Writing Effective Event Evaluations

Frequently, event attendees are asked to complete evaluations at the end of events, on paper and/or online. These questionnaires help organizations by letting them know vital information, such as what parts of events attendees found most and least useful. Through these forms, organizers learn about how attendees feel instead of potentially making incorrect assumptions about attendees’ sentiments. Feedback can improve future events. In addition, some funders require evaluations to ensure that their money was used effectively.

The questionnaire should be short, simple, and straightforward. The longer and more complicated the survey, the less likely attendees are to complete it.

Governments that provide grants often require event evaluations. They may provide a template event evaluation that could be modified for other uses.

What follows is a sample evaluation questionnaire. You’re welcome to add your own questions as appropriate

Evaluation of [Event’s Title] of [Date]
This evaluation will be used to help us plan future events. Your assistance is much appreciated.

Name ______________
E-mail address ______

Providing your name and email is optional. Your information will not be shared with others.

Note – Identifying information is not necessary. Some people might not complete the forms or might not be completely honest if they have to identify themselves by name. However, getting people’s e-mail addresses can be useful, letting event organizers send attendees event materials (such as event recording) and/or inform people of future events. Another option is to request emails when people register for your event.

1. How did you hear about this event? (Check all that apply.)

Note – This question helps planners learn how to best advertise their events. A list of checkboxes helps focus the answers on how your event was publicized: The organization’s website, email, or social media; word of mouth, or another route. If you provide a checkbox for “other,” give attendees a blank space to describe their source.

2. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is worst and 5 is best, rank the following aspects of the event. Feel free to comment in the space provided.

Note – The exact categories could vary depending on the event. In addition, if there were multiple speakers, each one of them could be ranked.

3. What was your favorite part of the event?
   
4. What was your least favorite part of the event?
   
5. Was the length of the event:
   a. Way too long
   b. Too long
   c. About right
   d. Too short
   e. Way too short

Note – The above question might not be necessary.

6. Would you recommend the event to someone else?
   a. Yes
   b. No

Note – The question could also be phrased as: What is the chance that you would recommend this event to someone else? The answer choices could use a scale (i.e. from 1 not likely to 5 very likely)

7. What topics would you like to be covered in future events?
   
8. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Miriam Edelman, MPA, MSSW, is a Washington, D.C.,-based policy professional. Her experience includes policy work for Congress. Miriam’s undergraduate degree is from Barnard College, Columbia University, with majors in political science and urban studies. She has a master’s in public administration from Cornell University, where she was inducted into the national honorary society for public administration. She has a master’s of science in social work (focusing on policy) from Columbia University. She is a commissioner of the DC Commission on Persons with Disabilities. Miriam aims to continue her career in public service. She is especially interested in democracy, civic education, District of Columbia autonomy, diversity, health policy, women’s issues, and disabilities.

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