Blog
September 24, 2014
Twenty days and counting until Dreamforce 2014 gets underway and I cannot wait. This is my first Dreamforce and I admit to being a little overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. So I’ve consulted the wealth of Dreamforce knowledge that exists at ACF Solutions. (That’s 50+ years of Dreamforce experience.) Here’s what I learned:
- Delivery Manager Virginia Berkenkotter, after attending her first (and apparently very rainy) Dreamforce last year, tells me to bring an umbrella. Last year, it rained the entire conference and they had only so many umbrellas to give out. Check!
- Senior Consultant Reed Garland, who has two Dreamforces under his belt, tells me that “[t]he coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” Note to self: bring warm clothes!
- Ever the practical one, ACF President Kristin Sharpe, who is attending her 6th Dreamforce this year and who is known for her high-heels, says wear comfortable shoes; there is a lot more walking than you think. Okay, no 5-inch Manolo Blahniks for me this trip.
- Solutions Architect Watt Hamlett, who is attending his 4th Dreamforce, suggests that I plan to spend plenty of time in the Foundation Zone. This is where I’ll find members of the Salesforce ecosystem – peer organizations, Foundation staff, and Foundation partners. Lots of good networking.
- Senior Consultant Sandy Whitten, who attended her first Dreamforce last year, suggests spending time in the Developer Zone. This is where I’ll find out about all that is new (and to come) from a technical front. Plus, she adds, she “gathered lots of great materials (manuals, developer cheat sheets & more) for freeeeee!” I need to bring an extra suitcase.
- CTO Doug Sharpe, a musician in his own right, says be sure to catch the big name music acts. (This year: Bruno Mars and Cake.) His personal favorite of the last 8 Dreamforces is Foo Fighters in 2008!
- Kristin warns me not to overload my schedule, pick 2 or 3 key sessions. Delivery Manager Deepa Bedi, a 1-year Dreamforce veteran, suggests that I attend at least one roadmap session. And, if the choice is between a roadmap session and another session, Doug says opt for the roadmap. They provide future product information and I’ll be able to watch the other sessions on YouTube later.
- San Francisco native and Business Development Director for Higher Ed Susan Tobes, who is attending her 7th Dreamforce, advises me to schedule some downtime away from the crowds and chaos of Dreamforce. Doug does his recuperating at the Thirsty Bear Brewing Company.
- Delivery Manager Chris Pokrana, the granddaddy of them all clocking in at 10 consecutive Dreamforces this year (and arguably a record in the nonprofit community), urges me to watch my first keynote live; the excitement is palpable. I should plan, however, to get in line 30 to 45 minutes early. Good to know!
Thanks to all the ACF’ers for their invaluable advice. I’ll add my two cents to next year’s list. See you in San Francisco!
