What Is Dreamforce? Everything About Salesforce’s Annual Event

If you’re new to Salesforce and what we do, you might be wondering — what is Dreamforce? It’s the largest software conference in the world and it’s our pinnacle event, a can’t-miss experience to learn, connect, have fun and give back. For our Trailblazers — our community of customers, partners, and employees — it’s one of the highlights of the year. 

This year’s Dreamforce is extra special to us. It’s Dreamforce’s 20th anniversary, and we’re excited to go big and come home to San Francisco — and online on our free Salesforce+ streaming service — for our epic family reunion. Registration is open now.

Whether you’re joining us online or in-person, here’s your guide to all things Dreamforce:

What is Dreamforce?

Dreamforce is an annual event that brings together the global Salesforce community for learning, fun, community building, and philanthropy. Trailblazers from all over the world gather to share their insights, successes, and learn the latest in industry innovations. 

Started in 2003, Dreamforce has grown into far more than just a conference — it’s a can’t-miss, immersive experience. From inspiring keynotes and sessions, to visionary thinking and the future of technology, to learning how business can be the greatest platform for change, attendees will be empowered to grow their organization and careers. Attendees can expect to:

• Learn. Discover new innovations that help you solve business challenges  through breakout sessions, training, and certification opportunities. Participate in demos of the latest technology.
• Connect. Meet new people and connect with old friends. Learn from like-minded Trailblazers, meet an incredible network of partners, and be there when new ideas are born.
• Give back. Attendees help build diversity, inclusion, equality, and sustainability with action and volunteerism. 
• Have fun. When Trailblazers get together, it’s a party. And Dreamforce is the biggest one of all. Dreamforce is a celebration of the community.

When and where is Dreamforce?

Dreamforce 2022 takes place September 20-22 in San Francisco. It will also be brought to you live via Salesforce+, our free streaming service. If you can’t attend in person, you can still catch all the action wherever you are, on the channel that’s right for you.

Who goes to Dreamforce?

Lots of people! Our community includes every level and every industry. You’ll connect with the most innovative brands in the world, visionaries and changemakers, executive leaders from companies of five to the Fortune 500, Salesforce employees and experts, and Trailblazers who are MVPs at what they do along with those just starting their journey. There truly is something to take away from Dreamforce for every attendee. No other tech event provides so many hands-on learning opportunities to help build the future of business, together. 

We host many other events throughout the year, including TrailblazerDX, which slants toward Salesforce administrators, developers, and architects, and Connections, which attracts marketing, customer service, and commerce professionals. 

What happens at Dreamforce? What can you expect?

Discover new products and emerging technology. Attend sessions, workshops, and keynotes, and get inspired by expert insight and research. Take your Salesforce certification exams, grow your career, and meet fellow Trailblazers. 

Here’s what you can expect from Dreamforce:

Learning at Dreamforce

At its core, Dreamforce is a learning experience. You’ll learn about the latest innovations from our partners, our visionary speakers and from each other. And you’ll be able to apply those lessons to your own experiences, take those learnings home and transform your business.

If you can’t make it in person, the learning will be in full swing on Salesforce+. You’ll get an immersive Dreamforce digital experience, including the latest news and announcements, and stories of customer success and transformation.

Inspiration at Dreamforce

Dreamforce always hosts thought leaders, industry pioneers, and notable luminaries who share their perspectives and expertise. Past guests include former Vice President Al Gore talking about the climate crisis, and Tristan Harris from the Center for Humane Technology advising on ethics in artificial intelligence. We’ve been joined before by actor Tracee Ellis Ross and Olympian Adam Rippon discussing equality and paving the way in their respective fields. There are always provocative discussions about social, economic, and environmental issues.

Many Trailblazers take inspiration for their own career path by adding new certifications or gaining new skills on Trailhead, our free online learning platform. They also learn about new tools, technologies, tips, and tricks that help their companies become more customer-centric. Attendees catch a glimpse of the impact they can make in their careers, in their organizations, in their communities, and around the world.

Giving back at Dreamforce

Salesforce is built on Trust, Customer Success, Innovation, Sustainability and Equality. We believe amazing things happen when we work together to help others. Each year at Dreamforce we partner with nonprofits to bring attendees opportunities and activities that make an impact in our community and help the people who need it most. 

A few organizations Trailblazers have supported in the past include UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, (RED), Girl Scouts, Children of Shelters, Bay Area Workforce Development, Larkin Street Youth Services, Hamilton Families, Oakland Unified School District, and San Francisco Unified School District.

Have a ton of fun and build community at Dreamforce

Trailblazers are a fun-loving and chatty group. When they gather – virtually or in person – it’s like an epic family reunion. In between the sessions, keynotes, and giving back, there are surprise and delight moments happening around every corner. Friends connect, have fun with Astro and the gang, and celebrate successes of all kinds. And let’s not forget our Dreamfest, where we welcome award-winning headliners such as U2 and Metallica who bring the party in one incredible concert for all onsite attendees.

Where can I learn more about Dreamforce?

This year, we’re reuniting in person in San Francisco September 20-22. You can register and learn more about all things Dreamforce at Dreamforce.com. If you can’t be with us in person, we will bring the action to you on Salesforce+. It’s time to unlock your full potential. The next generation of Dreamforce magic is here.

Brigitte Donner and Karin Flores contributed reporting and writing to this piece.