Sharon Miki Chan of PartnerStack outlines a calendar of events to help SaaS companies maximize channel growth and ecosystem maturity. The upcoming schedule highlights a shift toward "ecosystem-led growth," where partnerships and marketplaces drive revenue operations rather than peripheral tactics.
Marketplace Success at Thrive 2026
The Thrive conference takes place from September 29 to October 1 in Los Angeles. Organizers expect more than 1,200 global leaders to attend sessions on marketplace mechanics and indirect channel growth.
Join 1,200+ global leaders for 35+ hours of learning on maximizing marketplace success, expanding partner ecosystems, and fueling growth through channels.
With over 35 hours of programmed learning, Thrive addresses the complexities of modern partner ecosystems. Affiliate managers and channel directors can study how high-growth SaaS companies move beyond simple referral links toward integrated marketplace strategies.
Integration at Major Tech Summits
PartnerStack will coordinate a presence at several technology summits to integrate partnership management into broader marketing and sales operations.
At INBOUND in San Francisco (September 2–5), PartnerStack and OpenPhone will host networking sessions for growth-driven leaders. The team then moves to Dreamforce (October 14–16) to analyze how automated agent systems (Agentforce) influence partnership workflows.
For the European market, the Catalyst Summit Europe on October 23 in London addresses "Building Modern Businesses Through Partnerships." This summit targets business development professionals navigating the regulatory and cultural nuances of the EMEA partner landscape.
Targeted Networking via STACK’D Meetups
PartnerStack also adopts a decentralized networking model through its STACK’D Meetups. The next session occurs on October 29 in San Francisco, following a growing industry trend toward "micro-networking."
These gatherings prioritize relationship building and quick networking for busy partnership professionals. By moving away from the noise of massive trade shows, these sessions facilitate meaningful, one-on-one connections. This tiered approach—ranging from the 10,000-person SaaStr Annual to local meetups—reflects a maturing industry that requires both broad inspiration and tactical peer-to-peer support.
Affilitizer Editorial Team
This article was created with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
