Reflecting on SoCal Dreamin': A Day of Inspiration and Connection in Newport Beach!
Hey folks! I recently had the pleasure of attending the inaugural SoCal Dreamin' event in beautiful Newport Beach, California, and it was an experience that truly exceeded my expectations. Organized by the talented duo of Brandon Cassis and Ross Burton, this event gathered Salesforce enthusiasts from all walks of life for a day filled with learning, networking, and inspiration. The scenic venue provided a stunning backdrop that made every moment even more special.
As I reflect on the event, I want to share insights from some standout sessions that showcased the wealth of knowledge and expertise in our Salesforce Ohana.
Photo of the Socal Dreamin Venue in Newport Beach
"Saying 'No' for a Better 'Yes'" – Soof Hirschmann
Kicking off the day was Soof Hirschmann, who hosted a session titled “Saying 'No' for a Better 'Yes.'” With experience at both Wells Fargo and Rivian, Soof brings a unique perspective to the Salesforce landscape. Her insights on prioritizing tasks and making strategic decisions resonated with many attendees, reminding us that sometimes, saying no opens the door to better opportunities to make a bigger impact.
"Unlock Your Trapped Data" – Heba Abdelkodous and Prashanth Kurimella
Next, Heba Abdelkodous and Prashanth Kurimella, both Technical Architects at Salesforce, took the stage to explore how Salesforce Data Cloud can effectively unlock and unify siloed customer data, driving personalized experiences across every touchpoint. Attendees learned about the platform’s architecture and how it enhances engagement and decision-making through advanced analytics and AI capabilities. Their session was an eye-opener for anyone looking to make the most of their data, especially as Salesforce Data Cloud is becoming even more crucial to unlock new capabilities such as Agentforce.
"Streaming Salesforce License Provisioning/Deprovisioning with Automation" – Neel Jain
In an engaging session, Neel Jain presented an advanced automation solution that simplifies access requests for Salesforce licenses. By integrating tools like Okta, Workato, Slack, and ServiceNow, this solution streamlines the onboarding process and enhances governance and compliance. Neel’s hands-on approach provided practical insights that attendees could immediately apply in their organizations.
"Don't Touch My Data! Stop Hoarding Data to Move the Needle" – Sierra Valenzuela-Phillips and Jehri Reed
Sierra Valenzuela-Phillips and Jehri Reed captivated the audience with their session, where they challenged common misconceptions about data usage and emphasized the importance of leveraging data accessibility and transparency to spark company growth and performance.
"Crash Course in Business Analysis" – Vanessa Grant
Vanessa Grant delivered a powerful 3 session set that provided a crash course in business analysis. She also debuted a new session with Janeen Marquardt on Acceptance Criteria. Attendees were impressed by Vanessa's depth of knowledge and presentation skills, making it a fantastic opportunity for everyone to enhance their understanding of analytical skills necessary for success on any Salesforce project.
"From Intern-Admin to CEO: Career Possibilities for Admins" – Josh Nelson
Josh Nelson, Co-Founder & CEO of High Tide Co, shared his inspiring journey in a standout session that resonated with many aspiring professionals. Josh recounted his unexpected path to success, highlighting key milestones like leading Salesforce and CPQ integrations in a $2B M&A and scaling Traction on Demand’s CPQ practice from $100k to $15M. Vibor Cilic noted, "The standout session for me was from 'Admin to CEO.' His story is unique in many ways, and the way he tells and presents it is highly engaging and inspiring."
"WIT Panel: Navigating the Salesforce Surf to Growth" – Marissa Rosen
Photo of the Women in Technology panel and moderators
Marissa Rosen, COO of Salesforce Industries, brought her wealth of experience to the Women in Technology (WIT) panel discussion. Joining her were Cynthia Q., Karishma Lalwani, Elizabeth Southerland (who has served the local SoCal Salesforce ecosystem for over a decade), and moderated by the dynamic Tracie Hart. Marissa provided valuable insights into the future of Salesforce industries, sharing her perspective on products and strategies that drive growth. Her passion and expertise added immense value to the conversation.
The after-party, hosted by Scott Stafford from Investigo, offered a fantastic opportunity for attendees to build relationships and share the knowledge gained throughout the day. The atmosphere during the golden hour on the top floor of the Blue Beet was surreal, allowing for engaging conversations and new friendships to flourish.
Overall, SoCal Dreamin' was a remarkable event that highlighted the power of community in the Salesforce ecosystem. The combination of insightful sessions, engaging speakers, and the stunning venue made for an unforgettable experience. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event a success and to all who attended! I’m already looking forward to next year’s gathering!
