At the beginning of last month, I attended NE Dreamin’, a Salesforce community-led conference held this year in Boston, Massachusetts.
At this event, I made a deliberate choice: I didn’t spend most of my time attending sessions. Not because there wasn’t fantastic content — there absolutely was. The organisers had put together a brilliant lineup of speakers, workshops, and hands-on learning. But I wanted to explore the other side of the conference experience, and that’s what I want to share here.
So, what else can you do at a community conference besides sit in sessions?
- Networking — The Natural Way
Let’s start with the obvious one: networking. And before you cringe at the word, I don’t mean the awkward “hovering around the coffee table” version. I mean finding natural, comfortable ways to connect with people.
NE Dreamin’ kicked off with a rooftop social the night before the main event — a perfect chance to grab a drink, relax, and meet fellow attendees. It was easy to strike up conversations, chat with organisers, and get introduced to new faces without the usual awkwardness.
There were also plenty of opportunities to mingle throughout the day — over lunch, between sessions, and in the communal spaces. The more you put yourself out there, the more rewarding those connections become. Events like Amsterdam’s Salesforce Nonprofit Community Day show just how powerful those community conversations can be.
- Give Back by Volunteering
I spent an hour volunteering at the registration desk — welcoming people, pointing them to the Wi-Fi code and restrooms, and chatting as they arrived. It was a simple but fantastic way to meet new people and feel part of the event.
Community conferences rely heavily on volunteer power, so even a small contribution makes a difference. I also helped out during the hands-on Slack workshop with Mike Reynolds, answering questions and troubleshooting. It was a great blend of learning and helping others at the same time.
If that spirit of collaboration appeals to you, the experience of the Salesforce Commons Community Sprint is a perfect example of how volunteering and contributing back to the ecosystem can be transformative.
- Share Your Knowledge: Speak!
I was lucky enough to be selected for a speaking slot — another brilliant way to spend your time at a conference. Yes, it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.
Our session was fairly light-hearted, and afterwards, I had so many conversations with people who’d had similar experiences. The NE Dreamin’ team was also brilliant at supporting speakers in advance, offering feedback on presentations and coaching for first-timers. If you’re thinking about speaking at a future event, do it. It’s one of the best ways to give back to the community and strengthen your own skills.
If you’d like a taste of what that feels like, take a look at London’s Calling 2023 — a fantastic example of how sharing your knowledge and experience can spark conversations long after your session ends.
- Reconnect (and Connect!) with “Your People”
One of the best parts of these events is the people. Chances are, you already know someone who’s attending — maybe a colleague, a fellow Trailblazer, or someone you follow online.
If you’re new to the community or a little unsure about going solo, consider inviting a friend, coworker, or teammate to come along. Having a familiar face there can make it easier to start conversations and build confidence — and once you’re there, you’ll both find yourselves expanding your networks together. It’s also a brilliant way to introduce others to the Salesforce community and share the experience.
I’ve been part of the global Salesforce ecosystem for over five years now, so these conferences are like a big reunion. I get to see familiar faces, strengthen relationships, and finally meet people I’ve only ever interacted with virtually. There were plenty of hugs, high-fives, and spontaneous conversations — and that sense of community is hard to beat. Events like London’s Calling + WorldTour/TDX 2025 prove how much those connections matter.
- Explore Beyond the Agenda
The conference schedule is just the start. Often, there’s a whole world of activities happening before, during, and after the main event. That might mean dinner after the drinks reception, an unofficial after-party, or exploring the host city with new friends.
In Boston, a group of us walked the historic Freedom Trail the day after the conference — a great way to extend the experience and build stronger connections. If you can, try to arrive a little early or stay a little longer. There’s always more to discover.
- Meet Your Heroes
Community events often feature special guests, and NE Dreamin’ was no exception. I was thrilled to meet Guida Hilaire, Senior Director of Product Marketing at Salesforce — an inspiring and generous presence in the ecosystem. And I finally got to buy Steve Molis a beer — something I’d been wanting to do ever since benefiting from his countless helpful answers in the Trailblazer Community.
Even if your personal “heroes” don’t happen to be there, chances are you’ll bump into someone you’ve followed online or admired from afar. Don’t miss the chance to say hello — these are the moments that make community events special.
So Much More Than Sessions
Yes, sessions are valuable. They’re often the reason we attend conferences in the first place. But there’s so much more to experience if you’re willing to step outside the agenda — from volunteering and speaking to networking, exploring, and connecting with the people who make this community so special.
My next big community conference will be IrishDreamin’ on 19th March 2026. Why not join me? I’d love to introduce you to people and show you just how much more there is to these events than what happens in the session rooms.
Thanks to ChatGPT for helping me turn my blog article notes into an article!
