The Feedback Loop
All events need a feedback loop and process. It’s the only way to show you genuinely care about attendee experience. Otherwise, we would just blindly be pushing out experiences without knowing if they are hitting the mark – what would be the point?
Feedback opportunities can come pre-, during or post-event, with various levels of ease and effectiveness. Yet, sometimes capturing the honest opinions and feelings of attendees can often feel like trying to catch lightning in a bottle.
The good news is that there are lots of exciting and diverse ways to gain feedback, which can really engage and connect with your audience.
Instant vs. Reflective Insights
Instant feedback is the heartbeat of your event, offering immediate snapshots of attendee satisfaction. This method thrives on simplicity – a quick tap on an emoji-based feedback station, a show of hands in response to a spontaneous question, or the immediate reaction to a live poll. It's the equivalent of checking the pulse of your event in real-time, agile, and unobtrusive.
On the flipside, reflective feedback invites attendees to ponder on their experience more deeply. This feedback is richer but requires more effort to collect. Surveys sent via email after the event, in-depth interviews, or user testing sessions for product launches at your event fall into this category. Reflective feedback is a deep dive into your attendee's minds, offering clarity and direction for your future events.
Engaging Low-Tech and High-Tech Methods
Low-Tech Marvels: There's an undeniable charm in simplicity. A quick, no-tech poll can invigorate your audience, making them feel involved without the barrier of technology. Live, spontaneous polling or the distribution of red and green cards for visual voting not only adds an element of fun but also collects valuable data in the process. Similarly, feedback walls fluttering with sticky notes or themed cards offer a tactile and visually engaging way for attendees to leave their mark.
High-Tech Wonders: For those who lean into the digital age, the opportunities are mind-boggling. Facial recognition technology can now gauge the mood of your attendees, turning every smile or frown into actionable data. Event apps with built-in feedback features can prompt attendees at just the right moment, capturing their thoughts while the experience is fresh. Wearable tech, like smart badges or wristbands, can track movement and engagement, offering insights into what draws the crowd or where they linger longest.
We unpacked RFID and NFC and how it works in our previous blog post here.
Making Feedback Fun
The goal? To weave feedback so seamlessly into the event experience that it feels less like a task and more like part of the fun. Social media competitions can stoke the competitive spirit, encouraging attendees to share their experiences in exchange for prizes. Floating staff, equipped with tablets or just a friendly smile, can mingle with the crowd, gathering verbal feedback that feels more like a conversation than a survey.
Innovative feedback stations, like emotional reaction buttons placed around your venue, offer a straightforward yet effective way for attendees to express their feelings about specific sessions or speakers. And let's not forget the power of a good old-fashioned comment card – sometimes, a pen and paper are all it takes to capture a thoughtful piece of feedback.
Gathering Insights with Grace
As the event draws to a close, your strategy for capturing those last bits of feedback should be as thoughtful as the welcome you extended at the start. Exit badge bins, where attendees can drop their badges into bins labelled with sentiments like "Loved it" or "Not for me," provide a visual and anonymous way to gauge overall satisfaction at a glance.
Remember, the magic of effective feedback collection lies not just in the methods you choose but in how you integrate them into the event experience. It's about creating an environment where feedback is welcomed, valued, and, above all, easy to give.
Feedback as a Foundation for Growth
The true power of feedback, whether glowing with praise or constructive criticism, lies in its ability to fuel growth. As young professionals shaping the future of the event industry, we're in a unique position to blend tradition with innovation, and personal interaction with digital engagement. By harnessing the insights gained from our attendees, we can craft events that not only meet the moment but define it.
So, let's challenge ourselves to think beyond the feedback box. Let's make every question count, every interaction meaningful, and every event a stepping stone to greater experiences. After all, in the hands of a skilled event planner, feedback isn't just information—it's inspiration.
Top Ten Tips To Help you Gain Honest, Timely Feedback:
- Quick Fire Questions: An instant gauge on the pulse of the room
- Social Media Magic: See what people are saying on social media in real time.
- Emojis for Feedback: Let people use reactions to give their opinions.
- Feedback Buttons: Set up spots with simple buttons for instant feedback.
- Floating Staff at Events: Staff can interact with people, and gauge event experiences.
- Try Before You Buy: Offer live demos of products and ask for feedback. It’s a win-win.
- Follow-up Emails: Don't just say thanks after the event. Use emails as a follow-up.
- Wearable Tech: Smartwatches or tech can sense how people feel during your event.
- Event App Insights: If you have an app; send push notifications for feedback.
- Live Polls: Use polls during your event to get immediate feedback and engagement.
By adopting a playful yet professional approach to feedback, we can transform the post-event debrief into a treasure trove of insights, ensuring that our events remain as dynamic and vibrant as the audiences we serve. Let's embrace feedback with open arms and a creative spirit, crafting events that resonate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
