Insider’s Practical Guide to Dreamforce Success

For many, Dreamforce can be as exciting as the Olympics. If you're attending for the first time, it's best to do a little prep. There are a number of articles out there, including this terrific one from Salesforce Ben.?

However, no guide is complete on its own. Consider the following recommendations to ensure you stay comfortable and positive and get the most out of this incredible event.

Planning Is Key

1. Register for sessions early. Many events have limited space, while major events require showing up early to wait in line.
2. Register for parties and events early and show up early. After parties, happy hours, and pre-funcs are among the most fun and rewarding moments of Dreamforce. If you are prone to FOMO, register for parties and functions today. Also, just because you registered doesn't guarantee you entry if the space is at capacity, so show up on time or early. This is one of those times when being fashionably late can leave you unfashionably on the sidewalk, wondering what to do with yourself. It's happened to me, and it's a bummer. You might also want to register for Bay Area Trailblazer Community groups that will usually hold events around Dreamforce time too.
3. Map it out. Review the conference and city maps so you know where you're going from one session or party to the next. This is much like going to a new school and mapping out your classrooms before your first day. You'll reduce stress, minimize feeling overwhelmed, and be fresh for networking without looking harried.
4. Load up your contacts. Most of us will be connecting with people we know or want to meet. Loading these contacts into your phone will make finding each other much easier than sending out emails to try to connect. Texting is your friend, as are DMs on your favorite Slack channels.

Get Comfortable

1. Wear comfortable shoes. It's possible to log eight or more miles a day walking to the conference, events, sessions, and parties. Comfortable shoes (and a few band-aids in the backpack) can ensure you're focused on learning and networking rather than your sore feet. Whatever you do, don't bring shoes you haven't broken in. It's a major rookie error that can have you benched fast.
2. Layer up. Temps in San Francisco can fluctuate wildly as the sun dips down. If your accommodations aren't close by, you could find yourself shivering well into the evening. Chuck in a lightweight windbreaker or fleece, or do what I do and pack a wool undershirt. Any breathable base layer will help keep you warm and dry.
3. Pack for the day as light as you can. Toting your 4lb, 16-inch laptop all day may lead to instant regret. Give your shoulders a break and opt for a tablet if you have one, or just your phone. In fact, snapping photos of session slides is an easy way to capture what you're learning, laptop-not-required. Make sure your phone is charged to capacity.

Recommended Day-Pack Items

• Water bottle (pack electrolyte powders, too.)
• Portable phone battery charger and cable
• Small snacks for an energy boost (especially if you have allergies and there are limited options)
• Packable windbreaker or equivalent
• Band-aids, Advil, comb or brush, or any other essentials you usually take
• Handkerchief or something to wipe the sweat from your face after running a 6-minute mile to your next meeting
• Hand sanitizer

Dress to Attract the People You Want to Network With

I've met very few people who want to be told how to dress. That said, ignoring its impact on first impressions is foolish. You could meet your next hire, your next employer, your next client, or simply get lost in the crowd. How you present yourself will partially determine your opportunities.

Here's what a summary from Perplexity shared: While clothing is not the sole determinant of success, it plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and influencing both personal and professional outcomes. Dressing strategically, in a way that aligns with personal and professional goals, can provide a competitive edge in various aspects of life.

Some folks like to peacock, others go all-in on hoodie culture. Whatever your style is, be true to yourself without limiting yourself. When in doubt, dress up, not down.

I'm shocked at how many people show up to a $2000 event looking like they just paved a driveway. You don't need expensive clothes to look and feel great, just spend a little more effort on your event wardrobe than you do for your remote, home office workplace attire, and you'll do great.?

Remember, folks are coming from all over the world. If you're on the job hunt and you're from, say, Portland, Oregon, be aware the folks from the East Coast are likely to be more buttoned up than you. If that's your audience, dress accordingly.

Dress Code Basics

• No rips, tears, or frays.
• Clean shoes in good condition. Same for a belt, if you wear one.
• Go wrinkle-free whenever possible.
• Baggy is for breakdancers. Don't be a Raygun! Wear clothes that fit your body.
• Want to disappear? Wear your hoodie.
• Want to stand out? Have good posture, make eye contact, and smile. These are the lightest weight things to pack.

Maintaining Your Energy and Staying Healthy

Jet lag, overdrinking, dehydration, crappy food, and contagious diseases lurk at every conference, but especially at massive attendance global draws like Dreamforce. Here's how to minimize the risks and go home fresh.

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Start before you jump on a plane ride that will wilt you like a 10-day-old rose. Use electrolyte powders so your body absorbs the water and your brain stays fresh.
2. Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands regularly. Use after hugging and handshake sessions, or simply do the old elbow bump. Stop touching your face, too!
3. Eat healthy. Skip anything that will lead to sugar crashes, including donuts, muffins, and other high-carb, high-sugar foods. Find a way to get some fresh veggies in your diet or pack some fiber powder.
4. Don't overdo the drinking on days one and two. If you do drink, keep it moderate. Be kind to your future self by making good decisions today. Conference rookies are notorious for blowing this. It's not a college frat party, it's a professional conference. Cutting loose is expected, but not at the expense of tomorrow.
5. Don't close the party. Get some sleep!
6. Stretch. The amount of walking and standing around (my back’s least favorite thing to do) is pretty impressive, so a little stretch session before bed can help you feel vibrant the next day.

Are You Attending Dreamforce 2024?

I’ll be in San Francisco from September 16-20. Let’s connect during the conference. Leave a comment saying “trailblazer,” and we’ll find a time to meet.?