50 Post Event Survey Questions: Who to Ask and Why

Plus, gathering feedback from event attendees, sponsors, speakers, and staff is crucial for improving future events and enhancing attendee satisfaction. Post event survey questions are a powerful tool to gain insights into what worked and what didn’t, allowing organizers to make informed decisions. 

In this guide, we’ll show you 50 survey questions examples that you can start implementing. And with Fliplet, you can build an event app that does everything for your attendees—even collect their feedback!

Key Takeaways

• Event surveys provide essential feedback for improving future events.
• Different types of survey questions can yield varied insights.
• Timing and audience targeting are crucial for survey effectiveness.
• Tailoring questions to your audience ensures more relevant feedback.
• Using technology like mobile survey apps can streamline the feedback process.

What is an Event Survey?

An event survey is a tool used to collect feedback from various stakeholders involved in an event. These surveys aim to gather insights on attendee satisfaction, event logistics, content quality, and more. By understanding the attendees’ perspectives, organizers can make informed decisions to enhance future events.

Why are Event Surveys Important?

Event surveys are essential for several reasons, and they can significantly contribute to an organization’s growth by offering valuable insights that inform strategic decision-making:

• Enhance Attendee Experience:
  Understanding what attendees liked or disliked helps in tailoring future events to their preferences. By delivering events that resonate with attendees, organizations can build stronger relationships and enhance brand loyalty. A positive attendee experience often leads to word-of-mouth promotion and repeat attendance, which can increase the organization’s reach and reputation. Consistently providing memorable experiences positions the organization as a leader in its industry, attracting more participants and sponsors over time.
• Identify Areas of Improvement:
  Event surveys highlight logistical or content areas that need enhancement, enabling organizations to refine their processes and offerings. By addressing these areas, organizations can optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This continuous improvement cycle not only leads to better events but also increases the organization’s ability to innovate and adapt to changing market trends. The insights gained can also inform broader organizational strategies, helping to align events with overall business goals.
• Measure Event Success:
  Gauging the overall success of an event based on attendee satisfaction and engagement levels provides a clear metric for evaluating return on investment (ROI). By understanding what drives success, organizations can allocate resources more effectively and make data-driven decisions that maximize impact. Successful events can also attract new partnerships, sponsorships, and opportunities for collaboration, further expanding the organization’s network and influence.
• Boost Engagement:
  Actively involving attendees in feedback processes increases their engagement and investment in the event. When attendees feel their opinions are valued, they are more likely to participate actively and become advocates for the organization. This engagement not only enhances the event experience but also fosters a sense of community and belonging among attendees. Engaged participants are more likely to attend future events, recommend them to others, and contribute to the organization’s growth through increased loyalty and advocacy.

By leveraging the insights gained from event surveys, organizations can drive growth by enhancing their offerings, improving operational efficiency, measuring success effectively, and fostering deeper connections with their audiences. This strategic approach to event management can lead to sustained success and a competitive edge in the industry.

Preparing Effective Event Surveys

To create effective event surveys, aligning the event survey questions with your event’s objectives is crucial. That’s probably why there are so many discussions on the matter.

On LinkedIn, this post creates an easy-to-follow 6-step flow to making great survey questions.

1. Survey Design
2. Timing
3. Easy Access
4. Incentivize Responses
5. Analyze and Act
6. Follow Up

But there is an even simpler formula you can use to drill down on the essentials:

• Define Your Objectives:
  Clearly establish what you want to learn from your survey. Identifying specific goals will guide the survey design and help you focus on collecting relevant feedback.
• Segment Your Audience:
  Tailor questions for different stakeholders such as attendees, sponsors, speakers, and staff. Customizing questions for each group ensures that the feedback you gather is pertinent and actionable.
• Choose the Right Type of Questions:
  Utilize a mix of open-ended, closed-ended, and scaled questions to collect a broad spectrum of insights. Open-ended questions can provide qualitative feedback, while closed-ended and scaled questions offer quantitative data for easy analysis. 

Writing, Organizing, and Sending Your Post-Event Surveys

Ensure surveys are well-structured and easy to understand. Organize questions logically and send them promptly—ideally within 24-48 hours post-event—to maximize response rates and ensure feedback is fresh.

(Still not sure exactly what to ask? Scroll below to find survey questions examples.)

Boosting Event Survey Participation

Encourage participation by offering incentives and keeping surveys concise. Emphasize the value of attendee feedback to foster engagement and increase response rates. Incentives, such as discounts on future events or prize draws, can motivate more participants to complete the survey. Additionally, make the survey accessible across various platforms to ensure ease of completion.

The best way to do this is to have a single tool that serves as your event app and survey mobile app. (Don’t worry, Fliplet makes this easy!)

By following these guidelines, you can design surveys that effectively capture insights to enhance future events and strengthen your organization’s strategies.

Types of Event Survey Questions

Ready to really dive into the world of event survey questions! Then we first need to understand the kinds of questions you have at your disposal.

We’ll explore the different types, share some examples, and weigh the psychological pros and cons of each style. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to choose the right questions to get the best insights from your event attendees. Let’s get started!

Open-ended Questions

Open-ended questions encourage respondents to express their thoughts freely, providing rich qualitative insights. They allow respondents to articulate their unique experiences, perceptions, and suggestions.

Examples:

• “What did you enjoy most about the event?”
• “How can we improve future events?”

Pros:

• Depth of Insight: Open-ended questions capture detailed feedback and uncover unexpected insights.
• Flexibility: Respondents can express themselves without constraints, often revealing emotions and motivations.

Cons:

• Analysis Complexity: Responses can be time-consuming to analyze due to their qualitative nature.
• Response Variability: The quality and usefulness of responses can vary greatly, depending on the respondent’s willingness to elaborate.

Closed-ended Questions

Closed-ended questions offer predefined answer choices, making them easy to analyze and compare.

Examples:

• “Did you find the event beneficial?” (Yes/No)
• “Which session did you find most informative?” (Session A, B, or C)

Pros:

• Simplicity and Efficiency: Easier for respondents to complete quickly, leading to higher response rates.
• Quantitative Analysis: Facilitates straightforward analysis and comparison of data.

Cons:

• Limited Insight: May not capture the nuances of respondents’ experiences or thoughts.
• Restrictive: Can lead to frustration if respondents feel their true opinion isn’t represented by the available options.

Nominal Questions

Nominal questions categorize responses into distinct groups without any inherent order.

Examples:

• “What is your job title?”
• “Which department are you from?”

Pros:

• Categorization: Useful for segmenting respondents into specific categories for further analysis.
• Simplicity: Easy for respondents to answer and for organizers to classify.

Cons:

• Lack of Depth: Does not provide any information about the intensity or degree of respondents’ opinions.
• Limited Usefulness: Only provides basic demographic or categorical data.

Yes or No Questions

These questions are straightforward and quick for respondents to answer, offering clear binary choices.

Examples:

• “Would you recommend this event to a friend?”
• “Did you attend the keynote session?”

Pros:

• Clarity and Speed: Simple to answer, leading to quick and easy data collection.
• Direct Insight: Provides clear, unambiguous responses that are easy to analyze.

Cons:

• Lack of Nuance: Does not allow for explanation or elaboration of the answer.
• Binary Limitation: May oversimplify complex opinions or experiences.

Likert Scale Questions

Likert scale questions assess the degree of agreement or satisfaction on a scale, such as 1 to 5 or 1 to 7.

Examples:

• “How satisfied were you with the event?” (1 = Very Dissatisfied, 5 = Very Satisfied)
• “To what extent do you agree with the statement: ‘The event met my expectations.'” (1 = Strongly Disagree, 5 = Strongly Agree)

Pros:

• Gradual Insight: Captures the intensity of feelings or opinions, providing more granularity than simple yes/no questions.
• Comparative Analysis: Allows for easy aggregation and comparison of data across different segments.

Cons:

• Central Tendency Bias: Respondents may choose neutral or mid-point options to avoid extreme responses.
• Interpretation Variation: Different respondents might interpret scale points differently.

Rating Scale Questions

Similar to Likert scale questions, these ask respondents to rate aspects of the event on a numerical scale.

Examples:

• “Rate the event’s organization on a scale from 1 to 10.”
• “How would you rate the quality of the speakers?” (1 = Poor, 10 = Excellent)

Pros:

• Quantitative Precision: Provides precise numerical data that is easy to analyze and compare.
• Flexibility: Can be adapted to rate various aspects of the event.

Cons:

• Subjectivity: Respondents may have different interpretations of the scale values.
• Response Bias: Some respondents might consistently choose higher or lower ratings without much differentiation.

By carefully selecting and combining different types of questions, organizers can gather comprehensive and actionable insights to enhance future events. Each question type offers unique advantages and challenges, so choosing the right mix is crucial for effective survey design.

Post-Event Survey Questions

Post-event surveys are a valuable tool for gathering insights and improving future events. Using the right questions can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of your event, from logistics to participant satisfaction.

Below, we have 50 post event survey questions examples to peruse (and 20 pre-event feedback survey questions!).

When to Send Post-Event Surveys?

Timing is crucial when it comes to sending out post-event surveys. To capture fresh and accurate feedback, aim to distribute the surveys within 24-48 hours after the event concludes. This window ensures that the experience is still vivid in the minds of participants, leading to more detailed and useful responses. Delaying surveys can result in lower response rates and less accurate reflections as memories fade.

Post-Event Survey Questions for Staff

Gathering feedback from staff is essential to identify areas for improvement in event logistics and operations. Staff members are often on the front lines and can provide unique insights into the event’s execution. Here are some example questions:

1. “What challenges did you face during the event?”
2. “How effective was the communication among team members?”
3. “Were there any logistical issues that could be improved?”
4. “Did you feel adequately prepared and trained for your role?”

Using an employee training app can also streamline training and preparation, ensuring staff are well-equipped for future events.

Post-Event Survey Questions for Attendees

Attendee feedback is critical for understanding their experience and how well the event met their expectations. Focus on capturing their motivations, satisfaction levels, and suggestions for improvement:

1. “Why did you choose to attend our event, and what were you hoping to take away from the experience?”
2. “What did you most enjoy about today?”
3. “How satisfied were you with the event?”
4. “What aspects could be improved?”
5. “How easy were the virtual tools to use?”
6. “How satisfied were you with the networking opportunities provided?”
7. “How would you rate the overall organization of the event?”
8. “What topics or sessions did you find most valuable, and why?”
9. “What was your main objective?”
10. “What topics would you look forward to us covering?”
11. “Would you recommend this event?”
12. “Do you have anything else to share?”

Post-Event Survey Questions for Sponsors

Sponsors are key stakeholders, and their feedback can guide improvements in partnership experiences and visibility:

1. “How well did the event meet your sponsorship goals?”
2. “What aspects of the event provided the most value to your brand?”
3. “What improvements would you suggest for enhancing sponsor visibility?”
4. “Would you be interested in sponsoring future events with us?”
5. “Did you have sufficient opportunities to engage with the attendees?”
6. “How would you rate the quality of interactions with potential clients or partners?”
7. “Do you feel that your sponsorship investment was justified by the outcomes achieved?”
8. “What metrics or results would you like to see to assess the effectiveness of your sponsorship?”
9. “How would you rate the overall experience of being a sponsor at our event?”
10. “Were there any logistical challenges or improvements you would suggest for sponsor management?”

Event Survey Questions for Speakers and Presenters

Speakers and presenters can provide insights into the event’s content quality and audience engagement. Their feedback can help refine future content strategies:

1. “How would you rate the audience engagement during your session?”
2. “Were the event logistics well-organized, from your perspective?”
3. “Did you receive the necessary support and information to prepare your presentation?”
4. “What suggestions do you have for enhancing speaker experiences?”
5. “How effective were the audiovisual tools provided for your presentation?”
6. “Were there any challenges you faced during your session?”
7. “What feedback did you receive from attendees about your presentation?”
8. “How satisfied were you with the session format and timing?”
9. “What additional resources would have improved your presentation?”
10. “How would you rate the communication with the event organizers before and during the event?”
11. “What topics or themes would you like to explore in future events?”
12. “Did the event meet your expectations as a speaker?”
13. “What motivated you to participate in this event as a speaker?”
14. “How can we improve the networking opportunities for speakers and presenters?”
15. “What do you think about the overall event content and its relevance to the audience?”

Event Survey Questions for Volunteers

Volunteers play a crucial role in the smooth running of events. Gathering their feedback survey questions helps in refining volunteer management and training processes:

1. “What training did you find most helpful in preparing for your role?”
2. “Were your responsibilities clear and manageable?”
3. “Did you feel supported and valued as a volunteer?”
4. “What improvements would you suggest for future volunteer coordination?”

Post-Survey Questions for Virtual Events

Virtual events require specific feedback questions to address unique challenges and opportunities associated with online platforms. Effective communication is key, and using a communication app can enhance interactions:

1. “How effective was the virtual platform in facilitating interactions?”
2. “What technical issues, if any, did you encounter during the event?”
3. “How would you rate the ease of navigating the virtual event platform?”
4. “Were the virtual networking opportunities satisfactory?”
5. “How satisfied were you with the quality of live streams and recorded sessions?”

By tailoring your post-event survey questions to different stakeholders and contexts, you can gather actionable insights that drive continuous improvement and enhance future events.

Pre-Event Survey Questions

Pre-event surveys can help set expectations and gather initial thoughts. Consider questions like:

1. “What are your expectations for this event?”
2. “What topics are you most interested in?”
3. “How did you hear about this event?”
4. “What are your main goals for attending this event?”
5. “Which speakers or sessions are you most looking forward to?”
6. “Do you have any specific questions you hope will be addressed during the event?”
7. “What type of networking opportunities are you interested in?”
8. “What previous experiences, if any, have you had with similar events?”
9. “Are there any accommodations or support you require to fully participate in the event?”
10. “How would you prefer to receive updates and information about the event?”
11. “What time zone are you in to ensure scheduling aligns with your availability?”
12. “Do you have any dietary restrictions or preferences for in-person events?”
13. “What device will you primarily use to attend the virtual event?”
14. “Are there any specific products or services you hope to learn more about at the event?”
15. “How familiar are you with the event’s theme or subject matter?”
16. “What industry trends or challenges would you like to see addressed?”
17. “Would you be interested in participating in a workshop or breakout session?”
18. “Are there any specific companies or individuals you hope to connect with during the event?”
19. “How do you prefer to engage with event content—live sessions, recorded videos, or interactive discussions?”
20. “What would make this event a success for you?”

These questions help tailor the event to attendees’ needs and ensure that the event meets their expectations and interests.

Getting Detailed Feedback After the Event using an app

Collecting detailed feedback after the event is crucial for understanding attendee experiences and identifying areas for improvement. Using a feedback app can streamline the process of gathering and analyzing responses efficiently, allowing organizers to quickly access valuable insights.

There are several benefits to using an app, including:

• Ease of Access: Attendees can easily provide feedback through their mobile devices, making it convenient and increasing response rates.
• Real-Time Analysis: Apps allow for the immediate collection and analysis of data, enabling organizers to act on feedback quickly.
• Customization: Feedback apps can be tailored to include a variety of question types, from multiple-choice to open-ended responses, allowing for comprehensive data collection.
• Engagement: Interactive features, such as rating scales and comment sections, engage attendees and encourage detailed feedback.

Whether feedback is collected through an app or by hand, analyze the data to identify patterns and trends. Here’s how to make the most of your feedback data:

Analyze the Data

• Identify Patterns and Trends: Examine the feedback to identify common themes and recurring suggestions. Look for trends in both positive and negative comments to understand overall attendee sentiment. This analysis can reveal the strengths of your event as well as areas needing attention.
• Segment Responses: Break down the data by audience segments, such as attendees, sponsors, speakers, and staff, to understand different perspectives. This segmentation allows for more targeted improvements and helps tailor future events to meet the needs of each group.
• Quantitative vs. Qualitative: Balance quantitative data (e.g., ratings and scores) with qualitative insights (e.g., open-ended responses) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the event’s performance. Quantitative data can highlight specific areas for improvement, while qualitative feedback provides context and depth.

Prioritize Areas for Improvement

• Focus on Recurring Issues: Prioritize areas that frequently appear in feedback. These recurring issues are often the most critical to address, as they impact a significant portion of your audience.
• Quick Wins and Long-term Goals: Identify quick fixes that can be implemented easily, alongside long-term strategic changes that require more planning and resources. This approach allows for immediate improvements while setting the stage for larger enhancements.

Share Insights with Your Team

• Collaborative Review: Share the feedback and insights with your team to foster a collaborative approach to event planning and improvement. Encourage open discussions about potential changes and innovations based on the data.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Use the insights gained from feedback to inform your planning and strategy for future events. Data-driven decisions can lead to more successful outcomes and better resource allocation.

Implement Changes

• Enhance Future Events: Implementing changes based on attendee feedback not only improves future events but also shows attendees that their opinions matter. This responsiveness can lead to more loyal and engaged participants.
• Showcase Improvements: Communicate the changes and improvements made as a result of feedback to your audience. Highlighting these enhancements demonstrates your commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and reinforces the value of attendee input.

Increase Loyalty and Engagement

• Build Trust: When attendees see that their feedback leads to tangible improvements, it builds trust and encourages them to remain engaged with your events and organization.
• Foster a Community: Creating a feedback loop where attendees feel heard and valued helps foster a sense of community and belonging. This connection can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy for your events.

By systematically analyzing and acting on feedback, you can continuously enhance the quality of your events, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction and success.

Build Your Own Event Survey Questionnaire Using Fliplet’s Event App

Leverage Fliplet to make an event app that does everything for attendees—even gather post event survey data. 

That’s an all-in-one approach.

So, you don’t have to ask attendees to download a second app, go to a website, or even scan a QR code. They just do it all through in a single place.

Fliplet offers templates and customization options to suit your event’s needs, whatever they are. Check it out.