13 LinkedIn Mistakes That Are Harming Your Event Network

Let’s be honest, LinkedIn is the goldmine for event professionals. Whether you want to grow your network, land opportunities, or just connect with the right people, this platform has it all. But if you’re not seeing results, chances are you’re making a few common mistakes, trust me I've been there. Whether you’re new to LinkedIn or you’ve been here for years, avoiding these 13 pitfalls will help you build a stronger, more valuable network.

1. Your Profile Is Generic or Incomplete

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your digital business card. If your headline, summary, or experience section is vague or empty, people won’t know why they should connect with you. Make sure your profile is clear about what you do AND the value you bring. It’s not just about listing your job title, help people understand how you make a difference in the events world.

2. You’re a Lovely Lurker

There is nothing wrong with lurking, but If you’re not active, people will forget you exist. Just having a profile isn’t enough. Share insights, engage with posts, and start conversations. The more you show up, the more people will remember you.

3. It’s All About YOU (And That’s a Problem)

Yes, you want to promote yourself, but if every post is “Look at me, look at what I do,” people will tune out. Networking is a two-way street. Support your industry peers, reshare their content, tag other event pros, and engage in conversations that aren’t just about you.

4. Your Connection Requests Are Boring

If you’re still sending “I'd like to add you to my network” or even worse no message at all, stop. Personalise your request! Mention a common interest, a shared event, or a reason why connecting makes sense. It makes a huge difference and shows you took the time to get to know them a little.

5. You’re Not Following Up

Adding someone to your network is just the beginning. If you don’t follow up with a message, engage with their posts, or start a conversation, that connection is just a number and you'll be forgotten about. Relationships take effort!

6. Ignoring LinkedIn Groups & Events

If you’re not tapping into LinkedIn groups and event pages, you’re missing out. These are often hidden gems for meeting like-minded people and getting involved in industry discussions.

7. Your Posts Sound Like a Corporate Press Release

People connect with people, not brands. If your posts are too polished, formal, or robotic, they won’t resonate. Share real experiences, lessons learned, and behind-the-scenes moments to make your content more engaging.

8. You’re Not Engaging with the Right People

Get in front of the right people. Comment on posts from industry leaders, speakers, and organizers that you admire and want to be part of their circle. Thoughtful engagement can open doors and start real conversations.

9. You’re Not Showing Your Expertise

Don’t just be a spectator, be a contributor. Whether it’s an article, an event recap, or behind-the-scenes insights, sharing what you know and how valuable it can be for others to advance in their careers, positions you as a thought leader.

10. You’re Not Using LinkedIn to Plan for Real-World Networking

LinkedIn isn’t just for online networking, it’s a game-changer for in-person events too. Before attending industry gatherings, connect with speakers and attendees, share that you're attending, and follow up after meeting someone.

11. You’re Waiting Instead of Creating Opportunities

If you’re just scrolling and hoping opportunities will land in your feed or your inbox, you’re doing it wrong. Be proactive! Reach out to potential collaborators, pitch ideas, offer to speak at events, and create conversations around industry topics. The best networkers don’t wait, they make things happen.

12. You’re Trying Too Hard to Fit In (Or Letting AI Do the Work)

Copying others or relying too much on AI-generated content? People can tell. While AI can help with brainstorming, your LinkedIn presence should still sound like YOU. Being authentic is what makes people want to connect and stay connected.

13. Your Profile Says ‘Follow’ Instead of ‘Connect’

If your profile is set to “Follow” rather than “Connect,” you could be discouraging people from reaching out. While followers are great, networking is about real connections. Check your settings and make sure your “Connect” button is easy to find.

?? Top Tip: Use LinkedIn Premium (Hint: Here's 2 months for free!)

I can't tell you how beneficial it is to see who is checking out your profile send messages to people outside your network, and get insights that help you make smarter connections. The best part? I have a referral code so you can get a free 2-month trial of LinkedIn Premium Business, send me a DM if you want the code!

If you have fallen into any of these mistakes, the good news is you can change things with just a few clicks and this will help you Show up, engage with the right people, and be intentional about how you network on LinkedIn ?

Learn more about How You Can Build a Powerful Events Network at my session at the Event Production Show on Weds 26th February at 12.15 pm on The Knowledge Hub Stage.