Listen up Salesforce newbies, this one’s for you. The buzz online and within our community has started, and you might be wondering what is this ‘Dreamforce’ all about. For some Trailblazers — our community of customers, partners, and employees — it’s an experience like no other. So what exactly is Dreamforce? Here’s your crash course on the Salesforce event of the year.
A Dreamforce history lesson
Started in 2003, Dreamforce is more than just a conference — it’s a celebration of Trailblazer and customer success. Held over four days in San Francisco during our spring, Trailblazers travel from across the globe to share their stories, hear from inspiring keynotes, attend sessions and workshops and learn from each other.
Last year, Dreamforce hosted more than 170,000 registered attendees from all over the world, with even more catching the action via Salesforce Live or Twitter — more than 13 million to be exact.
And that’s the beauty of Dreamforce – it’s designed with all Trailblazers in mind. Whether you’re a company of five or a Fortune 500, there’s going to be something to take away by attending or streaming Dreamforce.
Whether you’re there to learn, be inspired, give back or have a lot of fun, here’s what to expect.
Dreamforce expands your learning
At its core, Dreamforce is a learning experience. You can transform your career with knowledge from 2,700+ breakout sessions, take part in training and certification opportunities, see hands-on demos, and meet hundreds of partners with solutions to help you grow. Obviously there is a lot on offer and the key is to plan, plan, plan! Here are a few locations that are packed with learning opportunities:
- Keynote and breakout sessions. Get inspired by the leaders looking into the future and hear how they use technology to reach and engage their customers like never before.
- Trailhead Zone. Meet Community Leaders, explore demos to learn about the latest Salesforce technologies, talk with product experts, discover how Trailhead helps you learn new skills, and learn tips, and tricks that help companies become more customer-centric.
- Customer Success Expo and Campground. Meet Salesforce product experts, test drive thousands of customer success solutions, get immersed in industry experiences, and get to know hundreds of partners offering innovative ways to help you transform your business, all in one location.
Dreamforce delivers thought leadership
Every year, the world’s most innovative minds come to Dreamforce to inspire, excite, and motivate attendees. From former Vice President Al Gore talking about the climate crisis, to Tristan Harris advising on ethics in artificial intelligence, to actor Tracee Ellis Ross and Olympian Adam Rippon discussing equality and paving the way forward in their respective field, Dreamforce delivers some memorable moments (and that was only a few of the highlights from 2018!).
Dreamforce is an opportunity to help the community
We believe amazing things happen when we work together to help others. For those at Dreamforce they have the opportunity to make an impact on the community, whether that be stuffing backpacks with school supplies, participating in a book drive, packing kits for natural disaster victims, or volunteering time to help young adults build their professional networks. Giving back is part of the Salesforce DNA and in the past we’ve supported organisations like Girl Scouts of America, (RED), and many more.
There is no party like a Dreamforce party
It’s always a celebration when Trailblazers get together and Dreamforce is the biggest of all. From impromptu dance parties, selfies with friends, and a little karaoke, Dreamforce becomes a celebration of all things Trailblazer. There’s also a lot of networking opportunities, from the numerous power breakfasts and lunches to cocktails and meetups at local watering holes. And after a long day of learning, there’s nothing like getting your dance on at one of the numerous parties and events, capped off with the ultimate party: Dreamfest.
Part party, part music festival (U2, Alicia Keys, Metallica, Janet Jackson and Bruno Mars have all played), and part fundraiser benefit, Dreamfest benefits the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, which to date has received $73 million in support thanks to the generosity of the Salesforce community.
Stay up to date on all things Dreamforce
This year, Dreamforce is 19-22 November 2019, and while registrations are now sold out, there are other ways you can ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action:
- The Dreamforce website is your official go-to. Here you’ll find schedules and speakers leading up to and during the conference.
- Go behind the scenes with Salesforce’s own live-streamed web series The Road to Dreamforce. For all the latest news and tips on how to maximise your Dreamforce experience, tune in every Friday morning from now until Dreamforce for the newest episode.
- Right here on the Salesforce ANZ blog! We will be sharing previews of what’s to come and publishing daily up-dates.
- Connect with fellow Trailblazers and join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram. Get on-the-ground coverage of the event when you follow @Dreamforce, and news and insights from @SalesforceAPAC. And don’t forget to follow and use the hashtag #DF19.
Watch along at home on Salesforce LIVE and subscribe to the Salesforce blog for all the announcements and highlights throughout the week.
