How to Follow Up After a Networking Event

You leave a networking event having had a few good conversations and meaning to follow up while they’re still fresh.

Then the week fills up.

A few days later, you remember – but now you’re not quite sure what to say, or whether too much time has passed. You don’t want to send something generic, but you also don’t want to overcomplicate it. So it stays on your to-do list a little longer than it should.

At Body Talk, we’ve spent over 25 years helping professionals build strong, genuine business relationships. In this blog, we’ll show you how to follow up after a networking event in a way that feels genuine, timely and easy – so those promising conversations don’t quietly fade away.

Why should you follow-up after networking?

A short follow-up message can be the difference between a good conversation on the day and a professional relationship that grows over time. There are three main reasons why:

1. It shows you meant it

It’s easy to say “let’s stay in touch,” but following up is what shows you genuinely want to. Don’t assume they know you want to stay connected – being the one who reaches out shows initiative and real interest, and that’s often what people remember.

2. It gives you a chance to add value or offer assistance

A follow-up doesn’t have to be a big ask. It can be as simple as sending the article you mentioned, making an introduction, or expressing interest in a challenge they talked about. Small, thoughtful gestures help build trust naturally.

3. It makes the time you invested worthwhile

Networking takes effort – showing up, starting conversations, being present. If you don’t follow up, it’s much harder for those new contacts to develop into valuable connections. A simple message keeps the relationship active and ensures the time you spent building it leads somewhere.

Importantly, following up doesn’t mean asking for something. And you don’t necessarily need to message everyone you meet. Focus on the conversations that felt meaningful and aligned.

You should follow-up if:

• You promised to send an article, link or resource
• You discussed a future collaboration
• You’d like to arrange a coffee or virtual catch-up
• You want to introduce them to someone in your network
• You spotted a clear shared interest or goal
• You simply enjoyed the conversation and would like to stay connected

When should you follow-up?

If possible, follow up within 24 hours to keep the conversation fresh in both of your minds. It shows you’re organised, proactive and genuinely interested in staying in touch. It also makes it easier for them to remember who you are and what you spoke about – especially if they met a lot of people at the event.

If a day or two slips by, don’t overthink it. It’s still far better to send a thoughtful message a few days later than not at all.

How to follow-up after networking: best practices

There are different ways to follow up. You might connect on LinkedIn, or on a platform that’s more common in your industry. You could also send a direct email if that feels more appropriate.

Either way, the steps for the follow-up process remain the same.

Writing a subject line

If you’re sending an email – or using a platform that allows you to add a subject line – make the most of it. It’s a small detail, but it plays a big role in whether your message gets opened.

Your subject line should make it clear why you’re getting in touch, but it can also do a little more than that. The most effective follow-up subject lines feel specific to the person you’re writing to. For example:

• “Great to meet you at [Event Name]”
• “Enjoyed your thoughts on hybrid working at [Event]”
• “Following up on our chat about entering the US market”
• “Your approach to leadership development”

This level of specificity helps your email stand out in a crowded inbox because it clearly isn’t a template. It shows you were listening and that the connection was genuine.

Adding a personal touch

Once they’ve opened your message, the first few lines should help them remember you – and the conversation you shared.

Start by briefly referencing what you spoke about at the event. This could be a topic they were particularly interested in, a challenge they mentioned, or a goal they’re working towards. For example, you might say you enjoyed hearing about their plans to grow their team, their approach to leadership, or their thoughts on a specific industry trend.

If you can’t remember the exact detail, or you want to strengthen the message further, take a quick look at their LinkedIn profile or company website. You might reference something recent, such as:

• “I saw your recent post about…”
• “I noticed your company’s blog mentioned…”
• “Congratulations on the recent announcement about…”

Expressing gratitude

Thank them for their time, for the conversation, or for a specific insight they shared. It shows professionalism and appreciation without adding much length to your message. For example:

• “Thank you again for taking the time to chat.”
• “I really appreciated your perspective on…”
• “Thanks for sharing your experience around…”

If they offered advice, introduced you to someone, or suggested a resource, acknowledge it. That recognition makes people more likely to continue the relationship.

Editing length

It’s completely natural to want to write a thorough follow-up. You’ve had a good conversation, you want to acknowledge it properly, and you don’t want to seem abrupt.

The challenge is that most people are scanning their inbox, and a message that’s clear and concise is simply easier to read and easier to reply to.

Research by Todd Rogers and Jessica Lasky-Fink at the Harvard Kennedy School found that shorter emails consistently received more responses than longer ones, even when the longer versions were well written and thoughtfully explained. In their study, reducing an email from 127 words to 49 words increased the response rate by 80%.

So try not to make your first follow-up too long – a brief message respects the other person’s time, and makes it simpler for them to get back to you.

Ending with intention

How you close your message matters more than most people realise. If you’re not looking to set up a meeting and simply want to keep the relationship open, you can express your interest in keeping in touch. For example:

• “It would be great to stay in touch.”
• “I’ll follow your updates with interest.”

You might also connect your ending back to what you discussed at the event:

• “I’d love to hear how the project progresses.”
• “Please keep me posted on how that expansion goes.”

If you’d like to meet again, be specific – suggest the format and give a light timeframe so it feels easy to act on:

• “I’d love to continue the conversation over coffee. Would next week suit you?”
• “If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to arrange a short 20-minute call in the next couple of weeks.”
• “It would be great to pick this up properly. Are you free one morning next week?”

How to follow up after a networking event: examples

Below are a few simple examples that bring the principles we’ve talked about together.

Example one: Email (with intention to stay in touch)

Subject: Great to meet you at the Future Leaders Conference

Hi Ivy,

It was great speaking with you at the Future Leaders Conference, especially our conversation about building stronger middle managers. I’ve been thinking about what you said regarding the challenges of maintaining culture while scaling – it was a really thoughtful perspective.

Thanks again for taking the time to chat. It would be great to stay in touch, and I’d love to hear about how your training projects develop over the coming weeks.

Example two: Email (with intention to meet again)

Subject: Following up from the Growth & Strategy Summit

Hi Peter,

I really enjoyed our conversation at the Growth & Strategy Summit, particularly your thoughts on expanding into the European market. It sounds like there’s some overlap in what we’re both working on around leadership development during periods of growth.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to continue the conversation properly. Would you be available for a 20- minute call in the next two weeks?

Thanks again for the conversation.

Example three: LinkedIn message (with intention to make an introduction)

Hi Willow,

It was great meeting you at the Annual Green Event. I really enjoyed hearing about your work in sustainability consulting.

You mentioned you were looking to connect with operations leaders in the retail sector. I know someone who manages operations at an eco-friendly retail company who could be a useful contact – if you’re happy for me to, I’d be glad to introduce you.

Great to connect here, and I look forward to staying in touch.

Master the art of connection with business networking training

Now you know how to follow up after a networking event in a way that feels natural and purposeful.

But how confident do you feel starting the conversation in the first place?

At Body Talk, our business networking training is personalised to your unique challenges. We’ll teach you science-backed techniques that you can start using immediately, so you can confidently approach anyone at networking events and make memorable impressions that last well beyond the event.

Ready to master networking? Visit our business networking training page to discover the skills we’ll teach you and the obstacles we’ll help you overcome.

Frequently asked questions

We’ve answered your most common questions below.

How can I write a thank you email after a networking event?

To write a thank you email after a networking event, make sure to personalise it. Avoid using a copy-paste message because taking the time to craft a well-written, thoughtful follow-up is more likely to leave a lasting impression on your new contact.

Remember, the purpose of writing a follow-up is to show genuine interest in the other person. Reflect on something you both discussed, and consider asking a question or sharing a helpful resource.

What should I avoid doing when following up after networking?

We recommend avoiding including these things in your networking efforts:

• Avoid turning it into a sales pitch: Focus on continuing the conversation and building a relationship, rather than selling anything unless they specifically showed interest in that during your discussion.
• Don’t focus too much on your own professional journey: While asking for advice to support your professional growth is great, try to keep the conversation balanced. Be sure to show interest in their experiences too.
• Avoid being too transactional: A follow-up should be about nurturing the connection, not immediately asking for something in return. Show that you’re equally invested in helping them as well.

Should I send another networking follow up email if I don’t get a response?

If you don’t get a response after your initial follow-up, it’s perfectly okay to send another message – but be mindful of timing and tone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Wait a little while: Give the person enough time to respond before following up again. People are often busy, and it might take them a bit to get back to you.
• Keep it light and valuable: Instead of just asking again, you can offer something useful. For example, share an interesting article related to your conversation or something that could benefit them. This not only shows that you’re thinking of them, but it also adds value to the relationship.
• Focus on the potential for further communication: Let them know you’d love to continue the conversation when it’s convenient for them, and remind them why you think it would be beneficial for both sides.
• Maintain a positive, friendly tone: Your follow-up should feel warm and respectful, without sounding pushy. Make it clear you’re still interested in building a meaningful relationship, but you understand they might be busy.

How should I suggest a follow-up call after networking?

When suggesting a follow-up call, it’s important to be respectful and clear about your intentions. Start by expressing your interest in continuing the conversation and strengthening the professional connection you’ve made. Then, offer a specific, convenient timeframe for the call, such as “Would you be available for a 15-minute chat next week?”