Attending AWS Summit Berlin 2023? Here's Our Guide

This year’s AWS Summit Berlin starts in a couple of days! Whether you’re a veteran or new to the event, we highly recommend getting prepared ahead of time. It not only means you’ll make the most of your time there, but it adds to the anticipation. And this year, Divio will be attending AWS Berlin too!

We’ve put on our planning hats and popped together a quick guide of what to expect at the summit itself, as well as the local area. Berlin is a gorgeous city steeped in history and culture, and well worth an explore. Even if you’re limited on time, there’s still plenty to soak up and enjoy. But first things first – let’s talk conference.

The Conference Itself: AWS Summit Berlin

This two-day event has taken place in Berlin for a number of years now. Part of AWS’s global summit programme, this city-specific event is an opportunity to learn, network, and better understand AWS’s technologies and services. You don’t need to be an advanced dev to attend this event – whatever stage of cloud you’re at, there will be something suitable for you here.

Here’s what we’ve highlighted in the agenda for this year:

Day one (Wednesday 3rd May) is executive track only, so isn’t open to everyone. If you are attending, we recommend the following top three leadership sessions:

• How to Become a Data Driven Enterprise (at 15:00)

• Driving Sustainable Development through Technology (also at 15:00)

• Generative AI on AWS (at 16:00)

There’s also a networking dinner to enjoy afterwards.

Day two (Thursday 4th May) is open to everyone! There’s a huge amount going on this day, including over 100 sessions from AWS experts. These include 101s, how-tos, case studies, workshops, and more. There are sessions targeted at different experience levels, so there’s something for everyone. 

Our highlights from the sessions include: 

• Overcoming Cloud Security Challenges at Scale (at 11:15)

• AWS Network Consideration for ENT and SMB (at 12:15)

• WS Foundations: Getting Started with the AWS Cloud Essentials (at 12:15)

• Secure Everything and Build and Run in the Cloud (at 13:30)

• The all-important opening keynote speeches, delivered this year by Vin Miller, VP and General Manager Amazon S3, AWS and Florian Hartwig, GM AWS Germany. These are on at 10:00 and aren’t to be missed!

Cocktails in the Clouds at Solar. This takes place after the event wraps up and is the perfect opportunity to unwind, mingle, and network in a relaxed setting.

As mentioned, we’ll be here across both days! If you'd like to meet us for a coffee or a drink, please do reach out — we’d love to say hello. We’ll be at Cocktails in the Clouds too.

What to Do in Berlin

Understandably, you’ll be pretty busy whilst at the summit. But if you find yourself with a few spare moments or you’re in town for a little longer, we strongly recommend making time to explore Berlin. And you don’t even need to go that far. 

The vicinity of the summit itself shouldn’t be missed. Kreuzberg is an area famous for street art, authentic international cuisine, and great music. If you’re looking for somewhere suitable for business meetings over coffee or catching up on work emails, the Rosenthaler Platz district is a 10 minute train ride away (and do have fun on the S-bahn and the U-bahn).

If you want to take things at more of a leisurely pace, here’s our top recommendations for what to do whilst in Berlin.

Explore

Berlin is the biggest city in Germany and sits on the banks of the River Spree. As you’d expect, there are plenty of beautiful waterfront vistas to enjoy. One of the best views to enjoy is seen from the Oberbaum bridge. Built in 1896, this elaborate, gothic bridge is a sight to behold in itself. It also connects Kreuzberg (where the summit is) to Friedrichshain. This neighborhood is known for alternative clubs, bars, and cafes.

If historical points of interest are what you’re after, Berlin offers more museums and cultural sites than you can shake a stick at. Some of the most popular include:

• Museum Island: The clue is very much in the name here. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features five world-class museums, and is home to the famous bust of Nefertiti.

• Reichstag glass dome: The dome at the top of the governmental Reichstag building offers glorious views across the city. This popular attraction is free, but does need to be booked in advance.

• The Berlin Wall Memorial and Documentation Centre:These sobering experiences detail the darker history of 20th Century Berlin, including the impact of the Nazi and GDR eras. 

• Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe: This famous memorial is both incredibly significant and deeply moving.

• Brandenburg Gate: This 18th century landmark is one of the last remaining historical gates in Berlin and has become a symbol of German reunification. Made of sandstone, it features a statue of the Goddess of Victory riding her chariot.

• Charlottenburg Palace: This opulent, baroque style palace is a real feast for the eyes. Expect lavishly-decorated rooms, lakes, and beautiful gardens to get lost in.

As mentioned, Berlin is a pretty big city. We recommend packing comfortable shoes, and making a plan based on priorities. It’s near impossible to see everything the city has to offer – especially if you’re short on time – so go for what’s on the bucket list!

Eat and Drink

Berlin is full-to-the-brim of great places to eat and drink. Whether you’re wanting a light bite or a full-on dining experience – you’ve come to the right place. Here’s some spots we recommend you try out.

• For an all-day brunch spot, head to Annelies. This neighborhood cafe features quality coffee, homemade pastries, as well as tempting breakfast and lunch options.

• If you’re after a traditional Berlin meal, Max and Moritz offers the full gamut. This old Inn has been operating since 1902, and offers German-favorites including Hopple Popple, Berliner Eisbein, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

• Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of a former pharmacy at Ora. This wine bar and  restaurant has an extensive wine list to enjoy alongside a fixed priced menu.

• On the go? Local-favorite Mustafa's Gemüse Kebab is famous for their delicious (but messy!) Turkish kebabs. 

• Feeling a little fancy? Enjoy a libation in a historic Paris Bar. All sorts of movers and shakers have sipped a tipple here since the 1960s, including Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Madonna, and Yves Saint Laurent.

• Don’t forget to check out the German cultural institution, the biergarten, if and when you get a chance as well.