Become a GSMCON speaker! Applications open through Oct. 23
Oct 03, 2025We consistently hear how exceptional the quality of our sessions and speakers are—it’s one of the many attributes that sets Government Social Media Conference (GSMCON®) far apart from other conferences. Our speakers deliver in-depth training, practical strategies, and real-world solutions, all aimed at helping government social media professionals elevate their skills.
If you’re someone who wants to help socialgovs grow and succeed, becoming a GSMCON speaker is the opportunity for you! Whether you’ve pioneered innovative strategies, faced challenges head-on, or want to drive meaningful change in the field, GSMCON is where your ideas can make a difference.
Call for Speakers for the 2026 Government Social Media Conference (GSMCON) is officially open!
Submit your proposal by 11:59pm PT on Thursday, October 23, 2025 to be considered for GSMCON2026 in New Orleans.
Why you should apply
This is your opportunity to share your expertise, inspire others, and make a lasting impact at the largest social media conference for government agencies.
Selected speakers receive recognition and complimentary admission to the event.
We’ve had exceptional past speakers from around the world participate in this leading program. Here’s what some of them have to say:
Speaking at GSMCON in both 2024 and 2025 was such an incredible honor. I love talking about short videos and Instagram Reels, and being able to share that passion with others on a national stage was truly one of the highlights of my career. The experience allowed me to connect with inspiring peers, exchange ideas, and lift each other up. The poster from my session still hangs in my office as a daily reminder of that wonderful experience.
I would highly recommend the opportunity to anyone considering it.
Wendy Aguilar, Sacramento Fire Department
At GSMCON, it’s the ideas that are selected before the names, because the organizers know it’s the ideas planted that grow this conference. As such, the space, the production value, the unique challenge to create an innovative hybrid presentation, and the tools used all made me, as a speaker, feel confident, ready, and willing to make something special. Further, the preconference planning, clear communication, and overall willingness to make those ideas flourish made speaking at GSMCON a must for any speaker looking not just to share, but to plant their ideas.
Paul Varga, Frederick County Division of Solid Waste & Recycling
GSMCON is a key opportunity for communications professionals to share knowledge. As communicators, the challenges we face might look different on the surface, but so often they come down to the same core issues. Getting our messages across clearly, being memorable, building trust, inspiring action. By opening up about our approaches, our lessons learned, our challenges, and the ways we’ve faced them, we all come away stronger. The way we propel our field forward is by connecting with each other and GSMCON is a powerful opportunity for connection.
If you’re considering whether to propose a presentation, my advice is: go for it. Don’t overthink whether your idea is big enough or perfect. If you’ve learned something that’s helped your work, chances are you can help someone else. GSMCON is such a supportive environment—you’ll find your voice here!
Shuly Babitz, Department of Health and Human Services
How to apply
As you think about what you would like to present, we encourage you to brainstorm how you can best teach your topic to your peers. We also have additional resources to help your creative process:
Once you’re ready, submit an application with your proposal. All applications must be completed by 11:59pm PT, Thursday, October 23, 2025.
After the application submission period ends, our speaker selection committee carefully reviews all entries. Selected speakers will be notified via email by Team GSM in mid-November 2025.
Want to be notified when our initial lineup is officially announced? Subscribe to our newsletter to get on the list!
GSMCON2026
Since 2015, GSMCON has redefined what a government conference can be: dynamic, engaging, and built for the real challenges of today’s digital landscape. It’s the go-to event for socialgovs ready to make meaningful impact through social media.
From May 5–7, 2026, government professionals from around the world will gather in the Big Easy and online for the most anticipated public sector social media training event in the industry. Whether you’re joining us in-person or virtually, you’ll leave with cutting-edge skills, fresh ideas, and new connections to strengthen your agency’s online presence and grow as a government social media professional.
Learn more and register!
Government Social Media® empowers government professionals to achieve mastery in social media through conferences, online training, and association membership. Best communicate with the public you serve and get connected with fellow socialgovs by registering for the 2026 Government Social Media Conference happening in New Orleans, LA and virtually from wherever you are! Join the free GSM Network for text-only chats on socialgov topics or access the Government Social Media Association (GSMA) for regional virtual meetups and educational webinars.
