Event Feedback

Post Event Feedback Surveys: Why Most Fail (+What Actually Works)

Updated On: Jul 21, 2025

6 mins read

Manisha Khandelwal

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You spent weeks planning the perfect event – flawless logistics, curated sessions, immersive experiences. But your post event feedback survey? It flops.

  • Only a fraction of attendees open the feedback email
  • Even fewer complete it
  • By the time they respond, the moment (and the emotion) is gone

It’s not your fault. The traditional post-event survey model is broken.

TL;DR: Traditional post event feedback surveys often fail due to low response rates, memory bias, and delayed insights. The fix? Real-time QR code for event feedback – no emails or CRM needed.

The Harsh Truth About Post Event Feedback Surveys

Recent studies show that event survey response rates via email are as low as 5-15%. And for walk-in or non-registered attendees, you’re lucky to get any feedback at all.

Traditional Method

Why It Doesn’t Work

Email surveys

Low response rates Open rates <15%, responses often <5%

Memory-based responses

Feedback fades fast; emotions are not recalled

Delayed timing

Too late to fix anything operational

Requires CRM data

Public events and walk-ins are completely missed

1. People Forget What They Felt

Memories fade fast. According to research, people forget up to 50% of what they experience within an hour, and up to 90% within a day. That means post event feedback surveys sent hours or days later miss the mark entirely.

2. Post-Event Survey Emails Get Ignored

The average email open rate for surveys? Less than 15%. Response rate? Often under 5%. Your event may have hosted 2,000 attendees – but you’re lucky to get 50 responses via email.

3. You Don’t Even Have the Data

No CRM? No attendee list? Traditional surveys don’t work for public or walk-in-heavy events – leaving you with zero insights to measure success or optimize ROI.

How to Run an Effective Post Event Feedback Survey (During the Event)

Instead of chasing attendees after the event, capture feedback while the event is happening – when emotions are fresh and actions can still be taken.

SurveySensum’s QR Code for Event Feedback with its advanced features makes this possible.

Here’s how to run an effective post event feedback survey that works during the event itself.

Step 1: Generate Smart QR Codes via SurveySensum

With SurveySensum, you don’t just generate QR codes – you create a seamless, real-time feedback experience.

  • Build mobile-first surveys that take under 30 seconds to complete.
  • Ideal for quick moments like waiting in line or exiting a booth. 
  • Customize questions by zone or audience type to keep feedback relevant and focused.

No app. No login. Just scan and respond – instantly on any smartphone.

Unlike long-form post event feedback surveys, these QR-based interactions drive 10x more responses.

Step 2: Deploy Smart QR Codes Strategically

Maximize visibility and engagement by placing QR codes at:

  • Entry and exit points
  • Booths and brand experience zones
  • Food courts, lounges, restrooms
  • Anywhere people naturally pause

QR codes are branded and optimized for visibility, printed on banners, standees, and digital displays.

Step 3: Add Minimal On-Ground Support

With just 2-3 volunteers per shift, you can gently nudge attendees to scan and share feedback. Their presence improves scan rates dramatically, especially for less tech-savvy audiences.

Step 4: Monitor Real-Time Responses and Act Fast

SurveySensum’s real-time dashboard shows:

  • Top and bottom-performing areas of your event
  • Issues reported in real time (e.g., crowding, signage problems, cooling issues)
  • Sentiment trends and open-text insights

Organizers can take action instantly – not after it’s too late.

Real Stories: What Brands Achieved with QR Feedback

Each of these brands replaced their traditional post event feedback survey with QR-based feedback during the event.

700+ Feedbacks in 48 Hours

A leading online retailer used QR code feedback to fix crowding and cooling issues mid-event—and improved CSAT by 5 points from Day 1 to Day 2

[Read the Case Study]

40% Conversions from On-Ground Promos

A major Indonesian bank tracked booth engagement in real time and converted 40% of non-customers through on-site offers.
 

[Explore the Story]

2x Higher EV Interest with No CRM

A top auto expo used QR code surveys to capture brand recall and dealership intent – without any attendee database.
 

[See the Results]

Cost: QR Feedback vs. Traditional Brand Study

Metric

Traditional Brand Study

SurveySensum QR Feedback

Cost per event

$5,000 – $15,000

Up to 80% lower

Time to insights

2–4 weeks

Real-time (within hours)

CRM or attendee data

Required

Not needed

Feedback actionability

Post-event only

During the event

Why wait (and overpay) for a post-event PDF when you can act now – and see impact live?

Start Collecting Smarter Feedback Today

If your next event still relies on a traditional post event feedback survey, it’s time to rethink your approach.

Traditional post event feedback surveys aren’t dead – but they’re no longer enough. For better brand impact, operational agility, and ROI tracking – you need feedback in the moment.

With SurveySensum, you don’t just ask for feedback. You act on it.

Ready to see it live?

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the best way to collect post event feedback?

The best way to collect post-event feedback is during the event itself, using real-time QR code surveys that don’t require email lists or CRM data.

Q2. Why do post event feedback surveys fail?

Because they’re delayed, poorly responded to, and rely on memory. QR-based surveys solve this by capturing emotions in the moment.

Q3. How can I improve my event feedback response rate?

Use QR code-based surveys placed strategically across your venue and engage attendees with light nudges — no emails, no follow-ups.

Q4. What questions should I ask in a post event feedback survey?

Ask questions like:

  • How would you rate your overall event experience?
  • What did you enjoy most?
  • What could be improved?
  • Would you recommend this event to others?
  • How likely are you to attend again?

These help surface your page for long-tail queries.

Manisha Khandelwal

Senior Content Marketer at SurveySensum

Increase ROI by 3x with targeted feedback & analysis
Boost Customer Satisfaction by up to 20%
Reduce Churn by identifying pain points in real time
See it in Action
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