Dreamforce conference could boost city’s outlook
The Dreamforce tech megaconference is returning to San Francisco in September for its 20th year.
The Salesforce-backed event at Moscone Center will take place Sept. 20-22.
It will be larger than last year’s outdoor-only affair and include indoor programming.
Total capacity wasn’t specified, but Salesforce plans to have tens of thousands of attendees, up from around 1,000 last year but a far cry from the 171,000 people who flooded the area before the pandemic.
The event is expected to generate $40 million in economic activity, a boon for the city as it sees a slow tourism and business travel recovery.
Last year’s event required vaccinations for all attendees and daily testing. Salesforce will work with the city on health and safety requirements, said Erin Oles, Salesforce vice president of brand experiences and events marketing.
This year’s lineup, which includes a benefit concert for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, will be revealed later. Past speakers include former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and actor Will Smith.
“We’re focused on just bringing back that inperson magic,” Oles said.
The event’s online broadcast will include 40 hours of live programming and 100 on-demand episodes.
“Events like Dreamforce are not just essential for helping to drive our economic recovery, but they also build excitement and energy around what’s happening in our city. Salesforce has continued to be an incredible partner in investing in a stronger, more vibrant city,” said Mayor London Breed in a statement.
Economic challenges, including higher interest rates and rising inflation, could dampen demand for tech conferences. Another Moscone Center conference scheduled for this week, Cloud Wars Expo, began offering free tickets Tuesday in response to inflation and recession fears.
A Salesforce executive said last month during an earnings call that the company would hire more selectively amid greater economic uncertainty.
“We are hiring, but we’re doing it at a much more measured pace and focusing the majority of new hires that will support customer success and the execution of our top priorities,” said Amy Weaver, Salesforce chief financial officer.