
Networking at in-person events like AWS re:Invent opens doors to potential clients and partners, providing face-to-face opportunities to showcase your product’s unique value prop. As every good sales person knows, that initial connection is only the spark, you have to follow up to deepen the relationships, particularly after events, to set your relationship on fire.
Using tools for post-event connection follow-up turn that interest into a sale. Below are seven strategies to help you stay memorable and build rapport with prospects after the event.
But before we get into how to build that rapport, let’s talk about segmenting that audience of those who expressed interest.
Before you go to the event, define your ICPs 1, 2, 3, 4. Figure out who you want to talk to so you’re not just throwing spaghetti against the wall. Research them, figure out what you want to say to each different ICP while at the event, how you’ll reach out after, and what success looks like.
Next, assign resources within your organization to each ICP and communicate what the follow-up process should look like.
Ex. Once the lead comes through your system, you must follow-up within 24hrs. A follow-up sequence looks like this - Email, phone call, email, etc. This is the messaging for ICP 1,2,3,and 4. Success looks like this. ICP 1 = visit, ICP 2= demo call, ICP 3 = attends this web event or downloads this whitepaper.
You'll also want to make sure there are enough options to send people to, so work with your content team asap to get multiple types of materials ready.
Sending a timely, personalized email follow-up within 24–48 hours after meeting a prospect can make a powerful impression. In your email, reference something specific you discussed, such as their role in DevOps, challenges they face with AI integrations, or a shared insight about cloud scalability. Including details that highlight your conversation helps remind them why they showed interest in your product.
This approach transforms your follow-up email into a resource they’re likely to read and engage with, keeping your brand memorable in the days after the event.
Automated follow-ups are a great way to nurture leads without being overly time-consuming, but personalization is key to making these emails resonate. Segment contacts by tagging them in your CRM based on their specific interests—such as infrastructure, AI/ML, or DevOps—so that the content speaks directly to their needs and doesn’t feel like a one-size-fits-all approach.
This mix of automation and personalization keeps your brand top-of-mind while nurturing interest in a way that feels relevant and customer-focused.
In-person events are perfect for establishing an initial connection, but digital touchpoints can help solidify these relationships. After AWS re:Invent, connect with each prospect on LinkedIn with a short message, referencing a memorable part of your conversation to keep the context fresh. This not only helps the prospect remember you but also builds your professional network.
By staying active on LinkedIn and X, you reinforce the connection and keep your product top of mind as they move from event conversations to post-event decision-making.
Hosting a targeted webinar or AMA session post-event is an excellent way to keep leads engaged while showcasing your expertise in a more in-depth format. Use insights from your booth interactions to select topics that resonate, like in-depth integration possibilities or case studies relevant to AWS solutions.
This approach extends the value of your event and gives prospects another touchpoint to learn about your product’s benefits.
Personalized messages with tailored offers are particularly effective for high-priority leads. Craft a message that builds on your in-person conversation and provides exclusive benefits, such as a discount or an extended free trial.
These personalized messages can turn casual interest into actionable steps toward adopting your solution.
Retargeting ads are another effective way to re-engage contacts after the event. By setting up ads that are specifically targeted to attendees who visited your booth, you can reinforce your brand’s presence with content they can explore on their own time.
This subtle, ongoing brand visibility keeps you top-of-mind, especially if they are comparing options post-event.
In a digital-first industry, sending a handwritten thank-you note or small gift can make a lasting impression. A personal note shows thoughtfulness, demonstrating that you remember your conversation and genuinely appreciate their interest.
For high-value contacts, these unique, personalized touches help your brand stand out from the many digital-only follow-ups they might receive.
Effective follow-up is a blend of timely communication, added value, and personalization. By combining targeted emails, social media engagement, and personalized offers, you can transform event conversations into meaningful, long-term business relationships. Each follow-up method outlined here—from LinkedIn connections to handwritten notes—reinforces your brand and shows prospects that you are invested in their success. With these strategies, you’re set to build stronger connections and turn event leads into loyal customers.
Start with a thank-you - either for attending or for their time at the event. Mention something specific to make it personal (a session you both attended, a conversation you had). Then, clearly state your reason for following up, like continuing the conversation, sharing resources, or setting up a meeting.
Be prompt (within 1–3 days), keep it short, and remind them who you are and where you met. Then, mention any next steps or a reason to stay in touch. Always be polite and clear but no pressure.
Say something like:
"It was great connecting with you at [event name]. I’d love to continue our conversation - would you be open to a quick call next week?"
Keep your tone friendly and light. Use phrases like:
"Just checking in when you have a moment" or
"Following up in case this slipped through — no rush at all."
Try:
"Hi [Name], I really enjoyed our chat at [event name] about [topic]. I wanted to follow up and see if you'd be open to continuing that conversation."
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