10 Post Event Survey Questions That Actually Get Answers
Will Townsend
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You poured your heart into that workshop. The pop-up dinner was a hit. The fundraiser met its goal. Now what?
You could guess what people liked. Or you could just ask them.
But asking the right questions is the hard part. Most post-event surveys are junk. They're long, boring, and ask things like, 'Were you satisfied?' You get a bunch of polite 'yes' answers that don't help you sell out the next one. This is a common pitfall. Learning how to collect feedback from customers makes the difference between vague praise and real data.
This guide isn't about getting a pat on the back. It’s about getting answers that help you improve your content, justify your pricing, and build a community that comes back again and again.
Forget generic templates. We’re giving you the specific post event survey questions that uncover what attendees truly thought. The stuff that helps you make your next event even better.
1. Overall Satisfaction Rating (NPS-Style)
If you only ask one thing, make it this. The Net Promoter Score (NPS) question is the gold standard for measuring satisfaction. It cuts through the noise and answers the most critical question: Was your event good enough that people would recommend it?
The question is simple: “On a scale of 0 to 10, how likely are you to recommend this event to a friend or colleague?”

Based on their answers, attendees fall into three groups:
- Promoters (9-10): Your biggest fans. They loved it and will actively spread the word.
- Passives (7-8): They were satisfied but not blown away. They won't complain, but they won't rave either.
- Detractors (0-6): Unhappy attendees. They might share negative feedback and could hurt your reputation.
Why It Works So Well
This question predicts future growth. A high NPS score often means repeat attendance and good word-of-mouth. It’s a crucial tool for a fitness studio tracking class quality or a pop-up chef wanting to know if their dining experience hit the mark.
How to Use It Effectively
Always pair your NPS question with an open-ended follow-up like, “What’s the main reason for your score?”
This gives you the why behind the number. Detractors will tell you exactly what went wrong. Promoters will highlight what you should double down on next time. It’s a key part of a solid post-event wrap-up.
2. Content/Curriculum Quality Assessment
Did your attendees actually learn what you promised? This question tells you if the core substance of your event—the workshop, the info, the techniques—hit the mark. This is non-negotiable for classes and training sessions.
A good starting point is a direct rating question like: “How would you rate the quality of the content presented?” using a one-to-five scale from “Poor” to “Excellent.”
This moves beyond "did you have a good time?" and asks "did you get the value you paid for?" For a yoga instructor, this confirms if poses were explained clearly.
Why It Works So Well
These post event survey questions measure your event's core promise. Positive feedback means your expertise is shining through.
Negative feedback is even more useful. It's a precise roadmap showing you exactly which part of your cooking class confused people.
How to Use It Effectively
Get specific. If you ran a three-part workshop, ask about each part. Follow up a rating with an open-ended question.
Try, “What was the single most valuable thing you learned today?” Or, “Is there anything you felt was unclear or missing from the presentation?” The answers give you amazing testimonials and pinpoint any gaps in your material.
3. Likelihood to Attend Future Events
Knowing if attendees were happy is great. Knowing if they'll come back is better for your bottom line. This question is all about predicting repeat business.
The question is direct: “How likely are you to attend another one of our events in the next six months?”
You can use a simple scale for this one:
- Very Likely
- Likely
- Neutral
- Unlikely
- Very Unlikely
A supper club can use this to gauge interest in their next seasonal menu. A festival organizer can start forecasting ticket sales. It’s one of the most practical post-event survey questions for planning ahead.
Why It Works So Well
This question measures your ability to build a real community. High repeat attendance is the lifeblood of most small event businesses. It means lower marketing costs and more predictable revenue. It tells you if you're a one-hit wonder or building something with lasting appeal.
How to Use It Effectively
Always follow up with something like, “What would make you more likely to attend a future event?”
This is a goldmine for ideas. You might discover demand for a new workshop topic, a different venue, or better scheduling.
4. Value for Money / Price Appropriateness
Figuring out what to charge is tough. This question helps you know if you nailed it. It directly asks attendees whether the price they paid felt fair for the experience.
A simple rating scale works best: “How would you rate the value for money of this event?” using a scale from “Poor Value” to “Excellent Value.”
- Poor to Fair Value: A red flag. These attendees felt the cost outweighed the benefit.
- Good Value: Your target zone. People felt they got what they paid for.
- Excellent Value: You over-delivered. This might mean you have room to increase your prices.
Why It Works So Well
This question separates satisfaction from cost. Someone can have a good time but still feel they overpaid. For a pop-up chef testing a premium menu, this feedback is pure gold. It tells you whether your perceived value matches your price tag.
How to Use It Effectively
Segment this question by ticket type (e.g., Early Bird, VIP). You might find your VIPs felt it was a bargain while general admission felt it was overpriced.
Follow up with, “What price would you have considered more appropriate for the experience?” This feels direct, but it gives you real numbers to work with. Use this feedback to inform your next event’s budget and maybe even use a ticket pricing calculator to get your initial numbers right.
5. Venue/Logistics Experience Evaluation
Your amazing content can be ruined by a terrible experience just getting there. These post event survey questions let you grade everything from the check-in line to the room temperature.
Did people find parking? Was the signage clear? These details shape an attendee's perception before your event even begins.

Why It Works So Well
These questions pinpoint friction points you might be totally blind to. You were busy running the show. You didn't notice the confusing one-way street or the bottleneck at the coat check. Feedback here provides a concrete to-do list for improvement.
How to Use It Effectively
Get specific. Don't just ask, "How was the venue?" Break it down into rating scales for distinct elements:
- Check-in Process: "How would you rate the speed and ease of our check-in process?"
- Venue Comfort: "Please rate the following: seating, temperature, and audio/visual quality."
- Accessibility: "Did you find the venue easy to navigate with adequate parking, ramps, and restrooms?"
Always include an open-ended question like, “If you could change one thing about the venue or our logistics, what would it be?” Good logistics are the invisible foundation of a great event. For a deeper dive, check out our guide on event execution and operations.
6. Speaker/Instructor/Host Performance Evaluation
For many events, the experience hinges on one person: the speaker, instructor, or host. A fitness class lives or dies by its instructor's energy. Here, you zoom in on the person at the front of the room.
These questions move beyond general satisfaction to evaluate the host's specific impact. They're about performance, not personality.
You can ask a series of specific rating questions:
- “On a scale of 1-5, please rate the instructor on their clarity and communication.”
- “How would you rate the pacing of the session? (1=Too Slow, 3=Just Right, 5=Too Fast)”
- “How engaging and interactive did you find the host?”
Why It Works So Well
This feedback is pure gold for the presenter. It provides concrete data that helps instructors improve. For a pop-up chef leading a cooking class, knowing the pacing was too fast is a crucial insight. It separates the content from the delivery, helping you pinpoint what needs work.
How to Use It Effectively
Always follow up a rating with, “What is one thing the instructor could do differently to improve the experience?” This invites constructive criticism.
Focus on specific behaviors. Instead of asking if the host was "good," ask about their ability to answer questions or their energy level. This is one of the most important post event survey questions for any personality-driven event.
7. Networking and Community Building Effectiveness
For many events, the real magic happens between sessions. People don't just attend for the content. They come to meet others, share ideas, and feel part of something bigger.
These post event survey questions measure whether attendees made valuable connections. This is essential for professional conferences, nonprofit mixers, or any gathering where interaction is a key selling point.

Ask specific questions that get to the heart of the experience:
- “Did you make any valuable new connections at our event?” (Yes/No)
- “On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate the opportunities for networking?”
- “Which networking session (e.g., Icebreaker, Lunch, Happy Hour) did you find most effective?”
Why It Works So Well
These questions reveal whether your event’s social structure is a feature or a bug. A high score means your attendees are building relationships that extend beyond the event. A low score signals that your networking activities might feel forced or unstructured.
How to Use It Effectively
Pair a low score with a question like, “What could we do to make it easier to connect with others next time?”
This feedback is pure gold. You might discover a need for more structured icebreakers, better-placed conversation nooks, or a pre-event directory. This simple follow-up transforms a one-time event into a lasting community.
8. Actionable Takeaways and Implementation Intent
Satisfaction is great. Action is better. The real measure of success for an educational event is whether attendees actually use what they learned. This question moves beyond feelings and into tangible outcomes.
The question gets right to the point: “What is one specific action you plan to take based on what you learned at this event?”
This question helps you understand the direct impact of your content. You can see precisely which concepts resonated.
A business workshop host sees attendees plan to implement a new marketing funnel. A fitness instructor learns participants are adding a specific stretching routine to their daily habit.
Why It Works So Well
This type of question is the ultimate proof of value. It measures the return on investment for your attendees' time and money. A list of concrete actions people are taking because of your event is powerful proof that you delivered real results.
How to Use It Effectively
Get specific. A strong follow-up is, “When do you plan to implement this change? (e.g., within one week, within one month)”. This prompts attendees to create a mental commitment.
Use the answers to guide your future content. If everyone plans to implement a specific technique from your workshop, you know that's a topic to expand on. These answers also make for incredible marketing material.
9. Accessibility and Inclusivity Assessment
Was your event truly for everyone? A great event makes every single person feel seen, safe, and welcome. Asking about accessibility shows you care about their experience on a fundamental level.
These questions help you understand if your event met the needs of all attendees, including those with disabilities, specific dietary requirements, or different backgrounds.
Start with direct questions:
- “Did you feel welcomed and included at our event?” (Yes/No)
- “Were there any barriers that made it difficult for you to participate fully?” (Open-ended text box)
- “On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate the accessibility of the venue (e.g., ramps, restrooms, parking)?” (Scale rating)
Why It Works So Well
This feedback is essential for growth. A fitness studio might discover a need for adaptive class options. A pop-up restaurant can use this data to perfect its allergy-handling process. By asking, you gather crucial data to make future events more successful and open to a wider audience.
How to Use It Effectively
Ask about specific accommodations, like “How would you rate the quality of the ASL interpretation?” This gives you actionable feedback on your vendors.
Always include a suggestion box like, “What could we do to make our next event more inclusive or accessible?” This invites attendees to become partners in your improvement. You can learn a lot from broader inclusive design principles that focus on creating experiences that serve the widest possible audience from the start.
10. Likelihood to Purchase Recommended Products/Services
An event can be a launchpad for products, merchandise, or follow-up services. This question directly tests the commercial viability of your other offerings.
The core question is direct: “How likely are you to purchase [Specific Product/Service] in the next three months?”
You can use a simple scale (Very Likely to Not at All Likely). The key is to be specific. Don't ask about generic "merchandise." Ask about the branded tote bag, the online course, or the cookbook from your pop-up dinner.
Why It Works So Well
This question provides real data for your business roadmap. It helps you avoid guessing what to create next. A fitness instructor can use this feedback to decide between launching an on-demand video library or a branded line of yoga mats. This is a powerful post event survey question for turning a one-time event into a sustainable brand.
How to Use It Effectively
Always ask about specific items. You can present a list and ask attendees to check all the products they are interested in. A great follow-up is, “What is the most you would be willing to pay for [Specific Product]?” This helps you find the sweet spot for pricing.
Use this data to prioritize your next steps. If 80% of your workshop attendees say they are "very likely" to buy a follow-up advanced course, that’s a clear signal to start building it.
10-Point Post-Event Survey Comparison
| Metric | Implementation Complexity | Resource Requirements | Expected Outcomes | Ideal Use Cases | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Satisfaction Rating (NPS-Style) | Low | Minimal (single question, basic scoring) | Benchmark satisfaction; loyalty prediction | Broad events; quick post-event checks | Fast, comparable, recognizable metric |
| Content/Curriculum Quality Assessment | Medium–High | Moderate (multi-item design, analysis) | Detailed content gaps; curriculum optimization | Workshops, courses, training programs | Direct link to repeat attendance and refunds prevention |
| Likelihood to Attend Future Events | Low–Medium | Minimal (single/short scale; segmentation) | Repeat attendance forecast; revenue projection | Series, recurring classes, festivals | Predicts sustainability and retention |
| Value for Money / Price Appropriateness | Low–Medium | Minimal–Moderate (segmented pricing questions) | Pricing validation; willingness-to-pay insights | Premium events, pricing experiments | Helps justify pricing and reduce refund risk |
| Venue/Logistics Experience Evaluation | Medium | Moderate (venue coordination, operational tracking) | Identify logistics issues; improve execution | Large in-person events, festivals, hired venues | Fixable operational improvements; better entry experience |
| Speaker/Instructor/Host Performance Evaluation | Medium | Moderate (behavioral questions, coaching follow-up) | Presenter quality insights; training needs | Instructor-led sessions, performances, talks | Improves delivery; highlights top performers |
| Networking and Community Building Effectiveness | Medium | Moderate (qualitative follow-up, community tools) | Measure connections; community stickiness | Networking mixers, professional events, meetups | Drives retention and word-of-mouth referrals |
| Actionable Takeaways and Implementation Intent | Medium–High | Moderate–High (follow-up, verification mechanisms) | Behavior-change measurement; ROI evidence | Professional development, skill-based workshops | Demonstrates impact; creates strong testimonials |
| Accessibility and Inclusivity Assessment | Medium | Moderate–High (accommodation tracking, possible upgrades) | Identify barriers; expand audience; reduce legal risk | Public events, community programs, inclusive offerings | Attracts underserved markets; lowers liability risk |
| Likelihood to Purchase Recommended Products/Services | Low–Medium | Moderate (product offers, inventory, sales path) | Upsell/cross-sell potential; incremental revenue | Events with merchandise or follow-ons, courses | Increases revenue per attendee; lowers CAC |
Turn Feedback Into Your Next Sold-Out Event
So, what do you do with all these answers? The magic isn't in the asking. It’s in the listening. It's about turning a jumble of responses into a clear roadmap.
You don't need a data science degree. Just look for patterns.
One person hating the music is an opinion. Five people saying the music was too loud is a problem you can fix. One person who couldn't find parking is an anecdote. Ten people circling the block is a logistical failure you need to address.
Don't Just Collect Data. Use It.
The goal isn't a perfect score. The goal is improvement. Use the insights to make real changes.
- Tweak Your Content: Did attendees find a specific part confusing? Refine it. Cut what didn’t work and double down on what resonated.
- Refine Your Logistics: Were there issues with the venue, timing, or check-in? These are often the easiest and most impactful fixes.
- Coach Your Speakers: Share constructive feedback (anonymized, of course) with your instructors. Help them understand what connected with the audience.
- Build Your Community: If networking scores are low, brainstorm ways to facilitate better connections next time. Maybe it's a dedicated Slack channel or a better icebreaker.
From Feedback to Fanbase
Mastering the post-event survey is how you stop guessing and start knowing. It's how you turn a one-time attendee into a loyal fan who buys tickets early and tells their friends.
When people feel heard, they feel valued. When they feel valued, they come back.
This process is a cycle. You host, you ask, you listen, you improve, you host again. Each time, the event gets a little sharper and your community gets a little stronger. It's the difference between an event that happens and an event that sells out.
When you've built an even better experience, you’ll need a ticketing platform that just works. Ticketsmith is for creators who care enough to ask the right questions. With no code setup, custom branding, and a flat fee, you can focus on your event, not on software. Our fast payouts go straight to your account, whether you have five attendees or five thousand.
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Written by
Will Townsend
Founder, Ticketsmith
Writes practical guides on event ticketing, pricing, and promotion for independent organizers.