Remember my upcoming work trip in San Francisco I briefly mentioned? The time is quickly approaching for my flight and I need to pack still. I will be attending none other than Salesforce's annual Dreamforce conference. The conference promises to be the largest AI event in the world.
At my company there's been a push to learn more about AI since some of our customers may have cases related to it. In relation to the conference my manager mentioned that a few folks may be nominated to attend the conference (all expenses paid). Imagine my shock when she told me that I would be attending.
But since I would be attending free of charge (well after paying and getting reimbursed), it was expected that I would be volunteering at a few stations and interacting with users of Salesforce. I will admit the thought of having to do facetime with users is a bit intimidating. But attending the conference is a once in a lifetime event so I'm ready to take it all in.
So the last time I was in San Francisco was in 2018 when I traveled there for a project at the aviation firm I consulted for. I wondered why I attended that since my contract was ending less than two weeks afterwards but I went with it. Like I had a choice...LOL.
San Francisco as a whole seems to be on a huge decline. It's become more expensive to live there and there's stories of people that have jobs but they're living in their cars because housing prices are outrageous. The news stories paint San Francisco as a crime-ridden, homeless, and drug addicted oasis. I will admit the thought of visiting the city is a bit intimidating.
I don't remember feeling that way when I visited in 2014 and twice in 2018 (Dom and I were there together during my first visit staying at one of his friend's home). I actually do remember my favorite show Half & Half being based in San Francisco and there was an episode where a guy Mona dated was living in his car even though he supposedly had a good job. That was back in 2003 or 2004. So San Francisco woes is nothing new. There was even talk at one point of Salesforce moving their annual Dreamforce conference to a different city due to the huge homeless and drug problem the city has. Part of the concern was attendees feeling unsafe while in the city. But in the end Salesforce decided to continue to have their annual event in San Francisco.
So it'll be interesting to see how the city has changed since my last visit. The plan for me is to work downtown Chicago for most of the day with my luggage in-tact and then take the CTA to O'hare airport so I don't have to pay for parking. My flight leaves Monday evening and I return to Chicago on Friday afternoon.
Speaking of paying for items, I got my first ever official corporate credit card. I never had a corporate card at any of my other jobs. But it was felt to better track expenses associated with my travel and stay in San Francisco that it would make sense to have a card. I'm glad I have it too since the hotel cost alone is over $1500. I wasn't relishing putting that on my personal credit card. Once I head back the plan is to reimburse all expenses associated with the trip so I can pay off the corporate card.
I'm nervous of course but I am looking forward to this next adventure.
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