We know it can be a challenge figuring out how to navigate Dreamforce. Attending the biggest Salesforce event of the year requires insight, preparation, and a reliable guide.
That’s why we’ve come up with a comprehensive guide catered to Trailblazers like you – of all backgrounds and aspirations – to ensure you make the most of every moment.
Now, let’s get into everything we know about this year’s event.
What is Dreamforce?
Since the first small gathering in 2003, Dreamforce has become Salesforce’s most anticipated and impactful annual event. It unites customers, employees, partners, and trailblazers for a three-day conference dedicated to technology, innovation, and collaboration.
Dreamforce holds a special place in the heart of the tech world – acting as an opportunity to gain knowledge, make connections, build partnerships, get leads, and have plenty of fun. By attending Dreamforce, you become an active participant in this unique experience, met with the opportunity to dive deep into content specifically focused on the roles and products found within the Salesforce ecosystem.
With a schedule full of keynote addresses, hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities, the Dreamforce conference is all about immersion. It provides the perfect environment to nurture aspirations, forge alliances, and envision a brighter future.
Key Event Info
Head west to Salesforce’s biggest event of the year with the magnificent Golden Gate backdrop.
Where:
Moscone Center
San Francisco, California
When:
September 17-19, 2024
Register now to secure your spot at this year’s Dreamforce!
Want to join from the comfort of your home?
If you can’t make it to San Francisco in person, no worries!
You can register at Salesforce+ for a free online experience of the event.
The Theme: Calling All TrAIlblazers
Each year, Salesforce reveals a new theme for its most anticipated event. In 2024, the conference will continue with its focus on advancements and discoveries in artificial intelligence.
It's all about finding out what AI is capable of now, the turns it could take in the near future, and how it's shaking things up across in the Salesforce ecosystem. From healthcare to customer service, finance to manufacturing – AI is spreading like wildfire, and Dreamforce is all about getting up close and personal with the flames.
Modelit’s Top Tips
For those of you heading to Dreamforce in September, we thought it would be helpful to gather some top tips from our own attendees. Here’s what they had to say:
How to Organize
- Make use of the Salesforce Events app! This app can help you manage your agenda by seeing which sessions you’ve booked, getting information on sessions already underway, and notifying you of the events happening around you. Should there be any change to a session’s location, you’ll be notified via the app. Later on, you’ll be able to provide feedback on the sessions you’ve attended as well. (Be sure to download the app with wifi before you arrive at the venue to avoid any possible data plan issues.)
Scheduling
- Set an objective: Choose what you want to do, what you want to learn. Pick activities based on your goal. Take the time to consider which parts of the conference are absolutely crucial for you to attend. Make note of those sessions, but also keep an open mind. It’s highly likely that you’ll come across something new, having to miss out on something else in return.
- Arrive early to each event that you plan to attend! Event locations can fill up fast, so it’s important to get there with enough time to save your spot. The most popular sessions are the most difficult to get in, so be sure to consider that you might need to get in line 1 to 2 hours early for certain sessions.
- It’s a good idea to map out your events ahead of time. Many of the talks are spread out, and it can take time out of your day to make it from one to the next. Consider planning for about 5 to 15 minutes between sessions to commute.
- Remember to plan your meetings ahead of time, too. People’s agendas are bound to be packed, so if you’re hoping to meet up with someone, plan in advance.
- Don’t overbook your schedule with sessions. Leave some time to have lunch or rest. Why overdo it?
Recommendations
- Be sure to attend keynotes, which are where you’ll often get to hear major platform announcements. The main keynote is one of the most interesting sessions. Be aware that you’ll need to arrive early to get a spot, otherwise, you can watch the keynote from another room.
- Make time to visit the demos! At the developer, administrator, and architect areas you can ask questions and get answers from members of the Salesforce team. You might even get the chance to speak directly with a PO or PM in the area. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
- If you’re a hands-on learner, check availability for Circles of Success and workshops. There are many options, each offering opportunities to get your questions answered.
- Don’t just explore one area, but the entire campus. There’s the Expo Hall where partners present their services and solutions, and there are other theaters and product areas. There are also booths where product demos are performed, and viewers can ask questions and get in touch with product managers.
- Take advantage of the free training and certification opportunities offered at Dreamforce. This is a great way to learn new skills and advance your career in Salesforce. Note that this does not always happen, so you’ll have to check around!
- Complete the Dreamforce Quest game to win prizes while you’re learning. You can complete certain tasks and activities that earn you trophies. From there, you can visit the Trading Post to redeem prizes.
General Advice
- Remember to get your badge. You can pick up your badge the day before Dreamforce begins, just check the page for times and locations. Take good care of your badge, as a lost badge will cost you extra.
- Work on your presentation skills! You’ll be connecting with tons of people, so you may want to practice introductions ahead of time. Don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile, and consider bringing personal cards (electronic, of course).
- Be aware of your public transportation options. You can use the BART public transportation system by buying the Clipper Card, which you can save and use for any future trips to the area. Your hotel might also offer shuttle transportation to the conference, or if you’d prefer to get a driver, you can install Uber or Lyft. Be mindful of peak hours with transportation apps, as it tends to be more expensive.
- You can rely on the wifi. The venue has pretty good service for anyone looking to have a work meeting. Just do your best to find a quiet spot and you’re all set. (You might check out the higher levels in Moscone West or Dreamforce Park.)
- Save time for sightseeing. This one is pretty self-explanatory, but you won’t want to miss out on all that the city of San Francisco has to offer.
- Think outside the box when it comes to accommodation. Don’t be afraid to stay a bit further away. You’ll have to allow for some extra time, but you’ll make up for it by saving money!
- Enjoy Dreamfest! Don’t miss the opportunity to dance and enjoy a concert from an incredible band. Dreamfest is the cherry on top of an amazing event like Dreamforce. (Remember that you won’t be able to enter the arena with a backpack.)
Modelit’s Packing Musts
Our Dreamforce attendees recommend that you pack light for the conference. You won’t need too much stuff, just the essentials. We’ve put together this checklist to help you!
- Comfortable layers of clothes. With the conference held in San Francisco in autumn, you can expect a wide range in temperatures. You’ve got to be prepared for anything!
- External cell phone battery. We promise you’ll use your phone a ton. You can thank us later!
- Business cards. Personal cards and business cards with custom QR codes are a must for networking at the event.
- A reusable water bottle. There are water stations all across campus where you’ll be able to fill up.
How to Network
If you’re looking to foster connections, there are plenty of opportunities both official and unofficial. Keep an eye out for parties, breakfasts, and volunteering opportunities, as they may have a limit for the number of attendees.
For community group leaders, be sure to check out the networking opportunities both inside and outside of the conference. For example, you could look into the CGL breakfast or Trailhead Community Sessions.
We also recommend that you follow all of the key Salesforce social media accounts and top influencers to stay up-to-date on all of the Dreamforce news.
A few important Instagram handles and LinkedIn pages for updates include:
- @dreamforce
- @salesforce
- @salesforcedevs
- @partnerforce
- @appexchange
Some of our X favorites include:
- Marc Benioff – @Benioff
Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Salesforce - Chris Duarte – @TheChrisDuarte
VP of Trailhead Content - Parker Harris – @parkerharris
CTO, Co-Founder of Salesforce - Ben McCarthy – @SalesforceBen
Founder of popular SalesforceBen blog - Amy Oplinger – @SalesforceAmy
Admin and Salesforce MVP - Rakesh Gupta – @rakeshistom
Salesforce Architect and MVP - Daniel Peter – @danieljpeter
Salesforce MVP and Advisor - Vala Afshar – @ValaAfshar
Chief Digital Evangelist at Salesforce - Kier Bowden – @bob_buzzard
Salesforce Developer MVP - Mike Gerholdt – @MikeGerholdt
Director of Admin Evangelism at Salesforce
Meet Modelit in the bay area!
Obviously, we’re going to Dreamforce 2024.
Don’t miss your chance to chat with our experts in person to find out how Modelit could enhance your business’ Salesforce experience. Take advantage of this opportunity to:
- Discuss the possibilities of Salesforce implementation for your business.
- Learn about our free Salesforce Data Cloud POC.
- Ask us how you can improve your business’ data and ai practices.
- Find out how hiring augmented staff from Modelit could transform your overall experience.
- Collect free Modelit merchandise.
And don’t forget to follow our Modelit leaders on LinkedIn:
- Danny Teng – @dannyteng
CEO at Modelit - Angelica Buffa – @abuffa
CTO at Modelit - Diego Febles – @diegofebles
COO at Modelit
There you have it!
Follow our tips and tricks, and you’ll be a Dreamforce master come September.
Keep in mind, this is more than a conference – it's a chance to be part of the growing global Salesforce tribe shaping the future. Embrace the Salesforce Events app, plan your sessions wisely, and stay alert for unexpected surprises that might pop up. Pack comfy clothes, those trusty shoes, and your go-getter attitude. And when it comes to networking, be sure to connect with the who's who of tech on social media for insights that'll light up your journey.
Dreamforce 2024 isn't just a destination; it's an adventure.
So, gear up and get ready to blaze that trail!
