10 Things This Partner Learned to NOT Do at Dreamforce

Komal Khilnani
Nov 5 · 4 min read

Dreamforce 2019 is less than a month away! As Extentia’s team gears up for the excitement of yet another spectacular Dreamforce, we look back to last year and the things we learned NOT to do while at Dreamforce.

1. Lose your way.

As Dreamforce veterans (this will be Extentia’s seventh year in a row), we’ve learned to navigate the madness and get the most of our Dreamforce experience. The Dreamforce App and Agenda Builder helps us plan the week before we even get there. Choose smartly from the tech tracks like those on Salesforce DX, Einstein Analytics, and MuleSoft Integration as well as from the partner-centric sessions around Customer Success and Customer 360. Bonus Tip: The location maps printed behind the Dreamforce badges are always super-helpful.

2. Fret if you don’t get a seat at the keynote.

Last year, we caught every word at the Partner Lodge, thanks to live streaming. With all the revolutionary technology and partnerships being announced, you don’t want to miss a thing.

3. Miss out on meaningful conversations.

Extentia is built on a foundation of long-term relationships, and we’re on the lookout for real partners with whom to build new relationships. With a focus on quality over quantity, we’ve learned from experience that meeting few people — but having more meaningful conversations — results in some strong post-Dreamforce relationship-building.

4. Stick to a diet.

There’s always an endless supply of cookies, marshmallows, and sometimes even a mid-week ice cream fest at the Partner Lodge. All that sugar, combined with a heady mix of engaging conversations, riveting sessions, and stimulating discussions, contribute to the euphoria of being at Dreamforce.

5. Experience Einstein’s big head.

We tried to fit inside, but Einstein’s intelligence blew us away — artificial intelligence, voice I/O, natural language understanding, intelligent interpretation, and contextual responses. We’ve put all the intellect to good use by implementing Einstein technologies in our projects this past year.

6. Stretch yourself too thin.

There are too many sessions, too many photo ops, and so forth, so, no matter how much you do or how well you plan, you just can’t fit it all into the schedule. Plan well, but don’t agonize if you miss something. There are lots of post-Dreamforce links to videos and write-ups of keynotes, as well as sessions and inspirational discussions with the world’s brightest Trailblazers.

7. Miss your family (too much).

Being part of the Salesforce Ohana, you’re pretty much at home and in the midst of friends and partners. To quote Marc Benioff himself, “Dreamforce is more like a ‘family reunion’ than a tech convention.” As die-hard Salesforce enthusiasts, we’re right where we belong (but happy to return to our families after the week).

8. Leave without a plushie friend.

The Dreamforce campus halls were buzzing with smart Salesforce enthusiasts, many of whom become Appy winners. Though our own Vice President, Salesforce Practice Binu Moothedan didn’t manage to procure Appy, he finished another Trailhead challenge to win Codey. Extentia’s challenge at Dreamforce ’19 is to bring Appy home.

9. Sleep (too much).

After a full day, it can be tempting to skip evening activities. If you’re able to go, do it. The experience of Dreamforce extends beyond the halls of Moscone — unwind and have fun with teammates and customers at the evening entertainment and networking opportunities. Catch up on sleep another time.

10. Spend too much time (or money) sightseeing in San Francisco.

Be sure to leave enough energy to visit the mini-city of Dreamforce in San Francisco instead. The Salesforce Ecosystem creates its own community with high energy, great food, new learnings, and interesting chatter with many friends, partners, and colleagues.

At the of the Dreamforce week, you’ll have sore feet and tired eyes, but you will be happy. Trust me on that one.

See you at Dreamforce 2019!

Inside the Salesforce Ecosystem

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Komal Khilnani

Written by

Business development, strategic alliances and partnerships, is the work that I do. The rest of the time, I’m a writer, poet, philosopher, and mother-of-two.

Inside the Salesforce Ecosystem

Brought to you by Salesforce AppExchange, learn customer and business success insights - straight from leaders in the Salesforce ecosystem.

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