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Asking for feedback after a panel discussion feels like a given. We’ve all been there, right? The event ends, and out come the surveys, the social media posts, and the inevitable follow-up questions. But here’s the kicker: while most organizers diligently collect feedback, far fewer actually use it to shape future panels!
In fact, the 2024 Panel Report shows that while 70% of organizers say they collect feedback, 60% admit it rarely influences their panel design – if at all. Why does this happen? Why ask if you’re not going to act on it?
I’m not sure what this means, but here are some of the top reasons for this feedback-action gap – and a few ideas to turn it around:
1. Collecting Feedback Is Easy; Integrating It Isn’t
Gathering feedback is straightforward enough: send out a survey, watch social media, take a poll, ask a few random people. The tricky part comes in actually using it. Too often, feedback is filed away, and left untouched because there isn’t a clear plan or structure for implementing it. This disconnect means valuable insights get lost because no one has set aside time to brainstorm how specific suggestions could enhance the next panel. And really, that’s a missed opportunity to make your next panel discussion even more memorable and meaningful for your audience.
2. There’s Never Enough Time
Panel organizers are often balancing a whirlwind of tasks, and with tight turnarounds between events. Sifting through feedback can fall by the wayside. Even if you have feedback to guide you, finding the time to adapt the next panel’s format, choose a new moderator, or tweak the lineup can feel like a luxury rather than a priority. And when you’re strapped for time, the idea of upgrading the panel based on the last panel’s feedback sounds more exhausting than exciting.
3. Not All Feedback Feels Actionable
Event feedback is a mixed bag. Sometimes the insights are powerful and specific (“We loved the crowdsourced Q&A round!” or “Could we have a more conversational format?”), and other times they’re vague or tricky to act on (“Make it more engaging”). In addition, some feedback requires changes that may be out of scope or budget. This can leave organizers feeling stuck – like they’re getting input they can’t realistically implement. But here’s the thing: even small tweaks based on feedback—like rethinking easy ways to poll the audience for better engagement—can make a difference and show that you’re listening.
4. The Danger of Feedback Fatigue
When feedback starts piling up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of where to begin. Combine that with the fact that feedback usually goes to a large team with differing priorities, and it’s not surprising that panel-specific feedback often takes a back seat. Sometimes, the insight just doesn’t make it to the right person on the team who could make the change. Plus, without a plan for distilling the most valuable comments, feedback often sits in a “to-do later” pile.
Bridging the Gap: Making Feedback a Priority
To make sure feedback doesn’t end up forgotten, start by dedicating a small amount of time to review it right after the event. Bring in the moderator and key team members to discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what’s doable for next time. Try grouping feedback into three categories: “Must Change,” “Nice to Change,” and “Unrealistic”—this will help you set clear goals.
Give this feedback to the next panel organizer and/or moderator and challenge them to implement at least ONE new idea to elevate the next panel discussion
Panels are all about connecting with your audience, so let them know you’ve heard them by actually using their input. Next time they fill out a survey or post a comment, they might just see the impact of their suggestions—and that’s what makes feedback worth gathering in the first place.
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For more information about how to moderate a lively & informative panel discussion, check out our free 7-part video series on how to moderate a panel and other resources to help you organize, moderate, or be a panel member.
