Learning and Networking in the Dutch SF Community. Read on for a list of activities by role, and World Tour news! or this article is available in Dutch too, on the Salesforce NL website.

Over Christmas, a friend of mine decided it was time for a change. They had heard me talking about Salesforce (just occasionally, of course) and thought that it might be time to see what all the fuss was about.

I started telling them about all the forthcoming opportunities, and it gave me pause for reflection… if you want training, either to learn about Salesforce from scratch, or to keep you at the top of your game, there’s an amazing host of free offers all around the Netherlands, organised by passionate volunteers, who happen to be some of the most skilled professionals in town, and it’s all for the taking!

Whether you are a “beginner” (perhaps an end user, or someone considering the switch to Salesforce), intermediate or well-travelled, all of the following activities are for you. They attract a mixed crowd, so the newcomer can gain a good overall understanding about the available options, whereas someone with more experience will have the opportunity to drill down and focus on key product areas.

Just in case it helps, evening meetups come with free food and drink, and plenty of opportunities to network and hear from other people’s experiences. What more could you ask for?!

So here’s the list:

Business User / Admin?

31st January @ The Amsterdam User Group (twitter / online)

How does Einstein Analytics actually work? Is it all within the Salesforce Cloud, or somewhere else? How is it configured? We don’t know the answers, but we know people that do! And then there’s the new Flow Builder – completely revamped, easier to use and no Flash required. In production systems by 9th Feb, we’ve a live example/AVG-walk through and initial impressions. We (almost) can’t wait! RSVP here.

Developer?

4th February @ The Amsterdam User Group (twitter / online)

We’ll be learning about the newly released Lightning Web Components. LWC is a new programming model for building Lightning components. It leverages the web standards breakthroughs of the last five years, aims for unparalleled performance, and coexists and interoperates with all of your existing Lightning components. We’ll be taking a first look. RSVP here.

Marketeer?

7th February @ The Marketing Cloud User Group (this time in Harlem) (online)

We will be doing a deepdive into delay and cancellations notifications for one of Europe’s largest railway companies. Scotch & Soda also presents their own journey for Salesforce marketing and commerce cloud platforms. RSVP here.

Non Profit Professional? (online)

Provisionally scheduled for late afternoon and evening of 28th February. More details coming shortly but in the meantime click “Join Us” to be added to our mailing list and be informed as soon as the details are finalised! Join Us/RSVP.

Women and Allies

21st February @ Amsterdam Women in Technology User Group (online)

Focusing on Certification Paths and the Journey to Certification, more details TBA, but click “Join Us” to be added to our mailing list and be informed as soon as the venue details are released! Join Us/RSVP.

Salesforce Saturdays

Cake? Coffee? A piano playing in the background? There’s worse ways to spend a Saturday morning. Salesforce Saturdays are a relaxed affair, with gatherings taking place across the Netherlands.  Allegedly focusing on earning Trailhead badges, careers have been started, work challenges resolved and friendships made all before midday! As a bonus, starting times are very relaxed, these are “come when suits you” events, often with children, dogs and other creatures welcome.

Amsterdam: 9th February (and every 2 weeks)

Den Bosch: 16th February (monthly)

Den Haag: 16th February (monthly)

Utrecht: 23rd February (monthly)

Veenendaal: 2nd February (monthly)

Honourable Mentions

So that’s just what January and February herald. Focusing our crystal ball a little further into the year, we have an exceptional, brand new, all-day event: YeurDreamin on 14th June in Amsterdam. This is slightly different from all the above, in that it is an entire one-day event focused on Salesforce skills, with the best presenters from around the world and a demo-jam! Tickets are going fast, with people coming in from everywhere, from the US to New Zealand, as well as plenty of locals. This one promises to be exceptional and leave you motivated unlike anything you can imagine. Click here for the full details.

And one exception for this list, as this is an event organised by Salesforce themselves. World Tour comes to Amsterdam on 7th March. Tickets are now available and it sells out every year, so get clicking!