5 Tips to Get The Most Out of Dreamforce 2019
In case you weren’t already freaking out, Dreamforce is now less than a week away! One of the largest tech conferences in the world, Dreamforce drew over 170,000 people from 103 countries last year. And with over 2,700 sessions and workshops (not to mention the parties), there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
While all this may feel overwhelming, there’s no need to worry. We’ve done a bit of research and compiled a list of the top things to keep in mind to make sure you get the most out of Dreamforce.
1. Plan ahead, but go with the flow
You’re definitely spoiled for choice at Dreamforce with over 2,700 sessions to choose from. But Dreamforce is about way more than sessions! There’s the expo, where you can roam around and visit Salesforce Partner booths, networking events and even fundraisers.
With so many activities to choose from, you’ll want to plan ahead. A quick hack is to download the Salesoforce Events app. You can use the agenda builder to schedule out all the sessions and activities you want to attend. But don’t be too rigid with your plans. At its core, Dreamforce is about making connections and learning from other professionals, so you want to have flexibility to allow for spontaneous experiences, which often end up being the most valuable.
A few other tips when building your agenda:
- The Dreamforce campus spans several city blocks, so save your feet by booking sessions in close proximity or with enough time to commute. You can also hop a ride on a tuk-tuk depending on where you’re headed!
- Don’t book back to back sessions. You’re not Superman! Give yourself some time to relax and recharge. You can even take advantage of our coffee delivery service.
- Many sessions will be available to watch on-demand after the event, so even if you miss a live session, you can come back to it later.
2. Leave your laptop! Think mobile-first
Your laptop will end up being dead weight in your bag that you have to lug around and worry about losing. Don’t bring it unless you want the additional exercise. Your smartphone will be more than enough. Besides, Dreamforce is a hotbed for mobile-first solutions, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding interesting ways of using it. You might want to invest in a portable battery though, and if you really can’t live without a large screen, think about a tablet.
3. Dress for comfort (and warmth)
There are a few things you should consider when packing your suitcase for Dreamforce.
First, San Francisco is famous for its micro-climates. Temperature, humidity, and precipitation can vary drastically throughout the day and by location. It also tends to be several degrees colder in San Francisco than in nearby cities just across the Bay Bridge. Second, you’re going to be on your feet and walking a lot. As mentioned before, the Dreamforce Campus is spread across a large area.
For this reason, comfort is key. Wear layers that aren’t too bulky so you can adapt your outfit to a variety of conditions. Be sure to also wear comfortable shoes. This is San Francisco — sneakers aren’t a fashion faux pas here.
For more tips on what to wear, check out these guidelines by Salesforce.
4. Be ready to learn!
One of the reasons Dreamforce is a must-go event year after year is because of the fantastic learning opportunities on offer. The company will be offering 50% off certifications for Dreamforce attendees, so it’s a perfect opportunity to upskill yourself. Additionally, you can attend pre-conference boot camp sessions during the three days before the event.
5. Relax. Breathe. Have fun!
If you find yourself quickly overwhelmed when you arrive, be sure to take advantage of some of the great leisure activities available. Right in the middle of the Dreamforce campus will be Dreamforest, where you can listen to live bands, enjoy some food and even get some exercise on the climbing wall.
But if you REALLY want to get away from the crowds, you might consider coming to visit your friends at Helpshift. We’ll be offering our own sessions and treats… and you might even get a photo-op with our mascot!
Dreamforce is a beast, but don’t be intimidated! You’re bound to have a great experience, but a little bit of advance planning will make it that much more rewarding!
