Every year, the Trailblazer community descends upon San Francisco for Salesforce’s flagship event: Dreamforce. This three-day convention brings together thousands of enthusiasts looking to learn, network, and enjoy themselves. And no matter whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, you need to know how to make the most of Dreamforce. Here are our top 10 tips.
With its vast array of keynotes, events, and sessions, Dreamforce can be a bit overwhelming. Yes, the energy is palpable—but it’s essential to channel that energy efficiently. Remember: You can’t attend every session, no matter how much you’d like to.
So how do you choose? Start by listing your top interests and aligning them with the available keynotes and sessions. Then make a list of the social events you want to attend—happy hours, parties, and Dreamfest—and add those to your schedule. Don’t forget to slot in some time each day without any obligations. You’ll thank yourself later.
Networking is one of the cornerstones of Dreamforce. Professionals from across the globe come together here, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make connections. Since there are likely to be at least a handful of impromptu introductions, it’s wise to craft a compelling elevator pitch beforehand.
In addition, while exchanging business cards might feel conventional, it still holds its charm. It’s tactile, personal, and makes a lasting impression. Of course, make sure to connect on LinkedIn as well to ensure your new relationships last beyond Dreamforce.
If you’re a Salesforce professional, Dreamforce offers numerous opportunities to expand your knowledge and learn best practices. There are dedicated sessions on topics like DevOps and application lifecycle management, data protection, sandbox management, AI, automation, and much more. These workshops offer expert insights and real-life examples that can deepen your understanding of the subject matter.
Dreamforce can be intense, and you might be much more physically active than you normally are throughout the day. Continuously moving around between sessions, meeting new people, having animated discussions, and processing a ton of new information can be exhausting. It’s all too easy to overlook basic needs like hydration and nutrition.
This tip might sound like something your wellness app would remind you of—but it’s essential. Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle along, and make time for healthy snacks throughout the day.
You’re going to be on the move a lot during Dreamforce, attending sessions, networking, visiting booths, and going to events, so your outfit and footwear should support that. Business-casual is always a safe bet. Wear shoes that won’t have you wincing in pain after a few hours. Style’s important—but comfort is king.
Walking out of Dreamforce without some swag? That’s just not going to happen. Every Trailblazer knows it’s tradition to bring back a haul of goodies. From T-shirts to tech gadgets, Dreamforce swag is legendary. (Prodly’s is awesome this year, BTW!)
But all this good stuff can get bulky. Carry a sturdy, big bag for all your collectibles. Don’t forget that Dreamforce is a three-day event. If you get back to your hotel room with a full swag bag at the end of each day, you’ll need an entire suitcase to bring everything home with you.
Sure, there are keynotes and sessions and a whole lot more things going on at Dreamforce. But amidst all the activity, don’t forget to get hands-on with all the innovations you’ll be seeing if you have the chance.
There’ll be countless vendors with demo stations where you can witness their latest tools and technologies in action—or even try them out yourself. Because as you know, actually using a product can offer insights that no amount of demos can. And of course, we’ll be excited to give you a demo of the Prodly platform at Booth 1402!
Among all the hustle and bustle of Dreamforce, there might be moments when you need some peace and quiet—perhaps to answer an urgent text, write an email, or just relax. Dreamforce usually reserves several strategically-placed quiet zones for precisely this purpose. If you need a time out, look for one of these havens to regroup and refresh.
Though Dreamforce is the primary reason you’re in San Francisco, it’s absolutely worth taking some time to explore this beautiful city and experience its unique vibe.
Take a ride in a cable car, visit Union Square, or have lunch in Little Italy. If you don’t mind getting off the beaten track, check out the Hamon Observation Tower with its 360° views of the city. (Nice to know: It’s free!) And tucked behind the iconic Twin Peaks you’ll find Tank Hill, where you can see some of the best sunsets in San Francisco—the Golden Gate Bridge is right in front of you; the ocean and Golden Gate Park to your left.
Once you head back home, plan appropriately to maximize everything you’ve experienced in the past three days. After resting up, schedule some time to follow up with the connections you made, sort through your notes, set actionable goals, and determine how to integrate the insights you gleaned at Dreamforce into your day-to-day work.
Dreamforce is more than an event—it’s an incredible opportunity to hone your skills, learn new things, and expand your network. So keep these 10 tips in mind, and jump right in! The world of Salesforce awaits.
What is Dreamforce?
Dreamforce is the largest annual conference of Salesforce, a leader in CRM software.
When is Dreamforce 2023?
It will take place from September 12 – 14, 2023.
Where is Dreamforce being held?
The venue for Dreamforce is the Moscone Center, at the heart of San Francisco.
The gold standard for documenting SOX in Salesforce CPQ!
