Dreamforce 2019 is fast-approaching, and it’s time to start getting your strategies for storming San Francisco ready. Dreamforce 2018 pulled in over 170,000 attendees from 103 countries, presented more than 2,700 sessions and 50 keynotes, and announced 12 product launches—all over four short days. Naturally, Dreamforce 2019 is set to top all of those numbers. 

So, what do you need to do before you board that flight and eagerly sling the #DF19 badge around your neck? We’ve gathered the best tips for preparing for Dreamforce ahead of time:

Prioritize your session hit list and schedule

Yes—you read that right in the introduction: over 2,700 sessions at Dreamforce. The bad news is that no, you can not pause the space-time continuum from November 19 to 22 and attend them all. But the good news is Salesforce makes it easy to identify the ones you really want to prioritize. Using the DF19 sessions web page, you can easily filter, search, and bookmark the conference’s sessions based on themes, industries, roles, products, and session type (breakout vs. theater vs. workshop vs. circle of success). 

We recommend booking a light schedule of sessions. This allows some flexibility to linger, network, and not pass up those you-had-to-be-there moments you can never plan for because you were too busy walking two miles across Howard Street for back-to-back session slots. Sort your sessions into “must-gos” and “if possibles,” fully expecting to not make it to each one in the latter category. You won’t be without things to do during Dreamforce, so just make sure you’re scheduling the most important topics for yourself. 

Additionally, if there are specific people or partners you want to make time for at Dreamforce, look into scheduling a meeting during Dreamforce. Most vendors are eager to book their calendars with one-on-ones during Dreamforce, so don’t be afraid to reach out. 

Pick the parties and events that will add the most to YOUR experience

Dreamforce is a conference, but it’s no ordinary business conference. Aside from the sessions, parties and fun events abound, from silent discos and arcade games to Trailblazer photo booths and concerts. Just make sure you’re picking the events that are the most relevant to you and what you’re looking to get out of Dreamforce. 

If you want major networking opportunities, you better know what the biggest and best parties are so you have the best chances of rubbing shoulders with someone important. At Simplus, we like to kick off Dreamforce week with a huge Power Up Party (you can request an invite here). Or, if you’re a niche attendee looking to connect with certain people, do some digging and find out where others in your industry are hanging out. Whatever your aim is, don’t feel like you have to go to every concert, party, and exhibit. You’ll have much more fun if you just focus on what matters the most to you. 

Jot down notes for later

With so many sessions, partner demos, keynotes, events, and more quickly filling up your week, it’s inevitable that you will have to miss some things. 

Seasoned Dreamforce attendees are notetakers. While you don’t want to be glued to your phone’s Notes app all day, it’s good to keep it at the ready. Maybe you need to share an Uber with a great networking contact, jot down the name of a session you couldn’t make it to but want to watch later when the recordings go online, remember the shortcut you happened upon for getting to the Moscone Center just one minute sooner—whatever it is, there’s a lot to take in at Dreamforce. So take some notes about it. 

Stay updated on all the latest #DF19 news

Finally, the news about Dreamforce is constantly being updated, from who’s headlining the big Jamboree concert to new session announcements. To ensure you don’t overlook something big you want to be a part of, make sure you’re subscribed to all the main sources of Dreamforce news: 

• The Salesforce blog
• Dreamforce Facebook
• Dreamforce Twitter
• The Road to Dreamforce weekly video series
• The Plus Club concierge experience.

It’s said every year, but it’s true every time: Dreamforce 2019 is slated to be the biggest Dreamforce yet. These tips and tricks will help you maximize the time and money you put into this huge event, and—hopefully—make San Francisco’s big annual party a little less overwhelming. And, if you’re still looking for more ways to get the most out of Dreamforce, be sure to check out Salesforce’s Dreamforce preparation Trailhead!