Salesforce Connections has long been a cornerstone event for professionals and enthusiasts in the Salesforce ecosystem. Originally known for its deep dive into Marketing Cloud, the conference has evolved since 2007 from a total focus on Marketing Cloud (then known as Exact Target), to encompass multiple Salesforce solutions. This year, Connections 2024, held at McCormick Place in Chicago, promises to be more expansive and inclusive than ever before. Attendees can expect a comprehensive exploration of tnot only Marketing Cloud solutions, but other from Sales and Service Cloud, Commerce Cloud, Manufacturing Cloud and more. In fact, out of 320 sessions this year at Connections, almost 200 sessions have a product focus outside of Marketing Cloud! This evolution shows how Salesforce is all about giving a complete picture of customer engagement, making sure every interaction really counts.
As an older citizen of the Salesforce Ohana (scary to think that it was been close to twenty years since I joined the ecosystem), I’m particularly excited about the diversity of sessions available this year. While Marketing Cloud has always been a highlight, the broader focus means there are plenty of valuable insights and learning opportunities across different clouds and functionalities. For those attending Connections or watching on Salesforce+, Here are my top five must-attend sessions at Connections 2024 that go beyond Marketing Cloud:
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How to Design Practical AI User Cases Powered by Data
This hands on data session has to objectives: for you to learn practical use cases for Data Cloud and Einstein, and how you can define, develop and implement use cases for quick wins.
Thursday, 10:45 am, Marketing Lodge Roundtable -
Find out What’s New and What’s Next for Data Cloud
Unless you have been hiding out under a headless flow for the las year, you know how incredible important Salesforce has made Data Cloud. Join Martin Kihn, Amy Kitscher and guests to discuss the latest and greatest for Salesforce’s focal Cloud.
Wednesday, 12:30 pm, Breakout 5
Thursday, 1:00 pm, Breakout 4
Salesforce+ -
Transform Your Customer Operations with Manufacturing Cloud
Salesforce’s industry clouds have been one of their largest growth areas this decade, including the creation of Manufacturing Cloud. If you are at Connections, and in the Manufacturing, Automotive or Energy space, and are not using on of the Cloud solutions specifically created for your industry, it would be worth your while to go to this session to learn how they can help your sales, service and operations processes.
Wednesday, 1:00 pm, Theatre 6 -
5 Ways to Sell More Efficiently with Automation and AI
While it may not be the newest kid on the Salesforce block, Sales is still at the heart of Salesforce. This session will discuss five actionable tips you can take back to your own Salesforce org to increase your sales productivity, and give a demo of Sales Engagement (available in Unlimited Edition, and as an add on for Enterprise Edition).
Wednesday, 1:45 pm AND 4:15 pm, Theatre 9 -
Consumer Goods: Deliver Profitable Growth with Data and AI
As I discussed about Manufacturing Cloud above, another industry cloud that is available is Consumer Goods Cloud. Get an overview of how Consumer Goods Cloud is leading companies in this industry, how AI is changing things, and how companies like Ariat International are using Salesforce CGC.
Wednesday, 2:30 pm, Breakout 5
Salesforce+
And a final bonus session. Whether it be my first conference for Salesforce (way back in 2005 in San Francisco), or the Trailhead DX just this March, I always meet people who are brand new to Salesforce, the ecosystem, or even the application. Needless to say this can be a daunting task for new professionals, if not abjectively terrorizing. If you find someone who is new to the application, the Ohana, or just not sure of where to start, I would suggest that you take the person to the Campground on Level 3, and at the Einstein 1 Experience they are running a session called Introduction to Salesforce: What We Do. It is a short fifteen minute session and runs at the top and bottom of each hour. A short session starting at square one may be just what is required to help our new friends aren’t completely overwhelmed!
Connections 2024 is trending to be a great experience, offering countless opportunities to learn, network, and grow. If you’re planning to attend and would like to discuss any of the sessions or explore how Salesforce can transform your business, let’s connect! Feel free to reach out, and we can meet and have a coffee during the conference. See you in Chicago!
