The AWS re:Invent 2024 event in Las Vegas was a monumental gathering of technology professionals and enthusiasts from around the globe, providing a platform to explore the latest advancements in cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and more. This prestigious event offered attendees countless opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technology, share innovative ideas, and network with industry leaders. Ashley Savoie, Senior Product Manager at Trend Micro, and Danielle McNeil Taylor, Director of Integrated Marketing, shared their insightful experiences and key takeaways from this significant event, shedding light on the highlights and their personal journeys throughout the event.
The Journey to Las Vegas
Ashley began her journey from Ottawa, enjoying a scenic layover at Vancouver International Airport where the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains during her landing set a positive tone for her trip. While at the airport, she also indulged in a traditional Canadian snack, a Nanaimo bar, at the Air Canada Lounge. Meanwhile, Danielle arrived in Las Vegas a few days earlier to acclimate and explore iconic sights such as the Bellagio Christmas display and the AI-focused Sphere. The anticipation was palpable as both travelers prepared for the upcoming days filled with technology, networking, and innovation.
Their arrival in Las Vegas was marked by excitement and anticipation, especially with Trend Micro’s prominent advertisements displayed across the airport. This reaffirmed their essential roles in the grand scheme of the event, setting the stage for the days to come. The bustling city, adorned with holiday decorations and bright lights, offered a fitting backdrop for re:Invent’s dynamic atmosphere. As they settled into their respective accommodations, Ashley and Danielle evaluated their schedules and prepared themselves mentally for the whirlwind of activities awaiting them.
Event Kickoff
Trend Micro’s involvement as a Diamond Sponsor of re:Invent implied strong anticipation and preparation for an impactful presence at the event. Day 1 radiated energy, with over 60,000 attendees converging at the venue, eager to immerse themselves in the latest technological advancements. Having pre-collected their badges, Ashley and Danielle were well-equipped to navigate through the overwhelming Expo crowds and utilized their detailed schedules to optimize their participation in the day’s activities.
The event’s kickoff was a testament to meticulous planning and execution. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm and anticipation, as attendees eagerly engaged in discussions, presentations, and workshops. Professionals from diverse sectors came together to share insights, explore innovations, and forge new connections. The dedication and meticulous preparation of the Trend Micro team were evident as they seamlessly integrated their presence into the event’s dynamic environment, ready to showcase their latest offerings and achievements.
Day 1 Highlights
On the first day, Ashley and Danielle’s schedules were packed with notable engagements, starting with Trend Micro’s fully reserved breakout session titled “AI in the Cloud: Heroes, ‘villains,’ and security strategies,” presented by Fernando Cardoso. The session was met with much anticipation and resonated well with the audience, addressing key challenges and solutions in integrating AI with cloud services. Following this, the AWS Women of the Cloud Networking Reception at the Wynn provided a platform to underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in the technology sector while allowing women and allies to connect and network.
The day concluded with a celebratory atmosphere at the AWS Partner Appreciation Reception hosted at XS Nightclub. Here, Trend Micro had a lot to toast, given their remarkable achievements as AWS Partner of the Year in both the Nordics and Germany. The air was electric with excitement, abundant networking opportunities unfolded, and successful collaborations were celebrated. Ashley and Danielle reveled in the moment, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that had brought them to this point. The festive environment allowed attendees to unwind and celebrate their collective successes in an informal yet vibrant setting.
Day 2 Insights
Day 2 of AWS re:Invent 2024 began with equal enthusiasm as Ashley and Danielle inspected the Trend buyout at Black Tap, seamlessly integrated with Trend Micro’s branding. The day’s proceedings included Matt Garman’s CEO keynote from AWS, which highlighted fresh announcements while acknowledging Trend Micro’s notable inclusion in the presentation. This keynote session was a treasure trove of information, offering insights into AWS’s future directions and Trend Micro’s role in advancing cloud technologies. The day was further punctuated with customer interactions, strategic meetings, and dynamic discussions that highlighted Trend Micro’s new capabilities and cloud security successes, including their prominent standing in the IDC’s cloud-native application protection market report.
As the day unfolded, the growing sense of community within the tech industry was palpably evident. The evening’s highlight was the “Trend After Dark” event, held in partnership with NVIDIA. This event, featuring light-up glasses, dueling saxophones, and a festive atmosphere, became the marquee hotspot for networking and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a lively and engaging experience, fostering deeper connections and new partnerships. The event was a testament to the tech community’s vibrant spirit, unified by the shared goal of innovation and excellence.
Day 3 Events
Dr. Swami Sivasubramanian’s keynote on the transformative use of data and AI to foster innovation stood out as a major highlight of Day 3. His presentation showcased real-world applications of AI and data technologies, leaving the audience inspired and eager to implement these insights in their own work. The depth of knowledge and foresight shared during the keynote emphasized the rapid evolution of AI and its profound impacts across various industries. Vanessa Borno’s partner keynote also struck a significant chord, emphasizing the harmonious collaboration between AWS and its partners, which was further supported by IDC’s optimistic revenue projections for security products.
The day culminated with the recognition of AWS Security Incident Response launch partners at an elegant reception held at Marquee Nightclub. Trend Micro representatives proudly received their accolades, highlighting the company’s commitment to innovation and leadership in cybersecurity. This recognition underscored the importance and impact of collaborative efforts in addressing security challenges in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The celebratory atmosphere provided a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the accomplishments and setting the stage for future endeavors.
Day 4 and Conclusion
The AWS re:Invent 2024 event held in Las Vegas was an extraordinary convergence of technology professionals and enthusiasts from all corners of the world. This prestigious gathering served as a comprehensive platform to explore and delve into the latest advancements in cloud technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging tech fields. Attendees had countless opportunities to engage with state-of-the-art technology, exchange innovative ideas, and connect with industry trailblazers.
At the event, Ashley Savoie, Senior Product Manager at Trend Micro, and Danielle McNeil Taylor, Director of Integrated Marketing, shared their insightful experiences and key takeaways. They provided valuable perspectives on the highlights and offered a glimpse into their personal journeys throughout the event. The exchange of knowledge and networking opportunities significantly shaped their experiences, highlighting the importance of such an event for professional growth and industry insight.
Beyond the presentations and demos, the event underscored the future direction of technology and brought together a community intent on driving advancement. Workshops, panel discussions, and hands-on labs provided a comprehensive learning environment. The insights shared by Savoie and Taylor proved invaluable not just for understanding current trends but also for anticipating the future of technology. Their experiences at AWS re:Invent 2024 underscored the event’s role as a key milestone for anyone invested in the tech industry.
