The AWS re:Invent 2024 event in Las Vegas was a convergence of industry leaders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts, all eager to explore the latest advancements in cloud technology, generative AI, and cybersecurity. Ashley Savoie, Senior Product Manager, and Danielle McNeil Taylor, Director of Integrated Marketing at Trend Micro, shared their experiences and insights from the event, providing a comprehensive account of the highlights and key takeaways.
Journey to AWS re:Invent 2024
Arrival and First Impressions
Ashley Savoie began her journey from Ottawa, enjoying the scenic beauty of Vancouver International Airport and the Rocky Mountains. Her delight in savoring a traditional Canadian treat, the Nanaimo bar, at the Air Canada Lounge added a personal touch to her travel narrative. Upon landing in Las Vegas, Ashley immersed herself in the bustling atmosphere of the city, eagerly anticipating the start of the event. Meanwhile, Danielle McNeil Taylor arrived early to acclimate and explore, visiting the magnificent Christmas display at the Bellagio and marveling at the AI-focused Sphere. The integration of cutting-edge technology with holiday festivities set the stage for the dynamic event ahead.
Their excitement deepened upon seeing Trend Micro’s advertisements proudly displayed at Harry Reid International Airport, marking a proud moment for both marketers. As seasoned re:Invent attendees, Ashley and Danielle were well-prepared, picking up their badges in advance to avoid the morning rush. Their strategic planning allowed them to navigate the crowded Expo Hall efficiently, collecting valuable swag and joining their Trend Micro colleagues for on-site training sessions. The meticulous planning emphasized by Ashley and Danielle underscored the importance of creating detailed schedules to maximize their time and cover all essential activities.
Setting the Stage
With over 60,000 attendees, the event was abuzz with excitement and energy, reflecting the growing interest and advancements in cloud technology and cybersecurity. Ashley and Danielle, armed with their well-thought-out plans, capitalized on the opportunity to engage with other industry professionals and explore the wealth of information and innovation available. Their proactivity in collecting their badges beforehand allowed them smoother access to the bustling Expo Hall, where they immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere filled with tech enthusiasts and innovators.
The initial days of the event involved gathering swag and participating in on-site training sessions with Trend Micro colleagues, fostering a sense of community and shared goals within the organization. These efforts were not only about personal enrichment but also aimed at ensuring that they could relay the most current, cutting-edge information to their broader team. The first day set the tone for an action-packed week filled with invaluable learning experiences and opportunities for professional growth.
Key Highlights and Sessions
Certification Lounge and Customer Success Stories
One of the first highlights for Ashley was visiting the Certification Lounge as a certified cloud practitioner. Here, she met with other like-minded professionals, exchanging insights and experiences related to cloud certifications and their impact on career advancement. This initiative underscored the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Meanwhile, Danielle took part in a video shoot with Numeris, one of Trend Micro’s prominent customers, capturing compelling success stories to be shared in an upcoming release. These video sessions not only highlighted practical applications of Trend Micro’s solutions but also served as testimonials to the company’s impact on its clients’ success.
The experience of participating in this video shoot reinforced the significance of customer engagement and the value of shared experiences. By documenting real-world applications and success stories, Danielle aimed to inspire and inform existing and potential customers about the tangible benefits of Trend Micro’s offerings. These activities on the initial day laid a strong foundation for the rest of the event, focusing on professional development and fostering stronger customer relationships.
AI in the Cloud and Women in Tech
The session “AI in the Cloud: Heroes, ‘villains,’ and security strategies” presented by Fernando Cardoso was notably in high demand, with all spots fully reserved and a long queue of attendees. This session delved into crucial aspects of AI and cloud security, exploring the balancing act between leveraging AI for innovation and safeguarding against potential threats. The high level of interest and attendance at this session highlighted the industry’s keen focus on AI advancements and the associated security implications.
Following this session, Ashley and Danielle attended the AWS Women of the Cloud Networking Reception at the Wynn. This event emphasized the critical role of women and allies in tech, providing a valuable platform for networking and community building. The reception facilitated conversations around the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the technology sector, fostering a supportive environment for career growth and collaboration. Engaging with other professionals at this reception provided Ashley and Danielle with fresh perspectives and inspiration to champion diversity and inclusion within their own organization and the broader industry.
Celebrations and Networking
Partner Appreciation and Awards
One of the standout events during AWS re:Invent 2024 was the AWS Partner Appreciation Reception held at XS Nightclub. This event was a celebration of collaboration and achievement within the AWS partner ecosystem. Trend Micro was honored with multiple awards, including two AWS Partner of the Year awards, recognizing their significant contributions and partnerships in advancing cloud security technologies. The reception was marked by an atmosphere of celebration, with music and networking providing a platform for attendees to connect and share their successes and future aspirations.
This recognition at the AWS Partner Appreciation Reception not only validated the hard work and innovative efforts of Trend Micro but also highlighted the strength and importance of strategic partnerships in driving technological advancements. The night underscored the collaborative spirit that defines the tech community, where mutual support and shared goals lead to collective growth and success.
Trend Micro Branding and Keynotes
The second day of the event began with a visit to Black Tap, a popular locale that had been fully branded with Trend Micro’s aesthetics. This transformation created an ideal setting for meetings, gatherings, and informal discussions, seamlessly integrating Trend Micro’s brand presence with the vibrant atmosphere of Black Tap. Ashley and Danielle capitalized on this branded space for numerous engagements, enhancing their visibility and fostering deeper connections with other attendees.
The day continued with a keynote presentation by Matt Garman, which Ashley and Danielle attended with keen interest. This session was followed by insightful discussions and sessions at the Expo and Black Tap. One of the key meetings of the day was with AWS partner marketing managers Chris and KB, where Ashley and Danielle discussed strategies and outlined plans for future collaboration in 2025. These strategic discussions aimed to refine their approach and develop innovative solutions to meet emerging market needs, reflecting the forward-thinking and adaptive spirit of Trend Micro.
New Capabilities and Initiatives
Launches and Recognitions
During AWS re:Invent 2024, Trend Micro launched several new capabilities and initiatives aimed at enhancing cloud security and simplifying user experiences. Among these were the Amazon EC2 Image Builder Integration, which streamlines the creation and management of secure Amazon Machine Images (AMIs). Additionally, the introduction of local currency transactions in AWS Marketplace and pay-as-you-go pricing for Trend Vision One were significant steps towards making advanced security solutions more accessible and flexible for a global audience.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, Trend Micro took pride in being recognized by IDC as the leader in worldwide cloud-native application protection platform market share. This recognition was a testament to their unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in providing cloud security solutions. These launches and acknowledgments not only reinforced Trend Micro’s position as an industry leader but also emphasized their dedication to addressing the evolving security needs of organizations worldwide.
Trend After Dark Event
The “Trend After Dark” evening event, held in partnership with NVIDIA, was another key highlight of the week. Hosted at Black Tap, the event featured a lively and engaging atmosphere complete with light-up glasses, live saxophone performances, a digital graffiti wall, and other interactive activities. This exclusive event was designed to facilitate meaningful connections and discussions among attendees, further strengthening relationships within the tech community.
“Trend After Dark” created a vibrant and informal setting that encouraged networking and the exchange of ideas. The collaboration with NVIDIA added an extra layer of excitement, showcasing the synergy between two leading technology companies. Attendees had the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking conversations, share insights, and explore potential collaborations, all while enjoying the dynamic ambiance of the event.
Inspirational Keynotes and Challenges
Leveraging Data and AI
Day 3 was marked by a keynote presentation from Dr. Swami Sivasubramanian, focusing on leveraging data and AI for innovative solutions. Ashley felt particularly inspired and educated by Dr. Swami’s presentation, which included real-world examples demonstrating the transformative power of data and AI in driving technological advancements. The keynote underscored the importance of harnessing data effectively and responsibly to develop cutting-edge solutions that address complex challenges in various industries.
In addition to the keynote, the Trend Vision One booth challenge garnered significant attention. This competitive setting allowed threat hunters to showcase their skills and demonstrate the ease of use and effectiveness of the Trend Vision One platform. The challenge not only highlighted the platform’s capabilities but also emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the field of cybersecurity. Participants and spectators alike were able to witness firsthand the practical applications of Trend Micro’s solutions in a high-stakes environment.
Partner Collaboration and New Initiatives
Dr. Ruba Borno’s partner keynote was another impactful session, emphasizing the synergy between AWS and its partners. Drawing musical analogies to explain collaboration and innovation, Dr. Borno announced several new competencies and programs designed to enhance partner collaboration. These included AI Security, Digital Sovereignty, Amazon Security Lake Service Ready, and AWS Security Incident Response. Trend Micro was recognized as a launch partner for several of these initiatives, including AWS Buy with AWS and the Generative AI Innovation Centre.
Dr. Borno’s keynote resonated with attendees, highlighting the mutual benefits of strong partnerships and the collective drive towards innovation and excellence. The new initiatives and competencies announced aimed to foster closer collaboration, enhance security measures, and drive technological advancements across the AWS ecosystem. Trend Micro’s recognition as a launch partner for these initiatives further established their reputation as a leader in cloud security and their commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
Final Day and Reflections
Exploring Innovations
On the final day of AWS re:Invent 2024, Ashley and Danielle continued their exploration of the event, engaging in various activities and networking opportunities. They spent a significant portion of the day exploring the show floor with Elizabeth, a marketplace expert, uncovering numerous innovations and interactive exhibits. From GenAI robots to cutting-edge interactive booths, the show floor was a testament to the rapid advancements in technology and the creative solutions being developed to address emerging challenges.
Their exploration was not just about personal enrichment but also about identifying trends, potential collaborations, and new technologies that could be integrated into Trend Micro’s solutions. This hands-on experience allowed Ashley and Danielle to gain a deeper understanding of the latest innovations and how they could be leveraged to enhance their offerings and better serve their customers.
The day culminated in the second breakout session featuring Xsolis, demonstrating how the healthcare tech leader achieved compliance and enhanced security with Trend Micro’s solutions. This session provided valuable insights into the practical applications of Trend Micro’s products in the healthcare sector, highlighting their ability to address industry-specific challenges and enhance security measures.
Reflections and Closing Notes
The AWS re:Invent 2024 event held in Las Vegas brought together a diverse group of industry leaders, innovators, and tech enthusiasts. Everyone at the event was eager to dive into the latest advancements in cloud technology, generative AI, and cybersecurity. Esteemed figures like Ashley Savoie, Senior Product Manager, and Danielle McNeil Taylor, Director of Integrated Marketing at Trend Micro, were among the attendees. They shared their insights and experiences, offering a detailed account of the event’s most notable highlights and significant takeaways.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to explore in-depth sessions, hands-on labs, and keynote speeches that provided a glimpse into the future of cloud computing. Topics such as the impact of generative AI in various industries and the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity were front and center. Savoie and Taylor emphasized the importance of staying ahead in the tech industry by leveraging the knowledge and innovations presented at AWS re:Invent.
Moreover, they discussed the networking opportunities that the event provided, which were invaluable for fostering collaborations and sparking new ideas. The event not only highlighted the transformative power of new technologies but also underscored the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the fast-paced tech world.
Overall, AWS re:Invent 2024 proved to be a pivotal gathering for anyone passionate about technology and its potential to drive future advancements.
