What metrics should you use to evaluate the success of your conference?

1 Attendance and engagement

One of the most obvious metrics to track is the attendance and engagement of your conference. How many people registered, showed up, and stayed throughout the event? How many sessions did they attend, and how long did they spend in each one? How many questions did they ask, and how many interactions did they have with other attendees, speakers, and exhibitors? These metrics can help you understand the level of interest, satisfaction, and loyalty of your audience, as well as identify areas for improvement.

2 Revenue and expenses

Another important metric to measure is the revenue and expenses of your conference. How much money did you generate from ticket sales, sponsorships, merchandising, and other sources? How much did you spend on venue, catering, speakers, marketing, and other costs? How did your actual numbers compare to your budget and projections? These metrics can help you assess the financial viability and profitability of your conference, as well as optimize your pricing and spending strategies.

3 Feedback and satisfaction

A third metric to monitor is the feedback and satisfaction of your conference. How did your attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners rate their experience, expectations, and outcomes? How did they perceive the quality, relevance, and value of the content, speakers, and networking opportunities? How likely are they to recommend your conference to others, or to attend again in the future? These metrics can help you evaluate the impact and reputation of your conference, as well as collect insights and suggestions for improvement.

4 Learning and behavior

A fourth metric to analyze is the learning and behavior of your conference. How much did your attendees learn from the sessions, workshops, and panels? How did they apply their new knowledge and skills to their work or personal projects? How did they change their attitudes, beliefs, or actions as a result of attending your conference? These metrics can help you demonstrate the value and outcomes of your conference, as well as align your content and speakers with your audience's needs and goals.

5 Reach and influence

A fifth metric to measure is the reach and influence of your conference. How many people did you reach with your marketing, promotion, and media coverage? How many impressions, clicks, shares, and mentions did you generate on social media, blogs, podcasts, and other channels? How did you influence the conversation, awareness, or perception of your topic, industry, or community? These metrics can help you quantify the exposure and impact of your conference, as well as optimize your marketing and communication efforts.

6 Innovation and creativity

A sixth metric to consider is the innovation and creativity of your conference. How did you differentiate your conference from other similar events? How did you create a unique, memorable, and engaging experience for your attendees, speakers, sponsors, and partners? How did you experiment with new formats, technologies, or approaches? These metrics can help you showcase the originality and value of your conference, as well as foster a culture of innovation and creativity.

7 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?