What are the best practices for conducting a post-event survey?

Conducting a post-event survey is critical for gathering valuable feedback to measure the event's success and improve future events. By asking the right questions and analyzing the data, you can make informed decisions and enhance the overall event experience.

- Clearly outline the objectives and outcomes you want to achieve from the survey. - Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the event's success. - Determine how the survey results will inform future decisions and actions.

From my experience, Stova is also a robust online event management platform that simplifies registrations while helping you to plan, market and manage complex events. It integrates with SalesForce.com, Cliqbook, Pathable, and other services. I also heard good things about Cvent and Bizzabo.

Explore survey tools like SurveyMonkey, Typeform, Google Forms, or Eventbrite. Consider factors like ease of use, customization options, data security, response rates, and reporting capabilities. Select a platform that aligns with your budget and audience needs.

1. Ask different types of questions: Use Yes/No, rating, and open-ended questions to get a full picture of feedback. 2. Put the most important questions first: Make sure critical questions are at the beginning so they get answered. 3. Use numerical result questions: Include questions that give numbers, like satisfaction ratings on a scale of one to five.

Create survey questions using simple, unbiased language. Avoid leading or biased questions that may skew responses. Use a mix of open-ended and closed-ended questions, limiting the number to keep the survey concise. Maintain consistency in using scales and ratings. Align questions with your goals and prioritize essential ones. Segment questions based on attendee types if needed.

In my practice, distributing a post-event survey effectively is crucial for gathering valuable feedback. I ensure the survey reaches attendees promptly while the event is still fresh in their minds. Timing is everything; I aim to send it out within 24 to 48 hours after the event concludes. I use multiple channels to distribute the survey, including email, event apps, and social media, to maximize response rates. It's about making it as easy as possible for attendees to share their thoughts. In my communications, I highlight the importance of their feedback and how it helps us improve future events. This not only encourages participation but also shows attendees that their opinions are valued.

? Send the right survey questions to the right people – don’t mix up what attendees and presenters should answer. ? Keep the survey short and about the event – no extra questions for other stuff. ? Give people a reason to join, like cheaper tickets for the next event or a chance to win something in a raffle.

Analysis [& critical thinking!] is one of the most important aspects of a post-mortem -- events or otherwise. It's not enough to collect the data/feedback, you need to understand it, analyze it, figure out what will move the needle next time & decide how to apply it to the next event/campaign/plan/strategy.

1. Survey during longer events: For events that last a few days, give short surveys after each session with no more than five questions. 2. Get feedback from everyone involved: Besides attendees, ask sponsors, presenters, volunteers, and others for their thoughts to understand how the event went overall.