Hybrid actually, so Yes! Once again we are returning in 2024 with In-person (Register & get a ticket now!) and will be broadcasting live - everyone will on Whova so in-person and virtual attendees can network. We love to see everyone’s smiling faces, and have kept our community safe as our #1 priority. As always we will work to bring you great content and a great t-shirt.

All content will be recorded and posted for free access after the event.

Cactusforce will have both in-person and virtual components.

Both days are in-person! Everyone will use Whova so Virtual/remote attendees can engage with in-person attendees around sessions and sponsors.

Scottsdale, AZ In-person & Live Stream from ASU SkySong Innovation Center

All times are Mountain Standard Time (Arizona) MST

Day 1 - Thursday
Vendor Setup TBD
Registration TBD
Afternoon sessions 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
VIP Dinner 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Welcome Celebration 6:00 PM - 8:00

Day 2 - Friday*
Vendor Setup 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM Registration 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Morning Sessions 9:00 AM - 11:00 Lunch/Expo 11:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Afternoon sessions 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Closing Reception 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Event Strike/Teardown 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Cactusforce was planned as a hybrid event, so anyone not able to travel to Phoenix could still enjoy the conference. We are using a Whova event platform, so all attendees can engage with each other.

All sessions are presented in-person with a live broadcast of the main session rooms from Scottsdale, AZ. All speakers will present in Scottsdale, AZ. Exclusive workshops will be available to in-person attendees only. The live broadcast is being recorded and will be posted online after the event.

🌵 Register today to join online, come to sunny Arizona, or both! 🏜

*subject to change

Our goal is to provide advanced content to technical professionals working in and around the Salesforce platform. See our Call for Talks page and session Showcase for more details on the content you can expect at Cactusforce.

Here are a few modules to give developers a Salesforce primer

• Platform Development Basics

• Data Modeling

• Intro to Lightning

• Intro to Apex

Yes. We have a Code of Conduct to make the conference a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Conference organizers, volunteer staff, sponsors, and venue personnel will help participants should a violation arise or a concerning situation occurs during the conference. All conference attendees and members of our community are required to follow the Code of Conduct.

Cactusforce is a conference for Salesforce technical professionals. A community-led version of TrailheaDX. It was inspired by Forcelandia and Phillyforce which are developer-centric events organized around local Salesforce Developers and Salesforce Architects. We were highly influenced by community events like The Extracurricular. Cactusforce is our way of addressing the gap of technical talent and demand for a highly skilled workforce centered around the Salesforce Platform.

Cactusforce is a great place for networking and learning about new opportunities.

Sponsors who are hiring will have a “We’re hiring” sign at their booth.

We understand there are always those looking to make a move and those looking to hire new talent. Our goal is to create a mutually beneficial connection. Job seekers are encouraged to attend to learn, network, and help each other out.

See Trailblazer Community and local chapters for career workshops. Additionally, community group members are encouraged to post about open positions in the local area or remote.

Recruiters, sponsorships are available, for organizations that wish to highlight hiring initiatives. Please make sure to read and get familiar with our guidelines for recruiters.

Companies that are recruiting may participate in networking. Spamming or hard-pressure selling is not allowed.

LIVE BROADCAST STREAMING ON:

The WHOVA event platform. The main registration, all event engagement and session broadcast will take place on Whova.

Venue:

ASU SKYSONG INNOVATION CENTER
Building 3 (Expo/Special Guest Sessions), 1365 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Building 1 (Workshops/Sessions), 1475 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Welcome Celebration:

FATE BREWING COMPANY - SCOTTSDALE
1312 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

ASU SkySong Innovation Center, Building 3, 1365

Registration begins TBD on Friday, January 23rd in Building 3

These are held in Building 3

• Special Guest sessions

• Workshops

• Breakfast & Lunch

• All-day coffee & beverage service

• Expo

• Demo Jam

• 602 Talks

• Keynote

• Closing Reception

Building 1, 1475 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257.

Sessions and workshops are held in Building 1

ASU SkySong is ADA-compliant.

Event parking is free located in the North lot behind Buildings 1 and 5.

ASU SkySong is located at 1365 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

Please consider the environment when planning transportation. Carpool with a friend. Rideshare services are available throughout the entire Phoenix metro, including Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Mesa-Gateway Airport.

Cactusforce is being held in Scottsdale, Arizona at the ASU SkySong Innovation Center. They feature spacious state-of-the-art conference and meeting space!

Public transportation is available, but not recommended due to the lengthy travel time (approx 1 hr 15 min).

Light Rail: From the 44th St. Station, take the Gilbert Rd/Main St train to the Rural Rd & Terrace Rd stop.

Then take Bus #72 Thompson Pk+Scotsdle to Scottsdale Rd & Skysong Blvd.

The onnsite hotel is

Element Scottsdale at SkySong

1345 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
Phone: (480) 361-0000

This property is across the street,

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Phoenix Scottsdale

1500 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
(480) 716-1600

There are many hotels within a 3 mile radius around Downtown Tempe and Old Town Scottsdale.

January is the high season in Phoenix. Area lodging starts at $220

The dress is casual, similar to Friday at the office. There isn’t really a dress code, but keep in mind your fellow attendees are developers and other technology professionals so choose your attire accordingly. Dress comfortably, it’s a full schedule. Phoenix weather is quite nice in January but check before temperatures before traveling so you know if it’s short sleeves or long sleeves.

We are providing breakfast, lunch, and all-day coffee service that includes snacks, iced tea, soft drinks, and water.

A Welcome Celebration and Closing reception is being hosted by local Trailblazer Community Groups and organizers with the support of our sponsors.

Thursday:

• VIP Dinner (paid)

• Welcome Celebration

Friday:

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• All day beverage service

• Appetizers for Closing Reception

Water fountains are located throughout the facility.

I didn’t purchase a ticket with my registration, where can I get one?

Buy VIP Dinner Ticket $85

See our Sponsorship page for details

LIVE BROADCAST STREAMING ON:

The WHOVA event platform. The main registration, all event engagement and session broadcast will take place on Whova.

ASU SKYSONG INNOVATION CENTER:

SkySong, 1365 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

FATE BREWING COMPANY - SCOTTSDALE

1312 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85257

PLEASE! Let us know when you are shipping packages or drop shipping to us to ensure safe receipt!

📬 Delivery prior to 1/21/2025, let us know if your package will weigh over 50 lbs or requires special handling,

Cactusforce
c/o Marisa Hambleton
634 E Alameda Dr
Tempe, AZ 85282
(480) 427-0317

You can ship items about 10 days prior to the start of your reservation.

Delivery 1/14/2025 - 1/24/2025
ASU SkySong
Suite 200
Attn: Courtney Russell #8072
1475 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85257-3538

🌵📬 STUFF WE SHIP 📬 🌵

Cactusforce also ships shirt orders (USPS) to attendees! If you have small export-friendly items you would like included with t-shirt orders (<16 oz) or first-class mail (i.e., stickers, camera covers, postcard size brochures) contact organizers to arrange for your small swag items to be included.

3 minutes, 0 slides, 1 winner

Head to the bottom of this page for links and examples. https://www.cactusforce.com/call-for-talks

Booth sizes are approximate! Table sizes are subject to change based on venue or physical space or table availability.

- Saguaro - Two 6' tables, approx. footprint 12’x6’

- Agave - One 6' table, approx. footprint 8’x6’

- Prickly Pear - One small table (e.g., 30” round hightop, 32” low round), approx. footprint 6’x6’

VIRTUAL:

Whova networking features will be open to all attendees. Each person will have the opportunity to be live on camera and audio for connecting with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors.

IN-PERSON:

Most attendees are advanced in their respective areas and looking to engage with peers. It’s great to connect on your product expertise. Dedicated Expo time is great for networking. Times are,

7:00a - 8:00a during registration and breakfast

11:00p - 1:00p during lunch

5:00p - 7:00p during closing reception

Make sure to attend the Welcome Celebration Thursday evening!

6:00p - 8:00p

Monitors are not provided, but can be rented. You may reach out to either of these two companies

Tom Cavanaugh – tom@avmgphx.com Tom provides AV for smaller events all around Phoenix and is reasonably priced and reliable.d

Contact our event planner if you have questions about contacting either of these, MaryLynne Christman, marylynne@collaborativeem.comescription

The venue has wifi and internet access.

The expo area and session rooms will have electricity.

Tell your friends! Spread the word by publicizing your session. Make a copy of the template slides linked below and add your photo, name, session title, and then download it to share with your network. Include the link to your session page and the link to register for the event at https://www.cactusforce.com/.

******** 2024 Info ********

2025 Speaker Announcement Template - COMING SOON!

Cactusforce is more code, less fluff which means less slides, live demos, and real conversations with the audience.

If you must, PLEASE USE SLIDES SPARINGLY! If you do, the Cactusforce template is required. Slide templates are provided as resources to make a point or idea.

602 Lightning Talks, at 6 minutes, 2 seconds have very little time to show slides. A diagram to explain your topic. Show something you’ve built or an example of what you are talking about.

2025 Google Slides Template

2025 Powerpoint Template

Show sponsors lots of love! This event is not possible without their financial support. Seriously. The templates have a sponsor thanks page. Please thank sponsors early and often.

2025 Sponsors Only Page - .png Image [UPDATED OFTEN] COMING SOON!

This deck is provided for main points or to provide resources. Present live demos, but if you must use slides this template and format is required.

AUDIENCE

Cactusforce is a community-led conference for Salesforce developers, architects, and configurators. Our primary audience are experienced Salesforce professionals who have worked in and around the platform for many years designing, developing, coding, configuring, and the like. Most attendees are advanced in their respective areas and looking to engage with peers. See the Call for Talks page for more details and examples

For more details on the idea talk, review the

• DO present live in an org

• DO Keep slides simple

• DO show IDE with how and why you designed and built it that way

• DO be genuine

• DO authentically engage with audience

• DO Show and share

• DON’T just tell

• DON’T waste a slide page with your accomplishments. You’re here, and that speaks volumes!

• DON’T Sales Pitch

• DON’T Spam with marketing jargon

Talks were selected based on their educational value to attendees. Sponsors and their sponsored talks are the only ones allowed to include any type of sales information or product details and highlight additional speaker details.

MORE CODE, LESS FLUFF less slides, less pitch, more substances, more audience engagement.

SPONSORED TALKS ONLY may include Company and services info!

Only Saguaro, Agave & Prickly Pear who purchased 602 Talk add-on may include product or app details. We want our sponsors to enjoy the full attention for their support and generosity by helping to make Cactusforce a reality. When partners who did not sponsor use their session to highlight their products and services it degrades the quality of the conference for everyone and robs the value for those who paid for the opportunity to show off their wares!

Only sponsored talks may add a page to highlight their products and services, and details beyond Name, Title, and social link.

If your company name or product is NOT listedwith the sponsors below, please remove any company reference or product branding.

If you are a partner or ISV who did not purchase a sponsorship, you may contact us about sponsoring at hello@cactusforce.com

Speakers were added to Whova using the email from talk submissions. Make sure you use the same email you have used for other events!

Download the Whova App to access the Speaker Hub