Don’t miss this! Conference discount ends Nov. 18

Hundreds of government social media professionals have already registered for the 2023 Government Social Media Conference — ready to join them in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada in May? Early-Bird discounted tickets end at 11:59 p.m. PT Friday, November 18! Here’s how to register.

GSMCON2023 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. In 2022, nearly 1,400 people met in Dallas, Texas, or online to connect with social network representatives, industry leaders and, most importantly, fellow professionals.

For our 8th annual GSMCON, we’re planning a special hybrid event where public sector communicators can meet together in person at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV or virtually from wherever you are. Attendees can expect 2.5 days filled with unparalleled networking opportunities, the best learning for this niche field, a program filled with over 30 sessions, exciting after hours events — complimentary shuttles to Lake Tahoe, anyone? — and so much more.

Initial speakers announced!

Over 30 speakers were announced in the initial GSMCON2023 lineup! Speakers represent local, city, state and federal agencies, that will speak to important socialgov topics in 25 concurrent breakout sessions, 4 general sessions and 12 speed sessions

• Accessibility
• Copyright & fair use
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Embracing negativity
• Managing social for large agencies, state & federal

View the full list of initial sessions and the tentative schedule.

Why go to GSMCON?

Social media — and especially, social media in the government space — is challenging, but we have good news to share: You don’t have to face it alone. 

GSMCON is the best place to build your connections, meet social media representatives, get the latest learning and so much more. Here’s what some past attendees have said about attending the largest social media conference for government agencies:

“Through the wide variety of available workshops and training sessions, you will connect with people who work not only in government, but with social media. Networking with like-minded people and industry peers you will discover new ideas from other agencies, expand your social media knowledge, and find solutions to enhance your messaging to, and engagement with your community.” - Marian Doucette, Online Communications Coordinator for Huron Perth Public Health

“For me, the most valuable part of GSMCON is the community. I’ve connected with people in other levels of government that have given me a better perspective on my own work in state government. Seeing their work pushes me to elevate my creativity in content creation and problem-solving. And seeing the work they do inspires me daily.” - Katie Grant, Digital Communications Section Chief for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 

Tickets, workshops & more upgrades

Ever wish you could handpick exactly what you need to help grow in your field? Now you can! We offer a variety of ticket types to best accommodate all government social media professionals, where you can add-on workshops or upgrade your ticket to match exactly what you need. All tickets get on-demand access to regular sessions and speaker materials for 90 days after the event.

General Admission Ticket

This base ticket gets you access to all keynote and breakout sessions with perks like meeting people face-to-face at the Welcome Reception at the Lex Nightclub on Monday, May 1, learning more about government-related products in the expo area and connecting directly with speakers and other attendees. Enjoy 3 continental breakfasts and 2 lunches with your ticket, and spend after-hours exploring the Reno-Tahoe area with old friends and new acquaintances. 

All Access Ticket

Everything in the General Admission Ticket, PLUS admission to these three All Access only sessions. 

• All Access Live Review: Go From Design Disasters to Social Ready, Anndrea Harris, City of Wichita Falls
• All Access PowerTalk: Creating & Editing Smartphone Video, Zach Whitney, Utah Department of Commerce & GSM Membership Council
• All Access WWYD: Getting Leadership to Subscribe to the Work You Do, Chris Hsiung, Mountain View PD

In these special sessions, you’ll work through these top government social media challenges in fun, interactive ways and actually practice what you learn in small group activities. These sessions are not recorded, so join live and in person for the full experience!

Add-on, pre-conference Workshops
All in-person General Admission and All Access attendees can add on these pre-conference workshops for $100 each! These 2-hour, add-on, pre-conference workshops on Monday, May 1, 2023, are only held in-person where participants can expect in-depth sessions with small group activities. Every person who completes any workshop will receive a digital certificate of completion!

• Government Social Media 101 -  Best choice if you’re a new socialgov or want to learn the basics, completely revamped for 2023!
• Instagram 201: Beyond Chasing Trends and Posting Photos (Eva Kirschbaum with the Town of Gilbert and Frances La Rue with the City of Anna, Texas)
• Creating Effective Social Media Reports Your Boss Loves & Understands (Sabrina Merritt, October Social Media)

*New for 2023!* VIP Ticket

If you’re looking for the most upgraded experience possible, we’re rolling out the red carpet for an exclusive VIP ticket experience where attendees get:

• Access to ALL pre-conference workshops on Monday, May 1
• Admission to All Access sessions during the conference
• Exclusive VIP networking activity & meal the evening of Wednesday, May 3, 2023
• Private VIP device charging station access in our expo
• Bonus swag to commemorate your experience
• Attendee badge upgrade

Virtual Ticket

If your agency won’t allow travel or participating online is better for you, you have options for a virtual experience, too! Online participants will be able to watch most sessions in real-time, meaning you’ll be right there with speakers and other attendees as sessions are happening. You’ll connect with other virtual and All Access in-person attendees in our online event website and participate in speaker Q&As.

Networking opportunities

Start your time at GSMCON by attending the Welcome Reception! Happening May 1, 2023 at the Lex Nightclub, located at our venue, get treated to music, light snacks and the continuing tradition of one complimentary drink ticket. 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 morning on-site activities to help meet your fellow peers first thing to set your day up for success. Plus, you’ll get to hang out at the expo stage, where you can expect special activities and raffles.

Don’t forget about our in-person networking event in Lake Tahoe! Take complimentary shuttles to the beautiful Lake Tahoe and have great opportunities to meet with fellow in-person attendees. On Tuesday, make sure to sign up for our yearly Restaurant Romp to explore local Reno eateries and then on Wednesday, pack something dressy for the 2023 Golden Post Awards! 

Venue & location

Where else could you find axe throwing and the largest social media conference for government agencies? Only at the Grand Sierra Resort for GSMCON2023!

The Grand Sierra Resort in Reno has spacious breakout rooms (which allows us to get attendees classroom seating with a table in front of you), areas that are big enough to not be crowded but comfortable enough to genuinely connect, on-site activities and more. After hours, we always encourage attendees to get together, and right at the GSR, you’ll find activities like an escape room, laser tag, bowling, swimming, axe throwing, golf driving range and more.

Plus, the GSR is only a few minutes from the airport and a short drive to Reno’s Downtown and Midtown areas, you’ll get to experience boutique shops, fun eateries, speakeasies and much more.

Register today!

Become part of the GSMCON camaraderie that lasts for long afterwards by getting your Early-Bird ticket before the discount ends Friday, November 18! Afterwards, ticket prices for in-person tickets increase by $100 and virtual tickets increase by $50.

We can’t wait to see you at GSMCON2023!

Best communicate with the public you serve and get connected with fellow socialgovs by registering for the 2023 Government Social Media Conference happening in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada! 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.