Attending professional events is a great way to expand your network, but the real value comes from what happens next. The follow-up is where connections become relationships, and LinkedIn is one of the most effective tools to make that happen. If you’ve ever left an event wondering how to stay in touch without overcomplicating things, these LinkedIn strategies will help you build meaningful, lasting connections – even with a busy schedule.

1. Send a Connection Request
Start by sending personalized connection requests to the people you met. A simple message referencing your conversation or the event can make all the difference.

For example: “It was great meeting you at [Event Name]! I really enjoyed our discussion about [topic] and would love to stay connected.”

Why it works: Personalization reminds them who you are and makes your request stand out. Avoid generic requests, they’re forgettable and easy to ignore.

2. Prioritize Your Outreach
Not every contact from the event will be equally important to your goals. Focus on key individuals who align with your professional objectives, including potential clients, collaborators and referral sources. Being intentional with your follow-up ensures you’re investing your time in the relationships that matter most.

3. Engage With Their LinkedIn Activity
Don’t let your connection stop at the initial request. Spend a few minutes engaging with your new connections’ LinkedIn activity. Like or comment on their recent posts to show genuine interest. Leave a thoughtful comment on one of their recent posts. For instance: “This ties back to what we talked about at [Event Name]. Thanks for sharing this, it’s a great read!”

Why it matters: Interacting with their content keeps you visible and reinforces your interest in staying connected.

4. Post an Insight From the Event
Your LinkedIn profile is a reflection of your professional voice, and sharing a post about the event can showcase your engagement with your industry. Write a quick post about a key takeaway or moment that resonated with you. If appropriate, include a photo from the event and tag the organizer or speakers. This not only keeps your profile active but also sparks conversations with others who attended.

Example: “One of the best takeaways from [Event Name] was [key insight]. A big thank you to [host/speaker] for sharing such valuable perspectives!”

5. Share Helpful Resources
If someone you met expressed interest in a specific topic, follow up by sharing a relevant resource such as a helpful article, webinar or guide. This thoughtful gesture shows you were listening and are genuinely interested in being helpful.

Message example: “I came across this article on [topic] and thought of you. I hope it’s useful!”

Why it works: Sharing resources is an easy way to keep the conversation going and position yourself as a valuable connection.

6. Follow Up After They Accept
After your connection request is accepted, take a moment to send a follow-up message. Thank them for connecting and suggest an easy way to stay in touch, like scheduling a brief call, inviting them to an event or sharing additional insights.

For instance, you could say: “Thanks for connecting! I enjoyed our conversation at [Event Name]. Let me know if you’d like to discuss [topic] further or if there’s a way we can collaborate in the future.”

A simple, low-pressure follow-up can open the door to meaningful dialogue.

7. Leverage Shared Connections
If you discover mutual LinkedIn connections, use that as a way to deepen the relationship. Mentioning shared contacts can make your follow-up feel more personal and relatable.

Here’s a message example: “I noticed we both know [Name]—it’s always great to connect with others in their network!”

This creates an instant bond and reinforces your professional credibility.

8. Keep Your Profile Active
Staying visible on LinkedIn isn’t just about engaging with others, it’s also about sharing your own updates. Regularly post about industry trends, thought leadership and milestones in your own work.

Posting once or twice a week is enough to remind your network of your expertise and keep you top-of-mind. It doesn’t have to be complicated – you could share an interesting article or a quick thought on something happening in your field.

9. Congratulate Professional Milestones
LinkedIn makes it easy to see when someone has started a new job, been promoted or celebrated a professional achievement. Take a moment to congratulate them.

A simple message like, “Congratulations on your new role at [Company Name]! Wishing you all the best in this next chapter,” can go a long way in maintaining a positive relationship.

10. Stay Consistent Without Overdoing It
Effective follow-up isn’t about constant communication, it’s about staying in touch periodically with thoughtful interactions. Whether it’s a comment on a post or a quick message, aim to connect meaningfully every few months. Consistency shows you value the relationship without overwhelming your contacts.

Key Takeaways to Build New LinkedIn Connections After an Event

  • Personalize your connection requests to make a strong first impression.
  • Prioritize key contacts to focus your energy where it matters most.
  • Stay visible by engaging with their LinkedIn content and sharing your own.
  • Thoughtful follow-up messages and resource sharing can keep the conversation going.
  • Use LinkedIn as a long-term tool for nurturing relationships – not just an event follow-up.

Strengthening your network on LinkedIn doesn’t require hours of effort, but it does require intentionality. With these tips, you can transform one-time event connections into professional relationships that grow and thrive over time. For more on how to strengthen your LinkedIn connections, take a look at this article.

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