The first follow-up is not the whole relationship. Share relevant information, make the introductions you promised, invite the person to useful discussions and meet again at another event. A few thoughtful interactions beat constant low-value outreach.
The first follow-up is not the entire relationship plan. Relationships develop in small, predictable acts of follow-through.
Framework
How to build relationships after a conference: from met to trusted
Relationship-development actions
Give
- Share relevant information
- Make a promised introduction
- Invite the person to a useful discussion
- Congratulate them on relevant work
- Ask for their perspective
Stay connected
- Follow up on a challenge they mentioned
- Refer an opportunity
- Meet again at another event
- Collaborate on content or a project
- Keep communication relevant and proportionate
Exhibitors and attendees
Exhibitors and attendees
Keep contacts and accounts aligned
- Decide who owns the relationship after the event
- Match the next action to the account's stage
- Reconnect at the next event with context
Be a good peer
- Send something useful without an ask attached
- Remember what mattered to them
- Meet again with context, not from scratch
Worksheet
Worksheet: relationship development planner
| Contact | |
| Relationship goal | |
| Useful next action | |
| Timing | |
| Owner | |
| Status |
To see whether it is working, read how to measure networking success. Exhibitors turning event contacts into a team process should see the Trade Show Follow-Up Guide and the Customer and Partner Event Guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do you build relationships after a conference?
Follow up personally, then share relevant information, make promised introductions, invite the person to useful discussions and meet again at another event.
How do you stay in touch after a networking event?
Contact the person only with a relevant reason. A few thoughtful interactions work better than constant outreach.
How do you nurture contacts after a trade show?
Segment contacts by relationship and next step, keep communication relevant and proportionate, and keep a simple record of what you promised and when.