Banksalad's AWS re:Invent 2019 Trip Report: Networking and Recruiting Strategies Shared

Banksalad server and data engineers shared practical tips and networking strategies gained from their trip to AWS re:Invent 2019. The event was held in Las Vegas, and they attended with support from Bespin Global.

Tips for Attending Sessions and Using the Expo

For popular sessions, applying for a Reserved Seat is essential, and if that fails, waiting in the on-site Walk-up line is recommended. Since Session talks are later uploaded to YouTube, it's better to deprioritize them and instead prioritize conversation-focused Chalk Talk or hands-on Workshop formats. On the first day of the Expo (Monday), it's effective to walk through all the booths to grab limited-edition swag and talk directly with developers to give product feedback.

Networking and Recruiting Strategies

They used the global partner lounge and gatherings like AWSKRUG to network with enterprise representatives and developers. Attendees focused on recruiting brought up pain points at large companies, such as Java technical debt and vertical decision-making structures, and used a strategy of highlighting Banksalad's observability environment and Silicon Valley-style way of working. They tried to secure candidates' resumes through business card exchanges and LinkedIn connections, and showed flexibility by adjusting to the time difference to work during Korea's after-work hours.