@josh hey, great question. I've been doing #Salesforce dev/architecture for a long time and helped build up fsl as one of the early customers using it (initially from click software before Salesforce bought it). #Dreamforce can be really useful or just an expensive way to hear days of sales pitches.

Here's a few tips that have helped me maximize my success over the years at df...

- add overlapping sessions. There's no telling when you might need to stay after a session to ask questions or run into someone you should connect with. Also, some sessions are pretty far from each other and some will be full, even if you get there early, so have plenty of back ups.

- focus on sessions not recorded. The big huge sessions are always recorded. I have presented at Dreamforce and TDX, none of my sessions were recorded. The roadmap sessions are not usually rebroadcast anywhere so I always prioritize those for all products we use or might use.

- when looking at sessions, look at who the presenters are. If they're from a vendor, then it's likely going to mostly be a sales pitch, so go if you're considering those vendue tools.... I consider slack and Tableau and Mulesoft on this first category. If it's Salesforce + a customer then it's likely good info plus some great examples of how a real customer is using whatever the topic is. If it's just Salesforce it may be selling a feature you may or may not need, or may be really great info and roadmap stuff and you can ask questions from those calling the shots on the products.

- speaking of asking questions... Go to True to the Core, ask the developer sessions, etc. I've gotten a lot of value from the chance to ask leaders at Salesforce questions and hearing those of other customers.

- df can be a great networking opportunity, with SF experts in what you use like fsl, and other customers doing similar things. Ask you AE if they can arrange any meet ups with other customers they know that you might benefit from meeting. Look for networking sessions on agenda builder.

- check out the vendor off site stuff. Lots of venues get rented out near Moscone with places to sit, grab a drink or a bite to eat. It's nice sometimes to have registered for entry just to be able to chill for a minute, especially if your hotel is far away. Same goes for the evening events hosted by vendors

- take careful advantage of the vendor booths, usually in the bottom of Moscone south. It's great to see what's out there and ask questions directly from the vendors and get some freebies, but sometimes they are clearly paid on how many badges they scan, and if they scan you, you'll never get off their call/mailing list. Sometimes I walk through with my hand over my badge so they can't scan unless I want them to.

- remember this is a big sales event for Salesforce and the vendors. Even customer sessions are likely approved based on whether it's likely to increase Salesforce revenue. So be sure to understand what you can use now vs what you'll need to add onto your contract.

- wear good walking/running shoes. You'll get lots of steps in so you want to have comfortable feet.

- there's usually tea/coffee and fruit out early as the sessions are starting each morning... if so grab a drink and a bite on your way in.

- try to get some time away from the event for Chinatown, the golden gate Bridge, fisherman's warf, etc. It's a lot of hustle and bustle and if you do it right, a lot of content. It's nice to have a break.

Are these ideas helpful?