The top SaaS events 2024 are shaping the digital horizon with promises of innovation and industry growth. Within the SaaS world, attending these events is pivotal for staying relevant and mastering the evolving landscape. This guide highlights the must-attend SaaS events that are redefining the narrative and leading the way forward.
Spotlight: Top SaaS Events 2024
From the intricacies of Adobe applications to the strategic maneuvers of SaaS in Europe, 2022’s event calendar is a trove of opportunities. Here’s the pick of the lot:
1) Adobe Summit
Dates:
- Preconference (only available in-person): Monday, March 25, 2024
- In-person conference: Tuesday, March 26 through Thursday, March 28
- For: Adobe Summit is a one-stop event for customers who use Adobe’s digital experience tools. You could be using Adobe for design creatives, marketing, commerce, or operations. If you are into any of them, Adobe Summit 2024 has loads of thought leadership content, insights, and inspirations on offer.
- Price: Early bird through Oct 31 – $1695
- Location: Las Vegas – On site and online
- Highlight: Notable keynotes from Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Airlines; Shantanu Narayen, Chairman and CEO of Adobe; Mary T. Barra, Chair and CEO of GM.
- Purpose: It’s a unique opportunity to learn, get inspired, connect with peers and experts from around the world, explore the future of generative AI, and get ready for experience-led growth.
2) MicroConf Growth
- Dates: April 21 – 23, 2024
- For: Independent startup founders in the SaaS space.
- Price: General admission at $1099
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Highlight: Keynotes by Rand Fishkin, Co-Founder of SparkToro; Rob Walling Co-Founder of MicroConf + TinySeed.
- Purpose: MicroConf is the original conference for bootstrapped founders, bringing the tactics, frameworks, and stories you need to build level up your business to 6-, 7-, and 8-figure valuations. We avoid the tropes of standard tech conferences by leaning away from the “virtues” of raising boatloads of cash through Venture Capital and introduce you to some of the brightest minds in entrepreneurship from our speakers to your fellow attendees in our hallway track.
3) Business of Software
- Dates: March 25 – 26, 2024
- For: This conference is aimed for Founders, CXOs, and emerging leaders in software and SaaS companies from around the world.
- Price: Starting at $745.
- Location: Cambridge, UK.
- Highlight: Not only is there ample time for Q&A after each session. Speakers stay for the conference – meaning you can grab them for a chat afterwards. You’re as likely to sit next to a speaker at lunch than anyone else.
- Purpose: BoS is about sharing openly and honestly the challenges and triumphs that come with building great software and great software companies.
4) SaaStr 2024
- Dates: September 10 – 12, 2024
- For: SaaS executives, founders, and VCs
- Price: Starting at $549
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area
- Highlight: Unique networking meetings, AMAs, mentoring sessions, 1-on-1s, and roundtables.
- Purpose: Full days with 100+ tactical sessions from world-known founders, new voices, and up & comers. SaaStr-style actionable advice and learnings to help grow your business from $0 to $100M ARR with less stress and more success.
5) TechCrunch
- Dates: April 25, 2024
- For: Entrepreneurs who are in the first stages of growing their company, have built a product but don’t know how to monetize, or who might have an idea but aren’t sure where to find the resources to turn it into a viable business.
- Price: To be announced.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Purpose: At this one-day founder summit, you’ll get actionable advice and takeaways from top experts, meet other entrepreneurs taking similar journeys, share your own experiences and build the confidence to take the next steps towards growing your business.
Navigating the Digital Event Landscape
With the globalized nature of today’s events, incorporating virtual elements can greatly amplify your outreach. Yet, leaving a lasting imprint digitally demands mastery.
Arena’s live blogs can be your catalyst in creating memorable virtual engagements and hybrid events. Curious? Dive into our ‘Improve Your Live Events’ ebook, brimming with insights on maintaining and elevating attendee involvement.
Embrace these opportunities, intertwine them with pioneering tools like Arena’s live blogs, and watch your marketing aspirations take flight. Your SaaS journey, redefined.
What is a SaaS Conference?
Ever feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel, trying to keep up with rapid changes in SaaS? You’re not alone. SaaS product managers face the same challenges: staying updated, finding new tools, and connecting with professionals. SaaS conferences bridge this gap.
SaaS conferences are designed for Software as a Service professionals, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. They offer keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities to help attendees stay ahead.
Example(s) of SaaS Conferences
- SaaStr Annual: The world’s largest gathering of SaaS executives, founders, and VCs, offering three days of workshops, mentorship, and networking.
- SaaStock: A European conference for SaaS founders and executives, focusing on learning and networking.
- Pulse: Hosted by Gainsight, this conference emphasizes customer success and product experience in SaaS.
Types of SaaS Conferences
Choosing the right SaaS conference can feel overwhelming. Here’s a breakdown:
Industry-Specific SaaS Conferences
These focus on the unique needs of specific industries.
- Example: Health IT + Revenue Cycle Conference – Focuses on SaaS solutions for healthcare.
General SaaS Conferences
These cover a broad range of topics relevant to all SaaS professionals.
- Example: SaaStr Annual – Covers diverse SaaS topics and attracts a varied audience.
Virtual vs. In-Person SaaS Conferences
Virtual conferences offer flexibility and cost savings, while in-person events provide unique networking opportunities.
- Virtual Example: Remote Future Summit – Focuses on SaaS solutions for remote work, held online.
- In-Person Example: SaaStock – Offers face-to-face networking and hands-on workshops.
Niche SaaS Conferences
These target niche markets within the SaaS industry.
- Example: AI in SaaS Summit – Focuses on AI integration in SaaS products.
How to Choose the Right SaaS Conference
Aligning Conference Goals with Business Objectives
Identify what you want to achieve. Ensure the conference aligns with your objectives.
- Example: If your goal is to improve customer success strategies, Pulse might be the right choice.
Evaluating Speaker Line-Up and Agenda
Look for conferences with reputable speakers and a well-structured agenda.
- Example: SaaStr Annual features top SaaS leaders, ensuring high-quality content.
Considering Location and Format
Decide whether you prefer a virtual or in-person event. Consider location and budget.
- Example: For virtual events, Remote Future Summit is a great option.
Budget and ROI Considerations
Conferences can be pricey. Consider the potential ROI.
- Example: Networking opportunities at SaaStock often lead to new business deals.
Reading Reviews and Testimonials
Read reviews and testimonials from past attendees.
- Example: Check testimonials from SaaStr Annual attendees to gauge value.
How to Prepare for a SaaS Conference
Setting Clear Objectives
Set clear objectives before attending.
- Example: If your goal is to discover new customer engagement tools, list vendors like Arena’s live chat and live blogging solutions.
Researching Speakers and Sessions
Research speakers and sessions that align with your objectives.
- Example: Look for sessions featuring leaders in AI if interested in AI in SaaS.
Networking Strategy
Plan your networking strategy in advance.
- Example: Use the conference app to schedule meetings with potential partners.
Packing Essentials
For in-person conferences, pack essentials like business cards, a notebook, a portable charger, comfortable shoes, snacks, and water.
Leveraging Social Media
Use social media to enhance your conference experience.
- Example: Tweet key takeaways and tag speakers for valuable interactions.
