Corporate events can stumble for all the wrong reasons. Attendees feel disconnected, sessions flop, or logistical issues turn into major headaches. The root problem? A lack of insight into your audience. Pre-event survey questions fix this by uncovering what people actually want and need, long before they walk through the door. The result? Engaged attendees and an event that truly hits the mark.
Why Bother With Pre-Event Surveys?
Pre-event surveys aren’t just about logistics; they’re about creating an event people genuinely want to attend. Here’s why they matter:
- Tailored experiences: These surveys help you understand what your audience cares about, from session topics to networking formats.
- Improved engagement: Knowing attendee goals lets you design activities and sessions that resonate, boosting participation.
- Enhanced planning: By identifying potential challenges, you can address issues like accessibility, dietary restrictions, or timing conflicts.
- Higher satisfaction rates: Attendees feel valued when their preferences shape the event, leading to positive feedback and return attendance.
- Data-driven decisions: Responses guide your decisions, ensuring every aspect of the event aligns with attendee expectations.
To make the most out of your surveys, ensure that you use the right pre-event survey questions.
What are the Good Pre-Event Survey Questions?
Below are some of the best pre-event survey questions to ask your potential audience for a more engaging event:
1. What are you hoping to gain from this event?
Understanding attendee goals helps you shape your event to meet their expectations. Networking? Learning? Industry insights? This question ensures you focus on what matters most and avoid wasting time on irrelevant details. It also creates a clearer pathway to delivering value that attendees truly care about.
Possible Options:
- Networking opportunities
- Hands-on workshops
- Industry trend updates
- Access to experts or keynote speakers
- Career growth opportunities
- Personalized mentorship sessions
- Breakout discussions with peers
Other Examples:
- What’s your primary goal for attending this event?
- Which session type do you find most valuable (e.g., panels, keynotes, roundtables)?
- Are you looking to gain practical skills or industry knowledge?
- How important is professional networking for you at this event?
- Are there specific goals you want to accomplish by attending?
2. Which session topics are you most interested in?
This question ensures your content lineup aligns with attendee interests, maximizing engagement and preventing disengagement during sessions. It’s your green light to craft a schedule that resonates with the majority.
Possible Options:
- Innovative industry trends
- Practical case studies
- Interactive Q&A sessions
- Skill-based workshops
- Leadership development topics
- Market forecasting insights
- New technology demonstrations
Other Examples:
- Are there specific speakers or topics you’d like to see?
- Which past session stood out as your favorite, and why?
- Are you interested in emerging technologies or strategies?
- How can we improve content relevance for you?
- Do you prefer beginner, intermediate, or advanced-level topics?
Read - Post-Event Survey Questions For Attendees: Use Cases & Best Practices
3. Do you have any dietary restrictions or accessibility needs?
Accommodating attendee needs ensures inclusivity and a positive experience for all. Overlooking this can lead to dissatisfaction and lower attendance in future events.
Possible Options:
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Hearing assistance
- Low-sodium diets
- Halal or kosher meals
- Visual aids or large-print materials
Other Examples:
- Do you have any mobility or sensory needs?
- Are there any accommodations that would enhance your experience?
- How can we ensure everyone feels included at this event?
- What specific support do you require for a seamless experience?
- Are there any medical or dietary concerns we should consider?
4. How did you hear about this event?
This feedback guides your marketing strategy, helping you identify effective channels for future promotions and eliminating those that don’t perform well.
Possible Options:
- Email invitation
- Social media ads
- Word of mouth
- Industry newsletters
- Company intranet
- Paid digital campaigns
- Influencer endorsements
Other Examples:
- What influenced your decision to register?
- Which event marketing tactic caught your attention the most?
- Did you see event promotions on LinkedIn or Twitter?
- Are our promotional materials engaging enough for you?
- How can we improve our marketing outreach?
5. What networking opportunities interest you most?
Tailoring networking activities to attendee preferences makes these interactions more meaningful and fosters long-term connections. It’s one of the most crucial aspects of a successful event experience.
Possible Options:
- Structured meet-and-greets
- Informal social gatherings
- One-on-one sessions with industry leaders
- Virtual networking rooms
- Peer group discussions
- Speed networking events
- Exclusive executive meet-ups
Other Examples:
- Are there specific industries or professionals you hope to connect with?
- Would you prefer networking sessions during breaks or at the end of the day?
- Do you value industry-specific or cross-industry networking?
- What tools or platforms would enhance your networking experience?
- Are there creative networking ideas you’d recommend?
6. What time of day do you prefer for sessions?
Knowing when attendees are most alert helps you schedule sessions effectively. This minimizes burnout and keeps energy levels high throughout the event.
Possible Options:
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
- Lunch break sessions
- After-work hours
- Weekend slots
- Flexible scheduling options
Other Examples:
- How long do you prefer individual sessions to last?
- Would you like shorter sessions with more breaks or longer, in-depth discussions?
- Do you prefer a packed schedule or time to explore casually?
- How do session timings affect your energy levels?
- What’s your ideal time for networking or breakout activities?
7. What is your preferred method for event updates?
Communication is key. This question ensures updates reach attendees through their preferred channels, reducing missed information and confusion.
Possible Options:
- SMS
- Event app notifications
- Social media DMs
- Push notifications
- Printed materials on-site
- Webinar pre-briefs
Other Examples:
- How frequently would you like to receive event updates?
- Do you find reminders about upcoming sessions helpful?
- Would interactive notifications enhance your experience?
- Are visuals or videos helpful for updates?
- What channels do you rely on most for quick updates?
8. Are there any pre-event activities you’d like to see?
Offering pre-event activities sets the stage for an engaging experience. It’s a great way to build excitement and increase early participation.
Possible Options:
- Networking mixers
- Industry trivia
- Webinars or panel discussions
- Exclusive pre-event Q&As
- Icebreaker challenges
- Virtual scavenger hunts
- Skill-building mini-sessions
Other Examples:
- Would you participate in a pre-event Q&A with speakers?
- How about a short survey or quiz to prep for the event?
- Would you join a casual virtual coffee meet-up?
- Are pre-event demos or previews exciting to you?
- What kind of interactive experiences catch your interest?
Read - Designing Candidate Experience Surveys That Work
9. Which social media platforms do you use for event updates?
This question helps refine your social media strategy to maximize engagement and ensure attendees stay connected with updates.
Possible Options:
- TikTok
- YouTube
- Private WhatsApp or Telegram groups
Other Examples:
- Do you follow our event hashtag?
- Would you share updates about the event on your social channels?
- What type of social media content do you find most engaging?
- Do you engage more with posts, stories, or reels?
- Which platform do you use most frequently?
10. What would make this event a success for you?
This open-ended question uncovers personal attendee priorities, guiding your final tweaks. It’s a simple yet powerful way to ensure you don’t miss anything crucial.
Other Examples:
- How would you define a valuable event experience?
- What specific takeaways do you hope to gain?
- Are there particular milestones that would define success for you?
- What can we do to exceed your expectations?
- How do you envision the ideal outcome for this event?
Incorporating event evaluation form and post-event survey into your event strategy ensures thorough preparation and meaningful engagement. Through thoughtful audience engagement and gathering feedback before events, your next event will exceed expectations.
Make Your Pre-Event Surveys a Hit With TheySaid
TheySaid’s AI-driven tools make creating pre-event surveys simple and effective. Our platform crafts engaging pre-event survey questions, analyzes responses in real-time, and offers practical insights to refine your event. From seamless distribution to intelligent analytics, TheySaid ensures every survey maximizes audience engagement and delivers the data you need to create impactful events.
Drop us a line and let us help you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How many questions should a pre-event survey have?
A: Aim for 8-10 questions to keep it concise and encourage responses. Avoid overwhelming attendees with too many questions, as this can lead to lower completion rates.
Q: What’s the best way to distribute pre-event surveys?
A: Use email, event apps, or social media links to reach attendees effectively. Ensuring your survey is mobile-friendly also increases the likelihood of participation.
Q: Can pre-event surveys improve attendance rates?
A: Absolutely! They build anticipation and allow you to address attendee needs, boosting turnout. Surveys also help attendees feel heard, which increases their commitment to showing up.
Q: Should I follow up after sending a pre-event survey?
A: Yes, follow up with reminders for those who haven’t responded. Sending a thank-you note to participants not only shows appreciation but also encourages future engagement.
Q: What tools can I use to create pre-event surveys?
A: TheySaid’s AI-driven solution makes survey creation effortless and impactful. Its features include customizable templates, intelligent analytics, and seamless distribution to ensure maximum engagement and actionable insights.
