Hybrid GSMCON2024: In-person vs. virtual experiences

This blog has been updated (Dec. 18, 2023) to include information on Regular Registration for GSMCON2024.

Are you wondering what the hybrid 2024 Government Social Media Conference looks like? Not sure which ticket is best for you? Let’s take a look at the in-person vs. virtual experiences and how you can make the experience exactly what you need to succeed!

GSMCON — the largest social media conference for government — is happening April 16-18, 2024 at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa in Palm Springs, California! We’re excited to bring together people who work in government social media again for what will be an unforgettable event designed specifically for government communicators. Register now during the Early-Bird sale!

In-person experience

There’s something special about getting together with people who know exactly what you face as a government employee who handles social media (or as someone who manages those who do!). Not only getting together with fellow socialgovs, but also vendors, sponsors and speakers over our 2.5 days together.

What’s special about this year’s venue? We’re taking over the entire Westin property! This means your conference experience will be the primary priority of the whole resort team. GSMCON2024 is the only place you’ll find a whole resort filled with fellow socialgovs! Other factors we consider when selecting a location are the cost effectiveness for you and your agency, green initiatives and your overall conference experience.

Team GSM is already hard at work behind the scenes creating a schedule that flows seamlessly from session to session and ways for attendees to genuinely connect with each other. As the event gets closer, we’ll keep sharing more details! Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates.

Here are just a few additional perks of getting together for in-person GSMCON:

• Meet each other face-to-face at the Welcome Reception, conveniently held on-site at the host hotel.
• Enjoy 3 continental breakfasts and 2 lunches, included in your ticket price.
• Spend after hours exploring the Palm Springs area or host venue! Right on-site, there are a variety of activities including dining, pickleball and tennis courts, golf tee time reservations, pools and a fitness studio for attendees to enjoy.
• You’ll get on-demand access to most session recordings for 3 months.
• Interact on our new conference mobile app!

Looking to upgrade your GSMCON experience? In-person attendees can enhance your GSMCON experience with these upgrades:

Pre-Conference Workshops Add-On, +$100/each
Only for in-person attendees.
Participate in 2-hour deep dives on Monday, April 15, 2024. More details will be announced in the coming weeks on topics and speakers. If you purchase your ticket now, you’ll still have the opportunity to add them later. 

Extended On-Demand Add-On, +$49
Available to in-person attendees and online participants.

• Extend your access to on-demand recordings to 6 months!
• Gives you 3 additional months post-conference to rewatch your favorite moments & catch sessions you missed.
• Perfect for busy socialgovs who want enough time to fit it all in!

Action Planning Add-On (Post-Event Virtual Panels), +$99
Available to in-person attendees and online participants.

• Get access to 3 special virtual sessions in May 2024 (live dates TBA - will also be recorded) to help you get even more out of GSMCON, including —
• Live Q&A w/Top-Rated 2024 Speakers (1-hour session) - Meet with GSMCON2024's highly-rated speakers for an extended question and answer session! We're sitting down with these speakers for a guided conversation on even more social media advice & best practices. Speakers will be announced after the conference.
• GSMCON Inspiration Panel (1-hour session) - Share how you took inspiration from GSMCON and turned it into social media success stories! We're hearing from GSMCON pros & attendees in this interactive meeting on what you were inspired to accomplish after the event. 
• Unblocking Roadblocks Panel (1-hour session) - Overcome common limiting beliefs and real-world obstacles with this idea-packed session with GSMCON pros. Let's talk about what's keeping you from doing your best work and how to propel you & your social media program forward.

VIP Add-On, +$519
Only for in-person ticket holders.
This package includes everything at GSMCON2024! We heard an overwhelmingly positive response from 2023 VIP attendees, the first year we offered this experience. For 2024, VIPs get:

• All pre-conference Workshops
• Pre-Welcome Reception cocktail hour
• VIP dinner & evening networking activity
• Action Planning Add-On
• Extended On-Demand Add-On
• Event t-shirt
• VIP charging station access
• Badge upgrade

Virtual experience

We hear time and time again from virtual attendees how interactive, informative and fun the virtual experience is. If you can’t make the in-person conference for whatever reason, this is a great way to get involved, and get connected, with your fellow socialgov peers.

Online participants will be able to watch most keynote, general and breakout sessions in real-time, meaning you’ll be right there with speakers and other attendees as sessions are happening. Connect with other socialgovs right in our new conference mobile app by participating in online networking sessions and a special virtual-only Welcome Reception on April 15! Post event, you’ll get on-demand access to most session recordings for 3 months. 

Virtual add-ons  

Extended On-Demand Add-On, +$49
Available to in-person attendees and online participants.

• Extend your access to on-demand recordings to 6 months!
• Gives you 3 additional months post-conference to rewatch your favorite moments & catch sessions you missed.
• Perfect for busy socialgovs who want enough time to fit it all in!

Action Planning Add-On (Post-Event Virtual Panels), +$99
Available to in-person attendees and online participants.

• Get access to 3 special virtual sessions in May 2024 (live dates TBA - will also be recorded) to help you get even more out of GSMCON, including —
• Live Q&A w/Top-Rated 2024 Speakers (1-hour session) - Meet with GSMCON2024's highly-rated speakers for an extended question and answer session! We're sitting down with these speakers for a guided conversation on even more social media advice & best practices. Speakers will be announced after the conference.
• GSMCON Inspiration Panel (1-hour session) - Share how you took inspiration from GSMCON and turned it into social media success stories! We're hearing from GSMCON pros & attendees in this interactive meeting on what you were inspired to accomplish after the event. 
• Unblocking Roadblocks Panel (1-hour session) - Overcome common limiting beliefs and real-world obstacles with this idea-packed session with GSMCON pros. Let's talk about what's keeping you from doing your best work and how to propel you & your social media program forward.

Regular Registration open!

So, which ticket should you choose? Whichever one works best for YOU! Just make sure you reserve your spot now for the largest social media for government. Save the most by registering now!

We’ll see you at GSMCON2024!

Best communicate with the public you serve and get connected with fellow socialgovs by registering for the 2024 Government Social Media Conference happening in Palm Springs, California or virtually from wherever you are! 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.