Pre-Event Surveys: Setting the Stage for Success

Pre-event surveys are often overlooked but can play an important role in setting the stage for a successful event.

By gathering information about attendees' preferences and expectations before your in-person or virtual event, you can better tailor the event to their needs (and improve post-event survey results).

In this article, we will discuss sample pre-event survey questions and how to measure success from the insights gathered.

Sample Pre-Event Survey Questions

Pre-event surveys provide valuable insights into attendees' needs and expectations which can be used to tailor your events for successful outcomes.

For example, you can ask about things like:

• Dietary restrictions
• Special accommodations
• Preferred topics
• Preferred networking opportunities

Examples of Common Pre-Event Survey Questions:

• What topics are you most interested in?
• Are there any speakers or sessions you are particularly excited about?
• Do you have any dietary restrictions or special needs?
• What are your primary goals for attending this event (e.g., networking, learning, finding partners)?

In addition to these questions, you might also ask attendees about their expectations for the event, their reasons for attending, and any specific goals they have in mind.

Common Uses of a Pre-Event Questionnaire

To make the most of the insights gathered from pre-event surveys, make sure to actually analyze the data and adjust your event planning accordingly.

For example, if your pre-event survey reveals that a majority your event attendees are interested in a particular topic, you might consider adding more sessions or workshops on that subject.

Here are some examples of strategic and specific pre-event questions and how they can be used:

1. General Information

A pre-event survey is a perfect opportunity to learn more about why your attendees are coming to your event.

To gain general information from your attendees, you may ask questions like:

1. What's your main reason for attending this event?
   
   1. Networking
   2. Learning new skills
   3. Finding partners/vendors
   4. Other (please specify)
      
      

1. Which sessions or topics are you most interested in?
   
   1. Industry trends and innovations
   2. Best practices and case studies
   3. Hands-on workshops
   4. Keynote speakers
   5. Networking sessions
   6. Other (please specify)
2.  

2. Understanding Attendee Preferences

Use your pre-event survey to ask questions to determine what sessions, speakers, or topics interest attendees the most.

Here are some examples of questions you can ask regarding attendee preferences: 

1. What is your preferred format for sessions?
   
   1. Workshops
   2. Panel discussions
   3. Keynotes
   4. Interactive sessions
2.  

1. Are there any specific speakers or industry experts you’re excited to see?
   
   1. (List out the speakers you have lined up for your event)
2.  

1. What skill level best describes you in relation to the event’s topic?
   
   1. Beginner
   2. Intermediate
   3. Advanced
   4. Expert
2.  

1. Do you have any specific questions you’d like the speakers to address?
   
   1. Provide a fill-in-the-blank option for attendees
2.  

3. Logistics Planning

You can gauge your attendee's preferred communications method, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, and travel plans with these pre-event survey questions:

1. What’s your preferred method of receiving event updates?
   
   1. Email
   2. SMS/Text
   3. Event app notifications
2.  

1. Do you plan to attend any social or after-hours activities?
   
   1. Email
   2. SMS/Text
   3. Depends on the activity

1. Do you have any dietary restrictions or special needs we should be aware of?
   
   1. No dietary restrictions or special needs
   2. Vegetarian
   3. Vegan
   4. Gluten-free
   5. Nut allergy
   6. Shellfish allergy
   7. Halal
   8. Kosher
   9. Low-sodium diet
   10.  Other (please specify)
2.  

1. How do you plan on arriving at the event?
   
   1. Driving my own car
   2. Carpooling with others
   3. Using public transportation
   4. Taking a taxi or rideshare service
   5. Biking or walking
   6. Other (please specify)

4. Customization of Content

Insights from your questionnaire can help tailor content to match the skill levels, industries, or specific interests of your audience.

1. What is your primary industry or field of expertise?
   
   1. Technology
   2. Healthcare
   3. Finance
   4. Marketing
   5. Education
   6. Other (please specify)
2.  

1. What is your level of experience in this industry or field?
   
   1. Beginner
   2. Intermediate
   3. Advanced
   4. Expert
2.  

1. What specific topics or areas are you most interested in exploring during the event?
   
   1. Latest industry trends and innovations
   2. Practical skills and techniques
   3. Case studies and real-world applications
   4. Networking and collaboration opportunities
   5. Career development and growth strategies
   6. Other (please specify)

5. Networking Opportunities

By asking about your attendees' roles, industries, or specific goals, you can create more targeted networking opportunities.

Here are some examples of networking opportunities you can ask in your pre-event survey: 

1. Would you be interested in participating in networking activities?
   
   1. Yes
   2. No
2.  

1. Are there any specific companies or individuals you’d like to connect with during the event?
   
   1. List out all the companies at your event
   2. Other (please specify)

6. Feedback and Expectations

You can also use your pre-event survey to find out how attendees heard about the event, which can help you refine your marketing strategies for next time. Add a few questions about what they’re expecting and how you can make things even better in the future.

1. What would make this event a success for you?
   1. Networking opportunities with industry peers
   2. Gaining actionable insights or new skills
   3. Meeting potential clients or partners
   4. Access to innovative ideas and trends
   5. Learning from industry leaders
   6. Discovering new products or services
   7. Engaging in interactive sessions or workshops
   8. Having fun and enjoying the experience
   9. Gaining recognition or exposure for my brand
   10.  Other (please specify)
2.  

1. Is there anything you would like us to know to improve your experience?
   1. I don't have any specific requests.
   2. Better signage and event navigation
   3. Improved catering options
   4. More interactive or hands-on activities
   5. Clearer communication before the event
   6. Additional breaks or downtime
   7. More opportunities for networking
   8. Other (please specify)
   
   
   

1. How did you hear about this event?
   1. Email invitation
   2. Word of Mouth
   3. Social media
   4. Online search
   5. Industry newsletter
   6. From a colleague
   7. Other (please specify)
2.  

Benefits of Using Pre-Event Surveys

A well-crafted pre-event questionnaire can help you deliver a personalized and impactful experience.

Enhanced Attendee Experience

Understanding what your attendees prefer and need can make your event more engaging and relevant. By gathering these insights through pre-event surveys, you can tailor the content to better fit their interests and skill levels.

For example, at a recent corporate leadership conference, we used surveys to learn about our attendees' industries and experience levels. Based on this information, we scheduled breakout sessions for various experience levels, offering everything from beginner workshops on leadership fundamentals to advanced talks on strategic innovation.

Better Planning

Knowing what your attendees prefer helps you make better decisions when planning out the details of your event. 

For example, at a recent corporate tech summit, we used pre-event surveys to find out what attendees wanted in terms of session topics, meal options, and seating arrangements. 

The results showed a strong interest in hands-on workshops and a need for dietary accommodations like vegetarian and gluten-free options. With this info, our project management team was able to set up the right-sized breakout sessions and provide the necessary food options.

Higher Satisfaction

Customizing your event to match what attendees expect often leads to higher satisfaction and a more successful experience. 

By using feedback to shape your event, you can make sure the content is relevant and engaging for everyone.

For example, at a recent corporate sales conference, we used pre-event surveys to find out what attendees wanted in terms of session topics, networking opportunities, and speaker formats. The feedback showed a strong interest in interactive sessions and chances to engage with industry leaders, and we made the event agenda reflect that. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are good pre-event survey questions?

Good pre-event survey questions help you understand what attendees want and need, like their preferred topics, session formats, and any special requirements. 

Keep it simple and focused on gathering insights that will make the event more engaging and relevant.

Related: How to drive early conference registrations. 

What is a pre-event questionnaire?

A pre-event questionnaire is a survey or set of questions sent to event attendees before the event takes place. 

The main purpose of this questionnaire is to gather information that can help you better plan and tailor the event to meet the needs, expectations, and preferences of your attendees.

Related: How online registration platforms keep your conference on track. 

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