12 Big Moments: The Year That Was in Salesforce and Tech
When you look back at the year, is there one moment that stands out above the rest?
I’m not so sure there is — for me it’s been a year of moments – not one singular event overshadowing the rest, but a steady stream of milestones, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped the industry and our team at CalibrX.
From AI integrations reshaping how we work, to quieter hiring periods interrupted by sudden bursts of demand, it’s safe to say there’s never been a dull moment.
So, in the spirit of Christmas reflection, we’re taking an unvarnished look back at the 12 defining moments of 2024 that made this year what it was..
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1. AI Takes Centre Stage
If last year was the beta testing phase, this year, AI truly cemented its place at the heart of the Salesforce ecosystem. We were introduced to Einstein GPT and Copilot last year, and this year, Agentforce changed the game once again. The name of the game was streamlined processes, with AI no longer just an emerging trend, but rather quickly becoming a fundamental part of Salesforce and all industries moving forward.
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2. Dreamforce 2024: The Year of Practical AI
Speaking of Agentforce, Dreamforce 2024 was as impactful as ever. While I couldn’t attend in person this year (more on my FOMO here), I got just as much out of the event through attending the sessions virtually. From actionable demos to real-world case studies, it was clear that Salesforce is committed to turning the AI hype into tangible outcomes for businesses worldwide.
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3. Hiring Highs and Lows
Let’s be honest, 2024 brought unique challenges to the job market. There were quieter moments — a reflection of cautious hiring early in the year — but these were soon replaced by sudden surges of demand, particularly in government and specialist areas like OmniStudio and Salesforce Industries. As a consequence, for those in the market for a new job, the theme of the year was agility and preparedness.
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4. Reskilling Becomes the Norm
With AI and automation reshaping workflows, we saw a significant uptick in reskilling initiatives. Candidates and employers alike embraced the need to learn, adapt, and certify in emerging Salesforce technologies to remain competitive. If 2024 was about adapting to the new landscape, 2025 will be about applying these new skills in the real world.
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5. Welcome, Ian! CalibrX Expands its Team
Closer to home, one of our highlights was growing the CalibrX team. We welcomed our new gun tech recruiting specialist and partner Ian MacDougall into the tent, opening up a new front for our customers and candidates alike. Based in Sydney, Ian brings with him years of proven local and nationwide industry knowledge and success to support our network, take on bigger challenges, and maintain the personalised service we pride ourselves on.
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6. Mid-Year Demand Surge
Mid-2024 brought an unexpected flurry of activity. Roles that had sat dormant for months were suddenly prioritised, as businesses pushed forward with long-awaited projects. Salesforce developers, architects, and consultants were all in high demand.
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7. An Eventful 12 Months
From Dreamforce, to the Agentforce World Tour in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland,, and the recent Brisbane Downunder Dreaming, there’s been no shortage of great events to attend this year. We’re lucky enough to enjoy a really healthy events landscape within our local industry, and from the innovations and skills on show at the above gatherings, it’s never a chore to attend.
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8. The Return of Back to Office
The past year has marked a shift in workplace dynamics, with a notable return to office-based work. Many organisations that once required just one day a week in the office have increased expectations to three, and in some cases, four or five days. While some companies continue to embrace remote or hybrid models with one to two office days, this approach is becoming less common. Candidates unwilling to adapt to these evolving expectations may find fewer opportunities available, as the trend toward in-person collaboration gains momentum.
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9. Celebrating Client Success Stories
One of our favourite moments this year? Seeing clients achieve their goals. Whether it was scaling up teams, completing major implementations, or hitting key milestones, it was a privilege to play a part in their successes.
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10. Diversity and Inclusion in Tech
The focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion grew stronger this year. Companies made real strides in building teams that reflect the communities they serve, creating more inclusive workplaces that foster creativity and collaboration. Our own interest in this space led us to sponsoring the Ladies Be Architects group — a super important initiative that encourages women across the world to
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11. 2024 has ended with a bang, we cant wait for 2025
2024 has been a year of change, growth, and preparation. As we look to the future, AI will continue to evolve, despite economic headwinds, demand for skilled tech and Salesforce talent will remain strong, and businesses will need to stay agile to navigate whatever comes next. Either way, we’re ready to embrace the opportunities that lay ahead.
Encouragingly, the last two months have been busier than ever with a tremendous surge in open roles. We have a big pipeline already for 2025, so we’re expecting great things!
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12. And Finally — A Moment of Gratitude
Personally, we’re incredibly grateful to our clients, candidates, and team for making this year what it was. It’s been a series of moments — big and small — that have shaped the journey so far.
Thank you for being part of it.
Here’s to a year of exploring new horizons in 2025 — and whatever defining moments it may bring.
WIshing you all a relaxing Happy Holidays and prosperous New Year! See you in 2025.
– Garth
