Why SaaStock 2025 might be the most valuable SaaS event you’ll attend (and how to get ROI from it)

If you’re a SaaS founder or marketer, you may be wondering whether exhibitions like SaaStock are worth your time and money. The big question is always: can you generate enough ROI to justify the cost and effort involved?

Fresh from attending SaaStock 2025 in Dublin, I’m here to break down my experience. From networking wins to useful takeaways, and whether it’s truly worth attending, I’ll share everything you need to know, and what to consider before booking your next event stand or attending as a participant.

What is SaaStock?

SaaStock is one of Europe’s leading conferences dedicated to SaaS businesses. It brings together founders, marketers, investors, and service providers under one roof for a few days of learning, networking, and deal-making.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Exhibition hall: A buzzing space filled with more than 100 SaaS-focused companies showcasing their products and services.
• Stages: A main stage and smaller stages featuring high-profile speakers and SaaS founders who share their insights, journeys, and exit stories.
• Food and drinks: Free-flowing refreshments and food stalls to keep everyone energised throughout the day.
• Networking: Plenty of opportunities to connect — both structured and informal.

SaaStock is more than just a conference; it’s an ecosystem where you can learn, share ideas, and build partnerships. Whether you’re there to network, learn, or generate new leads, SaaStock provides ample opportunities for SaaS businesses to gain exposure.

The game-changer: SaaStock’s new meetup room

One of the standout features at SaaStock this year was the MeetUp Room. This new addition completely changed the way networking was done at the event, and I think it could be the model for future exhibitions.

Here’s how it worked:

• Matchmaking tool: Two weeks before the event, registered attendees could access a tool on the SaaStock website where they could search for and request meetings with other attendees.
• Targeted connections: Based on your preferences, you could select which companies or individuals you’d like to meet and get matched.
• Scheduled meetings: If both parties agreed, a 15-minute meeting slot was allocated, complete with a calendar invite and a table number.

This structure took all the awkwardness out of networking. No more wandering around the hall hoping to bump into the right person. Instead, you had dedicated, pre-scheduled meetings with people who were actually interested in your offering.

💡 Key takeaway: Structured networking is crucial for events. Look for conferences like SaaStock that offer pre-event matchmaking tools. This approach ensures you’re connecting with the right people — which can be incredibly valuable for generating real leads.

Before-parties beat after-parties (and why that matters)

I’ve always found that the energy before an event is often more beneficial than after-hours parties. And this year at SaaStock, the before-party on Monday night was an absolute winner.

Held at a cool venue with a relaxed vibe, the event was a great way to meet people before the intensity of the conference kicked off. Everyone was in high spirits, there was an air of excitement, and the conversations felt natural, unhurried, and genuine.

Why does this matter? Because it’s the perfect opportunity to build relationships without the pressure of trying to close deals or push your products. The networking before the main event gives you a chance to warm up for the conference itself. Plus, it’s much easier to engage with people when they’re not distracted by the business of the exhibition hall.

💡 Key takeaway: Never underestimate the power of informal pre-event networking. The relaxed environment allows for better conversations and deeper connections that are harder to form when the exhibition floor is buzzing with activity.

What worked and what didn’t: the ROI

The big question: Did we get ROI from attending SaaStock 2025? The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s how we broke it down:

1. Networking: The pre-scheduled meetings in the MeetUp Room were the biggest game-changer. Instead of wasting time on cold leads or dead-end conversations, we had 15-minute slots with companies that were genuinely interested in what we offer. This structured approach made networking more productive, ensuring we could focus on high-quality connections.
2. Learning: SaaStock brought together thought leaders and SaaS founders who shared their expertise. From successful exits to scaling strategies, the speakers covered everything. This wasn’t just about inspiration; it was about actionable advice. For anyone looking to scale their SaaS business, it’s essential to learn from those who’ve been through it — and SaaStock delivered on that front.
3. Leads: While the exhibition floor had a mix of leads (both warm and cold), the real wins came through targeted, pre-arranged meetings. These leads were far more qualified than those generated by cold outreach or random interactions at other events.

💡 Key takeaway: If you want ROI, structured networking is key. The MeetUp Room was the highlight of SaaStock for us. Don’t rely solely on the exhibition floor to generate leads; look for events that build in networking tools like this.

Tips for getting the most out of any SaaS event

If you’re planning to attend SaaStock next year (or any SaaS-focused event), here are some tips to ensure you make the most of it:

1. Pre-event preparation: Don’t just show up unprepared. Sign up for networking tools offered by the event, identify the types of leads or companies you want to meet, and schedule your meetings early. Your time is valuable, so don’t waste it!
2. Leverage your content: Whether you’re exhibiting or attending, make sure your content is clear and valuable to your audience. Focus on educational content and thought leadership that will resonate with potential customers or partners. People are more likely to engage when they feel they’re learning something valuable, not just being sold to.
3. Follow up fast: Once you’re back from the event, make sure to follow up with everyone you met. If you’ve scheduled meetings, reach out to confirm next steps and explore collaboration opportunities. The quicker you follow up, the more likely you are to turn connections into real leads.

💡 Key takeaway: Don’t let the event be the end of the conversation. Networking doesn’t stop once the exhibition ends. Make your follow-up strategy just as strong as your event strategy.

Final thoughts

SaaStock 2025 was a fantastic experience. The MeetUp Room and the pre-party were innovative features that made the event more valuable. If you want to attend an exhibition and expect ROI, it’s important to focus on structured networking and to set clear objectives before you go.

Whether you’re looking to build partnerships, get leads, or just learn from SaaS experts, events like SaaStock can offer real value if you go in with a clear strategy. Structured networking, valuable content, and rapid follow-up are key to maximising your event ROI.

So, should you attend SaaStock in 2026? Absolutely — but only if you’re ready to get in, network smartly, and extract real value from the experience.

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By Ryan James

Founder of Rocket SaaS