It’s that time of year when San Francisco becomes the hub for innovation, networking, and thought leadership for anyone in the Salesforce and go-to-market (GTM) ecosystem.
While Dreamforce draws tens of thousands to the city, OpsStars gives Ops pros their own dedicated conference just a few blocks away. Whether you’re a Salesforce veteran or new to the ecosystem, these events are must-attends for learning, networking, and inspiration.
With so much happening at once, the real challenge is making it count.
This guide will help you navigate Dreamforce and OpsStars, balance your schedule, and avoid common pitfalls so you leave with new playbooks, stronger connections, and a fresh spark of motivation.
Dreamforce 2025: What to Expect
With 1,500+ sessions over three event-packed days, Dreamforce is one of the world’s largest tech conferences.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Keynotes & announcements: This is your chance to be in the room when Salesforce unveils new products, partnerships, and roadmaps that shape the next year in CRM, AI, and cloud.
- Breakout sessions: Dive into role- and industry-specific content, from hands-on workshops to big-picture panels.
- Expo & Campground: Explore live demos, meet partners and startups, and get hands-on with emerging tech.
- Trailblazer community: Join a vibrant global network of pros and Trailblazers (Salesforce’s term for its global user community) eager to share tips, swap stories, and celebrate wins.
Pro tip: Don’t try to do everything. Anchor your schedule around the two or three themes you care most about. That way you’ll avoid “session FOMO” and ensure you get value from the week.
OpsStars 2025: A Must for GTM Operations Leaders
Running alongside Dreamforce, OpsStars is the go-to event for revenue operations and GTM pros.
Hosted by LeanData, it offers a focused, intimate space where ops leaders can dig into the real work of scaling businesses.
Here’s what to expect:
- Practical focus: This year’s theme is Navigating the New Buyer Journey. Get tips and tactics on aligning ops, optimizing journeys, and solving real-world GTM challenges.
- OpsStars Awards: Learn from top performers driving measurable impact through ops excellence as they share their inspirational and instructional stories.
- Peer networking: Connect with others who live and breathe RevOps…no need to explain what you do.
Pro tip: OpsStars is FREE (registration required), making it a high-value add-on, or a standalone experience.
Sponsors like Clay, Demandbase, Qualified, Gong, Tango, and many others will be demoing throughout the day.
Catch the full OpsStars agenda here.
Why These Events Matter
Dreamforce and OpsStars are more than just conferences. They’re places where strategies shift, partnerships form, and careers grow.
Whether you’re attending keynotes, soaking up sessions, or connecting with peers, the goal is the same: to leave with insights and energy that elevate your work long after the week ends.
So, pack your notebook, clear your calendar, and get ready for an unforgettable week in San Francisco.
Can’t attend in person? No worries. Salesforce+ offers free live streaming during Dreamforce as well as 120+ on-demand episodes, and we’ll post recorded OpsStars sessions in the LeanData Resource Center shortly after the conference wraps.
Getting There: Airports and Transportation
San Francisco is served by three major airports:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): ~13 miles from downtown. Easiest access is via rideshare or BART to Powell Street Station, a 10-minute walk from Moscone Center.
- Oakland International Airport (OAK): ~12 miles away, across the Bay. Reach downtown via BART or rideshare.
- San Jose International Airport (SJC): ~50 miles south. About one hour by car, or hop on a free shuttle service to the Santa Clara Caltrain Station.
Shuttles & Public Transit: Avoid driving if possible: parking in San Francisco is limited and expensive. Many hotels provide free Dreamforce shuttle service. If you must drive, book a space in advance using SpotHero or park at the Moscone Center Garage (255 3rd Street).
Balancing Dreamforce and OpsStars
Dreamforce can consume your entire week, but carving out time for OpsStars is worth it if you’re in GTM or operations. A few ways to make it work:
- Anchor around Dreamforce keynotes: Mark Salesforce’s big announcements on your calendar first. Then weave in OpsStars sessions around them.
- Block time for networking: Your calendar will fill up fast between walking from one venue to the next, catching up with contacts, and attending evening receptions. Leave space for spontaneous meetings.
- Choose depth over breadth: Instead of skimming five sessions at each event, go deep in one area — say AI at Dreamforce and revenue orchestration at OpsStars. You’ll walk away with more usable insights.
Survival Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Week
Dreamforce week is exciting…but it’s also a marathon. Here’s how to stay focused, energized, and get the most out of both Dreamforce and OpsStars:
- Plan, but stay flexible: Use the event apps to build your schedule, but leave room for last-minute gems.
- Pack smart: Bring the essentials…water bottle, power bank, tablet/laptop, snacks. Leave space for swag, especially at OpsStars (Hello, Otto the Automation Otter!)
- Wear comfy shoes: You’ll be walking miles between scaling San Francisco’s hills and going between venues, expo halls, and networking spots.
- Layer up: It can be sunny at noon and chilly by 5 p.m. Bring a light jacket.
- Fuel wisely: Start with a solid breakfast, snack throughout the day, and stay hydrated.
- Take breaks: Recharge in Dreamforce lounges or the Trailhead Zone. At OpsStars, it’s easier to escape the crowd, but fresh air helps either way.
- Network with intention: Pick your must-attend happy hours, dinners, or other networking opportunities. OpsStars is more personal, offering roundtables and hallway convos that can turn into long-term connections.
- Book demos early: Lock in time with vendors before schedules fill up, especially at Dreamforce.
A little prep goes a long way. Your feet, brain, and calendar will thank you.
Food, Coffee, and Drinks: Fuel Your Days
While lunch and refreshments are included in full Dreamforce passes, San Francisco’s food scene is worth exploring. Here are a few convenient to the Moscone Center:
- Breakfast/Lunch: Try Parachute Bakery in the Ferry Building for fine pastries, Mama’s on Washington Square for a classic Monte Cristo, Dabao Singapore (135 4th St, 1st floor of the mall) for legit Singaporean eats from a James Beard–nominated chef, or Pie Punks (145 Second St.) for unique pizzas.
- Coffee & Tea: Delah Coffee, Blue Bottle, and Café Suspiro are just blocks from Moscone.
- Breweries & Happy Hours: Wind down at Lagunitas Brewing Company, Black Hammer Brewing, or Golden Eye Social (a modern dart bar serving serious cocktails at 311 3rd St).
OpsStars also provides free lunch, snacks, coffee, and social spaces to recharge between sessions. Come find us at the San Francisco Mint!
Happy Hours & Meetups
After a full day of sessions, tech talk, and expo floor hustle, it’s time to unwind. Dreamforce evenings are packed with can’t-miss happy hours and parties. In addition to the headliner Dreamfest event at the Chase Center featuring Metallica and Benson Boone on October 15, here are a few for your radar:
For the full rundown of Dreamforce parties and events, check out Salesforceben’s Ultimate Dreamforce Parties page.
Play Tourist: Make the Most of Your Time in SF
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned traveler, San Francisco has something to offer. If you’ve got a few hours before or after OpsStars or Dreamforce, here’s your must-see, must-snap guide to the city (and beyond).
Catch iconic sights
- Golden Gate Bridge. Walk it for the full experience. Or catch the perfect shot from Baker Beach or Crissy Field.
- Alcatraz Island. Tour the infamous prison. Book early, go in the morning, and get a glimpse of SF history.
- Coit Tower. Climb Telegraph Hill for 360° views and historic murals. A favorite for cityscapes.
- Lombard Street. Drive or walk the world’s crookedest street. Bonus: it’s free!
- Palace of Fine Arts. Originally built for the 1915 World’s Fair, now one of the most photogenic spots in town.
- Ride a Cable Car. Skip the hills and ride in style. It’s classic SF, and yes, tickets are sold onboard.
Chill and explore
- Salesforce Park. Take in the skyline from this lush rooftop oasis above the Salesforce Transit Center.
- Ghirardelli Square + Marina. Chocolate, waterfront views, and plenty of charm. What more could you want?
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. Open Tues, Thurs & Sat. Even off-market days, the shops and food stalls are worth the visit.
- Alamo Square & the Painted Ladies. Grab a snack, find a spot in the grass, and enjoy the postcard-perfect view.
Go on a weekend-worthy adventure
- Got an extra day? Head to Marin, Napa, or Sonoma for wine, redwoods, and fresh air. You won’t regret it.
Your Story Starts Here
At the end of the day, Dreamforce and OpsStars aren’t just shiny conferences — they’re stories waiting to be written.
Whether yours is about the keynote that sparks a big idea, the roundtable that solves a nagging challenge, or the chance encounter that turns into a lasting partnership, this week in San Francisco is where it all begins.
Pack your curiosity and let the city and the people you meet do the rest.
Kim Peterson
Kim Peterson is the Manager of Content Strategy at LeanData where she digs deep into all aspects of the revenue process and shares her findings across multiple content channels. Kim's writing experiences span tech companies, stunt blogging, education, and the real estate industry. Connect with Kim on LinkedIn.
