Backstage: Do Event Organizers Secretly Hate Speaker Questionnaires?

Pre-event questionnaires are supposed to make things easier… 

But do event organizers secretly hate them?

We decided to go “backstage” with three anonymous event organizers to find out.  

Let’s revisit our conversations with Homer, Marge, and Lisa Simpson to learn exactly when and how pre-event questionnaires should (and shouldn’t) be used.

Let’s Start with Homer (D’oh!)

The Simpsons are an entertaining bunch…  

When they’re not driving through Springfield in their pink sedan, torturing the family cat Snowball, or talking with their neighbor Ned Flanders…

They are actually extremely successful and seasoned event planners!

(Yes, our interviewees are anonymous – for obvious reasons. Thankyouverymuch!) 

Let’s start off this deeper dive into their opinions with a closer look at Homer’s true feelings.

Homer couldn’t think of any speakers he had hired who actually sent pre-event questionnaires, and made it clear those were not the types of speakers he wanted to work with.

“I don’t want to spend the time to fill out a questionnaire with a bunch of questions that should be easily answered.”

I think we should clarify that a lot of speakers will send questionnaires with very basic questions.  

• What is the event?
• What time is your presentation?
• Who is the audience?

If you’ve prepared well for the gig, these are the exact types of questions that should have been discussed during your client theme call. 

Homer ended our phone chat with this zinger…

“If they’re professional, they shouldn’t need to send a 19-question questionnaire!”

Okay, okay!  We hear you loud and clear.

Be aware that some event planners absolutely HATE questionnaires.  My guess is that if you were in negotiations with Homer to speak at his event – and you sent a questionnaire – you would quickly find those negotiations at a close.

The worst thing you can do is send a bunch of questions that were already discussed during a previous call or email exchange.

Marge: Mild-Mannered… but Don’t Push It

Marge’s opinion of pre-event questionnaires was much more understanding and soft.  She considers them kind of helpful because they make her confident in your intention to customize your presentation for her event.

Usually, Marge will receive these types of questionnaires one month before an event.  This is when she and her team are often in “a bit of a scramble” to get things done.  She doesn’t mind filling them out, BUT her understanding has its limits…

“I get annoyed when we have already talked about things that are asked on the questionnaire.  I find that really frustrating.”

Okay, we’re seeing a theme here.  Don’t ask obvious questions.  

“Sometimes they really get to be too long.  Ten questions seems fair, because I want the answers to be reflected in the speech.  But, if it takes me longer than 15 minutes to fill out, that’s not good.”

Remember, event organizers are very busy people.  And if you’re catching them one month before their event, they have much more important things to focus on than filling out your form. 

Lisa’s Genius Advice for Smarter Questionnaires

Now, onto Lisa – our event organizer, who has organized thousands of events (not exaggerating!)