What Are Pre-Event Survey Questions? Types, Examples & How to Send Them

Ever feel like you’re throwing darts blindfolded when planning an event? 

Picture this—you’ve nailed the agenda, booked the ideal venue, and stressed over every detail, but are you really connecting with your audience?

Pre-event survey questions can take the guesswork out of the equation and give you the insights you need.

Let’s explore the questions that will turn your next event from just okay to unforgettable!

What Is a Pre-Event Survey?

A pre-event survey is a valuable tool for event planners to gather crucial information from potential attendees before the event takes place. It’s essentially a questionnaire designed to help planners better understand their audience and optimize their experience.

By asking the right questions, you can gain insights into:

• Demographics and Background: Learn who your audience is (age, occupation, location, etc.) and what prior knowledge or experience they have with the event’s topic.
• Expectations and Goals: Discover what attendees hope to gain from the event, what topics they’re most interested in, and what their ideal outcomes would be.
• Preferences and Needs: Uncover any special requirements, like dietary restrictions, accessibility needs, or preferred learning styles.
• Logistics and Feedback: Gauge preferred dates and times, gather feedback on potential speakers or activities, and identify any potential logistical challenges.

This information allows you to tailor your event to meet the specific needs and interests of your audience, resulting in:

• Increased attendee satisfaction
• Higher engagement levels
• Improved event ROI
• Valuable data for future event planning

In short, a pre-event survey is a strategic way to ensure the success of your event for both you and your attendees.

What Are the Types of Pre-Event Survey Questions?

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to pre-event surveys.  To truly understand your audience, you need a mix of question types that capture both quantitative and qualitative data.

In this section, let’s explore the diverse range of options at your disposal.

Let’s begin with an easy tutorial on how to create surveys.

Watch: How to Create Online Surveys Easily

A. General Pre-Event Survey Questions

These questions help you gather basic information about your attendees and their overall impression of the event.

1. How did you hear about this event?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Website
    • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
    • Email
    • Word of mouth
    • Other (please specify)

2. Have you attended any of our previous events?

• • Yes/No

3. On a scale of 1 to 5, how excited are you about attending this event?

• • Rating Scale with emojis: 😞 😐 🙂 😀 🤩

4. What are your primary reasons for attending this event?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Networking opportunities
    • Professional development
    • Learn new skills
    • Stay up-to-date on industry trends
    • Other (please specify)

5. What are your initial thoughts or feelings about the event’s theme/topic?

• • Open-ended text box

6. Do you have any questions or concerns before the event?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

7. Is there anything specific you hope to gain from attending this event?

• • Open-ended text box

8. What three words best describe your expectations for this event?

• • Open-ended with limited word count

9. How likely are you to recommend this event to a friend or colleague?

• • Likert Scale:
    • Very Unlikely
    • Unlikely
    • Neutral
    • Likely
    • Very Likely

10. If you could describe your ideal event experience in one sentence, what would it be?

• • Open-ended text box

B. Pre-Event Survey Questions: Participant Expectations

These questions delve deeper into what your attendees hope to achieve and experience at your event.

1. Which of the following topics are you most interested in learning more about?

• • Matrix with rating scale (Not Interested – Very Interested)

2. What kind of learning format do you prefer?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Presentations/Lectures
    • Workshops/Hands-on activities
    • Panel discussions
    • Small group discussions
    • Networking sessions

3. How important are networking opportunities to you at this event?

• • Likert Scale:
    • Not at all important
    • Slightly important
    • Neutral
    • Important
    • Extremely important

4. What are your preferred methods for networking?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Formal networking sessions
    • Informal breaks and social events
    • Online platforms/apps
    • One-on-one meetings

5. Are there any specific speakers or presenters you are looking forward to hearing from?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

6. What are your expectations for the overall atmosphere of the event?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Formal
    • Informal
    • Relaxed
    • Energetic

7. Do you have any suggestions for topics or activities that would enhance your experience?

• • Open-ended text box

8. What would make this event a valuable use of your time?

• • Open-ended text box

9. How do you prefer to receive information and updates during the event?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Event app
    • Email
    • SMS
    • Announcements

10. What level of interaction do you prefer during sessions?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Passive listener
    • Active participant
    • Q&A focused
    • Group discussions

C. Pre-Event Survey Questions: Channels

These questions help you understand how your attendees prefer to engage with event content and communications.

1. Where do you typically go to find information about events like this?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Social media
    • Event websites
    • Email newsletters
    • Industry publications

2. Which social media platforms do you use most frequently?

• • Checkbox:
    • Facebook
    • X (Formerly Twitter)
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Other (please specify)

3. How do you prefer to receive event updates and reminders?

• • Rank order:
    • Email
    • SMS
    • App notifications
    • Social media posts

4. Would you be interested in joining a dedicated online community or forum for this event?

• • Yes/No

5. Do you prefer to access event content live or on-demand?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Live
    • On-demand
    • Both

6. What type of pre-event content would be most helpful to you?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Speaker bios
    • Agenda previews
    • FAQs
    • Venue information

7. Would you be interested in participating in pre-event activities or discussions online?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

8. How likely are you to download and use an event app?

• • Likert Scale:
    • Very Unlikely
    • Unlikely
    • Neutral
    • Likely
    • Very Likely

9. What features would you find most valuable in an event app?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Networking tools
    • Agenda & scheduling
    • Interactive maps
    • Live Q&A

10. Do you have any preferences for communication style?

• • Open-ended text box

D. Pre-Event Survey Questions: Timing

These questions help you gauge the optimal timing for your event and related activities.

1. What days of the week are most convenient for you to attend an event?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Monday
    • Tuesday
    • Wednesday
    • Thursday
    • Friday
    • Weekend

2. What time of day works best for you to attend sessions?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Morning
    • Afternoon
    • Evening

3. How long should sessions or presentations ideally be?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • 30 minutes
    • 45 minutes
    • 1 hour
    • Other (please specify)

4. Would you be interested in attending pre-event workshops or activities the day before the main event?

• • Yes/No

5. How much time would you like to have for networking breaks between sessions?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • 15 minutes
    • 30 minutes
    • 45 minutes

6. Would you be interested in attending social events or activities after the main event concludes?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

7. What is the ideal duration for the overall event?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Half-day
    • Full-day
    • Multi-day

8. How far in advance do you typically plan your attendance for events like this?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Weeks
    • Months
    • Last minute

9. Are there any specific dates or times you would prefer to avoid?

• • Open-ended text box

10. Would you be more likely to attend if the event offered flexible scheduling options?

• • Yes/No

E. Pre-Event Survey Questions: Location

These questions help you assess preferences for the event’s location and venue.

1. What type of venue do you prefer for events like this?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Hotel
    • Conference center
    • University campus
    • Online
    • Other (please specify)

2. How important are the following factors when choosing an event location?

• • Matrix with rating scale for each factor:
    • Accessibility
    • Amenities
    • Ambiance
    • Proximity to transportation

3. Would you be willing to travel to attend this event?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes” (How far?)

4. Do you have any accessibility requirements for the venue?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

5. What are your preferred methods of transportation to an event?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Public transport
    • Driving
    • Taxi/rideshare
    • Walking
    • Other (please specify)

6. Is parking availability an important factor for you?

• • Likert Scale:
    • Not at all important
    • Slightly important
    • Neutral
    • Important
    • Extremely important

7. Would you be more likely to attend if the event offered virtual or hybrid attendance options?

• • Yes/No

8. If the event were held online, what platform would you prefer?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Zoom
    • Microsoft Teams
    • Google Meet
    • Other (please specify)

9. Do you have any preferences for the layout or setup of the event space?

• • Open-ended text box

10. Is there a specific city or region where you would prefer the event to be held?

• • Open-ended text box

F. Pre-Event Survey Questions: Participant Demographics

These questions help you understand your attendees’ demographics and background.

1. What is your age range?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • 18-24
    • 25-34
    • 35-44
    • 45-54
    • 55-64
    • 65+

2. What is your gender identity?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Male
    • Female
    • Non-binary
    • Prefer not to say

3. What is your current occupation?

• • Open-ended text box

4. What is your highest level of education?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • High school diploma
    • Bachelor’s degree
    • Master’s degree
    • Doctorate
    • Other (please specify)

5. What industry do you work in?

• • Dropdown list of relevant industries

6. What is your level of experience with the event’s topic?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Beginner
    • Intermediate
    • Advanced

7. Are you a member of any professional organizations related to the event’s topic?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

8. What are your primary professional development goals?

• • Open-ended text box

9. What are your preferred learning styles?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Visual
    • Auditory
    • Kinesthetic
    • Read/Write

10. Do you have any dietary restrictions or special needs that we should be aware of?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

G. Pre-Event Survey Questions: Preferences

These questions uncover your attendees’ preferences for various aspects of the event experience.

1. What type of food do you prefer for event catering?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Buffet
    • Plated meals
    • Snacks and refreshments
    • Dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)

2. Do you have any allergies or dietary restrictions we should be aware of?

• • Yes/No
  • Conditional open-ended text box if “Yes”

3. What kind of activities or entertainment would you enjoy at the event?

• • Checkbox (select multiple):
    • Live music
    • Games
    • Social gatherings
    • Workshops
    • Contests
    • Other (please specify)

4. Would you be interested in receiving a swag bag or promotional items at the event?

• • Yes/No

5. What types of gifts or giveaways would you find most appealing?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Branded merchandise
    • Gift cards
    • Discounts
    • Experiences
    • Other (please specify)

6. Do you have any preferences for the event’s dress code?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Business formal
    • Business casual
    • Casual
    • Themed

7. Would you be interested in participating in a post-event survey to provide feedback?

• • Yes/No

8. How would you prefer to receive event materials?

• • Multiple Choice:
    • Digitally
    • Printed copies
    • Both

9. Do you have any suggestions for making the event more sustainable or eco-friendly?

• • Open-ended text box

10. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your preferences for the event?

• • Open-ended text box

You can combine questions from each category to create a comprehensive pre-event survey questionnaire.

Why Is it Important to Send Out a Pre-Event Survey?

Think of a pre-event survey as a conversation starter with your attendees. It’s your chance to truly understand their needs and expectations before the event even begins. This proactive approach offers a wealth of benefits:

• Tailor the Event to Your Audience: By understanding your attendees’ preferences, interests, and goals, you can create an event that truly resonates with them. This leads to higher satisfaction, increased engagement, and a more memorable experience.
• Boost Attendance and Engagement: Showing your audience that you value their input encourages active participation and creates a sense of ownership. This can translate to higher attendance rates and more engaged attendees during the event.
• Identify Potential Challenges: Pre-event surveys can help you uncover potential logistical issues, accessibility needs, or dietary restrictions in advance. Addressing these concerns beforehand ensures a smoother and more inclusive event for everyone.
• Gather Valuable Data: Collect demographic information, assess prior knowledge, and gauge interest in specific topics or activities. This data is invaluable for future event planning and marketing efforts.
• Improve ROI: By aligning your event with attendee expectations, you increase the likelihood of achieving your event goals, whether it’s generating leads, sharing knowledge, or building community.

In essence, a pre-event survey is a powerful tool for creating a more successful, engaging, and valuable event for both you and your attendees.

How to Circulate Survey Questions

You’ve crafted the perfect pre-event survey questions – now it’s time to get them into the hands (or inboxes) of your potential attendees. Here are some effective ways to circulate your survey:

• Email: Send personalized emails with a clear call to action and a compelling reason to participate. Highlight the benefits of taking the survey, such as influencing event content or having a chance to win a prize.
• Social Media: Promote your survey across your social media channels. Use engaging visuals and concise captions to capture attention and encourage clicks. Consider using social media ads to reach a wider audience.
• Website: Embed your survey directly on your event website or landing page. Make it prominent and easy to access for visitors.
• Event Registration Form: Integrate survey questions into your event registration form. This ensures that all registrants have the opportunity to provide their input.
• QR Codes: Generate QR codes that link to your survey and display them on promotional materials, posters, or even at previous events.
• Event App: If you’re using an event app, include a dedicated section for the pre-event survey. This allows attendees to easily access and complete the survey within the app.

Tips for maximizing survey participation:

• Keep it concise: Respect your audience’s time by keeping your survey short and focused.
• Offer incentives: Motivate participation by offering a small incentive, such as a discount on event registration or a chance to win a prize.
• Communicate the value: Clearly explain how their feedback will be used to improve the event experience.
• Set a deadline: Create a sense of urgency by setting a clear deadline for completing the survey.
• Send reminders: Send reminder emails or social media posts to those who haven’t yet completed the survey.

By using a combination of these methods and following best practices, you can maximize survey participation and gather valuable insights to shape your event.

Make Your Events a Hit by Asking the Right Pre-Event Survey Questions 

By leveraging pre-event survey questions, you can gain valuable insights into your attendees’ preferences and expectations, setting the stage for a successful event. The key is to ask a balanced mix of targeted general questions to ensure comprehensive and accurate responses that truly reflect your audience’s needs.

To streamline the survey creation process, consider using ProProfs Survey Maker, which provides various customizable templates specifically designed for events. Once your survey is out, analyze the feedback to reveal patterns and insights. This way, you’ll be fully equipped to refine your event experience based on “actual” data.

Get started free today, or sign up for a demo to see how ProProfs Survey Maker can help elevate your event planning process.

Learn More About Pre-Event Survey Questions

What can I achieve with pre-event survey questions?

Pre-event survey questions help you gather critical insights about your attendees’ preferences, expectations, and needs before the event. This information allows you to tailor event content, activities, and logistics to better meet audience demands. You can gauge interest in specific topics, identify potential challenges, and ensure your event is designed for maximum engagement and satisfaction.

How can pre-event surveys improve event planning?

Pre-event surveys give you a clear understanding of what your attendees are looking for, allowing you to make data-driven decisions. By knowing what sessions or speakers they’re most excited about, how they prefer to network, and even when they’re most available, you can design a more targeted, engaging event. This feedback helps you avoid guesswork, create more personalized experiences, and ensure smoother logistics, all of which contribute to higher attendee satisfaction.

How to get more responses to your pre-event surveys?

To increase response rates, keep your pre-event surveys short and focused, offering clear incentives like exclusive event content, early access, or discounts. Make the survey mobile-friendly and easy to complete in just a few minutes. Send the survey at optimal times, such as shortly after registration, and use multiple channels like email, social media, and even SMS reminders. Personalize the invitations and emphasize how respondents’ input will improve their event experience.