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How to Follow Up After a Networking Event: Messages and Timing

3 min read · For exhibitors and attendees · Updated 6 November 2026

Quick answer

Follow up within 24 to 48 hours for meaningful contacts. Reference where you met, mention something specific, keep the promise you made, suggest one relevant next step and make replying easy. Do not send identical bulk messages.

Follow-up is where event networking becomes a relationship rather than a momentary exchange.

Framework

Follow up after a networking event: timing

Follow-up timing after an eventSame day, 24 to 48 hours, First week, Later1Same day224 to 48 hours3First week4Later
Follow-up timing after an event
WhenWhat to do
Same dayCapture context and connect where appropriate
24 to 48 hoursSend a personalised message for meaningful contacts
First weekComplete promised introductions, resources and meetings
LaterContinue only with a relevant reason

Timing depends on the relationship, the promise you made and the person's preference.

Framework

A follow-up message in five parts

The five parts of a follow-up messageReference where you met, Mention something specific, Keep your promise, Suggest a relevant next step, Make replying easy1Referencewhere youmet2Mentionsomethingspecific3Keep yourpromise4Suggest arelevantnext step5Makereplyingeasy
The five parts of a follow-up message
Sample emailIt was good speaking after the session on event-led growth. Your point about regional teams using different follow-up processes stayed with me. I am sharing the workflow example I mentioned. If useful, we could compare notes for 20 minutes next week.

Email and LinkedIn templates

Networking follow-up email templateSubject: Following up from [event]

Hello [Name], it was good to speak at [event] about [topic]. You mentioned [specific point]. As promised, here is [resource or introduction]. Would a short call on [day] be useful? Either way, thank you for the conversation.
LinkedIn message after meeting at an eventHello [Name], it was good to meet at [event] after [session]. I enjoyed your point on [topic]. I would be glad to stay in touch.
Thank-you messageThank you for your time at [event]. I appreciated hearing about [topic], and I will send [resource] by [day].
WarningThe right timing depends on the relationship, the promise made, urgency and communication preference. Do not send identical bulk messages to every contact.

Worksheet

Worksheet: follow-up tracker

WorksheetFollow-Up Tracker
Contact and where met
Message date
Promised action
Next step
Owner
Status
If you are an exhibitorThis lesson is about person-to-person follow-up. For following up with booth leads and building a team process, see the Trade Show Follow-Up Guide.

Frequently asked questions

How do you follow up after meeting someone at an event?

Reference where you met, mention something specific, follow through on what you promised, suggest a relevant next step and make the response easy. Send it within 24 to 48 hours for meaningful contacts.

When should you follow up after a networking event?

Capture context the same day, send a personalised message within 24 to 48 hours for meaningful contacts, and complete any promised actions within the first week.

What do you write in a follow-up message after a conference?

Mention where you met, one specific point from your conversation, deliver what you promised and suggest one clear next step.

Should I follow up on LinkedIn or by email?

Use the channel the person prefers. If you did not agree one, email suits a message with a resource, and LinkedIn suits a short note and a connection.