GSMCON2023: Call for Speakers FAQs

Thinking of submitting your proposal to be a speaker at the 2023 Government Social Media Conference but have a few questions first?

We put together a list of helpful FAQs to help your proposal stand out! Below you’ll find questions like how to submit your proposal, what topic ideas would be a great fit for the conference, tips on getting selected and more.

Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. PT Friday, October 7, 2022, to share your expertise at the largest social media conference for government agencies! Hybrid GSMCON2023 will be held in-person in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, May 2-4, 2023, with both in-person and virtual tickets available, and all selected speakers receive complimentary in-person All Access admission.

What topics would be a great fit for GSMCON2023?

Any topic that would help your audience (government social media professionals) solve a problem they might face! Topics like these would be a great fit, however, you’re not limited to these ideas:

• Hands-on, demo-style sessions teaching peers about programs, platforms, best practices or tech
• Accessibility
• Diversity/Equity/Inclusion
• Platform-specific how-to’s
• Time-saving tools & techniques
• Hidden features/hacks

Find a full list of ideas on our speakers page. 

What should I keep in mind when crafting my proposal?

First and foremost, keep in mind who your audience is! The focus of your entry should be entirely about your audience — GSMCON attendees — and what they can do differently or better. GSMCON attendees tend to be more social media savvy than other conferences and typically are social media coordinators, communicators, PIOs, elected officials, marketers, law enforcement, emergency managers in government (city, county, state, federal, law enforcement, special districts, etc.).

Get specific! Generic titles, descriptions, unclear takeaways or high-level overviews don’t help your proposal. We want to know exactly what you’ll talk about and exactly what your attendees will get out of your talk. Don’t be vague; get in-depth on your topic and deep dive into the platform, technique or strategy you’ll be covering.

What’s it like working with Team GSM for my session and presenting at GSMCON?

Selected speakers work closely with Team GSM where we’ll get you access to our special Speaker Hub to download helpful information, speaker slide decks and more. We’ll regularly be in contact to help answer any questions and provide resources to help make your speaker experience and session excellent.

Presenting your topic in-person at GSMCON is a fun experience! We’ll provide you with all the tech necessary for your session — where you’ll be presenting to both in-person and virtual attendees — and have an A/V team and volunteers available to help facilitate your Q&A. Breakout sessions are a total of 45 minutes, with a suggested teaching time of around 30 minutes, leaving around 15 minutes for live Q&A. Three breakout sessions are also held concurrently, however, attendees have access to available session recordings after the event. 

Speakers are always encouraged to enjoy the conference, too! Speakers receive complimentary All Access admission where you can take part in special sessions, all general and breakout sessions and join in on networking events and more.

How do I submit my proposal and how do I know if I was selected?

1. Review our Call for Speakers information and review the application questions in advance.
2. Brainstorm how you can best teach your topic to your peers!
3. Submit your proposal through our application site by 11:59 p.m. PT, Friday, October 7, 2022.

Our panel will then carefully review all entries — selected entries will be notified via email by Team GSM in early November 2022. Speakers will be publicly announced in mid-November 2022!

What is GSMCON and where is it?

The 2023 Government Social Media Conference is heading to Reno-Tahoe, Nevada for our 8th annual GSMCON! We’re planning a special hybrid event where public sector communicators can meet together in person at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV or virtually from wherever you are. This is the largest social media conference for government agencies.

Happening May 2-4, 2023, attendees can expect unparalleled experiences, including the best, specific learning for this niche field and special networking opportunities (like taking complimentary shuttles to Lake Tahoe!) to truly connect with fellow professionals. Make sure to come to town earlier on Monday, May 1 to attend pre-conference workshops at our Welcome Reception at the Lex Nightclub!

In-Person and Virtual Ticket registration is now open! Get helpful info in our downloadable event guide, tentative session schedule (where you can also access last year’s sessions), and our venue page for detailed info about the Grand Sierra Resort and government per diem room nights. 

Best communicate with the public you serve and get connected with fellow socialgovs by registering for the 2023 Government Social Media Conference happening in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada! Join our free network for bi-weekly Government Social Media Chats or professional association for member-only webinars. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on training, events and more.

We support the largest network of government social media professionals in the U.S. by guiding government agencies through complex social media issues. Government Social Media helps you successfully communicate with the public you serve, protect your agency and keep public trust while finding your support community.