You’ve seen the shift.
Pipeline is harder to generate, outbound is saturated, and AI generated noise is making it harder to know who (or what) to trust.
You’re not alone, every SaaS founder is feeling it.
But some are getting ahead by doubling down on in-person connections as a way to cut through the noise and build real trust.
It’s a growing trend that Dragon Mark Cuban predicts will gain further traction over the next three years.
It means that the founders who get ahead will be the ones who know how to work the room. Rather than just attending events, they’ll turn them into a demand-gen engine.
Make sure you’re one of them with these 11 proven networking tactics.
1. Tie networking actions to event goals
Start with the end goal in mind.
Before you choose where to show up, get clear on why events are part of your strategy to begin with.
Is it:
- Raising brand awareness?
- Building pipeline?
- Securing investment?
- Deepening customer relationships?
- Finding a peer community?
Once you’re clear, match your actions to those goals to achieve maximum ROI.
Looking to boost visibility? Be present on the floor, speak on stage, or sponsor something creative.
Focused on pipeline or funding? Prioritise 1:1 meetings and structured networking.
2. Don’t leave it to chance
Didn’t you hear? Serendipity is dead.
Tighter budgets, increased competition, and content saturation mean that turning up and winging it just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Prioritise events that offer structured networking that gets you in the right room with the right people.
At SaaStock Europe, we’re introducing Meetup (coming to SaaStock USA in 2026): 15,000 double opt-in meetings, pre-booked, so you arrive with a full calendar of high-intent conversations. It’s the largest 1:1 meetings programme of any SaaS event and the best way to meet who you need to at our conferences.
Find out more and book your tickets.
3. Do some of the work up front
“The more you do upfront, that’s your networking kicked off.” Ronan Perceval, Founder and CEO at Perceval
Networking at events should start before you pick your badge up.
- Let people know you’re attending.
- Post on LinkedIn.
- Use event tech to find out who’s attending and pre-book meetings.
- Look at the side events and secure your spot in advance.
There’ll still be room for spontaneous chats but laying the groundwork beforehand means you walk in ready to create impact for your business.
(And Meetup by SaaStock makes this even easier!)
4. Lead with curiosity not an elevator pitch
Yes, events are great for pipeline building and lead generation.
But you shouldn’t start every conversation with a sales pitch.
Think of the event as a community. Ask questions. Get curious. Learn what someone is building or struggling with.
It’s a chance to build your personal and company brand based on how you make people feel. Lead with genuine interest, build trust, and the deals will follow.
5. Be authentic and provide value
“Your network is your net worth” Lloyed Lobo, Co-founder at Boast AI
In-person connections work when they are genuine – so be yourself. Be transparent and clear about what you’re looking to achieve but also think about what you can give to the community.
- Offer honest feedback on someone’s pitch.
- Share a helpful article or framework.
- Connect someone with a tool or peer that helped you.
- Write a LinkedIn recommendation for someone you respect.
The more you put into the community and network you build, the more will come back to you in return.
6. Become a connector not a collector
Networking should be more than trading business cards. It should be building an ecosystem and driving growth in the community.
Introduce people who should know each other, even if there’s nothing in it for you. When you connect others without agenda, you become someone people trust and turn to.
After the event, you can carry this through online too. Tag someone in a relevant thread. Forward a job post. Share a podcast with a quick “thought you’d enjoy this.”
7. Say “yes” to different networking opportunities
You’ve only got 2-3 days at a conference. Make them count.
Don’t just stick to the main agenda. Look for the informal moments and side sessions where real conversations happen:
- Join early morning saunas or don your trainers for a 5k run (yes, these are a thing at SaaStock).
- Hit niche breakout sessions, roundtabless, and dinners.
- Walk the show floor and speak to exhibitors.
- Enjoy a glass of something at a happy hour or party.
These moments often spark the real connections—the ones that go deeper than LinkedIn follows.
The aim is to create pockets of trust and candor—where people can drop the mask and talk shop.
8. Follow up strategically
Networking doesn’t end when you leave the conference hall.
Follow up within 48 hours—mention something specific you discussed, share a helpful resource, or just say you enjoyed the chat.
Personalise your message. AI can help you write it faster, but you (or your reps) need to bring the context.
Instead of diving into your next ask, make the follow-up about them to stand out.
9. Maintain relationships
Play the long game to build meaningful relationships.
Set reminders to check in months after the event. If someone closes a round, makes a hire, or hits a milestone, reach out to celebrate then.
Leave a thoughtful comment. Send a DM. Keep the conversation alive.
10. Have fun!
Yes, you’re here to grow your business. But events are also a chance to lift your head, hang with the community, and enjoy the ride.
Events aren’t just about strategy, they’re about energy. Founders, investors, and operators all in one place, swapping stories, sharing failures, and building what’s next.
Say “yes”, play the giant jenga, even hit the dance floor. You never know what opportunities you’ll find!
11. Build your network at SaaStock Europe
SaaStock Europe is the ultimate place to put these tips into action.
With guaranteed networking through Meetup – connecting you with the people you want to meet.
You’ll arrive with a calendar full of high intent meetings and two days of learning, connecting, and impact ahead of you.
It’s not just another event, this is where deals begin, relationships form, and momentum builds, fast.
You need to be there.
