LinkedIn event networking is reshaping how professionals connect before, during, and after events. With tools like attendee research, personalised connection requests, and event-specific features, LinkedIn offers a faster, more efficient way to build meaningful professional relationships. Here’s what you need to know:
- Efficiency: Send up to 100 connection requests weekly, with 40-60% acceptance rates, yielding 5-8 new connections daily.
- Profile Optimisation: A strong profile photo increases views by 14x, while a clear headline and updated skills boost visibility.
- Event Features: RSVP to events, explore attendee lists, and use event chats or networking lounges to engage.
- Content Strategy: Share pre-event posts, live updates, and post-event takeaways to amplify your presence.
- Follow-Ups: Send personalised messages within 24–48 hours to solidify connections and nurture relationships over time.
Best Practices for Networking Events on LinkedIn
Setting Up Your LinkedIn Profile for Event Networking
Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital business card. A well-crafted profile is essential for making connections at events and showcasing your professional value.
Updating Your Profile Picture and Headline
Your profile picture and headline are the first things people notice when they view your LinkedIn profile. In fact, profiles with a picture are 14 times more likely to get views. Plus, candidates with an appealing photo receive 36 times more messages.
"Your profile picture is a key element of your LinkedIn presence. Our research shows that just having a picture makes your profile 14 times more likely to be viewed by others." – Lydia Abbot, Content @ Prezent | Ex-LinkedIn
Interestingly, 70% of recruiters admit they might reject a candidate based solely on their LinkedIn photo. This makes choosing the right image a critical step for event networking.
For your profile picture, go with a high-quality, recent image where your face takes up at least 60% of the frame. A simple, natural headshot with soft lighting and an uncluttered background works best. If you tweak the photo, use editing tools sparingly – just enough to enhance brightness and contrast without making it look unnatural.
"Your LinkedIn headshot is a critical component of your personal brand. It’s essential to think about the impression your attire will make on prospective employers." – Resume Pilots
Your headline acts as your professional tagline. Use it to define who you are and what you do. Incorporate industry-specific keywords to boost visibility. If you have a niche focus, like corporate events or wedding planning, make sure to highlight it. Keep it short, professional, and aligned with your career goals.
Once your headline and photo are set, it’s time to refine your skills and experience.
Highlighting Your Skills and Experience
Your skills and experience sections are where you showcase your professional strengths. Tailor this part of your profile to align with your event networking goals. Highlight achievements that demonstrate your impact.
When listing previous roles, focus on accomplishments rather than just responsibilities. For each job, include specific examples that show how you added value.
Keep your "Licences & certifications" section up to date. Remove outdated skills to ensure your profile reflects your current expertise. This focused approach helps event attendees see you as a polished and credible professional.
Endorsements and recommendations can also elevate your profile. Ask colleagues or clients to endorse your most relevant skills. These endorsements act as social proof, building trust with potential connections before you even meet them.
With your skills and experience covered, the next step is crafting a compelling About section.
Writing Your About Section and Adding Featured Content
Your About and Featured sections are your chance to tell your story and showcase your expertise. Together, they create a strong narrative about your professional journey.
Write your About section in the first person to make it more engaging. Share your background, highlight your talents, and explain how you’ve helped others achieve success. Be sure to mention your strengths and key achievements to show why you’re an ideal collaborator. If you have specific goals, such as transitioning industries or relocating, mention them clearly.
If your career path includes gaps or transitions, address them positively. Use this space to explain how those experiences have shaped your skills. Include keywords relevant to your industry to improve your visibility in searches. Wrap up with a call to action, like inviting readers to connect or check out your portfolio.
The Featured section serves as your mini-portfolio, spotlighting your work, skills, and accomplishments. Keep this section updated with content that aligns with your current career goals. Place the most relevant pieces at the top and add brief descriptions to explain their significance. Use a mix of media – like videos, infographics, or articles – to make the section more engaging.
You can also include external links to direct viewers to additional resources. Regularly refreshing this section ensures your profile stays relevant and reflects your ongoing professional growth.
For inspiration, look at profiles like Tess M. Vismale, whose headline clearly outlines her role, expertise, and achievements. Thoughtful profile optimisation like this can make a big difference in your event networking efforts.
Building Real Connections at Events
Making real connections at events isn’t just about exchanging business cards – it’s about building relationships that matter. To do this effectively, you need to be thoughtful about who you reach out to and how you approach them.
Discovering Attendees Through LinkedIn Event Pages
LinkedIn event pages are a treasure trove for identifying attendees. To unlock the full list, you’ll need to RSVP to the event first. Once you do, you can view all attendees, including your 1st-degree connections (unless they’ve chosen to hide their attendance).
Finding relevant events is simple too. Use LinkedIn’s search bar with industry-specific keywords and filter by "Events." LinkedIn even suggests events based on your interests and connections. Event organisers often use hashtags to highlight the event’s theme, making it easier to find what matches your goals. Plus, since LinkedIn events are public, you can browse attendee lists for upcoming events and use filters like industry, location, or connection level to pinpoint key people you’d like to connect with.
Once you’ve identified potential connections, take the next step by sending them personalised messages.
Crafting Personal Connection Requests
Reaching out with a tailored message is crucial. Generic requests often get ignored, but a personalised note can make all the difference. Here are a few examples to inspire your approach:
"Hi [Name], It was great meeting you at [Event Name] last week. I enjoyed our chat about [specific topic], and I’d love to connect to continue the conversation."
"Hi [Name], I saw you were attending [Event Name], and I noticed we share an interest in [specific area]. I’d love to connect and explore potential collaboration opportunities."
"Hey [Name], I noticed we both attended [Event Name] last month. The discussion on [specific topic] was really insightful. I’d love to connect and exchange thoughts on it further."
The best connection requests include three things: a specific reference to the event, a mention of shared interests or discussions, and a clear reason for connecting. Keep your message short and to the point – every word should count.
Timing is everything. Don’t wait too long after the event to reach out. Send your requests while the event is still fresh in people’s minds. You can also engage with potential connections during the event by commenting on their posts, participating in discussions, or asking thoughtful questions during Q&A sessions.
Participating in Event Discussions and Chats
Beyond sending connection requests, actively participating in event discussions can make a lasting impression. Saurav Gupta, Founder & CEO of SalesRobot, emphasises this point:
"Engagement is key – don’t just host and forget about it. Stay connected with your audience before, during, and after the event."
During live events, ask thoughtful questions and share your own insights or experiences when relevant. This not only helps you stand out but also positions you as someone who is genuinely invested in the topics being discussed. Pre-event engagement is just as important – join LinkedIn groups related to the event, share your excitement, and start conversations around the agenda or key topics you’re keen to explore. After the event, continue the dialogue by sharing key takeaways or engaging with posts from other attendees.
For real-time interactions, come prepared with meaningful questions. As speakers present, contribute insights or add value to the chat by building on others’ ideas. Acknowledging and engaging with other participants’ comments can also help you establish rapport .
Whether it’s a webinar, conference, or workshop, these events are excellent opportunities to grow your network. Even a short, meaningful exchange can be the beginning of a long-term professional relationship.
Creating and Sharing Event Content
Creating engaging content around an event can significantly enhance networking opportunities. Well-timed posts not only help you connect with attendees but also allow you to showcase your expertise and build lasting relationships that go beyond the event itself.
Planning Content Before the Event
Once you’ve optimised your profile and established key connections, it’s time to focus on your content strategy. About two to three weeks before the event, review the attendee list, speaker lineup, and sponsors to start building anticipation. Use this period to highlight your expertise and share your goals for the conference. Posting about what excites you – whether it’s meeting certain individuals or gaining specific insights – can spark interest and engagement. For example, sharing a post a few days before the event or even while travelling to the venue can help set the tone.
When tagging others in your posts, ensure you strike a professional note. This is also a good time to outline your goals for the event. Whether you’re looking to find podcast guests, attract potential clients, secure speaking opportunities, or gain fresh industry insights, having a clear focus will guide your interactions. If the event is in another city, reconnecting with colleagues in the area can also add value to your trip. This preparation ensures you’re ready for meaningful, real-time engagement once the event begins.
Sharing Live Updates During the Event
Live updates are a fantastic way to engage both in-person and remote audiences while showcasing your active participation. Timing and interactivity are key here. Did you know live videos generate seven times more reactions and 24 times more comments than standard videos? That makes them an excellent tool for amplifying your presence during the event. Use live streams to share highlights, key moments, and valuable insights in real time.
As Alexandra Rynne, LinkedIn’s Content Strategy Lead, puts it:
"The key is to keep attendees intrigued and to keep the conversation going."
Engage with viewers by responding to comments and reactions as they come in. Pair live streams with short pre-recorded videos introducing key sessions to provide context. Promoting your live event ahead of time can also boost engagement by 19% after the event concludes. It’s all about keeping the momentum going and ensuring your updates resonate with your audience.
Writing Post-Event Summaries and Insights
Your work doesn’t stop when the event ends. Post-event content is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate thought leadership and solidify the connections you’ve made. Share your key takeaways, acknowledge new relationships, and reflect on the overall experience. For instance, live video events saw a 15% increase in engagement in the last quarter, and 73% of decision-makers consider thought leadership a more reliable indicator of an organisation’s capabilities than traditional marketing content.
Lauren Maillian, Founder & CEO of LMB Group, explains:
"Events are the best opportunity to have a live focus group for what people really want to hear and know from an individual, a leader, a business or a brand."
When sharing post-event content, focus on authenticity. Highlight both the successes and the challenges you faced, offering valuable insights that others can learn from. Thought-provoking questions can also spark meaningful conversations, encouraging others to share their own perspectives. As Jessica Jensen, Global Marketing Director at Qualcomm, notes:
"The more brands can present their executives with authenticity on key channels, the more they can build the brand in a more human way."
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Using LinkedIn Event Features and Tools
LinkedIn offers a range of event tools designed to simplify and enhance networking for Australian professionals. With features like RSVPs, event chats, networking lounges, and automation tools, it’s easier than ever to connect with others and build meaningful relationships.
RSVPs, Event Chats, and Networking Lounges
The RSVP feature does more than just confirm your attendance – it also gives you access to the attendee list. This early access is a great way to identify key people you’d like to connect with before the event even begins. Event chats provide a platform for real-time interaction with speakers and fellow attendees. Engaging actively in these chats by sharing insights, asking thoughtful questions, or responding to others’ contributions can help you stand out as a proactive participant. Following up with personalised messages referencing specific points from the discussions can further solidify these connections.
Virtual networking lounges replicate the feel of in-person networking spaces, offering a more focused environment to connect with others. Another handy feature is the ability to invite your existing LinkedIn connections to join an event, which not only strengthens your professional circle but also expands your networking opportunities.
Automation and Personalisation Tools
LinkedIn’s automation tools can save time and boost your networking efforts. Some professionals have reported up to a 60% increase in lead generation when these tools are used effectively. By automating repetitive tasks – like sending connection requests or follow-up messages – you can focus more on building meaningful relationships. However, automation works best when combined with personalisation. A generic message is easy to ignore, but a tailored one referencing a specific session or shared interest is far more likely to grab attention .
LinkedIn’s built-in analytics can help you track how well your messages are performing, allowing you to tweak your approach as needed. It’s also crucial to stay within LinkedIn’s guidelines, as the platform prohibits certain automated activities. Automation tools typically cost between $49 and $100 per month. By blending automation for efficiency with personalised outreach, you can significantly enhance your networking strategy and make the most of LinkedIn events.
Following Up After Events and Building Relationships
Attending events is just the beginning; the real magic of networking happens afterward. Following up promptly and thoughtfully can turn casual encounters into meaningful professional relationships. In fact, sending a second follow-up message can boost reply rates by 4.05%. This shows that persistence – when done with care – can make a big difference.
Writing Follow-Up Messages
Timing is everything. Make sure to send your follow-up within 24–48 hours to keep the interaction fresh in the recipient’s mind.
Laura Hannah, Founder of Pitch121, highlights the importance of follow-ups:
"LinkedIn’s inbox functionality is quite basic, which makes it easy for messages to get buried. Similar to email forwarding, a follow-up message effectively brings your original message back to the top of the recipient’s inbox. This visibility increase is particularly effective with the second or third touchpoint".
When crafting your message, include a specific detail from your conversation to personalise it. Mention the event you both attended and reference something memorable, like a shared interest, a challenge they brought up, or an insight they shared. Hannah advises keeping messages concise:
"The most common mistake I see is excessive message length. My recommendation is to focus on one clear point and make it effortless for the recipient to respond with minimal consideration time".
Make sure to include a clear call to action – whether it’s suggesting a coffee meeting, asking for feedback, or sharing a helpful resource. A well-crafted LinkedIn follow-up can significantly increase your chances of getting a response. These small steps set the stage for a lasting connection.
Staying Connected Long-Term
Building meaningful professional relationships takes effort beyond the initial follow-up. Hannah suggests focusing on three key principles:
"1. Show genuine interest in them 2. Mirror their communication style 3. Add meaningful value. For that critical first post-connection message, I focus primarily on the first pillar to generate a response. I keep my questions broad enough that they can answer quickly, allowing them to talk about themselves or their priorities".
Engage with your connections regularly by interacting with their LinkedIn posts or checking in periodically. This could mean sharing a useful article, congratulating them on a milestone, or asking about their current projects. When commenting on their posts, avoid generic remarks. Instead, reference specific points they’ve made and add your own perspective.
Authenticity is crucial. Madison Butler, Owner/Founder of Blue Haired Unicorn consulting agency, underscores this:
"Authenticity plays a significant role in building meaningful connections and sustainable career opportunities that align with your values and identity".
By showing genuine interest and offering consistent value, you can turn initial connections into lasting relationships.
Providing Value to Your Network
Networking thrives on mutual benefit. Share resources that align with the conversations you’ve had – whether it’s an article, webinar, or guide that addresses a challenge they mentioned. Look for opportunities to introduce people in your network who could benefit from knowing each other.
Keep your LinkedIn profile active by posting about industry trends, sharing takeaways from events, and celebrating your own professional milestones. This encourages your network to engage with your content. Acknowledging others’ achievements, like new roles or promotions, also helps maintain and strengthen these connections.
Key Points for LinkedIn Event Networking Success
Unlock LinkedIn event networking success by focusing on a well-crafted profile, active engagement, and meaningful follow-ups.
Start with a strong profile. Your profile is often the first impression others have of you. Jane Deehan, Award-winning Senior Content Marketing Manager at LinkedIn, highlights the importance of your profile picture:
"Your profile picture is your calling card on LinkedIn – it’s how people are introduced to you and (visual beings that we are) it governs their impressions from the start."
Your headline is just as critical. Kerri Moore from Professional Development explains:
"Your LinkedIn profile headline is your mission statement and should define who you are and what you do."
Make the most of the 220-character limit to showcase your unique value – not just your job title. Also, ensure your work experience is up to date to improve your profile’s visibility. Once optimised, your profile becomes a powerful tool for networking at events.
Be strategic with event participation. Before attending an event, research the attendee list and participate in event-related discussions. This allows you to build rapport even before the event begins. During the event, use LinkedIn’s mobile features to streamline networking. For example, the built-in QR code feature makes exchanging contact information quick and easy, while the "Find Nearby" function connects you with other attendees via Bluetooth. This approach helps you focus on forming meaningful connections rather than simply collecting contacts.
Share content to amplify your presence. Engaging, visual content can significantly boost your visibility. Share your event takeaways, key insights, and experiences using LinkedIn’s recommended image dimensions of 1200×627 pixels for the best results. Aim to post at least once a week during working hours to stay active and visible in your network. Consistent content sharing not only increases your reach but also reinforces your professional presence.
Nurture your connections. Building relationships doesn’t stop at the event. Thoughtful follow-ups are essential for turning new connections into lasting professional relationships. Stefanie Marrone, known as The Social Media Butterfly, advises:
"Introducing two smart contacts to each other can be more impactful than anything you say about yourself. And it leaves an impression that lasts."
Periodic check-ins and value-driven interactions can help keep your network alive and thriving.
Leverage LinkedIn’s technical tools. Stay on top of event activities with LinkedIn notifications. Features like RSVP options, event chats, and networking lounges allow you to interact with attendees before, during, and after the event. For a personal touch, try sending LinkedIn voice messages to new connections – it’s a simple way to stand out from generic text-based follow-ups.
FAQs
How do I personalise LinkedIn connection requests after attending an event to improve acceptance rates?
To make your LinkedIn connection requests stand out after attending an event, start by referencing the event or a specific conversation you shared with the person. Mentioning this context makes your message feel more personal and relevant. For example, you might bring up a topic you discussed or highlight a shared interest from your interaction.
Once connected, focus on nurturing the relationship. Engage with their activity on LinkedIn – like their posts or leave thoughtful comments. This small effort shows genuine interest and helps build rapport. You could also share a helpful insight or resource tied to the event. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also adds something meaningful to the connection.
How can I create engaging content to maximise networking opportunities before, during, and after a LinkedIn event?
To make the most of networking opportunities on LinkedIn, start by creating engaging content ahead of the event. Post about your attendance, share what you’re looking forward to, and connect with key participants in advance. This not only builds excitement but also paves the way for early conversations.
At the event, keep the momentum going by posting live updates, sharing valuable insights from speakers, and inviting others to join the discussion. Tagging attendees or posing thoughtful questions in your posts can spark meaningful exchanges and boost visibility.
Once the event wraps up, follow through by sending personalised messages to new connections. Share highlights, reflect on key takeaways, and post about your experience to keep the conversation alive. By staying consistent and genuinely engaging with others, you can turn brief encounters into long-term professional relationships.
How can I use LinkedIn event features, like networking lounges and chats, to grow my professional network?
How to Expand Your Professional Network with LinkedIn Events
LinkedIn’s event features, like networking lounges and event chats, are fantastic tools for building your professional network. But the key to making the most of them lies in genuine, active participation. Jump into discussions by asking insightful questions, sharing your expertise, and engaging with others’ ideas. This not only helps you stand out but also creates opportunities to build meaningful connections with other attendees.
Once the event wraps up, take the time to send personalised connection requests. Mention specific conversations you had or shared interests that came up during the event. A thoughtful, friendly message adds a personal touch and increases the likelihood of forming a lasting connection.
To keep these new relationships strong, stay actively involved. Comment on their posts, share content they might find useful, or simply keep the conversation going. A little effort over time can turn a one-time interaction into a solid professional relationship.