Most events provide some type of feedback mechanism whether it is hard copy surveys left on chairs, post event email surveys, or open ended questions on social media. A post entitled "Do not poke the conference feedback bear if you are not willing to act" made us laugh and then got us thinking. How should we gather feedback to ensure we're able to act on it?
One key to getting effective, actionable feedback is the timing. How do you get people's fresh, raw opinions? Low tech paper surveys may be the quickest way to get an immediate response, but they are not terribly effective. Most people pick them up at the beginning of the session and have either stashed them away or taken notes on them by the end. How else can we gauge response right after an event or session while it is fresh in attendee minds?
Think about using your social platforms. Tweeting right after a session or the event itself (using the event hashtag) can invite people to respond. Ask specific questions like:
- What was your favorite takeaway from the speaker?
- Did the session meet your expectations?
- What did you wish the speaker talked more about?
- What was your favorite food on the buffet?
With social media not being completely anonymous, you may end up with more positive feedback so you need to find a way for people to offer constructive/critical comments.
Email surveys are a great option for collecting candid feedback. They need to be sent out as close to the event as possible to ensure that attendees have a fresh take on their experience. Think about using a quick survey as a gateway to download speaker presentations. Ask attendees to answer one or two quick questions before gaining access to event presentations and downloads. While radio buttons provide a feeling of quick completion, they are an easy cop out for people who just want to get through the survey. If you stick to one or two open ended questions, you'll get some useful verbatim feedback. As the article referenced above states, make these questions about the attendee, not about the event -- what were you looking to get out of this experience? Did we deliver on our promise? What topics should we cover in the future?
With this timely, qualitative feedback you'll have a solid starting point to discuss changes you may want to make for a more entertaining and effective event.
How have you effectively used surveys? What is the best way an organization has asked for (and used) your feedback?
Image from: http://www.alrozsoft.com/Feedback/Feedaback.aspx
