From CES Chat to Booked Call in 7 Days
Converting conference connections into real business opportunities doesn't have to take weeks or months. This article breaks down a proven two-step approach that turned a casual CES conversation into a scheduled sales call in just seven days. Industry experts share their tested strategies for following up with handwritten notes and fast-gap reviews that actually get responses.
Send A Handwritten Note With Micro-Offer
The highest-converting follow-up I've seen from major trade shows like CES is surprisingly analog: a handwritten thank-you note sent within 24 hours of the booth conversation, paired with a specific micro-offer referenced in that note. The formula is simple—mention one concrete detail from your two-minute conversation to prove you were actually listening, acknowledge their specific challenge or interest, and include a QR code or short URL to a custom landing page with a 15-minute calendar link and a piece of hyper-relevant content (like a one-page framework or calculator) that addresses exactly what they mentioned needing. The handwritten note cuts through the 98 other automated emails they'll receive from the event, the personal detail builds trust, and the micro-offer gives them a reason to act now rather than filing you away mentally. The key is that the note arrives before they've forgotten your face, and the offer solves an immediate pain point rather than pitching your full service suite.
Offer A Fast-Gap Review
I treat the booth chat as permission to offer one specific next step, not a vague "let's stay in touch". Before CES I decide a single micro-offer that I'll push for every qualified person, and it has to solve a clear pain in 30-45 minutes.
At the booth, I scan the badge and jot two things: their role and the main problem they mentioned. That's all I need for follow-up. Then I send a same-day message that's short, ties back to the chat, and asks for a time with a clear outcome, not a generic "intro call".
The micro-offer that's converted best for me is a "fast-gap review" tied straight to what they said. For example, with a B2B SaaS team:
"Good to meet you at CES. You mentioned your partner pipeline goes quiet after the first demo. I'm offering a 30-minute 'Pipeline Drop-Off Review' for 5 CES teams: I'll map your current follow-up, show you where you're losing replies, and give you 2-3 tested sequences you can plug in. No deck, no pitch, just a screen share and a simple plan. Here's the link to grab a slot this week or next: [calendar link]. Or send me 2-3 times that work and I'll lock one in."
Three things matter in that offer. It repeats their own problem so they know I listened. It promises a concrete deliverable (map + 2-3 sequences) they can use even if we never speak again. And it lowers the sales pressure by saying there's no slide deck or pitch.
If they don't book, I send one light nudge a few days later forwarding the original: "Quick nudge on this in case it got buried." After that I let it go into slower nurture instead of pushing harder.
Host A Focused Executive Roundtable
Invite target executives to a short virtual roundtable on a single, timely topic. Keep it to 45 minutes, cap seats at eight leaders, and use a neutral host to guide the talk. Open with two prompts, share one brief case, and reserve the last ten minutes for opt in follow ups.
Send a simple prep note and a calendar hold so joining takes one click. Share a recap right after with a direct link to book a deeper call this week. Save your seat now and confirm a quick follow up slot.
Target Known Visitors With LinkedIn Ads
Build a LinkedIn audience from badge scans and booth check-ins to reach known visitors. Show ads that match the use case they asked about, using simple copy and a short video. Keep the message about outcomes and add social proof in one clear line.
Send clicks to a fast booking page with two open time windows this week. Limit ad frequency so interest grows without noise and refresh creative on day four. See the tailored ad and pick a time today.
Use Predictive Scores To Prioritize Outreach
Use a predictive score to spot the hottest leads from CES chats. Combine signals like booth scans, chat length, job title, company size, and website visits to rank interest. Set a clear rule that high scores get outreach within hours and a direct link to book time.
Hold same-week calendar slots so fast movers never wait. Share the score with the lead to spark trust and invite a short talk about needs. Grab a quick spot now to review your score and plan the next step.
Secure Partner Intros To Shared Accounts
Ask trusted partners to introduce your team to their shared accounts from CES. Give each partner a short intro note, a one page value brief, and two open times to offer. Offer a small reward for any intro that becomes a booked call within seven days.
Track every handoff and confirm outreach the same day the intro lands. Thank the partner with a quick update after the call to keep momentum strong. Share your account list and request an intro today.
Deliver A Personalized Outcome Video
Send a 90 second video that shows the exact outcome discussed at the booth. Start with the problem in one line, show the fix in three screens, and end with one proof point. Use the person’s name, logo, and role so it feels built for them.
Add captions, a clear title card, and a button that books a call within the week. Deliver it within 24 hours of the chat and follow up with a short note on day three. Watch your custom walkthrough and claim a quick slot now.