As Dreamforce 2024 wraps up, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the experience, the importance of alliances, and some of the realities of this industry-defining event. Dreamforce is a whirlwind of innovation, networking, and inspiration, but it’s also a stark reminder of the complexities of the Salesforce ecosystem and the sometimes overwhelming nature of its spectacle.
1. Building Alliances in a Crowded Ecosystem
One of the most valuable aspects of Dreamforce is the opportunity to connect with partners who truly stand out. In an ecosystem brimming with consulting partners and app providers, building relationships with the right people can make all the difference. Good ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) seek out good SIs (Systems Integrators), and vice versa. Our alliance with Salesforce and Certinia is a testament to that.
This year, Certinia’s announcement of the Customer Success Cloud and Salesforce’s launch of Salesforce Foundations were standout moments for me. Certinia’s Customer Success Cloud promises to redefine how organizations manage customer relationships, driving better outcomes through intelligent, data-driven insights. Meanwhile, Salesforce Foundations aims to provide more value to existing licenses, assuring increased adoption and useability for new customers.
At Cloud Journey Group, our role as a consulting partner is to help our customers navigate this crowded market. We cut through the noise and only bring forward the best ISVs when there’s a genuine need. Partnerships are not just about selling more; they’re about providing real value and ensuring that the tools we recommend genuinely enhance our clients’ operations.
Key Takeaway: Partnerships matter. In a sea of options, finding the right allies and solutions is crucial. Our commitment is to bring the best of Salesforce and Certinia to the forefront—only when it truly serves our clients.
2. Dreamforce’s Identity Crisis: Innovation Wrapped in Salesmanship
Dreamforce is undoubtedly a massive event that brings together a diverse audience, from developers and admins to sales executives and customers. But one thing is becoming increasingly clear: Dreamforce doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be. Is it a tech conference? A networking event? A showcase of Salesforce’s latest and greatest? In reality, it’s all of these things—and sometimes, that’s the problem.
Product announcements are often grand but can feel disconnected from the nuts and bolts that practitioners need. As someone deeply embedded in this world, it’s frustrating to hear about fantastic new features with little explanation of how they actually work. The audience at Dreamforce is full of people who want to dive deep, understand the details, and figure out how these innovations can be applied in real-world scenarios—but that’s often not what we get.
And then there’s the spectacle. The lavish parties, the celebrity appearances, and the endless swag make for a fun time, but let’s not kid ourselves—these costs are passed on to customers. It’s hard not to feel a bit embarrassed when you consider that the price of all this extravagance ultimately comes out of our clients’ pockets.
Key Takeaway: Dreamforce is a unique and valuable experience, but it’s also a reminder of the sales-heavy nature of our industry. We owe it to our customers to be transparent about the costs and focus on the substance behind the show.
3. A Chance for Team Bonding and Connection
Despite its contradictions, Dreamforce offers something truly special for remote teams like ours—a chance to come together. As a fully remote company, opportunities to bond in person are rare, and Dreamforce provides the perfect excuse to meet up, have fun, and support one another. From cheering each other on in sessions to enjoying the city of San Francisco, the team moments are some of the most memorable.
This year, our team shared laughs, brainstormed new ideas, and enjoyed the energy that only comes from being face-to-face. Dreamforce might be flashy and expensive, but it’s also a reminder of why we do what we do—the connections we build, both with our clients and with each other, are what truly matter.
Final Thoughts
Dreamforce is an event that’s impossible to replicate, with all its quirks and contradictions. It’s part tech conference, part sales pitch, part reunion, and all spectacle. But it’s also a place where the right partnerships are forged, where teams come together, and where the seeds of future success are planted.
As we look ahead, Cloud Journey Group remains committed to navigating this complex landscape with integrity and focus. We’ll continue to champion the best products and partners, celebrate our team, and, as always, keep our clients’ best interests at the forefront.
If you attended Dreamforce and want to talk about what’s next—or if you missed it and want the inside scoop—let’s connect. We’re here to guide you through the noise and help you find the value beneath the surface.
Kyle Schlotfelt
Co-Founder & CRO
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