Post-Event Follow-Up: Best Practices for Success
What to do after your event for longer-term success
A successful event doesn’t end when the last guest leaves. The post-event follow-up is just as critical as the planning and execution phases. It’s your chance to solidify relationships, gather valuable feedback, and set the stage for future opportunities. Here’s a guide to best practices for effective post-event follow-up.
1. Express Gratitude
Start by thanking everyone who made your event possible, including attendees, sponsors, vendors, and your team. A heartfelt thank-you email or a handwritten note goes a long way in building lasting relationships.
2. Send Post-Event Surveys
Feedback is essential for growth. Distribute surveys to attendees asking for their thoughts on the event’s highlights, areas for improvement, and overall experience. Keep the survey concise and include specific questions like:
- What was your favourite part of the event?
- Was there anything you felt could have been improved?
- Would you attend another event with us?
Tools like Google Forms or SurveyMonkey make this process easy and efficient.
3. Share Event Highlights
Keep the buzz alive by sharing photos, videos, and highlights from your event on social media, newsletters, or your website. Tag attendees and vendors to encourage engagement and extend the event’s reach.
4. Review Internal Performance
Hold a debrief meeting with your team to discuss what went well and what could be improved. Cover aspects like logistics, attendee engagement, and vendor performance. Document these findings to use as a reference for future events.
5. Nurture New Connections
For corporate events, reach out to new leads or contacts you met during the event. A personalised follow-up email or LinkedIn message can strengthen the relationship and open doors for collaboration.
6. Analyse Data and Metrics
Evaluate the success of your event by analysing attendance rates, survey feedback, social media engagement, and other relevant metrics. These insights help you measure ROI and refine your strategy for future events.
7. Provide Attendees with Resources
Offer value post-event by sharing resources such as:
- Presentation slides
- A summary of key takeaways
- Links to blog posts or videos related to the event’s theme
If your event included guest speakers or workshops, consider sharing exclusive content with attendees as a thank-you.
8. Schedule Follow-Up Meetings
If your event involved networking or business development, schedule follow-up meetings with key contacts. This keeps the momentum going and allows for deeper conversations about potential partnerships or opportunities.
9. Start Planning for the Next Event
Use your learnings to begin planning your next event. Share your vision with your team, set preliminary goals, and establish a timeline. This forward-thinking approach keeps your audience engaged and eager for what’s next.
10. Celebrate Your Success
Don’t forget to celebrate the hard work that went into your event! Acknowledging your team’s effort boosts morale and sets a positive tone for future projects.
Let Cedar Court Hotels Support Your Events
At Cedar Court Hotels, we’re dedicated to helping you host memorable and successful events. Whether you’re planning your next conference, gala, or private celebration, our expert team and stunning venues are here to support you every step of the way.
Explore our banqueting spaces by downloading our brochures.
For more insights into planning exceptional events, call us at 01274 406606 or visit our blog for additional tips and resources. Let’s make your next event unforgettable!