The best examples of follow-up email examples for networking events

Real-world examples of follow-up email examples for networking events

Let’s skip the theory and go straight into real examples. Then we’ll break down why they work and how you can adapt them.

1. Simple “nice to meet you” follow-up after a networking event

Use this when you met someone briefly, had a light conversation, and want to keep the door open.

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event Name] on [day]. I enjoyed hearing about your work at [their company] and your perspective on [topic you discussed briefly].

I’d love to stay in touch and follow your work in [their field or area]. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to connect on LinkedIn as well.

Wishing you a strong finish to the week,

[Your Name]
[Your Role], [Your Company]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of a low-pressure follow-up. You remind them who you are, reference a specific detail, and suggest a light next step (connecting on LinkedIn) without asking for a meeting right away.

2. Follow-up email example when you want a coffee chat

Maybe you met someone whose career path you admire or who works at a company you’d love to join. You want a short conversation, not a job offer tomorrow.

Subject: Enjoyed our chat at [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic] at [Event Name] on [day]. Your insight about [their specific point] stuck with me, especially your comment on [brief quote or idea].

If you’re open to it, I’d love to buy you a coffee (or chat over Zoom) and learn more about how you moved into [their role/industry]. A quick 20–30 minutes sometime in the next couple of weeks would be incredibly helpful as I think about my own path.

No pressure at all if your schedule is packed right now. Either way, it was great meeting you.

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Role / Student at X]
[LinkedIn URL]

This example of a follow-up email balances respect for their time with a clear ask. Notice the time frame (20–30 minutes) and the “no pressure” line, which keeps it friendly instead of demanding.

3. Follow-up email after hearing someone speak at a conference

Speakers get flooded with generic messages: “Loved your talk!” You stand out by being specific and tying their ideas to your work.

Subject: Your talk on [Topic] at [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

I attended your session on [topic] at [Event Name] and wanted to say thank you. Your point about [specific idea] really resonated with me. I especially appreciated your example about [brief detail they shared].

I’m currently working on [your project or role] at [your company/school], and I’m planning to apply your suggestion about [their idea] by [how you’ll apply it].

If you ever share your slides or resources publicly, I’d love to review them. Either way, thanks again for such a thoughtful presentation.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Role]
[LinkedIn URL]

Among the best examples of follow-up email examples for networking events, this one shines because it’s specific and doesn’t immediately ask for a meeting or favor. That makes it easier for busy speakers to respond.

4. Follow-up after a virtual networking event or Zoom breakout

Virtual events are here to stay. According to recent workplace surveys from organizations like Harvard Business School Online, professionals continue to rely heavily on online networking, especially in hybrid roles. Your follow-up should acknowledge the virtual format and make it easy to reconnect.

Subject: Great meeting you in the [Event Name] breakout

Email:

Hi [First Name],

I enjoyed meeting you in the breakout room during [Event Name] yesterday. Your comments about [their point] in [industry/topic] gave me a lot to think about.

As mentioned, I’m working on [your role/project] at [your company/school], and I’d love to keep in touch. If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to schedule a quick Zoom chat sometime in the next couple of weeks to swap ideas on [shared topic or challenge].

Either way, it was great connecting, and I hope the rest of the event was valuable for you.

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Role]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is a clear, friendly example of how to turn a short Zoom encounter into an ongoing professional relationship.

5. Follow-up email example for a potential employer or recruiter

You met a recruiter or hiring manager at a networking event and want to signal interest without sounding desperate. Timing matters here. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that job search timelines can vary widely, so thoughtful, well-timed follow-ups give you an edge without crossing into pestering.

Subject: Nice meeting you at [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me at [Event Name] about opportunities at [their company]. I appreciated learning more about how your team is approaching [specific initiative, product, or value they mentioned].

Our conversation reinforced my interest in [role or department] at [company]. With my background in [your skills/experience], especially [brief example of relevant achievement], I’d be excited to contribute to [specific company goal or project].

If there are any upcoming roles that might be a fit, I’d be grateful to stay on your radar. I’ve attached my resume here and included my LinkedIn profile below.

Thank you again for your time and insight.

Best regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Role]
[Phone]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples of follow-up email examples for networking events when you’re job hunting: it’s clear, respectful, and aligned with their needs, not just your wish for a job.

6. Follow-up email after promising to send something (article, link, intro)

If you promised a resource and deliver it promptly, you instantly stand out as reliable. That’s a small but powerful trust builder in any professional relationship.

Subject: As promised: [Resource] from [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

It was great talking with you at [Event Name] about [topic]. As promised, here’s the [article/tool/resource] I mentioned: [link]. I’ve found it helpful for [brief reason it’s useful].

If you ever want to bounce around ideas about [shared interest or challenge], I’d be glad to connect.

Thanks again for the thoughtful conversation.

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Role]
[LinkedIn URL]

This example of a follow-up email shows you keep your word, which is one of the fastest ways to build a professional reputation.

7. Follow-up email for a potential collaborator or partner

Maybe you met someone whose work aligns with yours and you see a possible collaboration. Your goal is to move from “interesting chat” to “let’s explore this.”

Subject: Exploring a collaboration idea from [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

I’ve been thinking about our conversation at [Event Name] regarding [shared topic or problem]. The overlap between your work at [their company] and what we’re doing at [your company] around [specific area] seems promising.

If you’re interested, I’d love to schedule a short call to explore whether there’s a collaboration opportunity, perhaps around [specific idea or project]. Even if nothing formal comes out of it, I think it could be a valuable conversation.

Would any time next week or the week after work for a 30-minute call?

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Role]
[Company]
[LinkedIn URL]

Among real examples of follow-up email examples for networking events, this one is especially useful for founders, consultants, and creators who often meet potential partners at industry gatherings.

8. Gentle follow-up when they didn’t respond the first time

People are busy. A polite nudge is often welcome if it’s respectful and spaced about 7–10 days after your first message. Research on email response behavior (for example, guidance from Harvard University’s communication resources) suggests that clarity, brevity, and a clear subject line improve your chances.

Subject: Quick follow-up from [Event Name]

Email:

Hi [First Name],

Just a quick follow-up to my note from last week about [brief reminder of your original ask or topic]. I know your schedule is busy, so no worries at all if now isn’t a good time.

If a short chat about [topic] still sounds useful, I’d be glad to find a time that works for you. If not, I’ve appreciated the chance to connect at [Event Name] and hope our paths cross again.

Thanks again,

[Your Name]

This is a tactful example of a follow-up email that protects the relationship even if they never respond.

How to write your own follow-up email after networking

Now that you’ve seen several real examples of follow-up email examples for networking events, let’s break down the simple structure they share. Think of it as a recipe you can adjust.

Start with context so they remember you

Most people meet dozens of faces at a big event. Help their memory by mentioning:

• The event name
• The day or session
• A specific detail from your conversation

For example: “I enjoyed meeting you at the Wednesday marketing roundtable during the Austin Tech Meetup. I appreciated your thoughts on first-time founder marketing budgets.”

That one sentence instantly orients them and makes your email feel personal instead of copy-pasted.

Reference something specific you talked about

Every strong example of a follow-up email in this article includes at least one specific reference:

• A topic you discussed
• A phrase they used
• A project they mentioned
• A challenge they’re facing

This shows you were actually listening. It also makes your message harder to ignore because it feels tailored to them.

Make one clear, realistic ask (or no ask at all)

Notice how the best examples of follow-up email examples for networking events here focus on one next step:

• A 20–30 minute coffee or Zoom
• Permission to stay in touch
• A quick call to explore collaboration
• Consideration for future roles

Avoid stacking multiple asks in one email (“Can you review my resume, introduce me to your boss, and look at my portfolio?”). That’s overwhelming and easier to ignore.

Sometimes, the best move is no ask—just appreciation and a light invitation to connect on LinkedIn. That keeps the door open without demanding their time.

Keep it short and scannable

Most people read emails on their phone, often between meetings. Aim for:

• A clear subject line
• 3–6 short paragraphs
• Simple sentences

You want them to think, “I can reply to this in under two minutes.” That mindset dramatically increases your response rate.

Follow up within 24–72 hours

Current professional etiquette (especially in U.S. business culture) favors timely follow-ups. Sending your message within one to three days keeps the interaction fresh in their mind. Waiting weeks makes it harder for them to remember you.

If you’re following up on a job-related conversation, you can also check resources like CareerOneStop.org, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, for guidance on modern job search communication norms.

Common mistakes to avoid in follow-up emails

Even strong examples of follow-up email examples for networking events can fall flat if you hit a few common landmines. Here’s what to watch out for.

Sounding transactional or needy

If every sentence is about what they can do for you, the email feels one-sided. Instead, aim for:

• Genuine curiosity about their work
• A sense of mutual benefit (“swap ideas,” “compare notes,” “share resources”)
• Respect for their time

A good test: read your email out loud. If it sounds like a demand letter, soften it.

Writing a wall of text

Long, dense paragraphs are hard to read, especially on mobile. Even if your story is compelling, they may not have the mental bandwidth for it. Keep your message focused and leave the long backstory for your actual conversation.

Being too vague

“Let’s connect sometime” is easy to ignore. The real examples of follow-up email examples for networking events above work because they’re specific:

• “A quick 20–30 minutes in the next couple of weeks”
• “A 30-minute call next week or the week after”

Specifics make it easier for them to say yes or suggest an alternative.

Forgetting your contact info

Always include at least:

• Your full name
• Your role or what you’re studying
• Your company or school
• A link to your LinkedIn profile

This helps them quickly place you and learn more about your background without having to ask.

FAQ: examples of follow-up email examples for networking events

Q: How soon should I send a follow-up email after a networking event?
Aim for 24–72 hours. That window keeps you fresh in their mind while still respecting that many people travel or catch up on work right after an event.

Q: Can you give an example of a very short follow-up email?
Yes. Here’s a lean version:

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]

Hi [First Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event Name] and hearing about your work at [company]. I’d love to stay in touch and connect here and on LinkedIn.

Best,

[Your Name]

This tiny template still follows the pattern you’ve seen in other examples of follow-up email examples for networking events: context, a specific reference, and a light next step.

Q: How many times is it okay to follow up if I don’t get a response?
In most professional settings, one initial email and one polite follow-up 7–10 days later is reasonable. After that, it’s usually better to let it go unless they explicitly invited you to check in again.

Q: Should I use the same template for everyone?
You can absolutely start from the best examples in this guide, but always customize. Change at least the event details, the specific topic you discussed, and the ask. Copy-paste emails are easy to spot and easy to ignore.

Q: Is it okay to follow up on LinkedIn instead of email?
Yes. Many professionals prefer LinkedIn messages, especially if they gave you their profile or you connected during the event. You can adapt any example of a follow-up email here into a shorter LinkedIn message by trimming the sign-off and keeping the key details.

If you use these real examples of follow-up email examples for networking events as starting points—and then add your own voice—you’ll stop dreading that post-event “now what?” moment. Instead, you’ll have a simple, repeatable way to turn quick chats into real professional relationships.