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Skift Meetings’ exclusive survey of 103 meeting professionals* paints a picture of a confusing and challenging landscape for meeting planners as they adjust to new Trump Administration policies. While for some it’s business as usual, others are experiencing rising costs from tariffs, cancellations in industries affected by government cuts, fewer international attendees willing to travel to the U.S., and concern about the impact of immigration policies on hotel staffing.

Almost a third of respondents (29%) have already changed the location of this year’s meetings or incentive trips due to geopolitical conditions. When asked if they are considering changing locations for future events, 39% said yes, 21% were unsure, and 37% said no.

Tariff Impacts

Rising costs are plaguing the vast majority of planners: When asked about the main concerns impacting their jobs right now, 90% said potential cost increases and 66% said potential recession. A full 82% said they expect meeting costs to increase in 2025–2026 because of the tariffs.

Respondents also reported cost increases on promotional products and incentive gifts, combined with an increase in the length of time it takes to receive goods.

Certain Industries Hit Hard

Government meetings, academic and scientific meetings, and those with international attendees have been hardest hit. Said one anonymous planner: “The government meetings industry has disappeared.”

Kyle Jordan, director of meetings at INFORMS, the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences, said that while he anticipates 10-15% lower attendance this year because 35% of his attendees come from outside of the U.S., “As an academic-focused organization, we anticipate seeing a bigger hit to our domestic attendance in 2026 as universities shore up funding for potential long-term court battles.”

International Attendees Staying Home

International attendees now face a combination of visa challenges and concerns about border access and safety. “Our international members have informed us that traveling to the U.S. for a conference is currently not in the cards,” said an anonymous planner. “Many of our members have lost funding, and are having to cut back conference attendance. Overall, our registration pace is much slower than it has been the last three years.”

Mark Phillips, chief operating officer at LamontCo, said he has seen international attendance at U.S. meetings drop by 30% or more, “especially those where the air tickets have not yet been purchased.”   

As cross-border tensions have increased, plans for inbound meetings from Canada are getting nixed. Of those respondents with Canadian clients or divisions in Canada who were planning to meet in the U.S. this year, 18% have already changed their plans and 15% were considering doing so.

Hotel Staffing Concerns

Another concern among planners is the potential effect of immigration policies on hotel staffing, including kitchen help, housekeeping, and banquet servers. More than two-thirds of respondents (72%) said they expect hotel staffing to be impacted in 2025–2026, while 15% were unsure and 13% did not foresee any impact.

State of Confusion

A number of respondents, including LamontCo’s Phillips, said they expected more regional meetings as a result of the falloff in international attendance. Other impacts mentioned by respondents included scaling back on using 5-star properties; looking for much lower rates than in the past; longer lead times for sourcing and contracting; challenges for students and attendees of color getting needed support to attend certain meetings; and tradeshow exhibitor cancellations.

Even for those planners who said they are not feeling any impact from Trump Administration policies, Tim Barrett, senior director, global meetings at Destination South, summed up the current state of confusion being felt by many respondents: “It’s chaotic, especially the whiplash of one day to the next and the differing totals and/or start dates.”

TOP 7 PLANNER CONCERNS
(ranked by percentage of respondents)

1. Potential cost increases (90%) 
2. Potential recession (66%)
3. Entry challenges for incoming international attendees (57%)
4. Job security (45%)
5. Challenges with bringing U.S. groups internationally (44%)
6. Challenges for LGBTQ+ attendees (28%)
7. Pregnant attendees requiring emergency care (15%)

*Methodology: Skift Meetings’ email survey of meeting planners was conducted between May 9 and June 9, 2025, resulting in 103 usable responses.

Smarter Event Feedback with Eventdex’s Event Survey Software

Event survey software is more than a simple tool for collecting attendee opinions, it’s the engine that powers smarter decisions, better engagement, and unforgettable events. For organizers who are serious about improvement, the difference between a good event and a truly impactful one often lies in the insights collected after the last attendee walks out.

However, an event survey is not just about sending a few questions and hoping for answers. It’s about asking the right questions, at the right time, in the right format, and on the right event survey platform. This is where Eventdex’s event survey software shines. Built with modern organizers in mind, it transforms feedback into a strategic asset that fuels better planning, execution, and engagement.

Let’s dig into how event feedback survey strategies, when paired with the right tools like Eventdex event survey software, can transform your events from good to great.

Why Event Feedback Still Matters? 

With all the tech and data available today, it might be tempting to think you already know what worked at your event. But assumptions are no substitute for real attendee input. A well-executed event feedback survey uncovers the silent truths behind your event, what delighted people, what disappointed them, and what kept them up at night.

Whether you’re organizing conferences, trade shows, galas, or training workshops, an event feedback form helps you answer critical questions:

• Were your attendees satisfied?
  
• Did speakers deliver value?
  
• Was the content engaging and relevant?
  
• Did people network effectively?
  
• Would they return or recommend the event?
  

Furthermore, with event survey analytics, you’re working with actionable data. And with Eventdex’s event survey tool, all of it becomes visual, trackable, and ready for action.

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Types of Event Surveys (And When to Send Them)

Feedback shouldn’t be treated like a formality or an afterthought. Effective event organizers understand that gathering meaningful input requires different event survey approaches at various stages of the event lifecycle. Using the right type of survey at the right time not only maximizes response rates but also provides actionable insights that can dramatically improve your event outcomes. Below, we explore the key types of event feedback surveys and the ideal moments to send them for maximum impact.

1. Pre-Event Surveys

The foundation of a successful event starts long before attendees step through the doors. A well-designed event evaluation survey sent in advance helps you understand your audience’s expectations, preferences, and logistical needs.

Using a thoughtfully created event survey template, organizers can capture critical information such as:

• Session interest and topic preferences to tailor your agenda
  
• Attendee goals and objectives to personalize the experience
  
• Dietary restrictions, accessibility requirements, or travel plans for smooth logistics
  

For instance, a conference feedback survey sent pre-event may include conference survey questions like:

• “Which breakout sessions are you most excited to attend?”
  
• “What are your primary goals for participating in this event?”
  

While many event planners skip using event survey software during this phase, those who integrate early-stage feedback tools gain a strategic advantage. Eventdex’s event survey platform offers easy-to-use event survey tools and event feedback form templates designed for this purpose. Leveraging these tools early means you can align your programming, communication, and onsite services with what your attendees really want, leading to higher satisfaction and engagement from the very start.

2. Onsite or In-Event Surveys

Capturing feedback in real time while attendees are actively participating is one of the most effective ways to monitor your event’s pulse. Short, targeted event feedback surveys deployed during the event help you identify issues or opportunities while they can still be addressed.

Using an event survey app, organizers can ask concise event survey questions, such as:

• “How would you rate this session so far?”
  
• “Is the venue temperature comfortable?”
  
• “Do you need assistance finding specific booths or sessions?”
  
• “Are the event materials meeting your expectations?”
  

These in-the-moment queries act as instant check-ins that provide vital event survey feedback for immediate improvements. For example, if several attendees respond negatively to the venue temperature question, you can notify facilities staff to adjust heating or cooling quickly.

Adopting event survey best practices means keeping these surveys brief to encourage participation without interrupting the event flow. Eventdex’s event survey software enables quick deployment and analysis of these micro-surveys via mobile devices, offering a frictionless experience for both organizers and attendees.

Collecting onsite feedback also boosts engagement and makes attendees feel heard, increasing their overall event satisfaction survey scores.

3. Post Event Survey

No matter how flawless your event execution, the true measure of success comes from the comprehensive insights gathered afterward. The post-event survey is arguably the most critical of all event evaluation forms, providing a wide-angle view of attendee experience from start to finish.

A carefully crafted post-event feedback survey allows you to collect both quantitative ratings and open-ended responses on aspects such as:

• Event content quality
  
• Speaker effectiveness
  
• Venue logistics and amenities
  
• Networking opportunities
  
• Overall event value
  

Using a combination of post-event survey questions and open text fields ensures you capture nuanced feedback that numerical scales alone can’t convey.

For example, your post event survey might ask:

• “How satisfied were you with the event overall?” (Rating scale)
  
• “What did you enjoy most about the conference?” (Open-ended)
  
• “What improvements would you suggest for future events?” (Open-ended)
  
• “Would you recommend this event to a colleague?” (Yes/No)
  

A conference feedback survey typically covers similar ground but may also include specific conference survey questions related to session content, speaker engagement, or continuing education credits.

When using Eventdex’s event feedback software, the entire post-event feedback process can be automated. The platform’s intuitive event feedback survey template and event feedback form template libraries help you build relevant surveys quickly. Moreover, scheduled sends ensure your post event feedback survey reaches attendees promptly, while event survey analytics provide in-depth insights into responses.

By embracing post event survey best practices, including timely delivery and thoughtful question design, you increase response rates and obtain high-quality data that informs strategic decisions for your next event.

Bonus Tip: Combining Survey Types for Comprehensive Feedback

While these three survey types—pre-event, onsite, and post-event—each serve unique purposes, the most effective event organizers use them in combination for a full-circle feedback approach.

• Use pre-event surveys to design an attendee-centered event
  
• Capture onsite feedback for real-time improvements and engagement
  
• Analyze post event survey data to measure success and plan future events
  

Integrating all three with a robust event survey software like Eventdex creates a continuous feedback loop. This allows you to refine your event experience at every stage, turning raw data into powerful insights that drive excellence.

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What to Ask in Your Post Event Survey

Writing a solid post event survey is part art, part science. The key is to be specific, direct, and respectful of your attendees’ time. You don’t need a 50-question interrogation. What you need is a focused set of event feedback survey questions that strike a balance between ratings and open responses.

Some sample post event survey questions include:

• “On a scale of 1–10, how satisfied were you with the overall experience?”
  
• “What did you enjoy most about the event?”
  
• “Which speaker stood out to you, and why?”
  
• “What would you like to see improved next time?”
  
• “Would you recommend this event to others?”
  

By using event survey questions examples like these, you ensure your results are measurable, comparable, and valuable.

The Role of Survey Timing in Driving Response Rates

When it comes to event survey success, timing is everything. You might ask the best-crafted event survey questions, design a flawless event feedback form, and use an intuitive event survey tool, but if you send your post event feedback survey at the wrong moment, you risk watching your response rate plummet.

Send the post event survey too early, and it gets lost in the chaos. Wait too long, and their memory of your event fades, along with their ability to give meaningful event feedback. That’s why getting your event survey timing just right can be the difference between rich, actionable insights and empty data. Below are some event survey best practices for timing your event feedback survey

Send Your Post-Event Survey Within 24–48 Hours

This window captures attendees while the experience is still vivid in their minds. Their opinions are raw, unfiltered, and valuable. Whether it’s a conference feedback survey, a product launch, or a gala, sending your event evaluation survey within two days yields the most authentic event survey feedback.

With a robust event survey software like Eventdex, you can automate this process effortlessly. Pre-schedule the send so that it lands right on time, with no manual follow-up needed.

Start With a Thank-You

Begin your message with a warm note of gratitude. A simple “Thanks for attending!” helps humanize the request. Then segue into your event feedback survey invitation. Make it personal and friendly. Nobody wants to feel like a data point.

Make the Call-to-Action Clear

Whether you’re using email, SMS, or in-app prompts via an event survey app, your CTA should be bold and straightforward. Use direct language like: “We’d love your feedback, click here to take our short event evaluation form.”

Avoid vague phrases like “Check this out,” and always ensure your event feedback form template is mobile-friendly. Many attendees will complete your event feedback survey on the go.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Gentle Reminders

Sometimes, even engaged attendees need a nudge. A follow-up reminder after 48–72 hours can revive your response rate. Tools like Eventdex’s event survey platform let you track open rates, so you only send reminders to those who haven’t responded. This prevents overcommunication and shows respect for attendees’ time.

Avoid Survey Fatigue With Intelligent Design

Timing also applies to how long your survey feels. Don’t overload users with endless event survey questions. Stick to the essentials. Use branching logic so that attendees only see questions relevant to them. This is especially useful in conference survey questions or multi-track events.

Utilizing a smart event survey design not only increases response rates but also improves the event survey analytics quality. A 5-minute survey that feels personalized is more effective than a 15-minute generic one.

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How Eventdex’s Event Survey Software Stands Out

A full venue and applause at the end of a keynote might feel like success, but what matters is how attendees experienced the event in the moment. Did they feel engaged? Was the content relevant? Did they leave with new insights or connections? These are the real indicators of event success, yet too often organizers are left guessing. The truth is, applause fades, and numbers only tell part of the story. If you want to know what worked and what didn’t, you need to go straight to the source, your attendees.

That’s where Eventdex’s in-app event survey software becomes a game-changer. Instead of waiting days for attendees to check their inbox and fill out a post-event survey, Eventdex helps you gather feedback when the event is still alive in their minds. Whether it’s a fast-paced tradeshow, an executive retreat, or a multi-day conference, Eventdex puts the power of real-time feedback in your hands so you can adjust on the fly or learn what truly made an impact.

You don’t need to worry about chasing responses through email or printing QR codes. Our fully integrated event survey platform is already part of the Eventdex mobile app, the same app your attendees are using to view schedules, connect with others, or find their next session. That built-in simplicity leads to higher participation and more accurate event feedback survey data. You can finally move beyond guesswork and uncover what your attendees think, right when it matters most.

With Eventdex, you’re not sending out a generic event feedback form after your audience has mentally moved on. You’re engaging with them while the session is fresh, while the speaker’s words are still resonating, and while the networking conversation is still echoing in their minds. This real-time interaction results in more authentic, thoughtful responses and opens the door to instant improvement during your event, not after it’s over.

Here’s how Eventdex makes event feedback smarter, faster, and far more impactful:

• Built-in, in-app survey experience that lives inside the existing Eventdex mobile platform. Attendees don’t need to download something new or follow external links, which removes friction and increases completion rates for every event evaluation survey.
  
• Instant, real-time response capture allows you to ask questions immediately after a session, activity, or panel ends. No more relying solely on delayed post-event feedback survey results. Get insights while they’re still fresh and emotionally accurate.
  
• Custom survey builder with multiple formats including stars, sliders, multiple choice, and open text. Whether you’re asking broad event satisfaction survey questions or targeting specific sessions with detailed conference feedback surveys, you can craft every question to match the moment.
  
• Session-based targeting and flexible timing let you choose when and where your attendees receive the event survey questions. Need feedback after a workshop or during lunch? You decide what to ask and when to ask it.
  
• Powerful visual reporting tools transform raw responses into easy-to-understand insights. The built-in event survey analytics dashboard shows trends, patterns, and highlights, helping you course-correct instantly or plan better for your next event.
  
• Optional anonymity gives attendees the freedom to speak candidly. Whether they want to give praise or highlight areas of concern, you’ll receive more open and honest responses through our trusted event survey app.
  
• Templates and question libraries make survey creation a breeze. Use proven event survey templates, browse event survey examples, or tap into popular event survey question examples to quickly build your ideal feedback form.
  
• Scales to any size or type of event, from small workshops to global expos. Whether you need a quick event feedback form template or an in-depth event evaluation form that spans multiple days and speakers, Eventdex grows with you.
  
• Multilingual and customizable branding options help personalize the experience for diverse audiences. Whether your event spans countries or just needs to reflect your brand identity, the tool adapts easily.
  
• Organizers and attendees stay in the same environment for feedback, check-in, session info, and more. There’s no juggling between platforms or systems, just one streamlined experience powered by smart event survey design.
  

What really sets Eventdex apart is the ability to collect honest, actionable data without disrupting the flow of your event. You’re not just running a survey—you’re building a conversation that continues throughout the event. That feedback becomes your roadmap. It helps you recognize high-performing speakers, spot logistical issues, and identify what your audience truly values.

Whether you’re building a brief conference feedback survey, a deep-dive event evaluation survey, or collecting general post event feedback, Eventdex gives you the tools to do it efficiently and meaningfully. You’re not left with vague, delayed insights. You get focused, timely answers that reflect the reality of what happened and how people felt while it happened.

Best of all, the entire system is designed with you in mind. From intuitive creation to real-time analysis, Eventdex’s event survey software helps you gather smarter feedback with less effort, so you can deliver better experiences every single time.

Wrapping Up 

Every minute you delay after your event ends reduces the likelihood of receiving detailed, thoughtful input. Attendee memories are sharp immediately after a keynote or networking session, but by the end of the week? That insight may be gone.

Eventdex’s all-in-one event survey platform ensures you can collect quality event survey feedback at the ideal moment, without manual hassle. Be it a conference feedback survey, a multi-day summit, or an expo, your ability to act quickly and smartly can drastically improve your ROI.

And remember, the goal isn’t just to collect data. It’s to understand what worked, what didn’t, and how you can evolve. That starts with well-timed, well-crafted outreach using the right event survey software.

Ready to upgrade your event feedback strategy? Request a free demo today to make your attendees feel heard and your events grow stronger.

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