The countdown has begun. The 2015 Dreamforce conference is right around the corner and it’s going to be bigger and better than the year before.
Thousands of executives from a wide variety of industries from across the globe will descend on San Francisco for four days to network, get inspired, promote their organizations and experience the epic energy that this annual event generates.
If you’re planning on attending the conference (and of course you do!), I’d like to share with you some packing tips for making your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Here are some of the basics that we always bring along to the conference to make it a bit more manageable.
1. Laptop/ Phone Charger
Some of the sessions are going to take place back-to-back so you’ll need all of your important gadgets at your side, and fully charged. Considering that you’ll be using your laptop and phone throughout the day to stay in touch and respond to work mails, the batteries will drain quickly. Make sure you don’t get disconnected by bringing your laptop and phone chargers. It’s also a good idea to sneak in a few minutes of charge while waiting in a queue or sitting at a bar.
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2. Extra Laptop Battery
Battery technology is improving every year, but you’ll still find your laptop battery flashing the 10% warning signal at various points throughout the day. An extra battery with provide you with much needed back-up. Apart for having a hassle-free stay (at least as far as your laptop’s battery life is concerned), you will also be a hero to people who may badly need a little extra charge.
3. Your Own WiFi Point
Most conferences are known to have absolutely abysmal Wi-Fi and Internet access. So just to be on the safe side, during the 2015 Dreamforce Conference, make sure you pack your own WiFi point. Using your own Internet source allows you to avoid the frustration of dealing with airwaves that are oversaturated with Wi-Fi traffic which oftentimes leads to unreliable connectivity. You’ll have Internet service – and fast Internet service — whenever you need it.
4. Earplugs
Bring some good earplugs that fit inside your ears and provide significant noise reduction. You’ll want to cancel out noise when you’re trying to concentrate on getting some work done, or just “zone out” to relax in the middle of the chaos. These may also come in handy when travelling to San Francisco or in your hotel room, if it isn’t as quiet at night as expected.
5. Walking Shoes
San Francisco is a walking city. Walking is also probably the better option during the conference because, with such a high volume of visits to the city during Dreamforce, flagging down a taxi isn’t going to be an easy mission. So, make sure to pack your walking shoes so that you can easily walk around and see the city.
6. Appropriate Clothing
By reviewing snapshots from prior years, you’ll notice that most professionals dressed business casual. Indeed, it’s important to feel comfortable (keeping in mind that weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable), but not sacrifice elegance. However, if you are a guest speaker find a way to “lean in” and dress more formally.
7. Evening Wear
There are parties scheduled for every night of the conference, so bring a few different evening wear outfits. The Dreamforce kickoff party, hosted by WalkMe, is on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 8:00 PM until 1:00 AM (PDT). Come dance the night away and network at the same time! The event will have complimentary food and drinks, great music and a photo booth for snapping photos with your coworkers or a new business partner.
8. Hand Sanitizer
The world is a dirty place; and you don’t need to be a monk to carry a hand sanitizer. With all the handshaking and business cards exchanges, it is always wise to disinfect your hands afterwards. But, be smart about how you go about this –don’t offend new associates by immediately dousing your hands in sanitizer right after the handshake.
9. Mints or Gum
Of course, you don’t want to pass along a strong odor along with your business card. So to ward off a foul-smelling mouth, be sure to carry a few breath mints to chew, particularly after meals. Be cautious not to use mints right before you meet new associates because they might disrupted by your awkward sucking noises rather than focusing on your elevator pitch.
10. Umbrella
Having your own umbrella is key, just in case it rains. Salesforce often provides some freebies, but you never know what you’ll get. You do, however, need to be a little careful when using your umbrella at the venue to avoid social faux pas. Remember these simple guidelines: don’t dump your wet umbrella on the seat next to you and when grabbing your umbrella to walk out, make sure you’ve grabbed the right one.
Once the big day arrives, go and enjoy the conference. Meet new friends, gather new ideas and most importantly grow your business.
*Before you start packing….Get a chance to improve Salesforce adoption, by downloading our FREE eBook: “How to Increase Salesforce User Adoption”:
Attending Dreamforce? If you are, make sure to visit at least one of WalkMe’s two booths: #N1928 and #W232. We’ll show you how our online interactive guidance platform works, give you your own personal invite to Dreamforce’s kickoff party and give you the opportunity to enter a raffle to win an electric scooter. 
