Collecting pre-event feedback key to planning better gatherings

BY MARY CROGAN

Putting an event together requires a lot of time, resources and money, so you want to make sure it’s a successful endeavor. The simplest way to ensure a good outcome is to reach out to guests to ask for input prior to your event.

Conducting a survey prior to your event – before sending out invitations, even – can help with logistical planning, particularly if you have multiple options available. For example, if you’re planning a cocktail hour downtown, you can survey target attendees to find out what start time would make them most likely to attend. You can use a survey for similar questions about where to hold an event, or what food and beverages to serve.

Beyond the logistics, a pre-event survey can be used for educational events that solicit information about the type of content people want. I recommend giving survey participants a finite list of topics to choose from using multiple choice questions, while leaving an “other” write-in option.

You can even use a survey for an event that does not require registration. A pre-event survey can be used as a soft RSVP to help gauge the number of attendees. This can be helpful if you’re planning to serve food or need to reserve a room and don’t want to overspend your budget unnecessarily. ■

Mary Crogan is Senior Business and Marketing Manager, Online Survey, for Constant Contact. She can be reached at (866) 876-8464 or mcrogan@constantcontact.com.


Published in Cape & Plymouth Business February 2010