Cactusforce is proud to host Architect Dreamin' for their 2nd annual US conference, immediately preceding our event, Wednesday, January 21st (full day) and Thursday, January 22nd (morning). See more details at https://www.cactusforce.com/architect-dreamin

Schedule* for the upcoming events!

• Architect Dreamin’ US

  • Wednesday, January 21st (Day 1) 8a - 5p

  • Thursday, January 22nd (Day 2) - 9a - 12:15a

• Cactusforce 2026

  • Thursday, January 22, 2026 (Day 1)

    11a       Registration & Expo Opens

    1:00p          Keynote followed by Workshops & Sessions

    5p         Welcome Reception (All are invited, RSVP with registration)

    6:30p    VIP Dinner for speakers, sponsors & MVPs ($95 for additional guests)

  • Friday, January 23, 2026 (Day 2)

    8a         Registration & Expo Opens - Breakfast Served

    9a         Sessions & Workshops

    12p       Lunch

    1p         Sessions & Workshops

    4p         Closing Keynote

    5p         Closing Celebration

*times subject to change. Official times will be posted online

We’re using Cactusforce.app

Here’s how to get to the app, access, login and see all the conference info on mobile and web!

1. Log into Cactusforce

   1. On your iOS or Android device, go to https://www.cactusforce.app/ . You may be prompted to install the site as an app (installation is optional).

   2. Tap the Log In button.

   3. Enter the email address linked to your Cactusforce registration. If you’re not certain which address was used during ticketing, reach out for assistance.

   4. Tap the Get Link button to receive an email with your login link.

   5. Check your inbox – the message should arrive within a minute. Please check your spam or junk folder if it doesn’t arrive soon after the request.

   6. View the email and tap the Log In button to sign in. You should see the “Welcome to Cactusforce” screen.
      

2. What you can do see and do in the Cactusforce.app,

   1. View Sponsor information

   2. Speakers list

   3. Session details

   4. View Live Streams 

   5. Add sessions to your schedule

   6. See Today’s schedule

   7. View Announcements

   8. View maps of the facility and Expo

   9. See FAQ

We made a little blog post about it!

Yes!

Join the Cactusforce Slack by clicking here on this link.

or go to

https://cactusforce.slack.com/

If you are already a member of our Slack space. Use your email to open a workspace.

• "Sign in to another workspace," or use an invite link if you're trying to access it with a different email; each workspace is separate, so you're not technically "joining" but rather accessing your existing account within that space.

Hybrid actually, so Yes! Once again, we are returning with In-person (Register & get a ticket now!) and will be broadcasting live - all attendees will be have access to the event app. 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.

Session content will be recorded and posted for free access after the event. Workshops will not be broadcast or recorded due to their personal interactions and high-energy (believe us, we’ve tried!).

Cactusforce will have both in-person and virtual components.

Both days are in-person! Everyone will have access to the event app, so virtual/remote attendees can view sessions and conference info.

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

All times are Mountain Standard Time (Arizona) MST

Day 1 - Thursday
Vendor Setup 9:00 AM
Registration 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Afternoon sessions 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Welcome Reception 5:00 PM - 6:00
VIP Dinner 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Day 2 - Friday*
Vendor Setup 7:30 AM - 7:00 AM Registration 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Morning Sessions 9:00 AM - 12:00 Lunch/Expo 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Afternoon sessions 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Closing Celebration 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Event Strike/Teardown 6:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Cactusforce was planned as a hybrid event, so anyone not able to travel to Scottsdale can still enjoy the conference. We are using an event app so all attendees can engage with the content.

All sessions and speakers will be presented in-person with a live broadcast of the session rooms from 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.

No.

The Salesforce platform has evolved and so have we. Developers practice Well Architected design. Architects recommend Apex frameworks. Admins use AI for coding, configuring setup, and then some!

See session descriptions to see which interest you most.

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 display 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 for learning, networking, and helping 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.

Yes! We welcome everyone.

Cactusforce has become THE destination for professional development for PDOs and partners who are looking to skill up their teams.

We understand that there is a lot of networking going on.

We ask partners to refrain for hard selling or drawing attention away from sponsors who have paid for the privilege of showcasing their products.

Our sponsor store is always open!

We also frown on partners using Cactusforce to host their own private dinners or networking hours that conflict the events which our sponsors and organizers have worked hard to coordinate.

If our sponsor packages are not within your budget, let’s talk. We want Cactusforce to be a great event for all and are happy to help customize a package that fits your needs.

LIVE BROADCAST STREAMING ON:

The online event platform. The main registration, all event engagement and session broadcast online

Venue (in-person):

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:

Building 3 - Expo area 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

ASU SkySong Innovation Center, Building 3, 1365

Registration begins 11a on Thursday, January 22nd 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 both buildings

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.

Using the Scottsdale Trolley, take the 68CM route to McDowell and 68th Street, then walk ½ mile east to SkySong.

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 $240/night

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 with refill stations are located throughout the facility. Cactusforce organizers provide all-day beverage service in the Expo area and water refills in session rooms.

A limited number of VIP Dinner tickets are available may be available for purchase this year.

Buy VIP Dinner Ticket $95

See our Sponsorship page for details

LIVE BROADCAST STREAMING ON:

Online event platform. The main registration, all event engagement and session broadcast will take place online.

ASU SKYSONG INNOVATION CENTER:

SkySong, 1365 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 1/12/2026, 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 the event.

Delivery 1/12/2025 - 1/21/2025
ASU SkySong
Suite 200
Attn: Courtney Russell #15315
1475 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85257-3538

Make sure your items arrive BEFORE the event!

For pre-printed shipping labels, sponsors and partners may also drop their packages at the address for return shipping. See organizers for details at the event.

🌵📬 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

You can access our marketing asses in the items listed below

• Canva LinkedIn Template

• Google Drive with Banners and images formatted for LinkedIn

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

- Saguaro - Two 5’ or 6' tables, approx. footprint 8’x8’

- Agave - One 5 or 6' table, approx. footprint 6’x8’

- Prickly Pear - One small table (e.g., 30” round hightop, 32” low round), approx. footprint 4’x5’

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 during,

• registration and breakfast

• the Welcome Celebration

• lunch time

• the Closing Reception

Monitors are not provided, but can be rented. You may reach out to this company,

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

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

The venue has wifi and internet access.

The expo area and session rooms will have electricity.

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

The Expo area will be in Building 3 and available,

• Setup

  • Thursday, January 22nd 9:00 AM

• Strike

  • Friday, January 23rd 6:00 PM

Shipping drop-off is available in Building 1 at the 2nd Floor reception desk.

Please notify organizers if you require a cart or assistance for return shipping.

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/.

******** 2026 Info ********

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.

2026 Google Slides Template

2026 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.

2026 Sponsors Only - .png Image [check back for UPDATES]

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 listed on the sponsor page, 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

A "602 Lightning Talk" is 6 minutes and 2 seconds in length. It was inspired by The Extracurricular 5-minute Quick Talks m3:33. Speakers have an opportunity to provide an in-depth yet brief solution talk or demo. It's also the namesake of Arizona's original area code "602".