Dreamforce kicks off with Benioff moving past his call for troops to be deployed in SF

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Salesforce's annual Dreamforce conference kicked off Tuesday morning just days after CEO Marc Benioff made some strong comments, calling for President Trump to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco.

At Dreamforce with over 50,000 people in attendance, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff focused on the boldest AI innovation yet, Agentforce 360.

RELATED: Benioff appears to back off calls to send National Guard to SF, but sparks response from Musk

"One that is predictable and accurate, and one that is intelligent and with context," said Benioff during his keynote.

In his keynote address, Benioff highlighted the rollout of the company's boldest AI innovation yet, Agentforce 360.

Benioff emphasized that Agentforce 360 isn't about replacing people, it's about helping them do more, faster, and smarter. He noted how Salesforce Help is powered by Agentforce, and has already powered 1.8 million conversations.

Though a lot of people are here to find out the latest in software announcements, they're also taking in the attractions.

Conferencegoers are getting to play with things like a LIV AI golf simulator and other attractions organizers say are planned with intentionality.

MAP: San Francisco road closures due to Dreamforce conference

"We're never not planning for Dreamforce," said Erin Oles, Salesforce SVP of Strategic Events. "It's a multi-year process, and we're always excited with the partnership that we have with the local community to bring it all together. I think our favorite moment is opening the door, seeing all of our attendees witness the incredible work the city has done to create an amazing experience right here in the middle of San Francisco."

That's the buzz inside Moscone Center, but outside a small group of protesters want more than the latest AI innovation. They want human accountability from Benioff.

"We reject your call for the National Guard on the streets of San Francisco," said Michael Petrelis, Gays without Borders.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Benioff called for Pres. Trump to deploy the National Guard to San Francisco to tackle safety. Over the weekend, the mayor of San Francisco responded:

"San Francisco is on the rise. I trust our local law enforcement; crime is down 30%. We have a long way to go, but I trust our law enforcement to do their job. We are going to keep Salesforce and Dreamforce safe," said Mayor Daniel Lurie.

MORE: SF DA fires back after Salesforce CEO suggests Trump send National Guard to city

After strong local response, Benioff seemed to have backed off his call for National Guard intervention and promised $1 million to support larger hiring bonuses for new police officers and $15 billion to the city over the next five years. Other investments include $30 million dollars to schools in San Francisco, Oakland and even New York, and $100 million from Mark Benioff and his family to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland.

Aiaz Kazi, a Dreamforce attendee, noticed Benioff's shift during the keynote.

"I thought he was making nice with San Francisco in the keynote. Saying all kinds of things about I don't care about politics," said Kazi. "But I just think he is trying to play both sides."

Salesforce has multiple contracts with the U.S. Defense Department. Some view this as a potential influence for his latest support for the president. In a room full of journalists on Tuesday Benioff tried to move past the comment.

"I'm going to limit my comments today to Dreamforce. To Agentforce," said Benioff. "I want to make sure you have a safe experience here, especially everyone here who is from out of town - that is also why we have brought over over 200 of our own police. To make sure that everyone who attends Dreamforce including all of you do have a good experience."

We asked Dreamforce attendees if they feel safe in the city.

"Yep. I do. Being here for the first time I have been walking around by myself, and I have not bumped into any danger," said Rhett Wallbridge, an attendee.

"It's had its moments but it's not what everyone wants to believe. San Francisco is back baby," said Aiaz Kazi, an attendee.

Dreamforce is expected to bring in more than $130 million dollars to the local economy.

Besides the software announcements expected this week, there are also the celebrities.

This year, Metallica and Benson Boone are headlining Dreamforce's fundraising concerts for UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Wednesday night.

The conference runs through Thursday.