Dive Deeper into the Salesforce Ecosystem: Top Events at Dreamforce 2024

As Dreamforce 2024 approaches, the excitement is palpable, with attendees eagerly anticipating more than just the main keynotes and sessions. This year, the side events promise to be a goldmine for networking opportunities, immersive workshops, and an in-depth exploration of the Salesforce ecosystem.

These exclusive gatherings, often hosted by industry leaders and innovators, are designed to elevate your understanding of Salesforce while connecting you with like-minded professionals ready to collaborate and inspire.

Plan Ahead for Success

Attending a major event like Dreamforce can be an exhilarating yet overwhelming experience, so it's essential to approach it with a plan to ensure you make the most of your time. Here are some key strategies to help you stay comfortable, engaged, and prepared for whatever the event throws your way.

1. Register early: Dreamforce sessions, parties, and other events fill up fast. Make sure to register for your must-attend sessions and events as soon as registration opens. But don't just stop there—show up early to avoid long lines and the disappointment of being turned away at the door due to capacity limits. After-hours gatherings are often some of the most memorable parts of the experience, so don't miss out because you were fashionably late.
2. Know the lay of the land: Dreamforce can feel like navigating a new city. Spend some time reviewing both the event schedule and maps of the venue and surrounding areas. Having a plan for getting from one session to another will reduce stress and make you feel more in control.
3. Connect with people efficiently: Make sure your phone is pre-loaded with contacts of people you intend to meet. Maximize networking time without losing track of each other in the crowd. Try using an electronic business card, accesible via your iPhone Wallet or a website. This way, you'll reduce unnecessary use of paper and never run out of cards to give out.

Prioritize Comfort

1. Wear comfortable shoes: Dreamforce often involves miles of walking between venues, sessions, and events. Wearing comfortable shoes is a non-negotiable.
2. Dress in layers: San Francisco’s weather can change drastically throughout the day. A lightweight jacket, windbreaker, or a breathable base layer will help you stay warm without overheating.
3. Pack smart: Keep your day bag light but functional. A tablet or phone for taking notes will save you from carrying a bulky laptop, and snapping photos of slides can be just as effective. Essentials like a portable charger, snacks, and a water bottle will help you stay energized.

Now, let's dive into the top side events at Dreamforce 2024!

Sunday, September 15

Morning ??

Home Runs with Copado: Kick off your Dreamforce experience with some baseball! Join Copado at Oracle Park to catch the Giants in action. The game starts at 1:05 PM at Oracle Park.

Afternoon ??

Valo’s Sauna and Spa Sunday: Recover from your travels and connect with fellow Trailblazers at Alchemy Springs & House Spa. Towels are provided, but don’t forget your swimsuit! This relaxing event runs from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM at Alchemy Springs, 939 Post St.

Monday, September 16

Morning ??

The CIO for Good Summit: Cloud for Good invites CIOs and tech leaders in nonprofits and higher education to Shack15 for an insightful summit. Join us from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Shack15, Ferry Building 1.

Afternoon ??

Salesforce Sunshine Stroll with Jack McCurdy: Join Dreamforce veteran Jack McCurdy for a scenic walking tour of San Francisco. Enjoy a tasty treat at the famous Ferry Building along the way. The stroll begins at 4:00 PM from 149 New Montgomery St.

Party Blazers’ Blaze Fest: Head to Pink Elephant to network with MVPs, Golden Hoodies, Community Group Leaders, Partners, and Customers. Enjoy drinks and food while supporting a charity cause from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Pink Elephant, 142 Minna St.

Evening ??

Dreamforce Reception: Jumpstart your week with G2 and Totango + Catalyst! The event starts at 6:00 PM and ends at 8:00 PM, at The Battery, 717 Battery St. Reserve your spot here, and if you're going, let me know! I'll be there and would love to connect.

Valo’s Evening on AI: Get a head start on Dreamforce ’24 at Valo.ai’s launch party featuring an AI panel, dinner, drinks, and music. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at SPUR, 654 Mission St.

GRAX’s Dreamforce Happy Hour: Experience Gatsby-style elegance at The Harlequin while mingling with fellow Salesforce Trailblazers over appetizers and drinks from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Harlequin, 68 4th St.

E Komo Mai Kick-off: Join Crowe at Novela for one of Dreamforce’s longest-running welcome parties. Enjoy craft cocktails, food, and music as you reconnect with old friends and meet new ones from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Novela, 662 Mission St.

Tuesday, September 17

Morning ??

DF24 Newbie Reunion “Bacon” Breakfast: Start your second day at Dreamforce with a hearty breakfast and networking event. Your $45 ticket includes a delicious meal and a variety of beverages from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM at Sears Fine Food, 439 Powell St.

Manufacturing Cloud Over Breakfast: Join mindZvue for an exclusive breakfast session featuring TE Connectivity’s insights on transforming operations with Salesforce from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at B55 Craft House & Kitchen, 780 Mission St.

Afternoon ??

Birdies and Brews with Northlight: Swing by Eagle Club Indoor Golf for a networking event with Northlight. Golf, connect, and discuss ways to enhance your lead-to-cash process from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Eagle Club Indoor Golf, 840 Folsom St.

Healthcare and Life Sciences Dreamforce Happy Hour: Connect with peers in healthcare and life sciences at a happy hour hosted by Infosys, Simplus, and Fluido from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at The Social Restaurant at the Canopy Hotel, 250 4th St.

Evening ??

Women in Financial Services Panel and Cocktail Hour: Head to Zenn Sky Lounge for a panel discussion featuring women in financial services, complemented by cocktails during happy hour from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Zenn Sky Lounge, 3rd St.

The SaaS Startup Hour: Join Salesforce for a lively happy hour with the global B2B SaaS startup community from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Hotel Zetta, 55 5th St.

Blazer Fest Day 1 Party: Connect with fellow trailblazers and enjoy the first day of Blazer Fest at Dreamforce ’24. Support charitable causes while enjoying great company from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Pink Elephant, 142 Minna St.

“Taste of San Francisco” Happy Hour: Explore San Francisco’s culinary delights at Local Kitchen with Hike2. Enjoy cocktails and savor the city’s rich food history starting at 5:00 PM at Local Kitchen, 251 1st St.

Women in Tech Happy Hour at The Alchemist Bar: Network with trailblazing women in tech and enjoy happy hour specials at The Alchemist Bar from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Alchemist Bar, 1417 Geary Blvd.

Thursday, September 19

Morning ??

Nonprofit Cloud Over Breakfast: Join mindZvue and The Mission Continues team for an inspiring look at how Salesforce is empowering nonprofits to create lasting change. Details: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM, B55 Craft House & Kitchen, 780 Mission St.

Afternoon ??

Copado’s Closing Happy Hour: As your Dreamforce experience comes to a close, make sure to head over to the Trellis Coworking Space and enjoy some food and drinks before heading home. Details: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Trellis Coworking Space.

Evening ??

12th Annual michaelforce.org Cigar Shindig: As the keynotes wrap up and the Dreamforce excitement settles, why not digest in some drinks and cigars with michaelforce.org? Don’t miss out on this highly-anticipated event that has become a staple in the Dreamforce community. Details: 6:00 PM – late, Cigar Bar and Grill, 850 Montgomery St.

Wrapping up

As I wrap up the preview of Dreamforce 2024, it's clear that this year promises an exceptional blend of innovation, inspiration, and invaluable connections. Whether you're diving into the latest Salesforce technologies, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, or networking at after-hours events, you are sure to leave with new insights and relationships that will propel your professional journey forward.

If you'd like to connect at Dreamforce, send me a DM or email at [email protected]!

Attending a massive event like Dreamforce is a rewarding experience, but preparation is key to ensuring you get the most out of it. By planning ahead, dressing for success, and taking care of your physical well-being, you can stay focused and energized, ready to make the most of every opportunity that comes your way.

I look forward to seeing you there, ready to explore, innovate, and transform. Safe travels and let the countdown to Dreamforce 2024 begin!