We’ve heard past attendees describe Dreamforce in a number of creative ways. Some of our favorites include, “Burning Man with Wifi” or “A giant party in the middle of San Francisco.” Others that might fall more on the technology side of things include “The Cloud Explained” or “Progress in Tech Conference.” But in reality, it’s so much more.

As Salesforce has evolved, Dreamforce has alongside with it. Today, Dreamforce is a point of convergence for sales, marketing, commerce, service, and IT professionals to get together and talk about how to get closer to their customers. But it’s not just for professionals across industries - but specific for professionals within a single industry, like the retail industry.

Thousands of retail industry professionals will gather in San Francisco to explore emerging trends and obtain practical guidance on how to deliver a connected shopping experience. Retailers come to Dreamforce to listen to and share strategies and success stories related to artificial intelligence (AI), digital commerce, social media, mobile marketing, email marketing, personalized service, journey automation, omnichannel operations and more.

Since Dreamforce offers content for all types of audiences, it’s easy to get lost in all the sessions and get-togethers. Don’t worry: we’ve collected the top 5 activities every retailer should attend at Dreamforce 2017.

#1 Get the Latest Thought Leadership from Industry Giants and Disruptors

Join executives from adidas Group and Casper Mattress as they discuss the future of retail in “The Fastest Path to Shopper Success with AI” with Shelley Bransten, SVP of Salesforce Solutions, Retail. This session will explore the trends shaping the industry today and how retailers are incorporating intelligence, speed, mobility, journeys and a unified platform to deliver connected shopping experiences. November 7, 2017, 2:00-3:00 p.m. Pacific.

#2 Visit a Flagship Store in the EXPO to Experience Omnichannel Operations

Get your shopping list ready. The EXPO is a place to experience thousands of paths to success and deep dive into Salesforce products and solutions. And right in the center of the EXPO is the Salesforce Campground, where you can walk through unique customer experiences showcasing the success of the world’s leading brands, including a special retail flagship showcase featuring how the fastest sports company in the world connects with customers faster with Salesforce across marketing, digital commerce, stores, and service. November 6-9, 2017, during EXPO Hours.

#3 Explore How Gap, Inc. is Breathing New Life Into the Contact Center

Retail is dead. Or is it? Leading brands, like Gap, Inc., are pivoting their businesses to thrive in the age of elevated shopper expectations. As the leading global retailer with a portfolio of brands, including Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta, Intermix, and Weddington Way, the business had to set a new standard for omnichannel service. And this year, they did just that. Sit in on this session to hear the tale of how Service Cloud and a thoughtful integration strategy is helping Gap, Inc. provide personalized service to shoppers on any channel. Session details: “Retail: How Gap Made Winning with Customer Service their New Normal.” Learn More >

#4 See How One Brand Partnered with Salesforce for Simplicity, and Found a 360-Degree Shopper View

Sometimes the best things come out of small packages. Design Within Reach, the leading purveyor of authentic modern design furnishings, has accomplished what very few retailers have achieved -- a 360-degree view of the shopper. It’s a beautiful cross-cloud design of Service Cloud, Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Commerce Cloud, working in synchronicity for a new level of customer engagement. Listen to the brand’s inspiring story of digital transformation and how it has achieved true customer-centricity. Session details: “Retail: DWR Reaches New Level of Customer Engagement through Marketing and Commerce.” at Learn More >

#5 Raise a Glass to the Future of Retail

We saved the best for last. Save the date for an extracurricular retail session at the event - a VIP experience hosted at a secret retail store location. Join Salesforce for an executive event, including nonstop networking, cocktails and canapes and, of course, thought leadership. Hear from retail executives about how their brands are taking innovative approaches to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information, please contact your Salesforce account executive. November 6, 2016, 6:00-8:00 pm Pacific.

Take the first step to get ready for Dreamforce: see Salesforce for Retail in action here.