Preparing for Cloudforce - How to get the most out of the day

I want to help you get the most out of Cloudforce Sydney. I attended Cloudforce last year and it was an amazing event with over 1,600+ attendees. We had 15 Breakout Sessions for Sales Professionals, Small Businesses, IT Pros, Developers and Marketing folks. This year, we are anticipating over 2000+ people and we have added 9 breakout sessions (a total of 24 this year).

At last year's event the keynote auditorium was packed (standing room only) and I remembered having to quickly assist in redirecting attendees into an overflow room where that soon become standing room only. 

So for newbies, you may be asking yourselves questions like:

• How are you going to get the most out of the information packed day?
• Where is the venue?
• Where should I park?  
• What do I bring?
• Is there free WiFi?  etc...  This is the post for you. 

Here are a few Tips, and if you find these tips helpful why not Tweet this Tips page.

The "Buddy System" isn't just for Kids

This photo was taken at last year's conference. These guys look like they're having a great time. Just imagine the fun you're going to have if you bring along a friend/colleague. They may be forever grateful for bringing them along. You can share in the Cloudforce experience together, learn about the latest in Cloud Computing together and network with others at the event.

I've been to events where I didn't know a single soul, believe me, it wasn't much fun. Get them to Register Now, to become part of the largest Cloud Computing event in Sydney (or even if it's just so you can share a drink together at the networking cocktails at the end of the day). Tweet this Tip.

Who Says, "There's no such thing as a FREE lunch?"

There will be Free lunch provided at the conference, so that's one less thing you have to worry about. Tweet this Tip

If you feel like you need to work during your lunch break, that's fine, we've got your covered. We have some lunch time sessions just for you. Check out the Cloudforce Lunch Breakout Sessions.

Addicted to the internet? We have free WiFi for You

There will be free WiFi and we are going to have a mobile/tablet friendly site. This mobile site will contains the latest agenda so you don't miss a thing. For those without a mobile web-enabled device, not to worry, visit the Cloudforce Sydney Agenda page and print it.

Need a charge? We have you covered, there are plenty of powerpoints at the venue and there are adapters available at the reception deck. Just ask any staff member (they are wearing Black Lanyards) and they'll help you.

Tip: Be sure to install our Free Salesforce and Chatter Mobile Apps onto your device/s (iPhone/iPad/BlackBerry/Android) so you can play and ask questions on the day. Tweet this Tip

Plan your Day ahead of Time

It going to be a given that everyone is going to want to attend the keynote because we are having a very special guest fly from San Francisco to present to us, Parker Harris (the Co-founder and EVP of Technology). But what happens after the keynote?  Well, there's lunch, but what after that?

There were so many information packed breakout sessions in the afternoon, you can't possibly attend them all. The folks in this picture (Cloudforce Sydney 2011) are having trouble deciding which one go to next. This year we're adding 9 more breakouts, so even more to chose from. My suggestion would be to plan your day ahead of time, know what sessions you want to attend.  

Here is the full list of breakout sessions.  But if you're after sessions based on your role, check out my other blog posts:

Sessions for Developers - http://bit.ly/cfsyd4dev
Sessions for Marketing - http://bit.ly/cfsyd4mktg
Sessions for IT Professionals - http://bit.ly/cfsyd4itpros
Sessions for Small Businesses - http://bit.ly/cfsyd4biz
Sessions for Financial Services -  http://bit.ly/cfsyd4fs 

Don't forget to mark in your diary (and/or set a reminder on your phone) to attend the Innovation Panel Session at 4.30pm hosted by ABC's James O'Loghlin.

** Update 13 June ** All the information you need on the day is available within our Online Conference Guide to Cloudforce which is optimised for mobiles and Tablets. This site has an Agenda Planner, Maps, Speaker Bios, Partner details and more. Know what's on and where. Share this tip with others - Tweet this Tip.

Bring a Stack of Business Cards? 

Don't forget there's going to be over 2000+ attending Cloudforce this year. There will be plenty of time to at lunch, during breakout sessions breaks, in the Cloud Expo and at the networking drinks reception (5.30pm - 6.30pm) to meet people. Bring a stack of business cards.

There was one time I was at a conference and I was running low on Business Cards this is what did I did...
Tip: Take a photo on your business card and store it on your iPad/iPhone/Blackberry/phone.  That way you can either email it, or the other person can take a photo of your photo. Tweet this tip.

Getting to the Venue

View Larger Map (Google Maps)

The parking entrance is located off Darling Drive, underneath the Centre’s five exhibition halls, in Darling Harbour. The Car Park provides direct access to the Centre and the Darling Harbour precinct. The Car Park features 18 disabled parking spaces with access via ramps and lifts.  

Parking Rates (Day Time) 
0-1 hrs  $9.00  |  1-2 hrs $17.00  |  2-3 hrs $25.00  |  3-4 hrs $30.00  |  4+ hrs  $32.00  |
Tip: Make sure to keep your reciept so you can claim back on tax or expense it. Tweet this Tip.

If you have any other questions that you'd like answered, please comment below.