You’re an attendee at your industry’s big event.
You’ve just survived a 2-day event.
You’ve walked 25,000 steps a day.
You’ve networked like your job depends on it (because, well, it does doesn’t it?).
And now? You’re back home. Your inbox is quietly panicking. Your child/spouse/pet missed you. You’ve got a phone full of notes, a few business cards in your pocket, and your suitcase, despite only having a couple of outfits, still isn’t unpacked.
So, what now?
Here’s your unofficial (but totally realistic) guide to navigating post-event life without losing your sanity — or the momentum you just built.
1. Don’t try to do it all today.
You don’t need to follow up with every contact, write a report, respond to 83 emails and book your next event before lunch. Breathe.
Post-event pressure is real — but it’s also unnecessary. Give yourself permission to decompress. The contacts and ideas will still be there tomorrow (and you’ll write a better email after a coffee and a shower). So prioritize.
2. Categorise your follow-ups: Now, Soon, Maybe Never
That “great chat at the coffee cart” might not need an immediate contract. The person who said “we should totally work together!” may need a little more than a vague memory to convert.
Create three piles:
- Now: Genuine leads, meaningful conversations, time-sensitive actions.
- Soon: Interesting connections, potential collaborations, “worth exploring.”
- Maybe Never: People you added on LinkedIn but can’t actually remember.
Pro tip: “Maybe Never” doesn’t mean “never ever” — but they don’t need to be clogging up your Monday to-do list. Save them for a nice email / message / Linkedin chat later in the week.
3. Schedule your debrief while things are fresh
Even if it’s just a voice note or quick brain dump. What worked? What didn’t? What surprised you?
If you’re part of a team, book in 15 minutes to swap highlights. If you’re flying solo, type up your top three takeaways. Don’t wait a week, or you’ll forget that tiny spark of inspiration that could become your next big idea. Stick it on a postit note above your desk if you have to.
4. Pick one high-value contact to follow up with properly
Not a mass email. Not a generic LinkedIn message. One thoughtful, relevant, human follow-up with someone you genuinely want to build a relationship with.
Reference your conversation. Share something useful. Make it clear this isn’t just another name on your spreadsheet. One strong connection is better than 20 rushed ones.
5. Turn your learnings into internal value
Whether you were attending, exhibiting, or speaking — you saw things. Heard things. Noticed trends. That insight has value.
Write a short note. Share a Slack message wiht your team about it. Add a “What I learned” section to your internal wiki. The event might be over, but the ROI can (and should) ripple outwards.
6. Reward yourself for showing up
No seriously — you did a thing. You put yourself out there. You had conversations, shook hands, wore proper clothes for two consecutive days.
So yes, you’re allowed to order the post-event burrito. Or spend 20 guilt-free minutes doing absolutely nothing. Recharging isn’t optional — it’s part of the job.
And remember…
You don’t have to process, follow up, report and plan all in one go. The important stuff? It can wait. What matters is that you made it through the whirlwind — and you’re still standing (albeit in compression socks).
We’ll be right here when the dust settles — and the inbox calms down.
If you stopped by our stand at The Meetings Show and want to carry on the conversation, we’d love that. But only when you’re ready!
Book a chat when it suits you: Calendly
Or just follow along on LinkedIn
