Here's how you can effectively gather feedback from vendors and partners as an event planner.

We normally use software that collects all feedback from vendors and partners, follows up with calls and implements the suggestions in the next event

Pre-and-post event surveys (and even surveying during the event) is an excellent way to obtain real-time feedback, outside of verbal communication onsite. Many times, partners need time to digest the experience and it’s ROI before answering questions in a thorough manner. I like to try and schedule some check-ins with sponsors, partners and vendors after the event to collect feedback and/or discuss any challenges and ways to navigate or avoid in the future.

In my experience, the best ways to gather feedback from vendors and partners are meetings and/or personal intervews before, during and after the event. Prior to the event will help both parties ensure that you are aligned on expectations, brief conversations during the event will help the planner adjust and improve to ensure a satisfactory outcome and at the post event meeting the partner has been able to digest the overall experience and event ROI, so they are in a position to give thorough feedback.

You ask me difficult questions and it takes me a long time to answer correctly. Which I can't do now that I'm in high season and don't have the time it takes. Thank you anyway.

Recopilar eficazmente los comentarios de proveedores y socios es fundamental para mejorar continuamente como planificador de eventos. Encuestas Post-Evento: Envía encuestas breves y específicas poco después del evento. Pregunta sobre su experiencia, la colaboración, y cualquier sugerencia para mejorar. Las herramientas en línea como Google Forms o SurveyMonkey facilitan este proceso. Reuniones de Retroalimentación: Organiza reuniones uno a uno o en grupos pequeños con los principales proveedores y socios. Esto permite una conversación más profunda sobre lo que funcionó bien y lo que podría mejorarse.

Lo que mejor resulta en estos casos es realizar reuniones tipo sprint semanales, con los involucrados en el evento, para asegurar: ✅ Tener una agenda clara, con objetivos específicos, para mantener la reunión enfocada y productiva. ✅ Documentación precisa y evaluación rápida al final de cada reunión para implementar mejoras y mantener el progreso continuo. ✅ Feedback constante de los avances y ajustes necesarios para el éxito del evento.

Face-to-face interviews give you an opportunity to see & hear things that aren't really seen through phone or virtual interviews. It allows you to gain a connection that may be hit or miss through other means.

Use short and specific feedback forms to collect detailed and structured insights. This should cover areas like communication, logistics, experience and satisfaction. Sent within 24-48 hours post-event, and make them easy and quick to fill out to ensure higher response rates. Also, what can make or break this step are the questions you ask and how you frame them - 'How did you find our communication style?' vs 'What could we have done better to communicate with your team?' Timely, brief and specific feedback forms will generate valuable input to improve upon identified gaps and continue where you excel.

I always schedule post-event calls with the team to discuss lessons learned—what went well and what could be improved. I find these calls more valuable than feedback forms because they allow for detailed feedback and give me a chance to ask follow-up questions.

Gathering feedback is essential for growth, but it’s important not to let the negatives get to you. When you analyze the data, focus on identifying trends and common themes. Prioritize recurring issues and celebrate what’s working well. Remember, constructive feedback is a tool for improvement, not a personal critique. Use it to strengthen your future events and continue delivering exceptional experiences. Stay positive and keep growing!

Once feedback is collected, analyse data to identify common themes and areas for improvement. Act on these insights by making necessary adjustments without impacting how you operate, and communicate insights and enhancements and how this benefits you and your team. Taking action on feedback shows you value input and demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement by addressing the suggestions. Not only does this strengthen partner and vendor relationships, but it also builds a pathway to future collaborations and event success.

Si tu evento es masivo y cuentas con muchos proveedores o socios, funcionan bien los puntos anteriores También has de tener en cuenta la repercusión y comentarios aportados en redes sociales A veces lo que en un formulario no se atreven a decir, lo puedes ver publicado en un post o comentario Y si en tu evento no participa tanta gente, lo mejor, más rápido y efectivo es una conversación directa. Si puedes en persona; el feedback será aún mejor. Si no se puede (están lejos, no hay tiempo…) una llamada puede servirte Pregúntales abiertamente. Sin descubrir los errores detectados (salvo que sean evidentes y entonces vete de frente) pero preguntando que les ha parecido, que destacarían, que cambiarían… Ahí tienes tu mejor encuesta