My First Dreamforce

By Patricia Lundy

This year, I was lucky enough to attend my first ever Dreamforce, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I made sure to take my GoPro with me to capture the experience.

It’s safe to say that the production quality of DF14 superseded my most imaginative expectations. Here’s why.

Superb Organization: Minimal Waiting Time in Lines

My first impression of Dreamforce was a good one. I’ll admit, I was not looking forward to registration lines when I first arrived at my hotel, as the event held about 100,000 people. But the line was exceedingly fast. I waited less than five minutes, scanned my QR code, and picked up my awesome swag.  I was on my way to my first session in under ten minutes.

Dynamic Content: Multi-Video Presentations

The keynotes are a huge deal at Dreamforce, and I think the content is a big reason why.

In Moscone center, where the keynotes were held, screens were everywhere.  But they were not single, static screens: Each contained three screens with three different types of moving content. The environment certainly fostered a lot of inspiration for the conference I’m helping to plan for Aragon Research called PCMC.

Here’s an example of the screens from when Will.I.Am presented his new wearable, the PULS.

 

Killer Marketing Sessions (Absolutely Packed)

DF14 taught me a lot of techniques and strategies that I now use in my daily job, such as how to get content to go from 100 views to 2,000. The session on marketing automation was completely packed, and I almost didn’t get in. It revealed to me how hungry people are for this information. Dreamforce’s programming was directed to marketers’ pain points, which made the sessions relevant, insightful, and invaluable.

One of my favorite sessions was marketing with infographics. A huge perk was that the panelists presented the free tools they use to improve their content views. I’ve already seen my own results grow as I have begun to implement their advice.

The Coachella of Business and Tech

I’ve been to Coachella twice. While I’m no music savant, I certainly know what a huge festival is supposed to feel like. Dreamforce feels like the Coachella of the business and tech world. Everything about it is vibrant and over the top. There were even huge inflatable canopies that housed electronic music!

The only difference was that unlike a music festival, most of the attendees were sitting in chairs. There was also the Dreamforce Gala, where CAKE and Bruno Mars performed, and the keynotes had performances from the Beach Boys. Music was a strong theme (and perk!) at DF14.

Summary

My first Dreamforce isn’t going to be my last. I’m excited to see what sessions will be offered next year. Our technology changes so rapidly, and the tools and strategies I use as a marketer are sure to change over that time. And speaking of next year, I wonder who will perform. Personally, I think it’d be cool to have Will I Am. It would be like a homecoming.

Don’t forget to check out DF14 on a GoPro:

Dreamforce 2014 On a GoPro from Aragon Research on Vimeo.