Plan Your Schedule Wisely
Prioritize Key Sessions
As someone who has been to Dreamforce a few times, I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to map out your sessions ahead of time. The event has so many appealing sessions running concurrently, and your time is precious. I usually look for sessions that align with my professional goals but also pique my personal interests—don’t forget to include some fun topics!
Next, I make a shortlist of my must-attend sessions and ensure they’re in my calendar. Sometimes, I’ve missed out on amazing talks simply because I didn’t plan ahead. Having a plan helps you stick to your goals while allowing for some spontaneous explorations.
Also, don’t forget to check the speakers! There are always industry leaders and influencers speaking at Dreamforce. I find that attending a session with someone I admire often leads to unexpected insights that I can apply once the conference is over.
Use the Mobile App
The Dreamforce mobile app is like your personal assistant at the conference. Seriously, it’s a game changer! I make sure to download it before arriving because it provides all the need-to-know info—session times, locations, maps, and even updates on networking events.
One wise tip I learned is to customize notifications. Sometimes it can get hectic, and if you have specific sessions you can’t miss, turn on reminders. I have saved myself by setting alerts to remind me when to leave my previous session in order to make it in time for the next one.
Oh, and don’t forget to utilize the app for networking! You can connect with other attendees, which I’ve found really useful for expanding my professional circle. Attending sessions is vital, but forming connections can turn a good experience into a great one.
Mind Your Time
Time management is an art, and it’s especially important at Dreamforce when every minute counts. I like to pack my schedule tight—but not too tight. Sometimes, it’s good to leave gaps in your schedule for those impromptu coffee chats that pop up.
When I’m deciding how long to stay in one place, I always consider not just the session length but also the travel time between venues. It’s easy to get caught up in excitement, but if I don’t keep an eye on the clock, I could miss out on the next big thing.
The evenings are also a busy time! There are numerous after-hours events, so I try to budget my energy. If you plan to hit a few evening events, take breaks during the day to recharge your batteries and stay at the top of your game.
Network Like a Pro
Engage in Conversations
One of the best parts of any conference is the people you meet along the way. When I attend Dreamforce, I actively engage with other attendees, even if it’s just a quick chat in line for coffee. I’ve learned that initial small talk can lead to deeper conversations and, sometimes, collaboration opportunities!
Don’t shy away from introducing yourself, and definitely ask questions. In my experience, people appreciate a stranger who shows genuine interest in what they do. I always carry business cards with me, it’s a classic move but it’s still effective!
Utilizing social media can amplify your networking efforts. I often tweet about my experiences, which sometimes draws in fellow attendees or speakers to the conversation. It’s a fun way to connect with others who share your interests and to keep your followers in the loop too!
Attend After-Hours Events
After-hours events can be where the real magic happens! I’ve found that some of the most valuable networking at Dreamforce occurs at these gatherings. You’re more relaxed, enjoying a casual atmosphere, and often the conversations flow more freely. I make it a point to check the event schedule to find noteworthy gatherings that align with my interests.
I also recommend reaching out to old colleagues or acquaintances and suggesting a meetup. Connecting over drinks or dinner helps strengthen those relationships and often leads to bigger opportunities later.
Don’t just limit yourself to the official events. I’ve also found great value from informal meetups that attendees organize on the fly. If you see an opportunity to grab coffee or lunch with fellow attendees or speakers, seize the moment!
Embrace the Learning Opportunities
Take Good Notes
When I’m in a session, I make it a habit to jot down notes. Whether it’s a great quote, a new idea, or best practices shared by a speaker, I find that taking notes helps me retain and process the information more effectively. I often refer back to my notes post-Dreamforce to implement what I’ve learned in my workplace.
I use a mix of written notes and digital captures, like snapping pics of slides or taking voice memos, so I have multiple methods of capturing valuable information. You never know what might inspire you later!
Do consider sharing your insights with colleagues back home too. I often host a debrief session to share what I learned and bounce ideas off my team. It reinforces my learning and can result in collective growth for all of us.
Apply Insights on Your Return
The final step—and this is a biggie—is making sure that the insights you gain don’t just stay at the conference. Once back home, I dedicate time to reflect on my notes and decide what practices I can implement immediately. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and forget what resonated with you, so I carve out time to process it all.
One way I incorporate new ideas is by setting up brainstorming sessions with my team, inviting everyone to share what they found intriguing at the conference. Collaboration can lead to the birth of exciting new projects or ways to innovate existing processes!
Lastly, don’t forget about follow-ups! I always reach out to new contacts I made at the conference to maintain those connections. Sharing an article or a helpful resource is a warm way to keep the conversation alive, and you never know what opportunities that might lead to down the line.
FAQ about Maximizing Your Salesforce Dreamforce 2018 Experience
1. What are the key elements I should focus on to make the most of my Dreamforce experience?
Focus on planning your schedule, networking, taking notes, and following up after the event. Engaging with others and absorbing learning opportunities will help ensure you get the most out of your experience.
2. How should I plan my sessions for the event?
Prioritize sessions that align with your goals and interests beforehand, and use the Dreamforce mobile app to manage your schedule effectively during the conference.
3. Are after-hours networking events important?
Absolutely! After-hours events are a great way to relax while still networking in a more casual environment, often leading to deeper conversations and connections.
4. How can I ensure I retain information from sessions I attend?
Take good notes during sessions, and consider using multiple formats like written notes, pictures of slides, and voice memos to capture insights that you can refer back to later.
5. What should I do when I return from the event?
Set aside time to reflect on the notes you took, implement new ideas in your work, and maintain connections with the people you met by following up with them.
