Was Your Event Lame? 10 Questions For Brutally Honest Feedback 

Why do post-event survey questions so frequently miss the mark? It’s because they’re often just…boring.  

“Honestly, I’d rather have fewer responses, but ones that are rich with deep, thoughtful insights,” said Huong Nguyen, CEO & Founder, Shiloh Events. 

“Our events are designed to create experiences that leave a lasting impact and move people toward action. So the memories created, inspiration or insights that shifted perspectives, or opinions on a specific agenda topic – are all meant to drive change. And change comes from deep emotions.” 

Carly Silberstein, founder & CEO, Redstone Agency Inc., is also a believer in breaking the mold when it comes to surveys. “Questions should be unique and interesting versus some of the standard-issue questions we see time and time again,” she said, adding that planners need to consider two things: “First, the importance the event host places on the responses and second, capturing and retaining the survey takers’ attention.”

Skift Meetings asked Nguyen, Silberstein, and EventMobi CEO Bob Vaez, whose meeting app includes session feedback and event surveys,

to share some fresh examples of survey questions that dig deeper to uncover how attendees were affected both personally and professionally, by an event.

Here are 10 post-event survey questions they suggested that you might not have thought of:

1. Did the keynote speech inspire you to think differently about your personal or professional life?

2. Did you experience a moment during the event that left a lasting emotional impact on you?

3. Did you make a connection with someone at the event that you feel will significantly influence your future?

4. Was there a specific session or experience that challenged your beliefs or perspectives? If yes, please describe.

 5. If you could share one key takeaway from this event that impacted you personally or professionally, what would it be?

6. Was there a specific session or experience that challenged your beliefs or perspectives?

7. If money wasn’t a consideration, what‘s one thing you would introduce to elevate the event from an attendee’s perspective?

8. How did your experience at this event compare to your other event experiences this year?

9. Based on your experience the past week, how would you describe this conference to your colleagues so they would be excited to join next year? 

10. When you walked in on the first day, how did you feel:

• excited to learn and network
• looking forward to the activities
• can’t wait to meet old friends
• worried I don’t have the right information to maximize my attendance
• I felt like I don’t belong 
• overwhelmed and anxious.