AWS re:Inforce 2021 The Unofficial Guide

UPDATE: AWS re:Inforce 2021 has been cancelled, if you were planning to attend, check out our new article for information on what you can do now.

Top 20 Things to Know About Attending AWS re:Inforce 2021

Is AWS re:Inforce 2021 going to happen?

The Orca Security team is excited to announce that AWS re:Inforce, Amazon’s cloud cybersecurity conference, is scheduled for Aug. 24–25, 2021, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. Last year’s conference was canceled due to COVID-19, so we should expect ample vendor and customer participation this year.

We know attending events can be exhausting, but don’t worry Orca Security has you covered. Here are the Top 20 things to know about attending AWS re:Inforce 20 to have an informative, productive, safe, and enjoyable experience, plus some tips from a native Houstonian on how to have fun in Space City.

1. How do AWS re:Inforce and AWS re:Invent differ?

Many people are familiar with AWS re:Invent, the cloud industry’s largest event that takes over Las Vegas for a week each year. Attendees can learn about all things cloud, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, security, networking, compute, databases, storage, and analytics, as well as the latest AWS tools, services, and features.

By contrast, AWS re:Inforce is a two-day conference that focuses on cloud security, with sessions on security, identity, and compliance. We’ll be there in force, so you can also learn about the latest cloud security innovations from Orca Security.

2. What should I expect at AWS re:Inforce 2021?

Learn all about security, identity, and compliance at AWS re:Inforce. The event features hundreds of technical sessions, an AWS Partner expo dubbed the Security Learning Hub, an AWS Security keynote address, and more.

3. Who should attend AWS re:Inforce 2021?

Both technical and non-technical audiences at any stage of cloud use should attend. Technical deep dives are available for professionals working in cloud security — including developers, engineers, system administrators, systems architects, and technical decision makers. Business enablement content is appropriate for C-suite and related decision makers.

4. What are the demographics?

AWS re:Inforce 2021 will attract a broad audience, as depicted here:

5. When and where is AWS re:Inforce 2021?

The event takes place August 24–25, 2021, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.

6. What are the key sessions, and who are the keynote speakers?

Specific sessions and speakers will be announced closer to the event dates. Watch this space for updates!

7. Will there be virtual, online access to AWS re:Inforce 2021?

The keynote will be livestreamed. Sessions will be recorded and made available after the event.

8. When will the session catalog be available?

The full session catalog and schedule will be available closer to the event. We’ll provide updates here.

9. Will the event be live streamed?

The keynote will be livestreamed.

10. Do I need a badge for every event function?

Yes, you will need your badge everywhere you go.

11. Will transportation be available to the venue?

More information about getting to the venue will be available closer to the event.

12. Are there airport shuttles?

You need to arrange your own transportation to and from the airport. Visit the George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Hobby Airport websites for information about ground transportation.

13. How do I register for AWS re:Inforce 2021?

Registration is now open! Register here.

14. What is the cost to attend AWS re:Inforce 2021?

A full conference pass is $1,099.

15. What is AWS re:Inforce 2021 doing to keep visitors safe from COVID-19?

The health and safety of customers, partners, and employees remains AWS’s top priority. At re:Inforce 2021, all attendees must comply with event-specific requirements, including health and safety measures, in accordance with the AWS Events Code of Conduct. Signage and additional staffing will be in place to support health measures.

Venue

For information on health and safety protocol requirements, visit the venues’ websites: George R. Brown Convention Center and Marriott Marquis, Houston. Efforts include increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols, air filtration, and health screening for venue staff.

Health screening

In accordance with venue policies, any persons entering re:Inforce 2021 will be required to answer health screening questions and complete temperature screening.

Face coverings

Face coverings are required at re:Inforce 2021. A face covering is defined as any material used to cover the nose and mouth that remains affixed in place without the use of one’s hands. Face coverings should completely cover the mouth and nose and fit snugly against the sides of the face. Attendees may provide their own face covering, or use a face covering provided by AWS. Face shields as alternatives to face coverings, loose gaiters/bandannas, and face coverings with ventilation will not be allowed. Refer to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for additional information about face coverings.

Face coverings may be removed in dedicated meal areas while eating and drinking.

Personal protective equipment

AWS will provide re:Inforce 2021 attendees with personal protective equipment, including face coverings. Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the event spaces.

Distancing

Event spaces have been designed to adhere to a physical distance of 6 feet (2 meters). In certain interactions where physical distance is not possible, plastic barriers will be used.

I asked our resident Texan for her best tips on lodging, what to eat, where to drink, and sights to see near the George R. Brown Convention Center:

16. What are the top hotels to stay at for AWS re:Inforce 2021?

If staying at the only five-star hotel and spa in the state of Texas is a major selling point, The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston can’t be beat. Looking for more contemporary boutique lodging? Try Hotel ICON, or the famed Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District or in Memorial City. Undecided? One can never go wrong with the Four Seasons Hotel, The St. Regis, or the JW Marriott in the heart of downtown.

17. What are the top restaurants in Houston?

Haven’t you heard? Houston is actually one of America’s best food cities. As the 4th most populous in the country, it also remains the most diverse city in the nation. This is great news for AWS re:Inforce attendees, as the food scene here has something to offer for everyone. That said, Houston traffic is not to be taken lightly. You’ll be glad to know these picks are all a short jaunt from the GRB Convention Center: Tiny Champions, Nancy’s Hustle, Huynh Vietnamese, and Xochi. Determined to try authentic Texas BBQ while in town? The Pit Room in the hip Montrose district is a good bet, just be sure to skip lunch before you go.

18. What are the top bars in Houston?

Much like the Houston food scene, the bar scene has myriad options for post-conference drinks. In the wine bar category: La Carafe, How to Survive on Land & Sea, and if you’d like a bite Roots HTX has a full, vibrant kitchen. If beer is more your style, there’s True Anomaly, Equal Parts, 8th Wonder and local favorite Saint Arnold has a huge new biergarten, as well as a full kitchen. Looking for cocktails? Try mezcaleria The Pastry War or Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge. For diehard arcade gamers looking for something completely different, check out Cidercade in the east end.

Luckily for AWS re:Inforce attendees, the GRB Convention Center is minutes away from some of the best museums in the country. Bonus is they are great hideouts to beat the August heat: The Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts, and if you are limited in time, The Menil Collection is a can’t miss. See also: the Rothko Chapel and the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern for truly restorative art experiences unique to Houston.