tone for AWS’s direction and often include live demos and surprise launches. (Pro tip: get to the keynote hall early, or catch the live stream if you can’t be there in person!)
  
• Packed Session Catalog: Beyond the big keynotes, reInvent 2025’s agenda features hundreds of sessions spanning almost every AWS service and cloud topic. There are breakout sessions, workshops, chalk talks, builder labs, certification sessions, and more from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM most days. Whether you’re a beginner or a 10x AWS expert, you’ll find content at the right level (sessions range from 100-level intro to 400/500-level deep dives). In fact, the session catalog offers “foundational education on AWS tools to 500-level deep dives on emerging tech like generative AI and serverless computing”.
  
  You can also hear real AWS customer stories and learn beyond the documentation – for example, through Innovation Talks and customer presentations that share how others built solutions on AWS.
  Tip: Popular sessions fill up fast, so reserve your seat ahead of time via the re:Invent agenda builder. Planning in advance ensures you catch your “must-see” talks on topics you care about.
  
• Expo Hall and Demos: The AWS re:Invent Expo is open from Monday evening through Thursday. This massive expo hall is where AWS partners and teams showcase their latest and greatest. You can demo industry-defining tools and new AWS services up close, get your questions answered by AWS experts, and even score some cool swag. The Expo is also home to the AWS Village (with AWS product booths), the Developer Lounge, and the AWS Startup Loft where you can meet teams behind AWS’s newest services and startups building on AWS.
  
  Don’t miss the Sports Forum section of the Expo if you’re into sports tech – it’s a special area highlighting sports and esports solutions on AWS. Expo time is prime for networking: strike up conversations with vendors or other attendees over a cup of coffee, and you might discover a tool or idea that transforms your next project.

Key Tracks and Themes (DevOps, AI/ML, Security & More)

One of the best parts of re:Invent is that it offers something for everyone. Content is organized into tracks or themes so you can deep-dive into your interests – whether that’s hardcore DevOps, cutting-edge AI, or startup growth. Here are some key tracks to look out for at AWS re:Invent 2025:

• DevOps & Cloud Operations: If you’re a DevOps engineer or cloud architect, re:Invent has you covered. DevOps at re:Invent spans multiple session tracks (e.g. Developer Tools, Cloud Operations, Architecture) focusing on modern software delivery and infrastructure management. You’ll discover “modernized DevOps practices that enable rapid and reliable application building, deployment, and monitoring” using AWS tools.
  
  Many sessions will show how to automate everything – from CI/CD pipelines to infrastructure-as-code – often infused with AI to save time on mundane tasks. The Cloud Operations track specifically highlights how AWS’s operational excellence (and new AI Ops features) can help you govern hybrid/multicloud environments, reduce complexity, and improve resilience.
  
  In short, expect a deep dive into DevOps best practices and new AWS services that make developers’ and operators’ lives easier.
  
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI/ML): AI and ML are center stage at re:Invent 2025. With generative AI booming, AWS is showcasing its latest ML services and customer success stories. The Artificial Intelligence track will teach you how to “get deeper insights from your data while lowering costs with machine learning and generative AI”.
  
  Sessions range from beginner-friendly (how to get started with AWS’s pre-trained AI services) to advanced (optimizing large-scale model training on AWS infrastructure). You’ll learn about new AI services (hint: expect talk of Amazon Bedrock, custom ML chips, and more), and how companies are infusing AI into everything from customer support to analytics.
  
  The dedicated AI keynote by Swami Sivasubramanian underscores this theme – AWS wants to help you leverage AI at every stage of your ML journey. Whether you’re a data scientist or a curious developer, make time for some AI/ML sessions to see the latest in AWS’s AI innovations.
  
• Security & Compliance: In the cloud, security is job zero, and re:Invent reflects that priority. The Security & Identity track spans identity management, data protection, threat detection, compliance, and more. You’ll gain practical knowledge to build and operate secure, resilient workloads on AWS. Sessions will cover how to improve your security posture with AWS tools (from AWS Identity and Access Management to advanced threat detection services) and even how AI is being used to enhance security operations.
  
  The content is broad: expect talks on everything from Zero Trust architectures to incident response best practices. As AWS puts it, you’ll “navigate the latest tech advancements in security with actionable steps to improve your organization’s security and resiliency”. If you’re a security engineer or simply security-conscious, this track is a goldmine of tips to fortify your cloud deployments.
  
• Startups & AWS for Innovators: AWS re:Invent is not just for enterprises – it’s extremely popular with startups and small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) looking to supercharge their growth. In fact, there are sessions tailored to the startup journey and challenges. The Small & Medium Business track highlights patterns and strategies for resource-constrained teams to innovate quickly. As AWS notes, these sessions focus on “enabling SMBs to develop agile and transformative solutions around generative AI and modernization to survive, thrive, and maximize opportunity”/
  
  In practical terms, startups can learn about architecting for scalability on a budget, tapping into AWS Activate credits, and hearing how other startups leveraged AWS to go from idea to IPO. There are also likely meetups or events specifically for startup founders. AWS for startups is a key theme – you’ll see content on cost optimization (critical for startups!), building MVPs on serverless tech, and using AI/ML even with small teams. Plus, re:Invent’s networking is ideal for startups to connect with potential partners, investors, or mentors. If you’re a startup attendee, don’t be shy – soak in the knowledge and make those connections!

(Of course, these are just a few of the many tracks. You’ll also find deep dives into Databases, Serverless & Containers, Analytics, IoT, and industry-specific content. Customize your schedule to your interests, and be open to exploring something new too!)

Best Things to Do at re:Invent 2025 (Beyond Sessions)

While the sessions and keynotes are the main draw, AWS re:Invent is also just plain fun. The conference packs in a ton of extra activities that make the week memorable and help you network in a more relaxed setting. Here are some of the best things to do at re:Invent 2025 beyond the talks:

• Network, Network, Network: re:Invent is networking heaven for cloud professionals. There are official networking events like the Welcome Reception on Monday evening, held in the Expo Hall.
  
  Grab a drink, meet fellow attendees, AWS experts, and partners as you celebrate the conference kickoff among demos. Throughout the week, AWS and various sponsors host evening receptions, happy hours (like the Expo Happy Hour on Wednesday), and mixers where you can strike up conversations. Don’t miss the meetups and community events during the day as well – these are casual gatherings around topics or affinities (for example, there’s usually a Women in Tech meetup and other community meetups).
  
  It’s a chance to swap stories and build relationships. Remember, every person you meet is another member of the AWS family – you never know when that connection might help with a future project or job.
  
• Explore the Expo Hall: The re:Invent Expo isn’t just about swag (though you’ll definitely collect lots of t-shirts and stickers!). It’s one of the best places to learn about AWS ecosystem solutions. Stroll through the Expo to find AWS partners offering innovative tools in monitoring, security, data, and more.
  
  Many booths have engineers ready to give you a quick demo or answer architecture questions. You can also meet AWS product teams at the AWS Village area – got a burning question about an AWS service or a feature request? Ask an AWSian in person. As AWS describes it, the Expo is where you can “solve challenges with AWS Partners and experts, demo industry-defining tools and innovations, and see first-hand how AWS turns dreams into reality”.
  
  Plus, the AWS Developer Lounge and Builder Sessions often happen in the Expo – pop in to do a quick hands-on lab or chat with AWS Dev Advocates.
  Tip: schedule some unstructured time for the Expo floor; it’s huge, so drop by multiple times between sessions rather than trying to see it all at once.
  
• After-Hours Fun & re:Play Party: When the sun goes down, re:Invent keeps going! AWS knows how to mix work and play. There are game nights (in 2025 they brought back Bingo After Dark, a fan-favorite bingo night), themed events, and even quirky activities like the re:Invent 5K race, karaoke or silent disco, and more throughout the week.
  
  The crown jewel of re:Invent after-hours is the re:Play party on Thursday night – known as “the greatest party in tech”. re:Play is basically a giant tech festival exclusively for attendees: live concerts, DJ sets, a retro arcade, dodgeball tournaments, a massive laser-tag or giant maze, and lots of free food & drink. It’s AWS’s way of saying “thanks for working hard all week – now come have a blast!” Whether you’re dancing to the headline artist on the main stage or playing arcade games with newfound friends, re:Play is an unforgettable experience to cap off your week.
  
  Complimentary shuttles will ferry everyone to the party venue, so just bring your conference badge and energy. Don’t skip re:Play – it’s where lasting memories (and hilarious stories) are made.
  
• Hands-On Labs and Challenges: If you need a break from lectures, check out the hands-on opportunities. AWS often sets up builders’ labs, a Dev Lounge, or the AWS Builder Labs/Loft (a co-working space) where you can get cloud challenges to solve. For example, this year there’s a Road to re:Invent Hackathon that actually started on a bus from Los Angeles to Vegas, culminating in a live demo on Sunday! You might find team challenges or games in the Expo where you can flex your AWS skills for prizes.
  
  Also, consider taking an AWS Certification exam during re:Invent if you’re ready – onsite testing is offered, and they even have a Certification Lounge for those who are AWS Certified. It’s a quiet spot to relax and maybe grab some swag exclusive to certified individuals. And if you aren’t certified yet, you can attend a study session or just get inspired to pursue it post-conference.

Tips for First-Time re:Invent Attendees

Is it your first re:Invent? Welcome! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this AWS events Las Vegas experience:

• Plan Your Schedule, But Stay Flexible: Before you arrive, use the agenda builder to reserve seats in your must-see sessions. Popular talks fill up quickly. But don’t overload yourself – leave some gaps to explore the Expo or take a breather. Backup options are key in case a session is full or you change your mind.
• Use the Mobile App: Download the AWS Event mobile app for up-to-date info and maps of the venues. The hotels in Vegas are huge (and distances can be deceiving), so the app’s map and shuttle tracker are lifesavers. Plan 15–20 minutes to move between venues – seriously.
• Stay Comfortable and Energized: You’ll be on your feet a lot. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers (conference rooms can be chilly). With long days, remember to stay hydrated and eat when you can. There are coffee and snack breaks, and many quick dining options at the venues – take advantage so you don’t run out of steam.
• Network Proactively: Don’t be shy – strike up conversations in hallways, at lunch, or during events. Everyone is there to learn and meet others. Exchange business cards or LinkedIn info. Those connections could turn into future collaborations. For structured networking, hit the meetups or the Welcome Reception to meet people in a relaxed environment early on.
• Take Notes and Have a Learning Plan: There is a firehose of information at re:Invent. Jot down key takeaways from sessions (on a notepad or your laptop). When you get home, you’ll appreciate having notes on what you learned and ideas sparked. Some folks blog daily recaps to solidify their learning. Also plan to share insights with your team afterwards – it helps reinforce your knowledge (and justifies your trip!).
  
• Have Fun and Pace Yourself: Yes, you’re there to learn, but enjoy the experience too! Attend a Mixologist demo, join the Game Day or play at the AWS DeepRacer track if they have one. Go to re:Play and let loose. Just be mindful of not overdoing it early – it’s a marathon, not a sprint. A rested you will learn and network much better than an exhausted you.

By following these tips, first-timers can navigate re:Invent like a pro and return home with new skills, contacts, and great memories.

Get Ready to Build the Future at re:Invent 2025

AWS re:Invent 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for anyone in the cloud community – from DevOps engineers looking for the latest best practices, to startup founders seeking inspiration (and maybe some AWS credits!), to executives planning their cloud strategy. The conference offers a one-of-a-kind mix of education, inspiration, and community. You’ll come away with production-ready best practices, cost optimization strategies, and cloud solutions you can implement immediately – and probably a suitcase full of swag.

If you haven’t yet, register for AWS re:Invent 2025 (passes are still available) and start planning your trip. Book your hotel through the event portal for special rates, and consider arriving by Sunday to catch the early activities. Plan ahead to make the most of the agenda, but also be open to serendipity – sometimes an impromptu hallway chat or a random workshop you walk into can be the highlight of your week.

Finally, as you absorb all the cloud knowledge at re:Invent, think about how you’ll apply it back at work. Good luck!