Maximizing Your Dreamforce 2024 Experience

Dreamforce is more than just a conference; it’s a transformative experience that offers deep insights into Salesforce’s platform and vision. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, Dreamforce provides a unique opportunity to learn, network, and envision the future possibilities for your organization.

While some might see Dreamforce as a grand sales pitch, it’s much more than that. Regardless of your role—whether you’re an admin, developer, or architect—there’s immense value to be gained. Here’s how to make the most of your Dreamforce 2024 experience.

Preparing Before the Event

Dreamforce officially kicks off on September 17, but the action begins even earlier. Proper preparation can set you up for a successful experience.

1. Set Clear Goals: Determine what you want to achieve. Whether it’s expanding your knowledge in specific areas like Apex, DevOps, or CPQ, or connecting with industry leaders, having clear objectives will help you prioritize your time.
2. Plan Your Schedule: With a packed agenda of keynotes, sessions, and workshops, it’s essential to use the Dreamforce app and agenda builder to craft a personalized schedule. This will also help you identify windows for networking opportunities, such as coffee meet-ups or lunch meetings.
3. Familiarize Yourself with the Layout: Dreamforce spans multiple locations across downtown San Francisco, including Moscone North, South, and West, nearby hotels, and the Salesforce Tower. Knowing the layout in advance will save you time and reduce stress.
4. Plan Your Travel: If you’re not staying downtown, plan your routes in advance. San Francisco’s Travel hub offers useful information to help you navigate the city.

Learning Opportunities

Learning is the top reason most attendees come to Dreamforce. With Salesforce evolving rapidly, the knowledge you gain here can be invaluable.

1. Attend Keynotes: Keynotes are the heart of Dreamforce, featuring major product announcements, thought leadership, and inspiring stories. Jack’s Pick: Slack Keynote: Where Humans and AI Promote Work Success
2. Join Breakout Sessions: With hundreds of sessions tailored to various roles, industries, and skill levels, there’s something for everyone. Choose sessions that align with your interests or challenge you to learn something new. Jack’s Pick: Optimize & Maintain: Salesforce Org Health Checks
3. Participate in Hands-on Workshops: These interactive sessions allow you to dive deep into specific topics with expert guidance. Many attendees walk away with actionable solutions they can implement immediately. Jack’s Pick: Put Your Data & AI Into Action

Networking

Networking is another significant reason to attend Dreamforce. The connections you make can have lasting impacts on your career.

1. Attend Networking Events: From breakfast meetings to evening mixers, there are countless opportunities to meet peers, industry leaders, and potential partners. Jack’s Pick: Newbie Reunion “Bacon” Breakfast
2. Engage with the Salesforce Community: Visit the Trailblazer Community Cove to connect with various user groups, like the Mental Health & Illness User Group or Latinx in Salesforce. It’s a welcoming space to meet like-minded individuals.
3. Use Social Media: Leverage LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) to share insights and connect with others using the hashtag #DF24. This will help you find your tribe and continue networking beyond the event. Jack’s Pick: 5 Tips to Network Like A Pro

Socializing and Fun

Dreamforce isn’t all work—there’s plenty of fun to be had as well!

1. Dreamfest: A must-attend event at Oracle Park featuring performances by P!nk and Imagine Dragons. It’s a great way to unwind and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Afterparties: San Francisco’s nightlife comes alive with afterparties organized by partners and ISVs. These events offer a relaxed setting to continue networking. Jack’s Pick: Gearset’s DevHops After Party
3. Give Back: Participate in charitable activities hosted during Dreamforce. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to a good cause while meeting like-minded individuals.

Engaging with the Salesforce Ecosystem

Dreamforce is a unique opportunity to engage with professionals from all corners of the Salesforce ecosystem.

1. Explore the Expo Hall: Discover new tools, products, and services from Salesforce partners and ISVs that could transform your organization.
2. Meet Salesforce Experts: Take advantage of the opportunity to interact with Salesforce product experts. Whether you’re interested in Heroku, Slack, or Flows, there are dedicated booths to answer your questions and offer insights.
3. Attend Product Demos: Live product demos showcase the latest Salesforce features in action, offering valuable insights for optimizing or expanding your platform use.

Post-Event Actions

Dreamforce doesn’t end when you leave San Francisco. The value extends long after the event if you take a few simple steps.

1. Follow Up: Reach out to the contacts you made with personalized connection requests on LinkedIn or follow-up emails. This helps build lasting relationships.
2. Share Knowledge: Share what you’ve learned with your team or community through presentations, social media posts, or blog content. This not only amplifies the impact of your experience but also helps you retain the information.
3. Reflect and Apply: Review your notes and key takeaways. Do they align with your pre-event goals? Consider how you can apply what you’ve learned to your work and set actionable goals based on your insights.

Final Tips

Dreamforce is a busy, intense event. Here are a few additional tips to ensure you get the most out of your experience:

1. Stay Energized and Healthy: Stay hydrated, wear comfortable shoes, and carry hand sanitizer. Consider starting your day with an immunity-boosting juice shot to keep your energy levels up.
2. Be Flexible: Sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones. Be open to adjusting your schedule if something interesting comes up.
3. Capture the Moments: Take photos and jot down quick notes to help you remember interactions and key details. This will be invaluable when following up with new contacts.

Conclusion

Strategically planning your Dreamforce experience while remaining open to new opportunities will maximize the value you get from the event. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned veteran, Dreamforce offers something for everyone. I hope you have a fantastic experience!

Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn if you’d like to connect in San Francisco or catch me at one of Gearset’s events—I’d love to chat!