M&E and Sports programming highlights at re:Invent 2023

Each year, thousands of attendees from around the world come to Las Vegas for AWS re:Invent. The Amazon Web Services (AWS) event offers an expansive array of presentations, panel discussions, hands-on learning sessions, networking opportunities, and more. To help attendees navigate relevant sessions and events, the AWS for Media and Entertainment (M&E) team has created a comprehensive AWS for M&E re:Invent Attendee Guide as well as the following at-a-glance overview.

re:Invent kicks off November 27 this year, but reserved seating is available starting tomorrow, October 17, so be sure to review your options and sign up for the sessions and events that are of interest. If you still need to register for re:Invent 2023, you can do so here.

A few reminders:

• The most important cloud announcements of the year happen during re:Invent keynotes.
• Breakout Sessions are lecture-style and one hour long. These sessions take place across the re:Invent campus and cover all topics at all levels (200–400).
• Chalk Talks are 60-minute interactive, small-group whiteboarding sessions with AWS experts. They include technical discussions around real-world architecture challenges.
• Lighting Talks are 20-minute sessions covering a key topic at the 100-200 level.
• Workshops are two-hour hands-on sessions where you work in small groups to solve problems using AWS services.
• The AWS Events mobile app helps you plan and navigate your re:Invent experience. Download it for iOS or Android now, if you haven’t already.

Monday, November 27

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: MAE203: How ELF reduced their carbon footprint by broadcasting on AWS

In this breakout session, the European League of Football (ELF) shares their journey as a new sports league to adopt a built-in-the-cloud broadcasting production pipeline on AWS. By using AWS cloud-based remote production tools and infrastructure, the 2023 season saw positive impacts including lower video latency, better video quality, increased reliability, lower operational costs, and a reduction in the ELF’s carbon footprint. Learn methods for architecting media workloads efficiently in alignment with the AWS Well-Architected Framework sustainability pillar and how AWS can help with your sustainability journey.

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: SPT203: How the Bundesliga adopts an agile and cross-functional data strategy

A data strategy is an essential element for a data-driven company. Many companies face the challenge of creating a data strategy that is aligned with strategic business objectives, focuses on value creation, and is actionable. In this breakout session, DFL Digital Sports uncovers how they created an agile data strategy powered by AWS by using the Cloud Adoption Framework for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI while being on their journey to become the most fan-centric football league.

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: SPT204: Swimming Australia’s pursuit of gold with data and AWS 

In this chalk talk, take a deep dive into how AWS helped Swimming Australia become an innovative leader in Olympic sports. Hear how and why they aggregated their data into an AWS data lake, surfaced data insights for coaches using Amazon QuickSight, built a machine learning (ML) model to predict relay swim order at Tokyo, and developed an artificial intelligence and ML–based camera tracking system for their High Performance Centres using AWS Panorama devices with AWS Professional Services.

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM: MAE301: Build a complete livestreaming workflow using automated deployments

Learn how to consistently and repeatedly launch video workflows with AWS Cloud Development Kit (AWS CDK), a tool for automated infrastructure deployments. This workshop covers what makes AWS CDK so powerful and how you can use it with AWS media services for live video workflow deployments. Learn how to deploy a complete livestreaming architecture using CI/CD pipelines with features like dynamic ad insertion, token authorization, live-to-VOD, observability with a CMCD dashboard, and schedule orchestration deployment. You must bring your laptop to participate.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: MAE205: NBCUniversal drives media effectiveness through modernized TV

Changes in consumer behavior, across time, screens, platforms, and channels, has increased complexity for the Advertising ecosystem, and bought forth the need for TV simplification to enable cross platform activation, better data interoperability and integrity. In this breakout session learn how NBCU has partnered with AWS to co-develop products that enable their customers to reach consumers wherever they are efficiently and at scale.

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: MAE302: File storage and archive migration for media and entertainment 

In this chalk talk, take a technical deep dive into file storage options and capabilities on AWS. Focusing on content production and media supply chain workflows, this talk covers AWS services and AWS Partner services, as well as architecture patterns, for creative workflows in content production. Also learn about workflows for moving video libraries and using AWS services to archive/restore data.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: MAE306: Unleashing innovation with a cloud-powered newsroom

News organizations face a growing number of challenges, including ensuring business continuity, driving audience engagement, and streamlining content production and distribution. In this chalk talk, learn how AWS can help overcome these challenges while driving innovation in news operations.

Tuesday, November 28

12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: MAE204: The making of “Race to the Cloud”

Virtual production is a flexible, affordable way to produce film, episodic, and commercial content. No longer an on premises–only approach to filmmaking, virtual production can now be accelerated with AWS services and solutions. “Race to the Cloud” is a short film produced for NAB Show 2023 that demonstrates end-to-end motion picture production using virtual production techniques, all on AWS. Join Brandon Lindauer, Senior Solutions Architect for AWS Media and Entertainment, and Katrina King, AWS Media and Entertainment Content Production Strategy Lead, in this lightning talk to learn how this short film was created in just a few weeks.

1:30 PM – 2:00 PM: SPT206: How the PGA Tour works with AWS to enhance fan engagement

Join this lightning talk for a chat with Scott Gutterman, SVP of Digital Operations for the PGA Tour, as we discuss the PGA Tour’s use of AWS technologies to revolutionize the fan experience.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: SPT205: NASCAR adds 60 video feed angles to fan app for in-venue viewing

In this chalk talk, learn how NASCAR used AWS services to transform the in-person fan experience by providing fans with live video feeds during the Chicago Street Race. Using NASCAR’s Tracks app, users in attendance had free access to 60 different video feed angles throughout the 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course in downtown Chicago. NASCAR’s unique digital experience is redefining the boundaries of live event participation and setting a new standard for fan interaction.

Wednesday, November 29

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: MAE305: Powering FAST channels using AI on AWS

AI-based free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services provide a convenient and cost-effective way for viewers to access a wide range of content. In this chalk talk, learn how these platforms use AI algorithms to deliver automatic scheduling, personalized content recommendations, and targeted advertisements, enhancing the viewer experience while providing a sustainable revenue model for content providers.

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: MAE304: Get the lowest latency for your live video streaming use cases

If you’re streaming live sports, teaching an online class, or building an interactive social media platform, you want the lowest possible latency for your live video streams. Reducing the time from the event happening or host speaking to your viewers seeing and hearing the action means that you can give your audiences the opportunity to enjoy the best, most engaging experience. In this chalk talk, explore solutions for producing low-latency and real-time livestreaming on AWS, what the tradeoffs of each solution are, and which options can be used to fit your unique requirements.

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: MAE202: CBS Sports Digital: Innovation in the cloud with the Golazo Network

As more broadcasters are moving to the cloud, popular workflows have focused on direct-to-consumer streaming distribution. In this breakout session, learn how CBS Sports Digital built and launched the Golazo Network, which is dedicated to domestic and international soccer coverage, where contribution, master control, playout, distribution, and more are all handled in the cloud. Explore CBS Sports’ challenges and navigation strategies, gaining insights into the Golazo Network’s depth beyond a standard cloud FAST channel. Learn about the evolving role of cloud technology in the convergence of linear and digital broadcasting.

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: SPT201: Creating new analytics in sports

The raw data of sports has transitioned from box scores to tracking data, and with that comes an opportunity to apply AI/ML to surface new insights that impact how we coach, train, and consume sports. In this breakout session, hear the NHL and AWS discuss how new analytics are created—from conception to on-air presentation.

For additional M&E sessions to check out, consult the M&E AWS re:Invent Attendee Guide. Be sure to keep an eye on the AWS M&E Blog and follow us on our Linkedin M&E page to stay up-to-date on all things M&E at re:Invent. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas!