68 • SaaStock 2025: Was it worth it? My honest review

In this episode, Ryan gives a full debrief of SaaStock 2025 – what it was like, what he learned, and whether it was worth the trip for Rocket SaaS. Fresh back from Dublin with his team, he shares the highlights, the ROI, the best stands and talks, and tactical lessons for anyone thinking about exhibiting or attending SaaS events. From clever networking strategies to a genius after-party play, this episode is packed with takeaways for SaaS founders and marketers looking to make events a genuine growth channel.

Takeaways:

• SaaStock featured 100+ SaaS companies, live talks, and a smart new Meetup Room for pre-booked networking
• The pre-event matchmaking tool made lead generation easier and more structured than typical exhibitions
• Best networking actually happened at the after-parties — relaxed conversations led to stronger relationships
• A clever play by Optik AI: host your own unofficial after-party near the venue for guaranteed visibility
• Budgeted £7–8k for the trip (flights, hotels, food, and Guinness) — walked away with 27 leads and 6–8 hot prospects
• Two deals alone would cover the full cost thanks to RocketSaaS’s high-ticket pricing model
• Great stands included Optik AI, Human.Video, RealFlow, and Bookster
• Top tip: if you get a stand, bring at least two people — one to network, one to manage the booth
• Use incentives (like commission for your team) to drive active networking and lead collection
• Beyond ROI, events are amazing for culture-building and team bonding

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By Ryan James

Founder of Rocket SaaS