Is it okay to send a connection invitation on LinkedIn to an academic event director? As a just graduated student, I have submitted my contribution proposal for an academic event and the organising committee has accepted it.
Despite I have still met none of the above mentioned committee members, would it be fine to already send a connection invitation on LinkedIn to most of them (in particular to the event director)? If yes, would it be better to include also a custom message into the invitation request?
It is unlikely to cause harm for you to send the invitation.  It is likely to be ignored.