How to get the most out of virtual S4SCON

After six months into the COVID crisis, it’s still unsafe to travel, many of us are still operating virtually and there’s no indication of an end in sight. Many agencies are keeping with their strict travel bans — leaving public communicators just like you — wondering when you can meet with your support networks again.

While in person is just not possible right now, we can get you the next best thing: genuine networking & public communicator training, just when you need it the most, and all virtually at this year’s Social for Safety Conference.

No airplanes, no hotels, no travel headaches — just the training & community you need most right where you are. How do you get the most out of a virtual event? Here’s how:

1. Choose the sessions that interest YOU (and watch the others later)
With around 20 sessions, including concurrent breakouts, keynotes and general sessions, you get to tailor your experience to exactly what you need. Looking for public safety-specific sessions? Emergency management? Tech? You’ll find what you need the most right now, and can watch most of the sessions you missed up to 3 months later.

Don’t forget to upgrade to the All Access Ticket where there are even more interactive features and special sessions only available for All Access ticket holders. You’ll get the opportunity to be a part of three All Access Only Sessions throughout the conference where you’ll meet in small groups with industry leaders on socialgov hot topics. 

2. Schedule it out!
You picked the sessions, now, commit to them! It’s difficult to put time aside, even for crucial training like this, but with five breaks built into the program each day, you’ll be able to check in on work as needed and then really focus on the training you need and participate live. You won’t want to miss the live Q&As with speakers & experts, polling and other interactive features throughout the event!

Change the time zone on the sessions page to match yours. Then go pick out which sessions you most want to attend, and sign up for a free Sched account at the top of the schedule to easily bookmark your favorites. Mark each session then head to your profile to print out or email your favorites so you know where to be and when.

Pro tip: Download the calendar sync for your favorites, set a reminder and mark yourself as busy! This way you’ll have an automatic reminder of where you need to be (and hopefully no one will interrupt you!).

3. Be active!
This definitely isn’t a day of simple Zoom calls, so be prepared to participate! Each session will have interactive features like live chats, polling and live Q&A with speakers and throughout the day you’ll be able to “walk” through the expo area and virtually visit with other participants. You can network on your own or in topic-specific groups, collaborate with your peers or even earn extra points in our virtual game! 

Ready to up your involvement? Get the All Access Ticket so you can have even more networking capabilities, special live sessions with experts, live group video chats with your peers and a special badge to enhance your networking.

4. Build your community
You might be thinking, “How on Earth am I supposed to connect with these people when I can’t even meet them face-to-face?!” The virtual world isn’t perfect, but during these times, this is the best way we can continue to meaningfully connect with each other. Here’s how you’ll have the opportunity:

• Live group video chats during special expert-led sessions (available with the All Access Ticket)
• Live chat features and live speaker Q&As
• Virtual networking & sponsor area
• Open collaboration when it works best for you
• Before & after program networking and meetups

5. Remember, it doesn’t end here… 
In a time where we all need each other the most to grow, learn & expand our socialgov knowledge, remember: this is just the start. 

Attending our conference, even virtually, will set you up for socialgov success with connections and relationships that last long after September 23. Have a socialgov issue? Question? You’ll know who to turn to, and even if you don’t, you’ll know to turn to us, and we’ll get you where you need to be.

What’re you waiting for? Get your All Access Ticket today for your chance to truly connect, boost your agency, elevate your profession, best connect with your communities and make 2020 much easier for you. Government professionals from all over have already signed up; will you join them?

Boilerplate:
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. Get access to socialgov-specific resources, like the COVID-19 SocialGov Hub group, and other organized content. Virtually collaborate with each other, share advice, get input, tips & more by joining the Government Social Media network today. 

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. 

Interested in submitting a blog for your socialgov community? Just reach out to Sarah with your topic idea!