One of the most important aspects of an event actually happens after it is over… the feedback. Wait, that doesn’t sound right. The planning and participation are so much more important… well maybe not. Groups that have a successful event tend to plan more in the future. So how do you know you had a successful event? Is it because everyone showed up? Is it because the weather was perfect? Is it because no one got hurt? The real answer is because the attendees had a beneficial experience. The only way to know that is by asking them!

A great tool for gathering feedback from your events is a survey. Survey success can be measured by the volume of the surveys you receive back and the accuracy of the answers. Keep in mind these tips to increase both accuracy and volume!

Length

If the survey is too long, even the most diligent person may get frustrated. Keep it to an average of 5 minutes or about 10 questions.  Although it may seem appealing to cram in as many questions as possible, respondents may simply neglect to provide feedback altogether if the survey is too long to respond to.

Difficulty

Clear and concise questions that are easy to understand will result in more accurate responses. If your survey is ambiguous or difficult to process, guests may glaze over the questions without giving it much thought, which will result in less accurate feedback.

Anonymity

Anonymity is essential. Survey responders will feel free to be more open and honest about their experiences if responses are made anonymous.

Timing

Sending the post-event survey promptly ensures guests can share their thoughts while the experience is still fresh. The sooner you reach out, the more accurate and meaningful their feedback will be, capturing both the highlights and the areas that may need improvement.

A survey is a great method for gathering feedback from your group and can be an asset as you prepare for future events. Whether you are trying something new or continuing with activities that have flourished in the past, proper feedback from your attendees will put you in a much better position for a successful event moving forward!

Remember! It's also important to evaluate the spiritual impact and growth that came from your camp/retreat. Check out some survey ideas here!