Dreamforce attendees: "It seems different this year"

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) -- Crime and homelessness were top of mind for many making their way into Dreamforce.

"I am staying in Union Square," one attendee told KCBS Radio. "I think that's where a bit of the concern at first came from."

Another attendee from India had some concerns about safety, but ended up choosing to stay in San Francisco near Fisherman's Wharf.

"I thought about not staying back in Oakland and rather staying in the neighborhood."

Beyond the realities of being in a big city, people say they felt safe.

"I mean, I'm impressed. This is huge," Rachel from Milwaukee stated.

"This is my third year attending and I believe it seems different this year," attendee Avery Rainey -- also from Milwaukee -- said, noting that it feels safer than it has before.

Others had different safety concerns.

"It's strange to see the driverless cars more," Vikram from Philadelphia shared. "That's new for us and sometimes scary."

With the 40,000-plus visitors, it presents opportunities for local businesses.

"Everyone is in a rush. Everyone is trying to get in and out and get to their conference as soon as possible," Caffe Central owner Sam Abbassi said. "That puts a little bit of a strain on us."

For some, though, the foot traffic has not benefitted all.

"Business has been the same -- kind of slow this morning actually," said Lizette at Ironhorse Coffee.

Some streets are closed in the area to create a car-free corridor.