SaaStr 2026 Booth Setup Guide | AppleDisplays
SaaStr 2026 Booth Setup Guide
SaaStr runs September 09-11, 2026 at the San Mateo County Event Center in San Mateo, CA. With approximately 12,000 attendees and 200+ exhibitors, it's the world's largest SaaS event. This guide covers what you'll spend on a booth, what kits work for the show floor, and the full week-by-week prep timeline.
Quick Facts: SaaStr 2026
| Dates | September 09-11, 2026 |
| Venue | San Mateo County Event Center |
| Location | San Mateo, CA |
| Expected attendance | ~12,000 |
| Exhibitor count | ~200 |
| Move-in dates | September 07-08, 2026 |
| Drayage (advance warehouse) | $110/cwt (200 lb min) |
| Drayage (showsite) | $158/cwt |
| Standard booth electrical (5 amp) | $175 |
| Internet (basic wired) | $1,320 |
| Industry | SaaS / B2B Software |
| Official site | https://www.saastrannual2026.com/ |
How Much Does a SaaStr 2026 Booth Cost?
Real exhibitor cost (booth setup only, not including show fees, drayage, or labor). Custom builds quoted by traditional vendors compared to tool-free portable kits from AppleDisplays:
| Booth Size | Custom build (incumbent vendors) | Tool-free kit (AppleDisplays) | Setup time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 inline | $7,857 - $17,678 | $1,500 - $3,500 | 10 minutes |
| 10x20 inline | $14,732 - $34,375 | $3,500 - $7,500 | 15 minutes |
Drayage math for SaaStr: A typical 10x10 setup ships ~150 lbs. At San Mateo's advance rate of $110/cwt with a 200 lb minimum, you're looking at $220 minimum drayage just to get your booth from the dock to your space. Showsite drayage at $158/cwt adds another ~50%. Tool-free kits ship via FedEx Ground direct to advance warehouse — you pay shipping, not drayage, on most major US convention centers.
Recommended SaaStr Booth Setups
Browse setups that fit SaaStr attendees and venue constraints. Each links into the Booth Builder with your show pre-selected:
Week-by-Week SaaStr 2026 Prep Timeline
- 12 weeks out (June 17, 2026): Lock booth size, sign show contract, kick off design + display order. Get your quote in 5 minutes if you haven't.
- 10 weeks out (July 1, 2026): Finalize graphics design and approve printer proofs. Order any custom signage.
- 8 weeks out (July 15, 2026): Confirm electrical, internet, and any AV rentals. Order any flooring or rigging.
- 6 weeks out (July 29, 2026): Ship to advance warehouse to lock the lower drayage rate (saves ~30% on most shows).
- 4 weeks out (August 12, 2026): Confirm hotel + flights for booth team. Brief staff on lead capture process.
- 2 weeks out (August 26, 2026): Print collateral, swag, and lead capture cards. Confirm freight delivery confirmation.
- 1 week out (September 2, 2026): Final staff briefing. Test your CRM lead capture integration.
- Show week (September 07-11, 2026): Move-in Sep 7-Sep 8, show September 09-11, 2026. With a tool-free kit, expect ~10 minutes total setup time.
What Most Exhibitors Get Wrong at SaaStr
- Outdoor and tent pavilions — weather-rated displays only.
- VC and founder-heavy audience values authentic presence over polish.
- Many exhibitors split booth with strategic partners to increase ROI.
Build Your SaaStr 2026 Booth
Got a budget and a deadline? Use the Booth Builder. Tells you what fits SaaStr, ships in 5 days, and arrives at the San Mateo advance warehouse before the deadline.
Start Building →
