14 Years of Dreamforce: An Old Timer’s Tips for Success
This morning I was counting up how many times I’ve attended Dreamforce, and this will be my 14th year going. I figured I’d share a few practical tips as you prepare to attend. And if you can’t attend in person, there’s a huge amount of options to attend sessions remotely streaming over Salesforce Plus, and local user groups having various watch parties. Check them out here.
The biggest focus of my preparation this year has been on setting up my schedule. Unlike my earlier years which were very much “go do stuff and see what comes out of it”, I’m beginning with the end in mind. Dreamforce is an important place to meet people, and I’m meeting as many people as I can. That continues to be my primary focus since everyone is in the same spot for the duration of the event.
A few “old timer’s” tips as I prepare this year:
- I don’t have FOMO anymore. There’s an incredible amount of options at Dreamforce and it’s impossible to cover them all. Accept that and be at peace with where you are right now and the people in front of you.
- The after party is ok, but avoid the “after after” party. I generally get to bed early at Dreamforce (like 9PM). I’m usually back out by 7AM every morning starting my days.
- I always make time to spend on the tradeshow floor as it’s a very information dense environment.
- I avoid anything that is loud. If I’m contemplating attending a networking function or meeting, I try to validate if the venue will be noisy, because if it is, I won’t be able to understand people due to being mostly deaf in one ear. Best to go somewhere else, or go to bed. Yes, this includes skipping the concert.
- When heading out for the day, I pack light. I have a small over my shoulder bag that I keep a notebook, water, a phone battery/charger, and some light snacks and Altoids. No laptop.
- Packing comfortable shoes is a joke, but it’s also the truth.
- I always talk to people. Favorite ice breakers:
- How’s your Dreamforce going so far?
- Did you see any sessions or content that you were impressed with?
- What are your goals for Dreamforce this year?
- Just because I have a plan, saying “yes” to something new often leads to some “trail magic”. A new meeting, memory, or experience. Keep your eyes open for these opportunities!
Speaking of “saying yes”, I was invited to a graffiti tour a few years ago and even left Red Argyle’s mark on San Francisco (with permission of course)
Last but not least, it’s easy to let yourself get jaded by attending Dreamforce so many times. I think it’s critical to avoid this. I constantly remind myself how lucky I am to be there, and think about how I would have never imagined my career going in this direction when I was at my first Dreamforce in 2009.
Want to learn more about Red Argyle and how we can help your business thrive with Salesforce? Whether you’re attending Dreamforce or following along remotely, our team is here to connect and answer any questions. Reach out to us today to explore how we can support your Salesforce journey.
