GSMCON2023 schedule: 26 sessions, Golden Post Awards & more

Session times, networking opportunities & more are outlined in our tentative 2023 Government Social Media Conference schedule, now live!

Because of social media’s growing role and impact in government, GSMCON is growing, too. Held both virtually and in-person in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, we can’t wait to connect with government professionals at our venue, the Grand Sierra Resort, or from wherever you are.

We’re packing our hybrid schedule with 26 breakout and general sessions, the spectacular Golden Post Awards, special networking opportunities for in-person and virtual attendees, and so much more. 

General and breakout sessions

Whether you join us in-person or online, you’ll get the latest best practices, practical advice and unparalleled experiences to genuinely connect with your socialgov community.

The conference area is in a separate wing of the Grand Sierra Resort apart from the entertainment and gaming areas, and is accessible from attendee rooms. Spacious breakout rooms allow us to give you ‘classroom seating,’ meaning you’ll have space to take notes with a table in front of you versus a typical conference setup with only a line of chairs. 

During our 2.5 days together, attendees have the opportunity to sit in on five general sessions and 21 breakout sessions. Three concurrent breakout sessions are happening during one time slot, so if there’s multiple sessions you’d like to attend, we encourage you to pick your must-attend and then watch the recording afterwards. All in-person and virtual attendees will get on-demand access to most session recordings starting 10 days after the event for 90 days.

Speakers and sessions will be announced after we run our Call for Speakers this Fall. At past GSMCONs, we’ve had speakers from all major social media networks and from industry leaders and experts on topics that are most relevant to government social media professionals — everything from crafting the perfect social media policy, legal, accessibility, time management, one-person shops, platform specifics and much more. You can view last year’s GSMCON agenda if helpful for training approvals.

If you’re interested in speaking at GSMCON2023, start thinking about your topic now, and subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on when the Call for Speakers opens. 

Golden Post Awards

The Golden Post Awards return for GSMCON2023!

Drumlines, snacks and more happened at last year’s event, and we can’t wait to share more exciting details for GSMCON2023’s ceremony as the event gets closer. What we can tell you now is to pack something dressy! We’re going to do it big again next year to celebrate socialgov successes. If you choose to attend virtually, you’ll be able to watch a livestream of the event and participate with your fellow virtual peers.

Start thinking about your nominations! Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on when the Golden Post Awards nomination period starts. View 2022 winners and nominees for inspiration.

Networking opportunities

Welcome Reception

Our in-person attendees can expect to attend our 2.5-day event with perks like meeting people face-to-face at the Welcome Reception, happening Monday, May 1, 2023 at the Lex Nightclub, conveniently located at the venue. You’ll be treated to music, light snacks and the continuing tradition of one complimentary drink ticket. Plan to attend solo? Don’t worry! We’re incorporating guided networking to help break the ice and meet fellow peers.

If you’re joining us online, you’re invited to a virtual-only hour-long Welcome Reception where we’ll have just as much fun with our virtual host and other online participants from all across the United States. 

Networking breaks

Networking at events like GSMCON are so important to building your socialgov support system! In-person attendees have several built-in networking breaks throughout the program and have the opportunity to join in on morning on-site activities to help meet your fellow peers. Plus, you’ll get to hang out at the expo stage, where you can expect special activities and raffles.

Virtual attendees will get together for extended breaks as well! Right in our event platform, you can participate in forums as well to keep connecting after sessions.

If social media is a portion of your position, your full-time job or you manage someone who handles social media, we encourage you to be part of the conference! GSMCON is for communicators, PIOs, elected officials, marketers, law enforcement, emergency managers — everyone from agency leadership to the occasional social media contributor. Early-bird registration runs through Monday, November 14, 2022! 

Best communicate with the public you serve by becoming a part of the free Government Social Media network — only available to full/part-time employees of government or educational institutions. 

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.