The Complete Guide to Making the Most of Dreamforce 2024

It’s official. Dreamforce 2024, in San Francisco, CA and on Salesforce+, is back, and it’s bigger than ever.

Registration opens early June. I couldn’t be more excited to be attending in person again this year. This time, however, in a different capacity than in past years.

I have a bit of history with Dreamforce, and it started back in 2015 when I attended the event in person as a customer of Salesforce. I was then the VP of Sales, and I was excited beyond measure as this was the event of all events to attend.

History of Dreamforce

Fast-forward to 2017, two years after I started my own business, I was the CEO of Vengreso and was rising fast as a sales influencer. That year, I was invited to attend the Dreamfest as a speaker for a Sales Cloud segment on Sales Enablement.

Fast forward again one more year, in early 2018 I received a phone call. It was Salesforce.com!

They asked me to set up an interview as a potential star for a documentary they were creating. They met with various sales influencers from around the world. Turns out, I was one of 20 sales influencers invited to appear in a sales documentary, “The Story of Sales“.

I still remember walking into the Salesforce tower, 415 Mission Street, San Francisco CA 94105, thinking “what in the heck, how did I get here?”

The following year, 2019 I was invited again to speak at the Sales Enablement Soirée at Dreamforce and 2020… well we all know what happened.

That brings me to the present, when Dreamforce welcomes us all back in person or via the new streaming service called Salesforce+. This global reunion is back and stronger than ever before with keynotes like you wouldn’t believe, and on demand capabilities across every topic covering every industry.

What is Dreamforce?

Dreamforce will be a world-wide tech conference. This is Salesforce’s biggest event and has more than a hundred fifty thousand visitors occupying San Francisco over a few days. More than 1,000 sessions – with keynote speakers delivering powerful speeches to help you grow and scale. Thousands of Salesforce pioneers are invited to attend this event in a worldwide format. The Dreamforce experience is more than just a conference.

Dreamforce is Salesforce’s legendary annual in-person event. It’s the largest software conference in the world and an unmissable experience for anyone in the Salesforce community.

This giant gathering of customers, partners and employees is a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, have fun and give back. Trailblazers from all over the world are coming together to share their insights, successes, and learn the latest in industry innovations.

Dreamforce 2024 Stats at a Glance

• When: September 17-19, 2024 starting at 10:00 a.m.
• Where: San Francisco, CA
• Attendees: 200,000+
• Partners: 25k square feet of booths
• Breakouts: 1,500+

Dreamforce Pricing and Registration

You’ll want to check Salesforce Dreamforce website for pricing and Registration. Once you register they will “assault” you with all kinds of information about Dreamforce!

What’s on the Agenda?

It includes more than 100 workshops over three days. Expect a keynote presentation from your favorite product as well as a small, more intimate presentations covering almost every topic you can think of!

How to Convince your Boss to Let you Attend Dreamforce 2024

Everyone knows Dreamforce isn’t cheap, especially when it comes time to book a hotel. Don’t get me started on the cost of hotels and how opportunistic they become in terms of price gouging.

Nonetheless, if you’re looking for the perfect justification to get your boss to say “yes” to let you join the rest of the attendees at Dreamforce, then look no further. Salesforce put together the “Dreamforce – Convince Your Boss Letter.”

When is Dreamforce?

Dreamforce is organized every year at the end of autumn, most commonly at the beginning of September.

The event this year will be held from September 17 to 19, 2024.

Tickets are sold here. Registrations are still open for those with a code, and certainly you can register for free via Salesforce+.

Is Dreamforce Worth Attending?

As mentioned earlier, I had a chance to reach out to some Trailblazing veterans to get their opinion.

Allow me first to introduce you to Shirley and Rob

Shirley Costa– Sr. Client Partner, Korn Ferry’s Digital Business

Prior to Korn Ferry, Costa worked at Salesforce for more than 10 years when she was a success leader in the enterprise division. She has significant experience working to help drive client success and developing innovative programs to deliver exceptional experiences

Rob Sparno– Sr. VP and Client Partner, Korn Ferry

Rob is a Salesforce alumnus of 9 years. He is an innovative, high-energy leader with a proven track record in strategic alliance management, broad partner ecosystem development, creative Go To Market design, and consultative selling of Cloud software and services with partners.

So, is Dreamforce worth attending?

Yes! You better believe it. Yes, you should join us!

Don’t just take my word for it. I love what Rob said: “This isn’t your average trade show. You should come to Dreamforce expecting to be challenged, to be inspired and to learn new things.”

Who Attends Dreamforce?

Administrators, Developers, Architects, Newbies, Sales/Marketing Leaders and Trailblazer alike.  Dreamforce will serve everyone who works within Salesforce.com’s ecosystem – from all teams across all industries.

The past few years have brought in more than 160,000 attendees!

6 Reasons Why You Should Attend Dreamforce 2024?

Here are six reasons why you should attend Dreamforce:

1. You get to meet people who are just as obsessed with Salesforce as you are. It’s like a big family reunion, but with less awkward small talk and more high-fives.
2. The sessions are actually informative and helpful. You’ll learn things that you can actually apply to your job and impress your boss with.
3. The swag is top-notch. I’m talking t-shirts, water bottles, phone chargers, and more. It’s like Christmas, but in September.
4. The parties are wild. You’ll dance, you’ll drink, you’ll make new friends. Just make sure to stay hydrated and pace yourself.
5. You’ll get a chance to explore San Francisco. It’s a beautiful city with so much to see and do. Take advantage of your time there and make some memories.
6. You’ll leave feeling inspired and motivated. Dreamforce is like a shot of adrenaline for your career. You’ll come back to work ready to take on the world (or at least your inbox).

Ways to Attend Dreamforce 2024

Dreamforce is about to sell out and the epic family reunion is just within a stone’s throw from you. But there’s a waitlist, and when you register you can watch sessions on Salesforce+.

Join the waitlist today or register here for the in-person experience if you have a code.

Preparation Tips for a Virtual Experience of Dreamforce 2024 via Salesforce+

As mentioned, you can register for a truly immersive Dreamforce experience from anywhere. Three days streaming live on two channels with 72 hours of content, global takeovers, and 200+ on-demand episodes.

Where is Dreamforce?

Since 2003, San Francisco, Caliefornia has been Dreamforce’s official home. In 2020 and 2021 Salesforce+ provided virtual and online events. In 2022, it was held at the Moscone Center, just a few blocks from the Salesforce Tower.

Salesforce+ offers stress-free and enjoyable e-commerce content without travel expenses and flights!

Where Are All of the Free Parties To Attend While at Dreamforce?

Ahhh the infamous parties happening at Dreamforce! Yes, I only attend for the parties. Shh – don’t tell them I said this.

Well speaking of fun, you won’t want to miss out on the parties happening throughout the week while you’re there. From rooftop soirees to exclusive after-parties, there’s something for everyone!

So, grab your calendar and get ready to mark down the hottest party spots of Dreamforce 2024 as we will unveil the list right here so you can begin to register for FREE food and swag!

Sunday, September 15th

• Home Runs with Copado at Oracle Park (1:05 PM, Oracle Park)
• CIO For Good Summit at Shack15 (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Shack15, Ferry Building 1)
• Salesforce Sunshine Stroll with Jack McCurdy (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 149 New Montgomery St.)

Monday, September 16th

• The CIO For Good Summit (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Shack15, Ferry Building 1)
• Salesforce Sunshine Stroll with Jack McCurdy (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, 149 New Montgomery St.)
• Party Blazers’ Blaze Fest (4:30 PM – 6:30 PM, Pink Elephant, 142 Minna St.)
• GRAX’s Dreamforce Happy Hour (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, The Harlequin, 68 4th St.)
• E Komo Mai Kick-off (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Novela, 662 Mission St.)
• Gearset’s Rookie Rendezvous (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, House of Shields, 39 New Montgomery St.)
• Data Cloud Delights: A Wine and Chocolate Soirée (5:30 PM, Elements Retreat, Floor 2 Werqwise)
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Charity Poker Night (5:30 PM, Hyatt Regency SOMA, 50 3rd St.)
• Sercante’s Marketer Meet-up (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Yerba Beuna Bar, 141 2nd St.)

Tuesday, September 17th

• DF24 Newbie Reunion “Bacon” Breakfast (6:30 AM – 8:30 AM, Sears Fine Food, 439 Powell St.)
• Dreamforce Keynote Watch Party at INSPIRE (10:00 AM, INSPIRE Lounge, 201 3rd St.)
• Healthcare and Life Sciences Dreamforce Happy Hour (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, The Social Restaurant at the Canopy Hotel, 250 4th St.)
• Cheers & Chat: Customer Appreciation Celebration (4:00 PM, The Grove, 690 Mission St.)
• Women in Financial Services Panel and Cocktail Hour (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Zenn Sky Lounge, 3rd St.)
• Copado and EPAM’s Networking Happy Hour (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Trellis Coworking Space)
• Gerent’s “Food, Fun, and Friends on Folsom Street” Happy Hour (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Buena Vida Cantina, 860 Folsom St.)
• Unwind and Connect at Globant’s Dreamforce Happy Hour Celebration (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, 875 Howard Street, Suite 320)
• Thunder’s Dreamforce Data Cloud Party (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, The Lounge, 201 3rd St.)
• Coastal’s Sunset Soirée (5:30 PM, INSPIRE Lounge, 201 3rd St.)
• Dreamforce Dreamboat Sunset Cruise (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Pier 3)
• AI Visionaries: Connect Over Cocktails (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Natoma Cabana, 90 Natoma St.)
• Sercante’s “In The Clouds” After Party (7:00 PM – 12:00 AM, 715 Harrison St.)

Wednesday, September 18th

• Dreamforce Community Fun Run (6:00 AM, 1 Ferry Building)
• Rise & Shine Community Breakfast (7:30 AM, The Grove, 690 Mission St.)
• Rise and Shine: Reimagining Faith in the Age of AI (8:30 AM, INSPIRE Lounge, 201 3rd St.)
• Elements.cloud Breakfast Briefing (8:30 AM, Elements Retreat, Floor 2 Werqwise)
• Breakfast Bytes: Cybersecurity With Hackbusters (8:30 AM, The Grove, 690 Mission St.)
• Financial Services Community Appreciation Cocktail Hour (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Zenn Sky Lounge, 3rd St.)
• Raise Your Glass: The Pink Pre-Concert Happy Hour (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, The Grove, 690 Mission St.)
• Copado’s Coworking Happy Hour (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Trellis Coworking Space)
• The Outreachella Happy Hour (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Joyride Pizza, Yerba Buena Gardens)
• Copado’s Dreamfest Shuttle Adventure (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM, Trellis Coworking 981 Mission St.)
• Get the Party Started: Pre-Conference Happy Hour (5:00 PM, INSPIRE Lounge, 201 3rd St.)
• Dreamfest (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Oracle Park)
• Idealist Consulting’s Engagement Party (8:00 PM – Late, Monarch Night Club, 101 6th St.)

Thursday, September 19th

• Nonprofit Cloud Over Breakfast (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM, B55 Craft House & Kitchen, 780 Mission St.)
• Copado’s Closing Happy Hour (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Trellis Coworking Space)
• Elements.cloud Wine Down (5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Elements.cloud Retreat, 149 New Montgomery St.)
• 12th Annual michaelforce.org Cigar Shindig (6:00 PM – Late, Cigar Bar and Grill, 850 Montgomery St.)

Enjoy Dreamforce with a mix of networking, learning, and entertainment at these top events!

7 Things You Must Do at Dreamforce 2024

1. Make new connections

This is the world’s biggest water cooler conversation. Dreamforce has networking opportunities at every turn. It’s really your chance to connect with the most interesting brands on the planet, meet visionaries and changemakers and leaders from organizations of every size, and mingle with an incredible network of partners whose tech helps solve sales challenges.

You can say hello to Salesforce employees and experts and talk to Trailblazers who are MVPs at what they do.

2. Get clued-in at the Dreamforce Keynote

The Salesforce event will kick off with an opening keynote live from the Moscone Center, featuring the latest and greatest Salesforce announcements and product innovations.

Everyone’s going to be there, so don’t miss it.

3. Explore the Campground

The Dreamforce Campground is the center of action at the event, and it’s huge. It’s your one-stop-shop to immerse yourself in the Salesforce ecosystem to learn about top industries, customers, and the entire Customer Success Platform, with hands-on product demos, theater sessions and workshops. Get ready to have your mind blown.

4.Career-making Breakout Sessions

Dreamforce is all about learning. Last year’s event includes over 1,000 breakout sessions and 50+ workshops to help you gain new skills and get more from the Salesforce ecosystem. You can expect more this year. Technical sessions often highlight powerful Salesforce SFTP integration capabilities that enable secure data transfers between Salesforce and external systems.

Get hands-on experience of all the latest innovations and get ahead of the Salesforce game.

5. Be Inspired by the Best of the Best

Hundreds of expert and luminary speakers will be there to share their powerful insights and fresh perspectives. Past year’s speakers include superstars Matthew McConaughey, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Bono, Jennifer Hudson, and so many more.

You’ll get plenty of inspiring stories and quotes so have your social apps ready.

6. Congratulate the Winners

Each year the Salesforce Partner Innovation Awards celebrate the success and innovation of Salesforce partners by recognizing cutting-edge customer solutions and partner contributions.

For example, in the past, Korn Ferry nominated Resideo for an ISV Consumer Product Goods Industry Story award for their shift towards customer centricity for key strategic accounts, a move that uncovered more than $300M in potential revenue opportunities. Winners are announced beforehand and celebrated at Dreamforce.

7. Go Deep into Sales Cloud

If you’re in sales, don’t miss the Sales Cloud Keynote. As well as learning about the latest Sales Cloud innovations, you’ll hear from Trailblazers sharing powerful stories about how they are using Salesforce Sales Cloud to transform their business.

It’s your chance to leverage Salesforce’s specialist sales expertise and find new ways to drive business success and innovation.

Where Should I Stay?

Dreamforce attracts many visitors to San Francisco, so the market for accommodations is very competitive! After registering, the next thing is booking a stay. It is urged to book early, so you have a place to sleep!

As for affordable housing while at Dreamforce… well, let’s just say you’re paying $1K to $2.5K per night for hotels this late in the game.

After you register, you’ll have the option to “book a hotel” but likely you won’t find anything there. So rather than sleeping at 415 Mission Street, 3rd floor or on location, I recommend you find any available hotel within a 2-mile radius of Dreamforce 2024.

Pro Tip: You should filter the online search for accommodation that has free cancellations.

Dreamforce FAQ’s – 2024

I found it super helpful to have one complete list of Dreamforce FAQs all in one location. Since I found it helpful, My guess is you’ll find it helpful too..

Dreamforce Sponsors – 2024

Want to take a quick peek at the sponsors for Dreamforce 2024? We got you covered with that too!

And there you have it! A complete guide and all the recommendations needed for attending and making the most of Dreamforce 2024.