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.
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:
Examples of Common Pre-Event Survey Questions:
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.
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:
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:
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:
You can gauge your attendee's preferred communications method, dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, and travel plans with these pre-event survey questions:
Insights from your questionnaire can help tailor content to match the skill levels, industries, or specific interests of your audience.
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:
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.
A well-crafted pre-event questionnaire can help you deliver a personalized and impactful 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
GoGather has years of experience in creating impactful events and crafting memorable experiences for high-profile brands. Let’s brainstorm your next event together.