What is GSMCON2024? The largest social media conference for government!
The Government Social Media Conference is the largest social media conference for government, where attendees from across the U.S. and around the world can expect a unique experience not found anywhere else.
For GSMCON2024, we’re excited to bring the event to Palm Springs, California for the first time! Happening April 16-18, 2024, we’re expecting an unforgettable event held in person at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa (where GSMCON is taking over the whole property!) with virtual tickets available to participate from wherever you are. Register now during the Early-Bird sale!
Since 2015, GSMCON has brought people together to learn best practices, industry secrets and to genuinely connect with fellow peers. Everyone who works at government agencies, educational institutions, private industry and anyone else interested in this niche field is welcome to join.
GSMCON is the best training opportunity for public sector employees to learn how to leverage social media while keeping public trust and avoiding embarrassing social media fails. Almost every government project involves a communication component, and GSMCON attendees are at an advantage because they walk away with valuable techniques for public outreach and engagement via social media.
Because of social media’s growing role and impact in government, GSMCON grows each year, too. Every year, hundreds of government communicators get together to connect with industry leaders and, most importantly, fellow professionals. Last year, over 1,500 professionals met in person in Reno, Nevada or online for GSMCON2023.
GSMCON isn’t like other conferences or events where growing bigger often means growing distant from each other. While learning through special keynote speakers and breakout sessions is crucial to your future success, we also strongly believe in connecting fellow professionals together by facilitating genuine networking.
Whether this is your first GSMCON or you’re a long-time participant, you’re welcome here! New to the field? Traveling alone? Feel like you’re out of place in the social media field? We’ll get you connected through small table activities, identifiable ways to network with fellow peers at similar agencies, and so much more.
We’ve heard countless stories over the years of how GSMCON is the best place where people meet future employers (or employees), friends who you can call on when you have questions and the connections that create your socialgov support system for years to come. Curious what past attendees experienced? Read through this blog where GSM Freelancer Angie Ramirez writes about her first in-person GSMCON experience.
Every year, GSMCON is truly an experience not found anywhere else. And, we’re expecting exciting new opportunities, more genuine experiences and an even more packed schedule for GSMCON2024.
GSMCON2024: Palm Springs, California
The 2024 Government Social Media Conference is heading to Palm Springs, California for our 9th annual event! This is a special hybrid event — happening April 16-18, 2024 — where public sector communicators can get together in person at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa or virtually from wherever you are.
GSMCON2024 info
What: GSMCON2024, the largest social media conference for government agencies
When: Tuesday, April 16 through Thursday, April 18, 2024 (last day is half-day). Pre-conference workshops and our Welcome Reception happen Monday, April 15!
Host venue: Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa, 71333 Dinah Shore Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270. Reservations now available under our discounted room block of $229/night (+$10/night resort fee discounted from $37/night + 13.25% taxes and government fees).
At a later date, we’ll have additional attendee accommodations available at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa as well. Sign up for our GSMCON newsletter to get the latest information.
In-person and virtual ticket registration: Now open! There are a range of ticket prices for in-person (Early-Bird rate starting at $749) or virtual (starting at $379). Make your GSMCON experience exactly what you need with optional add-on upgrades available for each ticket type at checkout!
Who attends GSMCON?
Anyone interested in government social media! 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.
Attendees are often also those interested in exploring job opportunities in government social media. Journalists, marketers and other communicators are common fields that want to learn more about what it means to work in government and how to get more involved. GSMCON is a great place to start meeting people and ask in-depth questions.
Private industry is also welcome! While geared towards public sector social media, there are many takeaways applicable to the private sector, too.
What does the schedule look like?
We’re packing our hybrid schedule full to brim in 2024!
During our 2.5 days together, attendees will have the opportunity to sit in sessions geared exactly towards what you need as someone who works in government social media. Expect more advanced sessions and labeling for beginner and intermediate sessions and different types of session lengths and formats. In-person attendee days will start earlier at 8am PT each day to pack in even more learning!
Speakers and sessions will be announced after we run our Call for Speakers this Fall. At past GSMCONs, we’ve had speakers from 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. Take a look at 2023’s lineup!
What does networking look like?
Happening April 15, 2024 at our host venue, get treated to music, light snacks and the continuing tradition of one complimentary drink ticket at the Welcome Reception! In-person attendees can start meeting each other in a fun environment where we’ll also have guided networking to help break the ice. Joining us virtually? You’re invited to a virtual-only, hour-long Welcome Reception where you’ll meet our virtual host and other online participants.
Throughout the program, we have several built-in networking breaks for both in-person and virtual attendees. In-person attendees have additional opportunities to network during continental breakfast and lunch, in the Expo area or other on-site activities to help meet your fellow peers.
New for 2024, we’re moving our Golden Post Awards program over lunch to fit even more sessions into the program! On Wednesday, April 17, 2024, the Golden Post Awards will celebrate the important work government social media professionals accomplish — walk away with pro tips, visuals of winning entries and more. Make sure to join in-person or online to cheer on your fellow peers!
Why Palm Springs?
A lot of exciting reasons!
A major factor we consider while choosing a location is your conference experience. GSMCON is taking the whole Westin property over, making your experience the primary priority of the whole resort team. Imagine this: A whole resort filled with fellow socialgovs!
Another consideration top of mind for all of us at Team GSM is the cost effectiveness for you and your agency. Hosting in Palm Springs at our top-rated venue, we can offer a significantly reduced room rate for the season and complimentary self-parking. For attendees flying in, Palm Springs International Airport offers nonstop services and connections to major hubs across the U.S.
Even though GSMCON has never been held in the Golden State before, California cities have always sent the most attendees. We’ve heard the request for Palm Springs from past attendees, so we’re excited to bring the conference to CA for the first time!
Which ticket type should I pick?
Whichever one works best for YOU! Over the years, we’ve heard attendees asking for more-tailored experiences, and we have several add-on options and different ticket types to accommodate exactly what you need. Learn more about ticket types & add-ons.
Looking for the most exclusive experience? Make sure to sign up for the VIP Ticket, only available for in-person attendees! Here’s how to register using the Early-Bird special.
What happens after the conference ends?
You become part of the GSMCON camaraderie that lasts for long afterwards! While we only get together for 2.5 days, you’ll make lasting connections with different people and the info you need to do your job with more efficiency and less stress, protect your agency, communicate effectively with your community, and get to know the people who truly know your position — your socialgov community.
We can’t wait to 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.
