Best examples of follow-up email examples after networking events (that actually get replies)

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

Let’s start with what you actually came for: concrete, copy‑and‑pasteable examples of follow-up email examples after networking events. You can tweak the details (names, events, topics), but keep the structure: remind them who you are, reference the interaction, add value or a clear ask, and make it easy to reply.

Example of a follow-up email after a conference session

You attended a breakout session, asked a question, and briefly introduced yourself afterward. Here’s how to follow up within 24–48 hours:

Subject: Enjoyed your session on [Topic] at [Conference]

Hi [Name],

I enjoyed your session on [specific topic] at [Conference] yesterday, especially your point about [specific insight they shared]. I’m [your name], the [your role] who asked about [brief reminder of your question or conversation].

I’ve already started looking into [tool, strategy, or idea they mentioned], and I appreciate you sharing such a practical framework.

If you’re open to it, I’d love to stay in touch and follow your work. Are there any newsletters, blogs, or resources you recommend for going deeper on [topic]?

Thanks again for a great talk,

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

This is one of the best examples to use when you don’t want to ask for a huge favor yet—you’re simply building a relationship and signaling that you took their ideas seriously.

Example of a follow-up email after a casual networking chat

Maybe you met someone near the coffee station, exchanged cards, and had a light conversation about your industries.

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event Name]

Hi [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].

I checked out [their company website, product, podcast, etc.] after the event and was impressed by [specific detail].

If you’re open to it, I’d love to stay connected. I’m always interested in learning from people who are working on [industry or topic].

Wishing you a smooth rest of the week,

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

This is one of those simple examples of follow-up email examples after networking events that works even when the conversation was short and general.

Example of a follow-up email when you want to explore job opportunities

You met someone who works at a company you’d love to join. You’re not asking for a job outright; you’re asking for insight.

Subject: Following up from [Event Name] – [Your Name]

Hi [Name],

I really enjoyed our conversation at [Event Name] about your work at [Company]. Your description of how your team is tackling [specific challenge] stuck with me.

As I mentioned, I’m a [your role] with experience in [relevant skills or areas]. I’m very interested in [Company] because of [specific reason that shows you’ve done your homework].

If you’d be open to a 15–20 minute call sometime in the next few weeks, I’d love to ask you a few questions about your path into [Company] and what you think makes someone successful there.

Either way, it was great meeting you, and I appreciate the insights you shared.

Best,

[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]
[Phone (optional)]

Among the best examples of follow-up email examples after networking events, this one works well because it’s respectful of their time, specific about your interest, and clear about what you’re asking.

Example of a follow-up email to a potential mentor

Sometimes you meet someone whose career path looks like where you want to be in 5–10 years.

Subject: Appreciated your insights at [Event Name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for taking a few minutes to chat with me after the [panel / workshop] at [Event Name]. Your story about moving from [their earlier role] into [their current role] really resonated with me.

I’m currently [your current role or situation], and I’m working toward [your short-term goal]. I’d really value any advice you might have on [specific question – for example, breaking into their field, building a portfolio, or choosing a specialization].

If you’re open to it, I’d appreciate a quick call or even a few email pointers when you have time. I know you’re busy, so even a short reply would be very helpful.

Thanks again for your time and generosity,

[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is a good example of a follow-up email that invites a mentoring relationship without being pushy or vague.

Example of a follow-up email after a virtual networking event or webinar

In 2024–2025, virtual networking is normal. People meet in Zoom chats, Slack communities, and LinkedIn Live events. You still need to follow up, but you’ll remind them where you interacted.

Subject: Enjoyed connecting during [Webinar / Virtual Event]

Hi [Name],

It was great connecting with you in the chat during [Event Name] on [date]. I appreciated your comments about [specific point they made] and your experience with [topic].

I’m [your name], and I work in [your role / industry]. I’m currently focused on [brief description of your work or goal], and your perspective on [topic] gave me some new ideas.

I’d love to add you to my network here and stay in touch about [shared interest]. If you’re open to it, I’d also be happy to share what we’re doing at [your company] around [related topic].

Best,

[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

These virtual-focused messages are increasingly important as hybrid work continues. Recent surveys from organizations like the Pew Research Center show that online professional connections are now a standard part of many careers.

Example of a follow-up email after a career fair or campus event

If you’re a student or early-career professional, career fairs can feel like speed dating with recruiters. A clear, specific follow-up helps you stand out.

Subject: [Your Name] – Follow-up from [School] Career Fair

Hi [Name],

Thank you for speaking with me at the [School] Career Fair on [date] about opportunities at [Company]. I appreciated your overview of the [specific program, team, or role] and your honesty about what you look for in candidates.

As a [your year and major] student with experience in [relevant skills, internships, or projects], I’m very interested in [specific role or program]. I’ve attached my resume and would be grateful if you could keep me in mind for upcoming openings.

If there’s anything else you recommend I do to be a strong applicant for [Company], I’d love your advice.

Thank you again for your time,

[Your Name]
[School, Major]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the more targeted examples of follow-up email examples after networking events geared toward students and new grads.

Example of a follow-up email when you promised to send something

Maybe you said, “I’ll send you that article,” or “I’ll share my template.” Following through builds trust.

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

Hi [Name],

It was great talking with you at [Event Name] about [topic]. As promised, here’s the [article / template / resource] I mentioned: [link or brief description].

I’ve found it helpful for [specific outcome], and I hope it’s useful for you as you’re working on [their project or goal].

I’d love to hear how your work on [their project] progresses. Feel free to keep me posted or reach out if I can be a sounding board.

Best,

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

This type of message is powerful because it’s not just a follow-up—it’s a follow-through. Among the best examples of follow-up email examples after networking events, this one quietly demonstrates reliability.

How to adapt these examples of follow-up email examples after networking events

You don’t need to copy every word. In fact, you shouldn’t. The goal is to adapt the structure so your message sounds like you.

Think in four simple steps:

First, remind them who you are. People meet dozens of others at a single event. Mention the event name, date, and something specific you discussed. This lines up with research on memory and context—our brains recall people better when we have a clear “where and when” attached. Universities like Harvard offer communication resources that echo this principle: be concrete, not vague.

Second, reference something specific from your conversation. This proves you were genuinely engaged. It might be a story they told, a tool they recommended, or a challenge they mentioned.

Third, offer value or a clear, reasonable ask. Value might be a helpful article, an introduction, or feedback. A reasonable ask might be a 15‑minute call, a quick answer to a question, or a suggestion for what to do next in your job search.

Fourth, make it easy to respond. Avoid long, multi-part questions. One or two focused questions are plenty. Busy professionals are far more likely to reply when the mental effort is low.

As you adapt these examples of follow-up email examples after networking events, keep your tone polite, concise, and specific. Aim for 150–250 words. Long, rambling emails tend to get saved for “later”—which often means never.

Timing, subject lines, and trends for 2024–2025

The content of your email matters, but so do timing and subject lines.

Timing:

Most career and communication experts recommend sending your follow-up within 24–72 hours of the event. That window keeps you fresh in their mind without feeling rushed. If the event lasted several days (like a large conference), it’s fine to follow up within a week, especially if you reference a specific session or date.

Subject lines that work now:

Short, clear subject lines tend to perform better. Some of the best examples include:

• “Great meeting you at [Event Name]”
• “Following up from [Conference] – [Your Name]”
• “Thanks for your insights on [Topic]”
• “As promised – [Resource] from [Event Name]”

These subject lines give context instantly and don’t look spammy. Career centers, like those at major universities (for example, MIT’s Career Advising & Professional Development), often recommend this kind of straightforward approach.

Hybrid and virtual trends:

In 2024–2025, you’re just as likely to meet someone in a Slack channel or Zoom chat as at a hotel ballroom. That means:

• Always grab LinkedIn profiles during or right after virtual events.
• Mention the exact session or channel where you interacted.
• Be extra clear about your role and interests; people may not remember from a quick chat message.

The good news: people are now more used to online follow-ups, so your message is less likely to feel out of the blue—especially if you reference a specific interaction.

Common mistakes to avoid (even with great email examples)

Even the best examples of follow-up email examples after networking events can fall flat if you make a few classic mistakes.

Being vague about who you are.

“Nice meeting you at the event!” is not enough. Always include context: when, where, and what you talked about.

Writing a wall of text.

Huge paragraphs are hard to read on a phone. Break your email into short paragraphs. Aim for something they can skim in under a minute.

Making a big ask too soon.

Jumping straight to “Can you refer me for a job?” or “Can you introduce me to your CEO?” right after a brief chat can backfire. Start with smaller, lower-pressure requests: advice, a quick call, or a recommended resource.

Sounding like a template with no personality.

It’s fine to use these examples of follow-up email examples after networking events as a starting point, but always customize at least three things:

• A specific detail from your conversation
• Why you’re reaching out to this person
• One sentence that sounds exactly like you would speak

Ignoring boundaries and timing.

If someone doesn’t respond, one polite follow-up a week later is reasonable. After that, give them space. Many professional etiquette guidelines, including those cited by university career offices, suggest one or two follow-ups at most.

Quick checklist before you hit send

Before you send your follow-up, run through this short mental checklist:

• Did I clearly remind them who I am and where we met?
• Did I mention something specific we talked about?
• Is my ask reasonable for someone who just met me?
• Is my email under about 250 words and easy to skim?
• Did I include my full name and LinkedIn URL in the signature?

If you can say yes to all of these, you’re in good shape.

For more general communication tips—like how to write clearly and professionally—resources from institutions such as Purdue OWL can help you refine your overall writing style.

FAQ: Follow-up email examples after networking events

How soon should I send a follow-up email after a networking event?
Aim for within 24–72 hours. If it’s a multi-day conference, within a week is still fine, as long as you reference a specific session or conversation. Sending sooner helps them remember you and makes your examples of follow-up email examples after networking events more effective.

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

Subject: Great meeting you at [Event]

Hi [Name],

It was great meeting you at [Event] on [day]. I enjoyed our chat about [topic]. I’d love to stay in touch and learn more about your work at [Company].

Best,

[Your Name]
[LinkedIn URL]

This is one of the best examples when you don’t have much to say yet but want to keep the door open.

What if I forgot to follow up for a few weeks?
You can still reach out. Acknowledge the delay briefly, then move on:

Hi [Name],

I’ve been meaning to follow up since we met at [Event] a few weeks ago. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic] and would still love to stay connected.

People are busy; a short, honest note is usually enough.

Should I mention that I’m job searching in my follow-up?
If it’s relevant and you do it respectfully, yes. Many of the best examples of follow-up email examples after networking events include a light mention of your job search, paired with a request for advice or insight rather than a direct request for a referral.

Do I always need to ask for a call or meeting?
No. Some of the most effective examples include a simple “I’d love to stay in touch” plus a specific compliment or shared interest. You can build the relationship over time through occasional updates or comments on their LinkedIn posts.

The bottom line: use these examples of follow-up email examples after networking events as starting points, not scripts set in stone. Adjust the tone to sound like you, keep your messages short and specific, and focus on building a real relationship—not just collecting contacts.