How to Thrive at Dreamforce

Tips from the Salesforce Design team to help you get the most out of your experience.

You’ve got your Dreamforce pass and you’re counting down the days. There’s no better time to make a plan and get the most out of your experience. Some veteran attendees share their tips — and skips — for before, during and after the world’s largest software conference.

Introverts will love the pointers to hidden retreats. Extroverts can start practicing their icebreakers.

From what to pack to whose session to join, here’s what you need to know.

Before

Take some time this week to think about what you want to gain at Dreamforce. If you want to meet design-minded Trailblazers, seek out networking opportunities such as Camp Design in Trailblazer Forest. Hoping for inspiration? Don’t miss luminary speakers from Bono to Jennifer Hudson. Reflecting early on has helped extrovert and Salesforce creative strategy senior director Lauren Peters Lague feel ready from day one. While you’re at it, Salesforce.org lead UX designer James Brush recommends listening to past Dreamforce musicians (e.g. Alicia Keys, Green Day, Bruno Mars, Train) or this year’s act: Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Clarity around your objective can help shape your agenda.

Start reviewing the sessions that are right for you. Sort by role, industry, product, topic, session type and session level. “Also source a few backup sessions,” said Laine Riley Prokay, Salesforce lead design program manager. “Sometimes there isn’t enough seating for every talk!” Seating priority is for Salesforce customers and chairs can fill up fast. You can also put your plan together on the site with Agenda Builder, which lists locations.

Having an agenda is half the battle. You still have to get there!

“Map out each session,” said Tracy Potter, Salesforce UX/UI lead. “So you know where they are and that you’ll have enough time to get from one place to the next.” For example: If you’re going from registration at Moscone West to a keynote at Yerba Buena Theater, it’s about a five-minute walk. The Dreamforce campus map will help you, too. The impulse to over-prepare is strong. Salesforce UX architect Noah Guyot reminds us all, “Be well rested. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy it!”

What to do before Dreamforce:

• Reflect on your objective
• Make your session plan with Agenda Builder
• Study the campus map

During

Bring a water bottle for the refilling stations and a phone charger. Maybe some fruit or granola bars and mints or a toothbrush, too. Unless a session calls for it, the laptop can stay at home. Since Salesforce is making this year the most sustainable Dreamforce, there won’t be a backpack giveaway. If you think you’ll collect a lot of swag, be sure to bring a tote. Comfortable clothes and shoes are a must.

Welcomes ring out when you arrive. You reach the coffee station and want to meet someone in line with you. What do you say?

There are so many types of people in the Salesforce ecosystem. You can’t go wrong by asking how they interact with the platform. Or go straight to offering help like Guyot. He leads with “I’m a [UX Architect]. Anything I can help you with?”

However, there’s no rule that says you need to stick to work. Brush gives out compliments to break the ice — mostly on Salesforce swag. For example: “Whoa! Where did you get that Brandy the Fox plushie?”

Peters Lague always asks personality-driven questions: “Flight or invisibility? Favorite kid’s book? Least favorite school subject? What’s something people don’t know about you?”

Off to the main keynote. Arrive about an hour early to make sure you get a seat. Veteran attendees agree that attending the keynote to learn what co-CEOs Marc Benioff and Bret Taylor have to say is a must. The True to the Core session with Co-Founder and CTO Parker Harris and Chief Product Officer David Schmaier.

When you’re full of insight and intel, take a breather.

Introverts have the best retreats: Riley Prokay sneaks out to Yerba Buena Gardens and Guyot heads to Moscone West’s third-floor balcony (near Fourth Street). There are also a host of airy institutions in the neighborhood. Get some fresh air on a stroll to San Francisco Museum of Art (SF MoMA), the Contemporary Jewish Museum, or the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD). There’s always the floor in the back past the session halls. The key is not to burn out. Wherever feels comfortable is a good place to recharge.

It also might be a good time to post to your social media.

Some attendees, like Salesforce principal architect Adam Doti (@doti), check #DF22 on Twitter hourly. Some post key moments once or twice a day. Other respondents don’t log on at all — but they don’t put their phones away for one important reason: Everyone takes pictures of presentation slides, handouts, and name badges. It’s the best way to keep track of the waves of information coming from every direction.

What to do during Dreamforce:

• Pack light (water bottle & phone charger; fruit or granola bars; mints or toothbrush)
• Pick a go-to icebreaker
• Attend the Main Keynote & True to the Core
• Swing by Camp Design
• Take a breather
• Post to social with #DF22
• Snap photos of materials and badges

After

“Rest!!!!” Salesforce program manager Laura Hermosillo’s four exclamation points come from her experience attending five Dreamforces.

Potter reinforces this idea and plans a rest day right after the conference. Doti, Guyot, and Riley Prokay turn inward to reflect, go to dinner, or be still on the couch. Others enjoy a mindset shift by getting active. You can find Peters Lague on a hike or adventure. Guyot might be out mountain biking.

What to do after Dreamforce

• Turn off your phone
• Find a cozy place
• Rest

Have a tip of your own? Share it in the comments and let other attendees in on the best kept secrets.

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