Dreamforce welcomes more than 43,000 to San Francisco amid debate over pace of AI development

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- More than 43,000 people are expected to gather at Moscone Center this week for Dreamforce, Salesforce's annual conference. Artificial intelligence and AI agents will be at the center of discussion, even as some industry leaders call for slower development of the technology.

Attendees began arriving in San Francisco ahead of the conference, which officially starts Tuesday. Around Moscone Center, roads were closed and hotels and restaurants prepared for what organizers describe as the city's largest conference of the year.

Artificial intelligence has emerged as the dominant topic heading into the event.

Among those arriving early was Scott Stafford, a Dreamforce attendee who said he has attended the conference eight times and is enthusiastic about advances in AI.

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"I love the tech. I love Claude. I use AI all over the place. Salesforce and Claude force are going to be amazing," Stafford said.

Other attendees traveled from around the world to take part in discussions about AI and its growing role in business.

"We also have AI capital in Switzerland. So, I'm looking forward to what's coming," said attendee Tecla Solari, who works in the AI industry.