As a Dreamforce newbie, I’ve heard a lot of positive things about this amazing conference and couldn’t be more excited to attend! With that being said, I also know that Dreamforce is a beast and being prepared is crucial to making the most of the experience. So, I went looking for tips from Dreamforce veterans within LevelEleven. I have gathered their best advice to share with you, my fellow Dreamforce newcomers. Good luck!
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Last year, one of our team members wore a Fitbit and walked an average of 13 miles a day! That’s around 30,000 steps – about the entire length of Manhattan! Their best advice? Bring comfortable shoes! Either bring you most supportive pair or invest in comfortable walking shoes. Check out these tips for preparing to walk long distances.
Find Breakfast
We have all heard it before – breakfast is “the most important meal of the day.” There is science behind it. Eating breakfast in the morning gives you energy to get through the day, wakes you up, and jump-starts your metabolism. The Dreamforce veteran advice for food is to eat breakfast before arriving at the conference. Breakfast is hard to come by at Dreamforce, as usually there is fresh fruit such as are apples and bananas. Finding a complete breakfast beforehand is a must.
Carry the Essentials
This could mean something different for everyone, but according to our LevelEleven Dreamforce pros, there are two major things you need: water and a phone charger. It is very important to stay hydrated, especially in the California Heat. Carry a reusable bottle to reduce the impact on the environment and keep yourself hydrated and healthy during those long days. Also, consider bringing a portable charger to keep your phone alive throughout the day. Dreamforce is a large event and you will need your phone to communicate with your team, find your way around (we recommend using Waze!), and view your agenda.
Plan Each Day Beforehand
According to the experts, I consulted, building your agenda in advance is crucial for a successful Dreamforce experience. Agenda Builder is a great tool for this; it allows you to reserve your spot in sessions beforehand while also helping you keep track of your planned day! Keep a pulse on your calendar as well so you don’t miss out on any dinners or happy hours.
Rest Before the Event
During Dreamforce, you will most likely have late nights and long days. Make sure to come to the event with plenty of energy to spare. This seems like a simple check off your to-do list, but it can make a huge difference. You can recover lost sleep, but it isn’t easy and you can’t always make up for all of those lost hours.
Another thing you may want to consider is the possibility of jet-lag. I personally will be flying in from Detroit, Michigan which is three hours ahead of San Francisco so I can expect to be waking up earlier than needed, which can take a toll throughout the week. Making sure that you get enough sleep beforehand can help prevent the severity of jet-lag. Come to San Francisco well rested to make the most out of your week!
Enjoy Every Moment!
Although this may seem obvious, all of my team members that I spoke with said that the week will fly by. Make sure to take time to enjoy the wild ride! Take full advantage of all networking opportunities and educational sessions. With these minds coming together, you’re bound to learn something. Outside of the conference, make sure to check out some tourist attractions in your spare time – – you will find me at the “Full House” house ;). Try eating at some of San Francisco’s best restaurants, seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, or visiting Fisherman’s Wharf!
Now that I have shared my discoveries with you, it’s your turn! What’s the best Dreamforce advice you’ve heard? Comment below to let us know!
Looking for more Dreamforce information? See how you can keep in touch with us during the event, visit our booth #112, or book a meeting with us!
