How to Follow Up After UK Networking Events (2026)

Why this matters

UK networking events produce no value without follow-up. The conversations decay fast — within 48-72 hours, the person you met has forgotten most of what you discussed. The candidates who maintain relationships from events are the ones who follow up within 48 hours with specific reference.

Step-by-step

1. 1 Take quick notes during or immediately after each conversation — name, role, what you discussed
2. 2 Within 48 hours, send a LinkedIn connection request with personalised note
3. 3 Reference something specific from the conversation: 'Enjoyed your point about X'
4. 4 Optional small ask if natural: 'Would you be open to a 15-min call to discuss further?'
5. 5 Don't pitch yourself in the first message — follow-up is for relationship, not transaction
6. 6 If no response within 14 days, accept and move on — not all connections work
7. 7 Maintain quarterly check-ins for the connections that do respond

Common mistakes

• ✗Not following up at all — wastes 90% of the event's value
• ✗Generic follow-up that could be sent to anyone — flags template
• ✗Pitching yourself or asking for a job in the follow-up
• ✗Waiting longer than 48 hours — momentum decays
• ✗Not connecting on LinkedIn — loses the digital touchpoint