Most people agree to "stay in touch" and then never write. The templates below give you a starting point for the five situations that come up most after a mixer, meetup, or industry night. Each one leaves room for the detail that makes it yours: what you actually talked about.
Short answer
A good follow-up email after a networking event goes out within 24 hours, names one specific detail from your conversation, and ends with one easy next step. Keep it under 120 words so it reads like a note, not a pitch.
Send while they still remember your face and the conversation. The next morning works well if the event ran late.
After two days, open with the event name and a quick reminder of who you are, because memory fades fast after a busy room.
If there is no reply, one short follow-up is normal. Add something useful, such as the article or introduction you promised.
Use when: You had a good conversation and want to stay in touch, with no specific ask yet.
Subject: Great meeting you at [event name]
Hi [first name], It was great meeting you at [event name] last night. I enjoyed hearing about [specific detail, e.g. how your team is rebuilding onboarding]. I would like to stay in touch. If anything comes up where I can help with [your area], just say the word. Best, [Your name]
Use when: You both said it would be worth talking more.
Subject: Coffee after [event name]?
Hi [first name], Thanks for the conversation at [event name]. Your point about [specific detail] has stuck with me. Would you be up for a 20-minute coffee or call next week to keep talking? [Day] or [day] both work on my side, or feel free to suggest a time. Best, [Your name]
Use when: You offered to send an article, tool, or contact during the conversation.
Subject: The [resource] I mentioned at [event name]
Hi [first name], As promised at [event name], here is [resource and link]. The section on [specific part] is the part I think is most relevant to [their challenge]. Happy to share more if it is useful. Best, [Your name]
Use when: You know someone who could help them.
Subject: An introduction that might help with [topic]
Hi [first name], Good to meet you at [event name]. You mentioned you are looking for [what they need]. I know [contact name], who [relevant background]. Would an introduction be helpful? If so, I will connect you both by email this week. Best, [Your name]
Use when: It has been more than a week and you never wrote.
Subject: Following up from [event name]
Hi [first name], We met at [event name] on [date]. We talked about [specific detail], and I have been meaning to follow up since. If you are still working on [their project], I would be glad to [offer]. No pressure either way. Best, [Your name]
Within 24 hours is ideal, and 48 hours at the latest. After that, open with the event name and date so the person can place you.
Under 120 words. It should take less than 30 seconds to read and end with one clear, easy next step.
Something specific and familiar, such as "Great meeting you at the Founders Mixer". The event name helps people recognize the email in a crowded inbox.
Use email when you have it and want a next step such as a call. Use a LinkedIn message when you only have their profile, and keep it shorter.
Send one short nudge after 7 to 10 days that adds something useful. If there is still no reply, let it rest and reconnect when you have a real reason.
Scan cards, save what you talked about by voice, and get a follow-up draft that references the conversation, so these templates write themselves.
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