7 Tips on Post-Event Survey Questions

Your event may be over, but the feedback you gather afterward can be the key to making your next one even better. Well-crafted post-event survey questions help you measure attendee satisfaction, identify opportunities for improvement, and strengthen future engagement.

Here are 7 practical tips on post-event survey questions to help you get meaningful, actionable responses.

1. Know Your Objective 🎯

Before drafting any questions, define what you want to learn.

• Are you measuring overall satisfaction?
• Evaluating logistics and programming?
• Looking for future event ideas?

A clear goal helps you design focused questions that yield useful insights instead of vague answers.

2. Keep It Short and Simple 📝

People are more likely to complete a survey if it’s quick and easy.

• Aim for 5–10 questions max.
• Use plain language.
• Make sure each question serves a purpose.

Pro Tip: A short, well-structured survey gets a higher response rate than a long, unfocused one.

3. Mix Question Types 🔄

Use a blend of quantitative and qualitative questions to get both numbers and context.

• Multiple-choice for measurable data
• Likert scale (e.g., 1–5 rating) for satisfaction levels
• Open-ended questions for deeper feedback

Example:

• “How satisfied were you with the event overall?” (Scale 1–5)
• “What was your favorite part of the event?” (Open-ended)

4. Ask Specific, Not Vague Questions 🕵️

Avoid broad prompts like “What did you think of the event?” Instead, target key areas:

• Quality of speakers or entertainment
• Event registration process
• Venue and accessibility
• Value of the experience

Pro Tip: Specific questions give you clear answers you can act on.

5. Include One Future-Focused Question 🚀

Post-event surveys aren’t just about looking back — they’re about planning forward.

• Ask: “Would you attend this event again?”
• Or: “What topics or activities would you like to see next year?”

This helps you tailor future programming to your audience’s interests.

6. Offer an Optional Comment Box 💬

Even if your survey is mostly structured, leave room for open feedback. Sometimes the best insights come from unscripted comments.

Example: “Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience?”

7. Time It Right ⏰

Send your survey within 24–48 hours after the event while it’s still fresh in attendees’ minds.

• Include the survey link in your thank-you email.
• Keep the subject line short and friendly.
• Consider offering a small incentive to boost response rates.

Final Thought

Post-event surveys aren’t just a formality — they’re a powerful tool for growth. By following these 7 tips on post-event survey questions, you can collect feedback that’s easy to analyze, act on, and use to create even better events in the future.

Tom Kelly

Tom Kelly, TEDx speaker and CEO of CharityAuctions.com, helps nonprofits raise millions through auctions and AI. He hosts The Million Dollar Nonprofit podcast and inspires leaders to live their legacy, not just leave it.