How do you ask for feedback after an event?

1 Choose the right method

Depending on the type and size of your event, you may want to use different methods to collect feedback. For example, you can use online surveys, phone calls, emails, social media, or face-to-face interviews. Each method has its pros and cons, so you need to consider factors such as response rate, convenience, cost, and quality of data. Ideally, you should use a combination of methods to reach a diverse and representative sample of your audience.

2 Design a simple and relevant survey

If you opt for an online survey, make sure it is easy to access, complete, and submit. You can use tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Eventbrite to create and distribute your survey. To increase the response rate, you should send the survey as soon as possible after the event, offer incentives or rewards, and follow up with reminders. Your survey should also be relevant to your event goals, objectives, and outcomes. You can use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions, but avoid asking too many or too vague questions.

3 Ask specific and actionable questions

The quality of your feedback is largely dependent on the quality of your questions, which should be specific, measurable, actionable, relevant, and timely (SMART). For instance, instead of asking "How satisfied were you with the event?", you can ask "How likely are you to recommend the event to a friend or colleague?". Some examples of SMART questions include: "What was the most valuable thing you learned from the event?", "What was the biggest challenge or frustration you faced during the event?", and "How well did the event meet your expectations and needs?". Additionally, you could ask participants to rate the quality of the speakers, content, venue, catering, and logistics. Lastly, it would be beneficial to ask for suggestions on how to improve the event in the future.

4 Analyze and use the feedback

Once you have collected the feedback, you need to analyze and use it to improve your event planning skills and performance. You can use tools like Excel, Google Sheets, or SurveyMonkey to organize and visualize the data. You can also look for patterns, trends, and outliers in the feedback. You should then summarize the main findings and recommendations, and share them with your team, clients, and stakeholders. You should also thank your respondents for their time and input, and let them know how you plan to implement their feedback.

5 Seek feedback from multiple sources

Finally, you should not limit yourself to asking for feedback from your attendees only. You should also seek feedback from other sources, such as your team members, partners, sponsors, speakers, vendors, and media. These sources can provide you with different perspectives and insights that can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as opportunities and threats. You can use the same or different methods and questions as you did for your attendees, depending on the nature and relationship of each source.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?