Dreamforce is the premier event of the year for Salesforce, offering an abundance of sessions, workshops and events curated for a variety of functions across the Salesforce ecosystem.

With security and AI being a primary topic for this year’s event, we’ve put together this blog post to help you prioritize the sessions security-minded professionals should be at. Keep reading for a session hit list as well as the top networking events you should attend after hours!

Must See Sessions for Security-Minded Salesforce Pros:

Salesforce data security has never been more critical, and this year’s sessions reflect that urgency. There are numerous sessions dedicated to teaching Salesforce users how to safeguard their environments. As a Salesforce security leader, these sessions are invaluable, offering you a comprehensive view of the day-to-day activities, data integrations, and user interactions within your Org. They’ll help you identify vulnerabilities and potential risks in your processes. Attending these sessions is crucial for staying ahead of the latest security challenges and ensuring your data’s integrity. From data protection to AI security, these must-attend sessions will equip you with the insights and strategies needed to protect the future of your Org:

Data Protection:

1. Achieve Data Protection and Management with Salesforce

The true cost of poor Salesforce data security is high. Safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining regulatory compliance, and managing storage costs are critical to protecting the organization’s reputation, avoiding legal penalties, and ensuring operational efficiency. In this breakout session, you’ll learn:

Data protection strategies: Learn how to implement robust backup methods to safeguard critical Salesforce data.
Privacy compliance: Understand how to use Salesforce Privacy Center to comply with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
Data minimization: Discover ways to reduce unnecessary data to mitigate risks and enhance security.
Storage optimization: Explore Salesforce Archive to efficiently manage and reduce data storage costs.
Risk mitigation: Gain insights into preventing data breaches and maintaining data integrity within Salesforce.

Learn more about the session here.

2. Beyond Backup: Unify Your SFDC Data Protection Strategy

Data breaches and data loss can cripple an organization, making a unified data protection strategy essential for business continuity. This session focuses on how to ensure your Salesforce data is secure and recoverable, even in the worst-case scenario. Key takeaways include:

Comprehensive data protection: Explore methods for safeguarding your Salesforce data against threats.
Quick recovery: Learn how Rubrik can help you recover data swiftly to minimize downtime.
Business continuity: Understand the importance of a unified protection strategy to keep your organization running smoothly.

Learn more about the session here.

3. Encryption Made Easy with Platform Encryption

Encryption is the cornerstone of data security, but it doesn’t have to be complex. This session will show you how to simplify encryption processes within Salesforce, ensuring your data remains secure without adding unnecessary complications. The session will cover:

Simplified encryption: Discover how Salesforce’s latest tools make encryption more accessible and manageable.
Enhanced security: Learn how to implement encryption strategies that protect your data without compromising efficiency.
Time-saving techniques: Find out how to streamline encryption processes to save time while maintaining strong security.

Learn more about the session here.

4. Manage Your Data Securely with Salesforce

Managing and securing data is a critical aspect of maintaining a safe Salesforce environment. This session offers practical advice on addressing data management challenges while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. In this breakout session, you’ll learn:

Data management: Explore strategies for effectively managing and securing Salesforce data.
Compliance solutions: Learn how to meet privacy and security regulations through Salesforce’s built-in tools.
Security best practices: Gain insights into maintaining a secure Salesforce environment while managing data.

Learn more about the session here.

AI Security:

5. Data Governance for the AI Enterprise

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into business processes, ensuring the governance and security of AI-related data is crucial. But data governance can’t be achieved alone– it’s a team effort. This session focuses on the best practices you can implement for your entire Org centered around managing customer data in AI-driven projects. This will set the foundation for secure AI adoption. Key takeaways include:

AI data governance: Learn how to manage and protect data in AI-driven initiatives.
Customer data protection: Understand the importance of safeguarding customer data in the AI context.
Best practices: Discover proven strategies for implementing secure and effective AI data governance.

Learn more about the session here.

6. Empower Trustworthy AI Adoption with Open Model Architecture

The global AI trust, risk and security management market size is expected to grow 21.3% by 2030 to over $2B dollars. There is a massive focus in the security industry around increasing the demand for ethical AI practices. With this in mind, his session aims to explore how open and transparent AI models can build trust, making AI adoption smoother and more secure. The session discusses:

Building trust: Learn how open models can foster trust in AI adoption.
Transparent AI: Understand the benefits of using transparent AI models in your organization.
Smoother adoption: Discover strategies to implement AI securely and effectively across your organization.

Learn more about the session here.

7. Implementing Data Security and Privacy with Salesforce

Generative AI is a white hot topic… but there are serious concerns about the risk it may expose in terms of data security and privacy. Risk can arise from accidental processing of customer personal data put into AI models. So how do you prevent this? This session provides hands-on experience with Salesforce’s tools for protecting sensitive data in AI processes, ensuring your AI projects comply with privacy regulations. It covers:

AI data security: Explore methods for securing data used in generative AI.
Privacy compliance: Learn how to ensure AI processes comply with privacy laws and regulations.
Practical application: Get hands-on experience with Salesforce’s security tools to protect AI-related data.

Learn more about the session here.

8. Keep Your AI Enterprise Secure and Protected

With AI playing a larger role in business operations, securing AI environments is crucial. This session covers the top security challenges and considerations for IT leaders working with AI, offering insights into how to keep your AI enterprise secure. Key takeaways include:

AI security challenges: Understand the primary security risks associated with AI.
Protective measures: Learn about the latest strategies for securing AI environments.
IT leadership: Gain insights into the unique security considerations that IT leaders must address in AI-driven projects.

Learn more about the session here.

9. Trusted AI Security Workshop

More of a hands on person? This workshop offers a practical approach to configuring security, privacy, and compliance solutions within Salesforce’s AI Trust Layer, giving you the tools to securely adopt AI. In this breakout session, you’ll learn:

Hands-on learning: Engage in practical exercises to implement AI security measures.
AI Trust Layer: Explore Salesforce’s AI Trust Layer and its role in ensuring secure AI adoption.
Security and compliance: Learn how to configure security and compliance solutions tailored for AI environments.

Learn more about the session here.

User Management and Access Control:

10. Access Granted: Secure and Simplify with User Policies

Managing user access is vital for maintaining the security of your Salesforce environment. This session provides strategies to streamline user management while ensuring robust security measures are in place. This session discusses:

Simplified user management: Learn how to make user access management more efficient.
Enhanced security: Discover ways to strengthen security through effective user policies.
Streamlined processes: Understand how to balance security and usability in user management.

Learn more about the session here.

11. Guardians of Data — User Access Policies Unleashed

User access is the first line of defense in protecting your Salesforce environment. This session will delve into practical strategies for implementing robust user access policies that reduce risks and ensure your data remains under control. The session will cover:

User access control: Learn how to effectively manage user permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
Risk reduction: Discover best practices for minimizing security risks through strategic access policies.
Data protection: Understand how strong user access policies can safeguard sensitive information.

Learn more about the session here.

12. The Insider Threat: Know Your Data, Know Your User

Insider threats are among the most challenging to mitigate. This session will guide you through the process of identifying risky permissions, classifying your data, and enforcing strict access controls to protect against internal threats. In this breakout session, you’ll learn:

Identifying risks: Learn how to spot potential insider threats within your organization.
Data classification: Understand the importance of classifying data to protect sensitive information.
Access controls: Discover how to implement stringent access controls to mitigate insider threats.

Learn more about the session here.

13. The Power of People: Enhance Salesforce with User Management

User management is more than just granting permissions—it’s about empowering the right people while maintaining security. This session explores best practices for enhancing Salesforce with effective user management strategies. Key takeaways include:

User empowerment: Learn how to grant access that empowers users while maintaining security.
Security best practices: Discover strategies for managing users without compromising data security.
Effective management: Understand how to enhance your Salesforce environment through strategic user management.

Learn more about the session here.

Emerging Technologies and Advanced Strategies:

14. Accelerate Mergers and Acquisitions with Slack

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involve complex processes that require secure, efficient communication and collaboration across multiple teams. This session is crucial for security leaders looking to ensure that every stage of the M&A process, from negotiation to onboarding, is protected and streamlined. This session discusses:

Secure collaboration: Learn how Slack can be used to maintain secure communication channels during sensitive negotiations and due diligence.
Efficient onboarding: Discover how Slack facilitates the rapid integration of acquired employees while safeguarding company data.
Process transparency: Understand how to leverage Slack for greater visibility and control throughout the M&A lifecycle, ensuring compliance and security at every step.

Learn more about the session here.

15. Roadmap Deep Dive: What’s New with Salesforce Security

Staying ahead of security threats requires knowing what’s coming next. This session offers an in-depth look at the latest updates in Salesforce Shield and Security Center, providing you with the knowledge to keep your security measures up to date. The session will cover:

New features: Explore the latest security features in Salesforce Shield and Security Center.
Event monitoring: Learn how to use advanced event monitoring tools to detect potential security threats.
Proactive security: Discover how new tools and updates can help you stay ahead of security risks.

Learn more about the session here.

16. Secure How You Work with Slack’s Security Best Practices

As Slack becomes an integral tool for collaboration, securing its use within your organization is crucial. This session provides best practices for managing security in Slack, ensuring that your communication remains secure. In this breakout session, you’ll learn:

Slack security: Learn how to protect sensitive information within Slack.
Audit logs: Understand the importance of managing audit logs to track and secure communication.
Data control: Discover methods for controlling who can access and download sensitive data in Slack.

Learn more about the session here.

17. Security and Privacy for Data Cloud

Data Cloud offers powerful tools for managing customer data, but with great power comes great responsibility. This session will guide you through securing sensitive data within Salesforce’s Data Cloud, from encryption to customer consent management. Key takeaways include:

Data Cloud security: Learn how to secure data within Salesforce’s Data Cloud.
Encryption strategies: Discover the best ways to encrypt sensitive customer data.
Consent management: Understand how to manage customer consent and ensure privacy compliance.

Learn more about the session here.

Premier Places to Network and Unwind During Dreamforce 2024

Attending Dreamforce is a whirlwind of sessions, keynotes, and endless opportunities to expand your security expertise. But some of the best connections happen outside the convention center. One of our top tips for getting the most out of Dreamforce was to carve out time for networking events and parties where you can meet industry peers, exchange ideas, and unwind after a long day. Here are the must-attend events and hotspots you won’t wanna miss:

Monday, September 16th

1. Areya’s Happy Hour

Kick off Dreamforce with a lively evening of drinks, storytelling, and engaging discussions at Areya’s Happy Hour. It’s a prime opportunity to share ideas and make meaningful connections in a relaxed atmosphere.

Where: Epic Steak, 369 The Embarcadero San Francisco, CA 94105
When: 5:00 PM onwards
Why You Should Attend: A great opportunity for security leaders to engage in candid discussions about security challenges and strategies with peers in a setting that encourages open dialogue and the exchange of ideas.

2. Grax Dreamforce ’24 Happy Hour

Step into the Gatsby-inspired ambiance of The Harlequin for a stylish kick-off to Dreamforce. Hosted by GRAX and OutSystems, this event is perfect for fostering new connections and strengthening existing relationships in a unique setting.

Where: The Harlequin, 68 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
When: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Why You Should Attend: This stylish event offers security leaders a chance to connect with professionals who are pioneering innovative security solutions, making it an ideal space for discovering new approaches to enhancing security protocols.

Tuesday, September 17th

3. Sonar, Wizards of Ops & Operatus Happy Hour

What to Expect: Sonar and Wizards of Ops will once again be co-hosting a happy hour with our friends from Operatus at Tequila Mockingbird on Tues. September 17th. Ops leaders are welcomed to register. Limited seats are available.

Where: Tequila Mockingbird
When: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Why You Should Attend: Looking for a fun, relaxed happy hour surrounded by some of the ‘best of the best’ in Ops? This is the gathering for you. Hear from Ops leaders on the evolution of RevOps, how Salesforce data security is changing the game, and more!

4. mindZvue’s Dreamforce Happy Hour

What to Expect: Take a break from the Dreamforce hustle at mindZvue’s Happy Hour, where you can indulge in authentic Indian cuisine, sip on refreshing cocktails, and engage in insightful conversations about innovation and Salesforce implementation.

Where: Amber India Restaurant, 25 Yerba Buena Ln, San Francisco, CA 94103
When: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Why You Should Attend: Security leaders can benefit from this event by diving deep into conversations about Salesforce implementation and data protection, gaining insights from others who are leading the charge in security innovation.

5. Hike2: A Taste of San Francisco Happy Hour

Join HIKE2 for a culinary journey through San Francisco’s iconic flavors at this immersive happy hour. From tangy sourdough to fresh seafood, savor the city’s rich culinary history while connecting with fellow Dreamforce attendees.

Where: Local Kitchen, 330 1st St. San Francisco, CA 94105
When: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Why You Should Attend: An excellent setting for security leaders to network with peers while discussing emerging trends in data governance and protection, all while enjoying San Francisco’s renowned culinary scene.

6. RoyalCyber: After Dreamforce – The Place to Be!

After a day packed with Dreamforce activities, unwind at Royal Cyber’s exclusive after-party. This event offers a relaxed atmosphere to mingle with fellow tech professionals, exchange insights, and spark new ideas.

Where: Hotel VIA, 138 King St, San Francisco, CA
When: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Why You Should Attend: This after-party is an ideal venue for security leaders to continue conversations sparked during the day, focusing on collaborative solutions and new ideas in a more informal, social atmosphere.

7. Impact Sector Social: Kick Off Dreamforce with Cloud for Good

Start Dreamforce on the right foot with Cloud for Good’s Impact Sector Social. This event promises a dynamic environment for connecting with peers, industry experts, and thought leaders, all while enjoying drinks and light appetizers.

Where: Monarch SF, 101 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
When: Time to be confirmed
Why You Should Attend: Perfect for security leaders interested in how security can support broader organizational goals, this event brings together industry experts and thought leaders to explore the intersection of security and social impact.

Wednesday, September 18th

8. Egen Lounge Event

Just steps away from Moscone Center, the Egen Lounge is the perfect spot to meet industry peers, enjoy refreshments, and learn how Egen empowers organizations through cloud, data, AI, and Salesforce solutions. This event provides a blend of networking and education in a comfortable setting.

Where: Egen Lounge, 12th floor at 201 3rd Street
When: All day, with specific times for networking sessions
Why You Should Attend: Security leaders can network with peers while also gaining insights into the latest advancements in cloud, data, and AI security, making it both an educational and networking-rich environment.

9. Dreamfest (CoHeadliners: Pink & Imagine Dragons)

Dreamforce wouldn’t be complete without its legendary Dreamfest, the ultimate party of the week. This year, get ready to be dazzled by co-headliners, Pink and Imagine Dragons. Past performers have included big names like Metallica, U2, and the Foo Fighters, making this event a must-attend. Remember, your Dreamforce Full Conference badge and government ID are your tickets to the show, so don’t miss out on the fun!

Where: The Giants Ballpark, 24 Willie Mays Plaza
When: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Why You Should Attend: While this event is more about entertainment, it’s also a prime opportunity for security leaders to build relationships in a relaxed and memorable setting, which can foster more meaningful professional connections. Not only is it a night of unforgettable music and celebration, but it also supports a great cause—all proceeds benefit UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals.

Thursday, September 19th

10. Happy Hour by Copado

As Dreamforce winds down, the Copado Happy Hour is the perfect way to relax, reflect, and connect one last time before you head home. From 2-4 PM, join fellow attendees at Trellis Coworking Space for some final networking and a closing toast to a week full of breakthroughs, new friendships, and unforgettable memories.

Where: Trellis Coworking Space
When: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Why You Should Attend: As Dreamforce draws to a close, this event allows security leaders to reflect on key learnings and strengthen connections with others who share a focus on advancing Salesforce security.

11. 12th Annual michaelforce.org Cigar Shindig

A Dreamforce tradition, the 12th Annual michaelforce.org Cigar Shindig is where attendees come to unwind and celebrate the end of the conference. With a drink in hand and a cigar in the other, join friends old and new as you close out the week in style. It’s the perfect capstone to a week filled with keynotes, expos, and Dreamfest.

Where: Cigar Bar and Grill, 850 Montgomery Street
When: 6:00 PM – Late
Why You Should Attend: This traditional event provides a unique setting for security leaders to unwind and discuss the week’s insights with like-minded professionals, offering a more personal approach to building lasting connections.

By planning to attend these events, you’ll not only deepen your Dreamforce experience but also build valuable connections that could benefit your Salesforce journey long after the conference ends.

Conclusion: Preparing for Success at Dreamforce 2024

With this guide in hand, you’re well-prepared to navigate Dreamforce 2024 with confidence. Whether you’re focused on attending critical sessions, building valuable connections, or exploring all the event has to offer, you’ll be ready to make the most of every opportunity.

Sonar will be at Dreamforce 2024 as well. Be sure to connect with us so we can tell you more about our product evolution. From change management to comprehensive Salesforce data security solutions – we’re redefining what’s possible. Our solutions are designed to give you greater visibility and control, ensuring your org remains secure and compliant. Check Sonar out for yourself 100% free here.

Let’s make this Dreamforce one to remember!

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