Psst…I gotta tell you something!
I cannot believe how close to August 30th we are! This time next week, I’ll be on a plane heading out to Dreamforce. So I wanted to take the next two weeks to give you my take on the need-to-know stuff before getting on that plane. If you’ve been reading other blogs, I’m sure you’ve gotten a few pointers already (bring loads of business cards, wear comfy shoes, register for sessions), but I’d like to share a few insider secrets that you may not have heard already.
Check-In – Registration opens at 8:00 am on Monday morning. The earlier you can take care of this the better. While they have a lot of check-in kiosks, you’ll want to take care of this as soon as you can so that you’ve got your badge & can start wearing it with pride.
Keep a little snack in your bag – While there is TONS of food during meal times & at vendor events, I often find myself with some hunger pains during the keynotes and afternoons sessions. A granola bar or piece of fruit in the bag can be precious if your belly starts growling. I also keep a pack a gum in there to mask any coffee breath.
Attend the Community Conference – Kick off Dreamforce by meeting the power behind the Salesforce community on Tuesday morning! It starts with breakfast & a keynote from our community manager, the incredible Queen of Kuhl – Erica Kuhl! That’s followed by a bunch of breakout sessions lead by some of the Salesforce MVPs (myself included – I’m rocking out in the Answers Live Session). We wrap up with the first for three Birds of a Feather lunch sessions, with MVPs swarming the room. (You can add the Keynote & all #CommCon sessions in the agenda builder.)
Volunteer!– This was new at Dreamforce last year & I am so glad that they are bringing it back this year. A great extension of the 1/1/1 model, these are on-site volunteer opportunities where you can pop-in when you have a spare 5 (or more) minutes.
Assemble hygiene kits for the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Wednesday, August 31, from 11:45 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Marriott Marquis, Yerba Buena Foyer
Create tote bags with Project Night Night Thursday, September 1, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Moscone South, Upper Lobby
Go hang in the Dev Zone, even if you aren’t a developer – In fact, I should probably say *especially* if you aren’t a developer. No one will make you feel out of place & you’ll surprise yourself with how much you already do know. (Plus, it will give you an excuse to drop all the knowledge I’ve been sharing these past few weeks.) While you’re there, make sure to grab the Force.com Workbook. Rumor has it, it’s been freshly updated for Dreamforce & it really is a great learning guide. They also tend to candy over there for a mid-day sugar rush.
Have you noticed that I really like making lists?
I’ll have some more great tips for you next week, and be sure to find me at Dreamforce (your best bet is at the Community Conference or in the Salesforce Campground on the Expo floor) to pick up some reader swag!