Final answer:
The Cloud Practitioner can configure Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling for events by scheduling scaling actions, using predictive scaling based on machine learning forecasts, or by manually adjusting the desired capacity to ensure the right number of instances are available.
Step-by-step explanation:
To configure Amazon EC2 Auto Scaling ahead of an event, the Cloud Practitioner should ensure that the Auto Scaling group has the appropriate settings to manage the desired number of EC2 instances. One approach is to schedule scaling actions, which allow practitioners to increase or decrease the number of instances in response to predictable load changes. For instance, if an event is expected to drive higher traffic to a website, a practitioner can schedule a scaling action to increase the instance count before the event starts and decrease it after the event ends.
Another method is to use predictive scaling, which uses machine learning algorithms to predict future traffic patterns and schedule scaling actions. Predictive scaling requires sufficient historical data to forecast resource needs accurately. Finally, the Cloud Practitioner can also manually adjust the desired capacity of the Auto Scaling group in anticipation of the event if other methods aren't suitable or if precise control is required.