The AWS Builder Loft is coming to re:Invent 2025: First look inside this creative workspace for developers
The AWS Builder Loft at re:Invent 2025 offers developers a dedicated workspace at Mandalay Bay with flexible work zones, free refreshments, daily meetups with AWS experts, and interactive exhibitions including the AIdea Challenge showcase and daily tech challenges with prizes. Open to all AWS Builder Center members, the Loft serves as a creative hub for networking, learning, and building throughout the conference week.
The AWS Builder Loft is coming to re:Invent 2025 and it’s designed specifically for builders who want a calm, productive space to work, experiment, and collaborate during the conference. Inspired by the popular AWS Builder Loft in San Francisco and our global pop-up Lofts, this on-campus workspace brings the same creative energy, friendly atmosphere, and community spirit directly to Mandalay Bay.
A Space Built for How Builders Actually Work
The AWS Builder Loft is more than a co-working area—it’s a creative HQ engineered around the way developers think, learn, and build. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
🧠 Workspaces That Work for You
Choose your zone:
- Heads-down desks for cranking through a project or catching up on e-mails
- Collaborative group tables with whiteboards for sketching architecture diagrams designed for team problem-solving and spontaneous ideation
- Meetup space where you can network, recharge and discuss new ideas over coffee
☕ Relaxed, Creative Atmosphere
We wanted this to feel like your favorite office, startup space, or community hub. At the Loft you’ll find:
- Free coffee, tea, snacks, and soft drinks
- Comfortable lounge seating
- Interactive digital display
- Take-home stationery (post-its, markers, pens)—your new favorite low-key swag
Cafe and Snack Bar at Builder Loft at re:Invent 2025
🎖️The AWS Certification Wall
A sticker wall of fame specifically designed for builders who have earned an AWS certification, a place to show off your hard-earned achievements.
AWS Certification Wall at the Builder Loft
🤖 The AIdea Challenge Project Gallery
Inspired by the AWS Shanghai Summit AIdeas Challenge that engaged over 3,000 developers and generated over 1,700 applications in just 60 days, we've curated an installation featuring the winning projects across 5 creative tracks: workplace efficiency, daily life enhancement, commercial solutions, social impact, and creative expression. Stop by to see the AI applications built by developers just like you - then get involved in the Global 10,000 AIdeas Competition launching at re:Invent. With $250,000 in cash prizes and recognition from AWS leadership across 20 winner categories, this is your chance to build the next generation of AI applications. Visit the re:Invent Builder Loft in Mandalay Bay and check back AWS Builder Center for registration details.
Daily Programming
To make the space engaging while still keeping it productive, we’re hosting lightweight, community-focused activities throughout the week.
🤝Meetups
Meetups are essential to foster organic networking and connections with like-minded peers. We’re excited to bring teams from across AWS who are passionate about developers and want to meet and hear from as many of you as possible.
Meetup Area at the Builder Loft at re:Invent 2025
Here is the schedule:
Monday
- 10:30am - 11:30am: BeSA (Become a Solutions Architect) Meetup with Jeff Bar
Drum roll please! On Monday, we have the honor to open our meetup program with the one and only Jeff Barr, VP and Chief Evangelist at AWS. He’ll be joined by Prasad Rao, Principal Partner Solutions Architect to explore insights and experiences about what it is like to be a Solutions Architect.
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm: Kiro Community Meet and Greet
Kiro is an agentic AI with an IDE and CLI that helps you go from prototype to production with spec-driven development. It is certainly made some noise within the developer community at launch, and with it being generally available , there’s a lot to talk about. If you’re excited about the future of spec-driven development, this is for you. Every day we have a Kiro-relate meetup at the Loft at 12:00pm, so keep reading for details on the rest.
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm NoSQL Modernization for the Modern Age
Join Greg Krumm, Sr. DynamoDB Specialist SA to discuss how to use cutting edge tools to speed up your modernization journey to AWS NoSQL services.
Tuesday
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm Kiro for Startups
Join us to see how Kiro can help bring structure to your AI coding and help your teams (big or small) scale efficiently. Come connect with other start-up teams and interact with Kiro enthusiasts and experts.
- 1:30pm-2:30pm YouTube Best Practices for Tech Content Creators
Join Sr. Developer Advocate & YouTube Expert Shubham Londe (@TrainWithShubham) for an insider's look at what makes long-form developer content succeed on YouTube. Drawing from his experience building a YouTube presence, Shubham will reveal: how to structure complex technical tutorials for maximum engagement; techniques for explaining difficult concepts clearly and confidently; Strategies for growing a technical audience; Tips for creating eye-catching thumbnails and titles that attract developers; Best practices for screen recordings and code demonstrations.
This meetup kicks off a series of special events for tech content creators. From emerging TikTok educators to established YouTube storytellers, we’d love to see you at one of those.
- 3:00pm-4:00pm Short Form Video Deep Dive for Tech Content Creators
Join AWS Partner Solutions Architect Wanjiko Kahara for a session exploring how to create compelling technical content across Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok. Wanjiko will break down the unique characteristics and best practices for each platform. You’ll learn: Platform-specific strategies; How to translate complex technical concepts into engaging 60-second videos; Tips for choosing the right platform for your specific technical content; Ways to optimize your videos for each platform's algorithm; Common pitfalls to avoid when creating technical short-form content; Real examples of what works (and what doesn't) across each platform.
- 5:30pm - 6:30pm Greater China Region Meetup
Join fellow developers and cloud enthusiasts from the global Chinese tech community for a networking and knowledge sharing meetup at re:Invent 2025. Connect with peers working on cutting-edge cloud solutions, discuss regional-specific challenges and opportunities, and build lasting professional relationships.
Wednesday
- 12:00pm-1:00pm Kiro Vibes or Specs?
Join to discuss Kiro's hottest debate - vibes or specs? The meetup will cover how we use each and cover best practices.
- 1:30pm - 3:00pm - Get Production Ready: Filming, and Video Editing for Developers
Transform your technical content from amateur to professional in this hands-on production meetup! Join AWS Producers Max Isaev and Sammy Yoon for a deep dive into building your home studio and mastering video editing. Learn pro lighting, camera framing, audio setup, and editing techniques to create engaging, high-quality tutorials and demos. Discover best practices for pacing, transitions, and visuals that keep viewers hooked. Bring photos of your setup for personalized tips during the interactive Q&A. Whether you’re new or experienced, you’ll leave ready to level up your content.
- 3:30pm - 4:30pm - New features for Valkey, a powerful open source in-memory database
Join fellow developers and Valkey enthusiasts for a networking and knowledge sharing meetup at re:Invent 2025. Connect with peers working on cutting-edge caching solutions, discuss new Valkey features and in-memory databases..
- 5:00pm - 6:00pm - Leveraging Tech Content Creation for Career Growth
Supercharge your career through content creation with AWS Principal Developer Advocate Darko Mesaros. Find out how sharing technical expertise can unlock new opportunities. Darko will draw from his experience to share: How content creation can position you as a thought leader in your field; Strategies for building a personal brand that attracts career opportunities; How to balance content creation with your day job for maximum benefit. Darko will share real-world examples and practical advice from his journey and those of other successful tech creators, followed by an interactive Q&A where you can get insights on enhancing your content creation journey.
Thursday
- 12:00pm-1:00pm - Kiro Project Showcase
Built a cool project with Kiro? We want to hear about. Join this session as community members share their Kiro project.
- 1:30pm - 2:30pm LinkedIn for Developers: Build a Standout Technical Brand
Join AWS Solutions Architect Olashola Oladipupo and LinkedIn Senior Community Manager Victoria Taylor for an insider’s look at creating impactful technical content on LinkedIn. Learn how to craft engaging posts, share code effectively, and build authentic connections within the developer community. Olashola will share his proven strategies for technical content creation, followed by a Q&A where Victoria will provide platform insights and growth tips. Leave with actionable techniques to transform your LinkedIn presence from a resume into a powerful platform for technical thought leadership.
👻 Whiteboarding and QnA sessions with speakers
Every day, Monday to Thursday at 4:30PM Kiro experts will be hosting 30 minutes QnA and whiteboarding sessions.Check back for other subject matter experts who will be joining us at the Loft.
👻 Kiroween Hackathon
Throughout the week, the Loft will be the work base for participants in the Kiroween Hackathon. Come over to work on your project in peace and partner with others to make it outstanding. Spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you grab a spot to think and build.
🧩 Daily Tech Challenges
Last but not least, we’ll have some fun “easter eggs” scattered around - every day, look for the Loft QR code to unlock a technical challenge. Submit your answer on AWS Builder Center for a chance to win up to $1,000 in AWS credits and a special AWS Builder mechanical keyboard.
Loft Opening Hours and Access Details
- Monday: 8:30am-6:30pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am-6:30pm
- Wednesday: 8:30am-6:30pm
- Thursday: 9:00am-5:00pm
The Loft is a perk with your Builer Center membership but the good news is anyone can create one - in advance to the event, or even on the day at the entrance of the Loft!Entry is simple:
- Create or sign in to your AWS Builder Center profile .
- Show your Builder Center QR code at the Loft reception.
We‘ve designed this space to become your re:Invent home base - where your best ideas get sketched, built, and shared.This is your place to:
- Recharge and catch up on your day
- Experiment with what you’ve learned in sessions
- Meet people who think like you
- Feel part of a larger builder community
Come early and come often. Seats operate on a first-come, first-served basis. We can’t wait to see you there!
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