Dreamforce tips for first-timers: Essential do’s & don’ts guide

Set priorities

Do

• Pick three priorities before you land. Examples: learn how enterprises are adopting AI responsibly, evaluate data quality tools, and meet two peers in your industry.
• Translate those priorities into 5 to 7 must-attend sessions or demos. Be sure to pick alternatives for each time slot in case rooms fill up. Trust us, that happens!
• Block 20 - 30% of your calendar as "open exploration." The best conversations often happen off-schedule.

Don't

• Don't try to see everything. Dreamforce is designed to give you FOMO. You'll get more value by going deeper on fewer themes.
• Don't book back-to-back sessions across different venue locations with no travel time in between. You'll end up missing a lot!

Master the logistics

Do

• Arrive early for keynotes and flagship product sessions. Lines form fast; overflow lounges are great backups.
• Use the Salesforce Events app religiously! Favorite more sessions than you can attend and turn on notifications for room changes and overflow options. Get the app on Google Play or App Store.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You'll easily clock over 10,000 steps a day without even trying.
• Pack light but smart: battery pack and charger, water bottle, a light layer (A/C varies), mints, and a small notebook. A few sticky notes might help you with quick follow-ups.

Don't

• Don't assume you can just walk in at every session. Popular sessions really do cap.
• Don't underestimate the microclimates in the Bay Area. Mornings are chilly, there's sunny middays, and breezy evenings. So, layers matter!

Navigate the venue like a pro

Do

• Start with a reconnaissance lap. Note zones for Sales, Service, Data, AI, Industries, and the partners you actually need to see.
• Book targeted demos ahead of time. Arrive with a use case and ask ROI questions: what problem did this solve, how fast, and for whom?
• Collect stories and experiences, not (just) swag. Photos of booth slides and quick voice notes beat a bag full of stress.

Don't

• Don't let every booth scan your badge, "just because." Be selective; your inbox will thank you later.
• Don't monopolize a booth staffer if other people are waiting. Be considerate. Grab a card, book a follow-up, keep it moving.

Make sessions work for you

Do

• Sit near a mic if you plan to ask a question. Keep it concise and specific to your scenario.
• Prioritize customer stories and architecture deep dives. They're the sessions that turn strategy into playbooks.
• Follow speakers on LinkedIn and say a quick "thank you" afterwards. It's the easiest way to turn content into a connection.

Don't

• Don't record sessions or photograph restricted slides. Respect the rules; some content is under NDA or roadmap-sensitive.
• Don't scroll your phone when you're in the front row. Step out if you need to take a call.

Network without the awkward

Do

• Have a one-liner ready: who you are, what you're focused on this quarter, and what you're hoping to learn. Then ask them the same.
• Use micro intros: "I loved your point on data lineage. Can I ask how you handled X?" You'll be surprised how generous people are.
• Follow up within 24 hours with one specific next step. A short, personal message beats a generic "great to meet you."

Don't

• Don't pitch strangers without context. Enterprise folks can smell commission breath a mile away.
• Don't hover at the edges of groups. Say "hello", mingle, add value, and it becomes a conversation, not a transaction.

Care for your energy

Do

• Hydrate. Lines happen, and the walking adds up.
• Find quiet zones. Meditation lounges and tucked-away hotel lobbies offer a reset when you need it.
• Choose one evening event that truly matters to you. Dreamfest is epic and all, Metallica is playing this year, but small community meetups can be equally valuable.

Don't

• Don't skip meals because you're "too busy." You'll feel it by midafternoon.
• Don't schedule a 7 am breakfast after a late night unless you really mean it. Take care of yourself.

Dreamfest and evening events

Do

• Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket.
• Set a meeting spot if you're with a group; cell networks can get congested.
• Enjoy the music, but remember: the best conversations often happen at the edges of a venue.

Don't

• Don't count on hearing every word if you're far back. If networking is your priority, pick an event where you can actually talk.
• Don't overcommit to three parties across the city in one night. You'll spend the evening in line and in transit.

If you're attending with an enterprise lens

Do

• Tie everything back to your roadmap: AI adoption, data governance, RevOps efficiency, or service modernization. Capture what you'll test in the next 90 days.
• Prioritize "true to the core" and product/industry keynotes that align with your stack. Note deprecations, pilot programs, and partner ecosystems.
• Book "working sessions" with partners and Salesforce experts. Bring diagrams, ask for reference architectures, and change management tips.

Don't

• Don't confuse vision with viability. Great demos aren't the same as production-ready programs. Ask about security, data lineage, and adoption.
• Don't leave without an action list: 3 decisions, 2 experiments, and 1 risk to investigate.