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Whether you're a seasoned Dreamforce attendee or gearing up for your first trip, we’ve got you covered with some key tips to make the most out of Salesforce’s annual event. Dreamforce offers an incredible lineup of sessions, networking opportunities, and insights for Salesforce and Tableau users, and we’re excited to be part of it. Here’s how to navigate the whirlwind of activities and ensure your Dreamforce 2024 experience is valuable, productive, and fun.
Reserve Seats for Popular Sessions
Some Dreamforce sessions now allow you to reserve seats in advance. If there’s a Tableau session you’re excited about, make sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Popular sessions can fill up fast, and having a reserved seat means you won’t miss out. Keep an eye out for this option in the Dreamforce app or session catalog. Note, you must arrive ten minutes early or your reservation will be forfeited.
Tip: Bookmark your must-attend Tableau sessions and grab a reserved seat early to avoid the rush.
Don’t Try to Attend Every Session
Dreamforce is packed with amazing sessions, but trying to attend them all can leave you overwhelmed. Remember, most sessions will be available on video after the event. Leave some time to breathe and, most importantly, network. Whether you're attending in person or virtually, connecting with other Tableau users and industry pros is just as valuable as the sessions themselves.
Tip: Have a few must-attend sessions lined up, but don’t be afraid to prioritize networking over content. Building relationships could lead to opportunities down the line.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
This might sound like simple advice, but it’s crucial. Dreamforce means a lot of walking, especially between buildings. Moscone Center isn’t just one location—it spans multiple buildings, and with over 180,000 attendees, walking from one session to the next could be an endurance test. Trust us, your feet will thank you.
Tip: Invest in comfortable shoes and be ready for a lot of steps. You’ll be moving between Tableau sessions, networking events, and maybe even exploring San Francisco!
Use the Dreamforce App (A.K.A. the Salesforce Events App)
The Dreamforce app is your best friend. Use it to organize your agenda, register for sessions, and even navigate the event. Keep an eye out for when it goes live (usually a few days before the event), and start building your schedule. You’ll get notifications about sessions you’re interested in, and the app will show you where to go.
Tip: The app works for other Salesforce events too, including the Tableau Conference, Trail Blazer DX and more.
Networking at Dreamforce
Whether you’re attending in person or virtually, networking is one of the best parts of Dreamforce. Connecting with other Salesforce and Tableau users and data professionals can spark collaborations, new ideas, and even career opportunities. Take the time to talk to people, attend social events, and exchange contact details.
Tip: Interested in how automation can change your Tableau reporting? We’ll be at Dreamforce and would love to connect! Click here to schedule a time to meet with the Rollstack team.
Bring a Charger (Or Two)
Between the Dreamforce app, taking notes, and checking your schedule, your phone battery will drain quickly. Bring a portable charger to avoid the panic of finding an outlet in the middle of the day. You might also become the most popular person in the room if you bring a multi-port charger to share.
Tip: Need a break to recharge (literally and figuratively)? Let’s connect over coffee and chat about how Rollstack can help you automate your Tableau reporting processes.
Dreamforce Express Badge Pickup
⚡️ Save time and avoid the lines by using Express Badge Pickup with your Digital Pass! Breeze through Dreamforce registration 3x faster. To sign up, just log in to your Dreamforce portal and upload a selfie: Express Badge Pickup.
Tip: If you’re arriving the night before the event, consider grabbing your badge early to avoid the rush on the first day!
Escape from San Francisco; Plan Your Exit Strategy
Dreamforce can be hectic, especially on the last day when everyone’s trying to catch flights or leave the city. If you’re flying out, there’s luggage storage available at the convention center, so you don’t have to worry about lugging your bags around all day.
Tip: If your schedule is tight, plan your exit ahead of time. And if you’re not rushing out, use the last day to make any final connections and wrap up the event on a high note.
Dreamforce for Tableau Users
Dreamforce has an overwhelming number of sessions, but if you’re a Tableau user, here’s a shortcut to find all the sessions relevant to you: Tableau Session Catalog. Save it, use it, and focus on the content that matters most to you. If you're part of the #datafam take a moment to schedule a time to meet with the Rollstack team for a quick demo on automating PowerPoints from Tableau with Rollstack.
Top 3 Session Picks for Tableau Teams
- Unlocking Data Culture: Your Path to AI Success with Tableau
Session summary: Discover how a strong data culture helps your organization align on strategy, empower employees, and outperform competition. Join Tableau for tips to simplify your journey to data maturity. - How Salesforce Runs on Tableau
Session summary: Intelligent insights are even more powerful when delivered in the flow of work. Learn how Tableau Pulse brings Salesforce teams together around common business goals with shared metrics. - Three Ways to Use Headless BI for Enterprise Insights
Session summary: Consistent and contextual enterprise knowledge is more important than ever. Learn about use cases of the semantic layer across Tableau and Data Cloud.
Can’t Make It in Person? Watch on Salesforce+
If you can’t attend in person, you can still catch many of the sessions online via Salesforce+. Stream your favorite talks, keynotes, and more at your convenience: Watch on Salesforce+. Note, you'll have a create a free Salesforce account to watch on demand.
Laptops Optional at Dreamforce
Unless you’re expected to work during the event, leave your laptop at the hotel or at home. Dreamforce is all about engaging with sessions, networking, and having conversations, and lugging around a laptop all day isn’t necessary. Just bring your phone and charger, and you’re good to go.
Attend the Networking Events
Networking doesn’t just happen in sessions. Make sure to attend the Dreamforce parties and meetups. These events are perfect for meeting new people and strengthening relationships within the Tableau community. You never know what collaborations might come out of a casual conversation.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with new people. Dreamforce is full of open, friendly professionals who are eager to connect.
Attend Some “Braindates”
Speaking of networking, one of the best ways to learn and connect at Dreamforce is through Braindates—small, peer-to-peer learning sessions where you can engage in meaningful discussions with others in the community. These focused, intimate conversations can be even more valuable than large sessions, especially for Tableau users looking to dive deeper into specific topics or challenges.
Tip: Dive into hands-on learning! Join our #braindate on automating PowerPoint reports using Tableau and Rollstack to drive efficiency in your reporting process. Secure your spot on Wednesday, September 18th, at 10:00 am by clicking the image below or by registering here.
Find a Local Coffee Spot
San Francisco is famous for its coffee culture, so skip the chains and explore local favorites like Blue Bottle, Ritual Coffee, or Philz Coffee. These are great places to take a break and recharge during the event.
Plan Your Food Breaks
Dreamforce offers lunch, but sometimes it’s best to break away from the crowd and try some local spots. Head over to the Ferry Building for a variety of quick bites, or check out a local taco truck for an authentic San Francisco experience.
Don’t Miss the Dreamforce Keynotes
Even if you’re caught up in the whirlwind of events, don’t miss out on the Tableau keynotes. That's right, there's more than one, including the main Keynote by Salesforce CEO & Co-Founder Marc Benioff, which takes place on Tuesday, September 17th in Moscone South Keynote Room. Other keynotes include Slack, Tableau, AI, and many more.
Dreamforce Keynotes 2025
- Dreamforce Keynotes on Tuesday September 17th (8)
- Dreamforce Keynotes on Wednesday September 18th (17)
- Dreamforce Keynotes on Thursday September 19th (10)
Catch Dreamforce’s Dreamfest Concert
If you’re into live music, don’t miss Dreamfest, the concert event of Dreamforce. It’s a great way to unwind after a packed day of sessions and networking. If you’re staying in town for the concert, make sure to plan your transport ahead—ridesharing apps get swamped that night.
Use Luggage Storage on the Last Day
If you have a late flight out on the last day, Dreamforce has got you covered with luggage storage options at the convention center. You don’t have to worry about dragging your bags around while you’re squeezing in those final sessions.
Take a Break and Explore San Francisco
Dreamforce is intense, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take a breather by exploring San Francisco. Check out Golden Gate Park, go for a stroll along the Embarcadero, or take a quick ride to the top of Twin Peaks for an incredible view of the city.
Know Your Directions
Moscone Center is huge, and Dreamforce sessions can be spread across different buildings. Make sure you know where you’re going ahead of time, and don’t assume you can get from one session to another in five minutes. Plan for a bit of extra walking time between buildings.
Travel Light
Between the sessions, swag, and networking, it’s easy to get bogged down by what you’re carrying. Bring only the essentials—portable charger, notebook, phone—and leave space in your bag for any cool swag you pick up. You’ll appreciate traveling light by the end of the day.
Let’s Connect at Dreamforce!
At Rollstack, we’re looking forward to meeting Tableau users like you at Dreamforce 2024. Whether you’re looking for tips on automating your Tableau reports or just want to chat data, we’re here for it. Schedule a time to meet with our team or catch us at one of the Tableau sessions. See you at Dreamforce!
Want Even More Dreamforce Tips? Watch Salesforce’s Webinar: The Ultimate Dreamforce Guide
Before you dive into the event, watch Salesforce’s webinar: The Ultimate Dreamforce Guide: Top Tips from Salesforce Insiders. This hour long webinar is packed with essential tips from Salesforce insiders. They’ll guide you through what’s new this year, can’t-miss experiences, and how to build your perfect 3-day agenda using the Agenda Builder. Plus, you'll get insights on navigating Salesforce+ to ensure you don’t miss out on any key content.
Tip: Use this webinar as a quick crash course on maximizing your Dreamforce experience!
