Maximizing Event Feedback: Beyond the Standard Post-Event Survey

At Explori, while the post-event survey is a crucial tool for gathering feedback, it's not the solution for every insight need. Overloading this survey can lead to diminished response rates, unreliable data, and participant fatigue. In this guide, we'll explore alternative methods for data collection that complement the post-event survey, ensuring you get the most relevant insights without overwhelming your audience.

Why Consider Multiple Data Collection Methods?

When gathering feedback, different departments often have various, specific needs. Whether it's assessing the effectiveness of new marketing initiatives, understanding the attendee experience, or evaluating the event's operational aspects, the temptation to include everything in a single post-event survey is strong. However, this approach can backfire. Lengthy surveys not only lower response rates but also dilute the quality of the data collected.

Instead, it's crucial to match the right data collection method to the right feedback need. Here are some alternative approaches to consider:

When and How to Use QR Codes

QR codes are an excellent tool for gathering real-time feedback, particularly for conference sessions or specific event activities. By placing a short (1-3 questions) survey behind a QR code, attendees can provide immediate feedback while their experience is still fresh. This method is more effective than trying to capture session feedback in a post-event survey, where details may be forgotten or skewed over time.

When and How to Use Micro-Surveys

Micro-surveys are ideal for capturing point-in-time feedback on specific interactions, such as the registration process or exhibitor support. Deploying these short surveys immediately after an event interaction ensures more accurate data and helps avoid the memory decay associated with post-event surveys. For example, following the completion of an online registration, a quick survey can appear asking about the ease of the process.

When and How to Use In-Person Measurement

In-person measurement is invaluable when feedback is needed from niche or hard-to-reach audiences, such as VIP attendees or specific exhibitors. This method is particularly useful in markets where online survey response rates are low. Rather than relying on traditional pen-and-paper methods, equip interviewers with tablets to collect feedback digitally, ensuring data is captured accurately and efficiently.

What to Leave in the Post-Show Survey

The post-event survey should focus on high-level evaluations, such as:

• Overall sentiment about the event

• Key drivers of attendee satisfaction

• Achievement of event objectives

• Likelihood of future participation

To optimize response rates, distribute the post-show survey using unique links, allowing for targeted follow-ups and more detailed analysis. In some cases, distributing the survey via social media or your event website with a campaign link might be more appropriate.

Talk to Us

Unsure of which data collection methods are best for your project? Explori’s team of experts is here to help. Whether it's refining your post-event survey or exploring alternative methods like QR codes, micro-surveys, or in-person interviews, we're ready to provide the guidance you need. Contact your account manager to set up a meeting or reach out directly to Explori’s Head of Research at: s.vanmontfoort@explori.com.