Summary: Attending massive technology conferences like Dreamforce can be overwhelming. To maximize your return on investment and personal growth, focus on essential strategies such as conducting pre-event research, organizing a targeted networking plan, attending high-value keynotes, and actively engaging with industry peers. These 10 essential tips will help you navigate the chaos, discover valuable insights, and build meaningful professional connections.
Dreamforce is the annual Salesforce.com event taking place next week at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. It's one of those giant events with more tracks than you could ever attend. There will be more vendors than you could ever learn about in two days. You need bearings for this one. Beyond the sheer scale of the event, navigating a massive technology conference requires deliberate strategic planning. Whether you are aiming to generate leads, identify new enterprise software solutions, or simply expand your professional network, having a structured approach will differentiate your experience from the countless attendees wandering the halls aimlessly.
There will be lots of news but the undercurrent is often where the most valuable information flows. Here are some thoughts we'd like to share to help you get the most out of Dreamforce or any other major industry event that you attend.
We've also added a few suggestions from Paul Young, who works for CommVault Systems. Young wrote a post on the Salesforce.com blog today. His insights had us chuckling a bit.
Top 10 Strategies for Conference Success
1. Conduct Pre-Event Research
Our own Marshall Kirkpatrick wrote a great post about covering the Techonomy conference earlier this year. Marshall used Mechanical Turk to learn more about attendees. He found the most relevant sources that related to the event and created a custom search engine. He has a number of good insights into creating a workflow for covering an event. Proper planning ensures you spend your time meeting the right people.
2. Implement Simple Social Listening
Set up a number of automatic searches through Twitter. There are the obvious ones to follow such as #df10, #dreamforce and #salesforce.com. But what is it you really want to follow? Create a series of custom searches to get your head around what the vibe is for the event. Monitoring these streams allows you to discover impromptu meetups and breaking announcements.
3. Engage with Industry Analysts and Reporters
Talk to a reporter or analyst. We don't bite. Say hello at the conference. We are responsible for knowing the pulse of what is happening. Plus, we will remember you if you ever approach us for coverage. Building these relationships early can be incredibly beneficial for your company's future public relations efforts.
4. Document Your Experience Through Blogging
Write a blog post. Write down what you want to get out of the conference. Writing always helps give us a feeling for what to expect from an event like Dreamforce. You'll find yourself researching, finding little bits of news that are of interest to you and your work. It gets even better when you share what you've learned on your blog. You'll be surprised what connections you make.
5. Attend Exclusive News Conferences
Go to a news conference. Try to get into an event where executives are presenting to the media and analysts. You'll see reporters from The Wall Street Journal and bloggers like Klint Finley and me. You will get a perspective from executives that you would not get otherwise. These sessions often reveal the strategic direction of major technology firms.
Additional Insights for Surviving the Show Floor
Some suggestions from Paul Young:
6. Force Yourself to Mingle
Mingle. Even if you're an introvert and still live in your mother's basement, force yourself to meet and greet. This is the premier networking event of the year. Use it. Every conversation is a potential partnership, job opportunity, or valuable insight.
7. Set Clear Vendor Priorities
Set priorities. Make a list of the vendors you most want to see -- and the questions you want to ask them -- before you get to Dreamforce. Once the wall of noise and people hits you, your cognitive ability will fall off a cliff. Having a concrete checklist will keep you grounded and focused.
8. Participate in the Exhibitor Ecosystem
Play exhibitor lotto. Enter every contest you can. The number of prizes is staggering. This is your chance to win some serious loot. Beyond the prizes, these interactions serve as excellent icebreakers with product specialists.
9. Prioritize the Major Keynotes
Go to the keynotes. That's where they always announce amazing things and that's part of the whole Dreamforce gestalt. Just remember to use the restroom first - it can take longer than you imagine to get through the mass of humanity after each keynote ends. Trust me on this one. These presentations set the tone for the entire ecosystem over the next year.
10. Maintain a Positive Demeanor
Be friendly and smile. It's going to be LOUD and crowded and tiring -- but be nice to everyone. That includes VPs, security guards, vendors, other attendees, and the people you see in restaurants and on the town. This is San Francisco. Enjoy yourself.
And as Young says, have fun and stop me for a business card!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I maximize my networking at Dreamforce?
To maximize networking at Dreamforce, engage in pre-event research to identify key attendees, participate in relevant social media conversations using official hashtags, and deliberately step out of your comfort zone to mingle at vendor booths and after-hours events.
What should I bring to a large technology conference?
Always bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of business cards, a reliable battery pack for your mobile devices, and a pre-planned agenda prioritizing the vendors and keynotes you most want to see before cognitive fatigue sets in.
Are conference keynotes worth attending?
Yes, keynotes at major events like Dreamforce are highly valuable as they typically feature major product announcements and outline the strategic vision of the host company, which sets the industry tone for the upcoming year.