Before the event: define useful context
Decide which details your future self will need. For many teams, that means the event name, the person’s company, the topic discussed, their level of interest, and one next action. A small shared convention prevents vague notes later.
During the event: capture one memory cue
Do not attempt to write a full meeting report on the show floor. Add a short phrase immediately after the conversation, such as “asked about team contact sharing” or “send Android details on Friday.” Specific cues make later messages feel personal.
After each day: scan and verify
- Scan the cards in a quiet place with consistent light.
- Verify names and email addresses.
- Add the event name and conversation cue.
- Separate immediate follow-ups from contacts that only need to be retained.
Write a follow-up that proves you remember
Mention the event and one real point from the conversation. Keep the message short, deliver the resource or answer you promised, and propose a clear next step only when it is appropriate. A generic message sent quickly is often less valuable than a relevant message sent after careful review.
A compact follow-up template
Subject: Great meeting you at [event]. Start by naming the topic you discussed, provide the promised link or answer, then close with one clear and low-pressure next step. Rewrite the details for each person instead of sending the note as an unchanged bulk message.
