Answers From Attendees: 10 Ways to Gather Feedback Before, During and After Your Next Event

Given how much time and work can be involved in planning an event, chances are good that if you're hosting something in the next couple months — a fundraiser, an open house, a conference or another gathering — then you've already started the planning process.

Feedback is one of the most important aspects of any event because it can tell you if all your work was worth it from your attendees' perspective. Staying on top of what those people are saying ensures that your future gatherings will help you continue your momentum. The good news is that social media makes it easier than ever to have a feel for what your attendees are saying — even while the event is taking place.

Following are a few ways you can gather feedback, before your next event, while your event is still taking place and after it's all over.

Pre-event
Conduct a pre-poll. Find out what your attendees expect from your event. This helps you plan accordingly and gauge how well you’ve done at meeting those expectations.

Party in progress — following and watching for feedback
While your event is taking place, social media can make it easy to "eavesdrop" on what your attendees are saying and gather some instant feedback:

Be sure attendees can check in. Set up a Foursquare venue for your event if it doesn’t exist already, and let your attendees know. This allows you and your attendees to "check in" and see who else is already at the event. You can create tips and to-dos for attendees too. But also keep an eye out for comments, tips and to-dos from your attendees.

Create a unique Twitter hashtag for the event. Make sure everyone knows the hashtag by placing it on invites, registration forms and signs throughout the venue. Then encourage attendees to use it whenever they tweet about your event. This allows you to search for the hashtag and follow the conversation easily.