Introduction

Are you attending Dreamforce for the first time? If you are, you’re in for a wild ride. Dreamforce isn’t just another tech event. It’s part conference, part festival, part marathon. You’ll find yourself in the middle of packed keynotes, endless breakout sessions, live music, food trucks, and about 40,000 people all buzzing about Salesforce.

Sounds exciting, right? It is. But let’s be honest, for first-timers it can also feel overwhelming. The energy is incredible, the opportunities are everywhere, but without a little prep you might miss out on the best bits. So here’s the kicker: with the right game plan, you’ll walk away not just with notes, but with new ideas, real connections, and maybe even a spark of inspiration you didn’t expect.

1. Plan your agenda, but don’t overdo it

Dreamforce is huge — hundreds of sessions happening at the same time. If you wait until you’re standing in the Moscone Center to decide where to go, you’ll be lost. Use the official Salesforce Dreamforce site to bookmark your must-see keynotes and workshops.

That said, don’t pack your schedule too tight. Leave space for spontaneous moments — a conversation in line, a surprise demo, or just a break to recharge. Funny enough, the most memorable insights at Dreamforce usually pop up when you’re not following the agenda — maybe during a hallway chat or a coffee line conversation.

2. Networking is half the experience

Yes, you’ll learn a lot from speakers. But the real magic often happens in conversations. Bring business cards (old school, but still useful), and make sure your LinkedIn and Trailblazer Community profiles are up-to-date.

Picture this: you’re waiting for coffee, chatting with someone from across the globe, and realize you’re tackling the same challenges in totally different ways. That quick chat? It could be the start of your next collaboration or customer relationship.

3. Dress for comfort, not just style

San Francisco weather is unpredictable. One moment it’s sunny, the next the fog rolls in. Pack light layers and, most importantly, comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking — a lot.

Did you know? One first-timer joked that Dreamforce felt like a tech marathon — their step counter hit record numbers, and their shoes gave up halfway through. Don’t repeat that mistake.

4. Explore the full ecosystem

Don’t just stick to sessions. The expo floor, lounges, and partner booths are packed with ideas. If you’ve been curious about a new Salesforce integration, Dreamforce is the perfect place to explore. Walk the expo floor, chat with vendors, ask questions you normally don’t get to ask.

Even if you don’t sign up for anything, you’ll head home with a few fresh ideas on how to stretch Salesforce further in your business.

5. Don’t forget self-care

Dreamforce isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon. The energy is nonstop — sessions, networking, and plenty of walking. If you’re not careful, it can drain you. Bring a water bottle, keep some snacks handy, and don’t be afraid to step outside for a breather. Even ten minutes of quiet can reset your focus.

Why This Matters for Businesses and Consulting Partners

For us at The Pinq Clouds, Dreamforce is more than just another Salesforce event. It’s where we hear directly what challenges companies are facing, where Salesforce is putting its energy, and which trends are shaping the next year.

  • Leaders: Get a head start spotting trends before competitors do.
  • For partners: it’s about making connections that last and sharpening the skills that keep you ahead.
  • Customers: See proof that Salesforce is moving quickly to support new business realities.

The conversations and sessions at Dreamforce often guide the advice we bring back to clients.

What Companies Should Do Next

If you’re preparing for Dreamforce, here’s a practical checklist:

  • Set your goals. Know if you’re going for learning, networking, or scouting tech.
  • Reserve early. Sign up for high-demand sessions in advance.
  • Divide and conquer. If you’re attending as a team, split sessions and regroup to share notes.
  • Follow up fast. Reach out to contacts within a week while conversations are fresh.

Don’t let those new connections fade. Drop a quick message or set up a follow-up call within the week, while the conversation is still fresh in their mind.

Wrapping Up

Attending Dreamforce for the first time can feel like a whirlwind. There’s so much happening at once that it’s easy to get swept up. But with a bit of prep, it really does turn into something special. You come back not just with notes, but with fresh skills, a few ideas to try out, and connections that can make a real difference.

For us at The Pinq Clouds, Dreamforce is a highlight. It’s where we recharge, pick up on the latest Salesforce updates, and swap stories with people facing the same challenges as our clients. Sometimes it’s about a new feature, sometimes it’s about a small shift in strategy. Either way, what we bring back is simple: inspiration we can turn into results that actually move the needle. Curious about how we bring Dreamforce lessons back to our clients? Explore more on the The Pinq Clouds Blog.