Google Cloud Next ’25 Guide: Pro tips from SUSE

Google Cloud Next 2025: it’s taking over the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas from April 9-11. To help you navigate this experience, we’ve compiled a guide packed with pro tips and insights to ensure you maximize your time at the event.

Unlock Your Exclusive Discount! 💸

Before we dive in, here is our first pro tip: use our SUSE discount code link to get $100 off on your full conference pass. But hurry, early-bird pricing ends February 14th, after which the price will increase.

Why Attend Google Cloud Next? 🤔

Whether you’re a seasoned cloud professional or just starting your journey, Google Cloud Next offers something for everyone. 

• Stay ahead of the curve with the latest cloud trends 
• Expand your network
• Discover new solutions from Google Cloud and its partners ecosystem
• Boost your skills with hands-on training and certifications. 

Pro Tips to Maximize Your Google Cloud Next Experience

Planning your trip ✈️

• Register Early: Use our SUSE discount code link to get $100 off on your full conference pass. Registrations through the Google Next 25 site are otherwise $999 until Feb. 14 (rates increase after this date up to 2,099 USD). 
• Book your Hotel: Choose a stay within a short walking distance from the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. You can easily book your stay through the event registration portal. Pro tip: If you’re booking late and can’t find availability through the portal, try contacting the hotels directly as they may have rooms available. If you are staying around the Mandalay, check their transportation recommendations, including their free tram connecting to the MGM and Luxor.  
• Plan your week: Check the different activities scheduled throughout the week. Note that Tuesday, April 8th, is reserved for strategic events like Partner Summit and Leaders Circle. The official expo and sessions will run from Wednesday, April 9th, to Friday, April 11th.
• Check the FAQ: Google does a great job at getting most common questions answered here.

Before you go 🎒

• Schedule your sessions: The session catalog goes live on February 18th. Browse early and register for your favorite sessions to avoid missing out, as they tend to fill up quickly. Use the filters to find sessions by speaker, learning level, and category. Pro tip: Even if a session is full, you can usually join an on-site waiting line a few minutes before it starts. 
• Plan your meetings: Maximize your time by checking the Sponsor list and dedicated areas like Developer Experiences, Security, Startups‌ and SMB. Target sponsors who offer solutions relevant to your needs. Pro tip: Take your time while navigating the expo area. Want to talk to someone about the most secure Linux for your enterprise workloads on Google Cloud or how you can optimize management of your mixed Linux environments? Connect with SUSE at cloudsales@suse.com to schedule a meeting with our experts.
• Pack strategically: Comfort is key! Wear comfortable shoes and bring a power bank to keep your devices charged.
• Engage with the community: Wear a tech community T-shirt or bring your own lanyard and past years’ pins to start conversations.
• Download the app: The Google Cloud Next app is your essential companion for navigating the event, scheduling sessions, finding food, and connecting with attendees. Pro tip: Registered attendees will be notified via email when the app is ready to download.
• Plan something fun: Check out the many partner parties happening throughout the week, especially Wednesday night. Most events start after 6 pm, so be sure to RSVP!

At the event 📍

• Pick up your badge early: Avoid long lines by picking up your badge as soon as you arrive. 
• Breakfast and morning coffee: Grab breakfast at your hotel to avoid long lines near the convention center. Pro tip: Try Hazel Coffee. The line will be shorter than Starbucks. 
• Arrive early for the Keynote: The opening keynote is a thing you don’t want to miss. It really sets the tone for the event. Secure a good spot for the opening keynote on Wednesday, April 9th, before 9 am.
• Snacks and drinks: Stay hydrated at the various drink stations throughout the venue, but consider bringing your own refillable water bottle. While healthy snacks and fruits are provided, they’re not substantial enough to replace a meal.
• Explore the expo hall: You’ll find partner booths, developer zones, live sessions, labs, and fun photo opportunities. Don’t miss the SUSE booth (#2975) to see enterprise solutions in action that allow you to manage Linux and Kubernetes securely in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Pro tip: Balance your time between sessions and the expo hall to maximize your experience.
• Attend the sessions: Take notes during sessions and connect with the expert speakers afterward. Pro tip: Don’t miss the chance to talk to them. Stay until the end of their session and talk to them, introduce yourself‌ and ask any questions. 
• Take a break: Take a break, but do it near a lounge area where you can connect with others. Pro tips: ‌Google coffee stations are great places to meet people as you wait for a drink. Or come hang out at the SUSE booth (#2975) where we have a claw machine game for you to try your hand at!
• Join the official Google party: Go to the official Google-organized Next Party on Thursday. This year’s performer is still a mystery, but last year’s Kings of Leon was great. 
• Share your experience: Share, share and share on social media what you are seeing live! This is great for personal branding and don’t forget to tag the speakers and  #GoogleCloudNext. 

After the event 💻

• The event is over, but then what? Catch up on anything you missed with Google’s official recaps and check out community-created content like video clips and blog posts for additional highlights.
• What would a Pro do? After the event, review your notes and new connections, and plan your follow-up strategy. Request demos, schedule calls‌ or gather more information from companies that interest you. Pro tip: Follow those companies on social media to stay updated on their latest news and offerings. Get a headstart and follow SUSE on LinkedIn for more updates in the run-up to Google Cloud Next.

SUSE and Google Cloud: Open Source. Powering the Cloud 🚀

This guide was brought to you by the SUSE and Google Cloud Partnership. 

SUSE and Google Cloud share a commitment to open source innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences. We’re empowering organizations to:

• Maximize the security of your mission-critical workloads in the cloud
• Efficiently manage and secure Kubernetes across hybrid and multi-cloud environments
• Avoid vendor lock-in and deploy best-of-breed solutions
• Optimize your SAP applications on Google Cloud

Visit SUSE at Google Cloud Next at booth 2975 to experience live demos of Kubernetes management and security solutions. Learn how to simplify your mixed Linux environments, and test your skills at our claw machine for a chance to win awesome swag!

Don’t Miss Out! Exclusive Discount and Early-Bird Pricing ⏰

Register for Google Cloud Next and use our exclusive discount code link to save $100 on the full conference pass. The early-bird price of $999 USD ends February 14. From February 15 to March 17, the price increases to $1,499 USD, and then to $2,099 USD after March 17.

Get organized early and schedule a meeting with our subject matter experts during the event by emailing cloudsales@suse.com.

See you in Las Vegas!