How to Get the Most Out of Your Dreamforce Experience

Do you know the way to San Jose? Yeah, me neither. That’s okay, though, because the world’s sales and marketing pros are flocking a little farther north this month.

About 120,000 registered attendees are getting ready to gather in San Francisco from November 18-21 for Dreamforce 2013.

The popular Salesforce conference boasts a full slate of speeches and sessions featuring well-known presenters, including Yahoo's Marissa Mayer, Facebook’s Sheryl Sandberg, and HubSpot’s Mark Roberge.

Dreamforce is known as much for its off-the-hook party atmosphere as it is for its world-class sales and marketing content. So, mingle some fun with your business with this handy discount guide and these tips listed below.

Attend Gala and Benefit Concert

Want to enjoy tunes from one of the most decorated bands of the last several years? Then be sure to catch the Green Day concert at AT&T Park on Tuesday, November 19 as part of the Dreamforce Gala and Benefit Concert.

Happy Hour, Day of the Dead-Style

If you’re looking for some spooky fun, check out the Dia de los Muertos-themed happy hour right before the Gala on Tuesday, November 19, near the Moscone Convention Center.

Check Out the Zuora Block Party

Get wild and crazy at one of the fanciest street festivals you’ll find from 7 p.m. to midnight on Wednesday, November 20, at Mint Plaza.

Enjoy All of the Great Cuisine

Once you see all of the amazing dining options in San Francisco, you’ll probably never want to leave. It’s a foodie’s paradise packed with upscale eateries and quirky cafes. Some of the top-tier dining hot spots you can visit include:

• Perbacco Ristorante + Bar
  
• Alexander’s Steakhouse
• Cafe Mason Homemade Food
• Sushirrito

Go Sightseeing Across San Fran

While you may find yourself wandering around the city looking for awesome eats and fun times, one of the best pieces of advice you’ll ever hear about San Francisco is this gem, courtesy of the good folks at Appirio: “Don’t take a leisurely stroll through The Tenderloin.” It’s a scary neighborhood, friends.

In terms of things you can do aside from eating and the conference itself, there are plenty of options.

For example, you could take a scenic ferry ride to one of the nation’s most infamous and intriguing former prisons. You could also visit the Napa and Sonoma wine country and do a tasting or two. Maybe you could even check out the local aquatic life at the Aquarium of the Bay or have your mind blown at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

The secret to having a great time out West is easy: Soak up San Francisco all week long ... but don’t go broke in the process.

InsideSales.com has teamed up with the Bay City Guide to create a special discount guide for Dreamforce attendees. The free guide includes amazing deals on restaurants, nightlife, attractions, transportation and more.

Leo Dirr is a PR journalist for InsideSales.com, the global leader in cloud-based sales.