3 Tips for Dreamforce First-Time Attendees

3 Tips for Dreamforce First-Time Attendees

Never been to Dreamforce before? We've got you covered. Here are a few tips to make the most of it.

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Dreamforce is a whirlwind of innovation, interaction, and inspiration - especially for a first-time attendee. This will be my seventh conference, but there's nothing quite like experiencing it as a newbie. It's exhilarating, informative, and so much fun. But navigating sessions, networking, and the vast Dreamforce campus can be overwhelming.

As you gear up for the three-day event Sept. 17-19 in San Francisco, I want to help make Dreamforce an unforgettable - and smooth - experience. Just consider me your trusty Dreamforce guide. Here are three tips to help you navigate it like a seasoned pro.

What you'll learn

• Build your perfect Dreamforce schedule with Agenda Builder
• Stay in the know with Salesforce Events Mobile App
• Trade uncomfortable networking for real conversations on Connection Hub

1. Build your perfect Dreamforce schedule with Agenda Builder.

Did I mention Dreamforce can be overwhelming? With over 1,500 sessions, you need a game plan to maximize your time (and keep your head from spinning). You can build your perfect agenda with Agenda Builder. Explore, view, and save sessions by date and time. You can even find personalized Trail Maps in the attendee portal with session and activity recommendations. See a session you can't miss? Add it to your agenda. See one that sounds interesting? Add it to your favorites.

Once a session is added to your agenda, you can sync it to your personal calendar so you won't miss a thing. Any schedule changes will update automatically. Kick off your Dreamforce experience with this meetup for Dreamforce first-timers on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 8:00am PST in the Yerba Buena Gardens. Make sure to also add the Marketing and Commerce Keynote, "Build Lasting Relationships" to your agenda for Thursday, Setp. 17 at 11:00am PST. It's a can't-miss session, so grab a coffee and head to Moscone South.

Here's one more thing to keep in mind. Many Breakout and Theater sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. So, arrive early, grab a spot in line, and be sure to have a backup session ready in your agenda.

We've made the process a bit easier this year too. For the first time, you can reserve a seat for select session types, including Roundtables, Workshops, Hands-on Trainings, and Certifications. There is no waitlist for these sessions. Once they fill up, you can favorite them, check back to see if space becomes available, or join the standby line onsite. So don't wait - reserve your spot now.

2. Stay in the know with Salesforce Events Mobile App.

You've added your sessions to Agenda Builder, and you feel ready to go. But, when you're on the Dreamforce campus, you don't want to be searching for your session location and miss it entirely. Or, you may have unexpected questions or last minute agenda items you want to add. And you have to take time to eat, so you'll want to make note of meal times and locations.

To keep you organized on the go, you can access your personalized agenda in the palm of your hand with our Events Mobile App. Get special access to onsite maps, find session details and locations, listen to live session audio, book meetings with product experts, and more.

3. Trade uncomfortable networking for real conversations on Connection Hub.

Conferences can be a lot of chit-chat. That's fun but not always productive. Dive deeper into solutions and network with peers on the Connection Hub. This platform allows you to skip the traditional networking and foster authentic conversations by booking in-person or virtual meetups, product expert meetings, and more.

For example, book a Braindate appointment to collaborate with others who share your passions. You can select a one-on-one or small group meetup based on specific topics and questions. Or, create your own topic and invite others to join. Together you can solve problems, brainstorm, take a deep dive on your topic, or leave room for various questions with an open discussion. Whether you meet virtually or in the Braindate lounge, there is no small talk - only conversations that really matter to you.

Check out these other can't-miss activities, like scheduling 1-to-1 time with Ask the Experts to get your product questions answered, checking out a Marketing Cloud demo in the Campground, or connecting with peers in the Marketing and Commerce Lodge. Don't forget to also sync your LinkedIn to the QR code on your badge to make onsite connections seamless.

All the details about Dreamforce 2024

Want to learn more about Dreamforce and all of the exciting happenings? Still have questions about registration, accommodations, or how to stream from home? We have your answers in this FAQ.

The key to a great first-time Dreamforce experience is to embrace the adventure, make new friends, and soak up all the knowledge you can. Don't forget to share your experience with others. Use hashtag #DF24 on social, and tag us @marketingcloud on Twitter or @salesforcemarketingcloud on LinkedIn. We can't wait to see you there. Happy Dreamforce!

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Katie Wheeler is a senior manager of product marketing for Marketing Cloud based in Indianapolis, IN. She has 17 years of digital marketing experience and she's passionate about real-time personalization. Wheeler also loves to spotlight Trailblazers who use Marketing Cloud Personalization in... Read More innovative ways to connect with their customers one-to-one.