From Disney Vibes to Deep Connections: Vicki Moritz-Henry’s First Dreamforce Adventure

About Vicki Moritz-Henry

Salesforce Former MVP | Certified Trailhead Academy Instructor | Independent Solution Architect / Consultant

Vicki Moritz-Henry is the Certified Trailhead Academy Instructor and Independent Solution Architect / Consultant, where she works across the Salesforce stack—including Sales, Service, Experience, Data Cloud, and all Marketing products. As a Certified Trailhead Academy instructor, she teaches all things Marketing Cloud, Flow, and Salesforce development. Her Salesforce journey has been defined by community, connection, and a rapid transformation from newcomer to sought-after speaker and mentor.

A Dreamforce Debut: Salesforce Meets Disney

If you’d asked me what Dreamforce would be like before my first visit, I might have said “a big conference, full of techies.” But nothing prepared me for what hit me as soon as I arrived: Dreamforce gave me all the magic I imagined I’d find at Disney—complete with vibrant characters, endless excitement, and a sense of adventure at every turn.

It wasn’t just the crowds or the sessions that made it feel so alive. It was how, amid thousands of attendees, I randomly bumped into people I’d only ever met online—like Christine Marshall, now a dear friend and collaborator. The city buzzed with Trailblazers, and the Salesforce/Disney mash-up energy was absolutely contagious.

“Aha!” Moments: How Networking Became the Real Keynote

My biggest “aha moments” weren’t in the main halls or during keynotes—they happened at breakfasts before the event, at after-parties, and during chance meetings in between. I suddenly saw first-hand just how broad and impactful the Salesforce community can be.

Meeting people I used to look up to from afar—then connecting on a personal level—opened my eyes to the power of community. I came home with the “networking bug,” eager to attend more community gatherings and to get involved in organizing and volunteering. Dreamforce changed how I approach events from that day on.

More Than I Ever Expected

Having only been to one Dreamforce so far, I didn’t know what to expect. But it was so much bigger than I could have envisioned. The event didn’t just fill one venue—it took over entire city blocks. Sessions were scattered everywhere, and it was impossible to attend as many as I planned. Lesson learned: you can’t see it all—and that’s okay!

But what Dreamforce lacked in predictability, it made up for in connection and serendipity. The spread-out venues gave plenty of time for conversations, wandering, and discovering that the Salesforce world is much more personal—and far more approachable—than it looks online.

Community: The Real Inspiration and Long-Term Reward

The best thing I learned at Dreamforce is the true value of networking: the people you meet become faces you’ll see again and again at Community Events and beyond. Some turn into volunteer partners, blog collaborators, even lifelong friends.

The connections I made at Dreamforce became a springboard for new volunteer opportunities, and soon after, I started writing for Salesforce Ben, inspired and guided by Christine Marshall. I also deepened friendships with inspiring members like Gemma Blezard, Stephanie Herrera, Melissa Shephard, and others who have uplifted me in my journey.

Standing on Stage and Finding My Voice

Before Dreamforce, I was pretty new to speaking. That week, I spoke three different times, recorded videos with AppExchange partners, and made countless new connections. The experience—and the encouragement I received—radically shaped my attitude towards public speaking and my career as an instructor and leader.

One standout among all the sessions and speakers: I got to watch a Barack Obama breakout from just outside the main room. His message on communication left a mark that lasts to this day—a reminder that the way you connect with people is as important as what you say.

Salesforce Community: The Network That Never Sleeps

After Dreamforce, the Salesforce community became my close-knit circle of support—people who answer questions, share knowledge, and offer introductions to customers and consultancies. Thanks to these relationships, I’ve gotten involved with all sorts of volunteer initiatives, found my teaching voice, and discovered new career opportunities around every corner.

Real Talk: Tips for Dreamforce First-Timers

• Don’t Be Shy: It’s natural to feel reserved—I was! But every time you walk up to someone at Dreamforce, it gets easier. You don’t always need to talk about Salesforce; human conversations often lead to the best opportunities.

• Comfort is Key: Bring comfortable shoes, snacks, and don’t overschedule. The event is spread out—you’ll get your steps in, and breaks are essential.

• Stay Flexible: No one makes it to every session they plan. Focus on the most important ones and leave space for networking, wandering, and surprises.

• Enjoy Human Connections: The best takeaways often aren’t product features or demos—they’re relationships and stories shared over coffee or during a walk between venues.

Teaching, Enabling, and Building Spaces for Others

Today, as a Certified Trailhead Academy Instructor and Independent Solution Architect / Consultant, my focus is helping others unlock the value of Salesforce’s powerful suite of tools. I get to share my experiences—and what I learned at Dreamforce—every day, coaching new Trailblazers, enabling teams, and giving back to the community that welcomed me so enthusiastically.

The Lasting Magic of Dreamforce

Dreamforce isn’t just about feature releases or product roadmaps—it’s about the magic that happens when a global, passionate, and generous community comes together. It’s about walking up to your heroes, bumping into future collaborators, and discovering that, at its heart, Salesforce is as much about people as it is about tech.

If you’re thinking about attending—or planning your first agenda—remember that the most transformative moments might just be the unscheduled ones. Go in with curiosity, comfort, and an open mind. That’s where the real Dreamforce adventure begins.

Vicki Moritz-Henry is a Certified Trailhead Academy Instructor and Independent Solution Architect / Consultant. Connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her work, speaking, and Salesforce community contributions.