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How to Follow Up After a Conference in 2025: Business Cards vs Social Selling

Picture of Joe Wilson   Joe Wilson  ·  2 minute read

Huddle 9.9.25-1

I’m staring down six weeks of airports, hotels, and name badges – Boston, Chicago, Dallas, DC, San Francisco, Denver, Vegas, New York.

If you’ve been in this circuit, you know the drill: the best conversations don’t happen in the sessions, they happen in the hallways, over coffee, or at dinner.

The power of in-person meetings is back in a big way.

In fact, 72% of professionals say face-to-face meetings build stronger trust than virtual ones【Envoy】.

But here’s the problem: most of those great conversations end as soon as you board your flight home.

Which is why the single most valuable thing you can do after meeting someone at a conference? Connect on social media immediately.

Here’s a 4-step playbook you can use today 👇

Your 4-Step Post-Conference Playbook

  • Add them on the spot

     Don’t wait. Pull out your phone and connect on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook while you’re still talking.
  • Send a quick DM

     Example: “Great meeting you at the MBA Great River Conference today — loved our chat about content compliance. Let’s stay connected here.”

  • Engage in the first two weeks

     Like or comment on at least 2–3 of their posts. Show up without being pushy.

  • Follow up with value

     Example: “Hey, saw this article on AI-driven compliance tools and thought of our conversation. Figured you’d find it useful.”

Do this, and you won't be just “someone they met at a conference” – you’ll become someone they know.

 

🚀 Want to turn conference connections into clients?

With SocialCoach’s social media automation and video content tools, staying visible in your new contacts’ feeds is effortless – and compliant.

👉 Book a Demo Today


FAQs: Conference Networking in 2025

Q: How do I keep in touch after a conference?


Connect on social right away, send a personalized DM, and engage with their content within the first 14 days.

Q: Should I use LinkedIn or Instagram?

Ideally, connect on both – but with a different intent.
  • LinkedIn is best for B2B and professional networking.
  • Instagram builds more personal connections.
Q: What do I say in a follow-up message?


Keep it short and reference your conversation. Example: “Loved chatting about video content trends in Denver. Let’s keep the convo going here.”

Q: How often should I engage with new connections?

Aim for 1–2 touches per week in the first month. After that, keep up with their content naturally.

Q: Do business cards still matter at all?

They can still be a good backup — but if you’re not connecting digitally, you’re invisible when it matters most.

 

Why This Matters for Sales & Marketing Pros

In mortgage, real estate, and financial services, relationships are the business. And relationships now live on social – especially in between conferences and events.

When you post consistently, comment thoughtfully, and share valuable content, you’re strengthening those ties.

  • 78% of salespeople who use social media outsell peers who don’t (Forbes).
  • 92% of B2B buyers are more likely to engage with reps who are active on social (LinkedIn).

That means your pipeline is directly tied to your visibility online.

The more visible you are in their feed, the more likely you are to get that call, referral, or deal months later.

How SocialCoach Helps

This is exactly why we built SocialCoach – to help sales and marketing pros turn these social connections into long-term business growth.

From compliant posting to professional video content, SocialCoach makes sure you’re showing up in the feeds of the people who matter most.

With SocialCoach, you can:

  • Automate posting → Stay consistent, even when you’re on the road.
  • Deliver pro-level video content → Dynamic captions, b-roll, and editing that stand out.
  • Scale compliance and branding → Marketing teams support hundreds of reps without fear of risk.

👉 Want to see how? Book a demo here.

Closing Thought

I’ve seen too many connections die because they ended at the business card stage. The pros who win in 2025 are the ones who swap socials, not just cards.

That’s where relationships grow. That’s where deals happen.

👉 Want to stay top of mind with your new connections? Learn how SocialCoach makes it simple. Book a demo here.