Entries extended! Golden Post Awards open through Feb. 6

There’s still time to self-nominate your government agency’s social media wins into this year’s Golden Post Awards! We’re extending the deadline for submissions to 11:59 p.m. PT Monday, February 6, 2023. 

There is zero cost for government agencies to submit up to three entries. This awards program was created to celebrate your hard work in government social media in these 10 categories — including Best Nextdoor Presence, Best Use of Social Media in an Emergency, Best Social Media Customer Service and more. Finalists will be announced in March; winners are named at a special ceremony at GSMCON2023 and receive an engraved trophy. Get started on your entry now.

New this year, entrants will now receive feedback from judges! This has been a popular request, and now, you’ll get feedback at the close of this year’s program, highlighting areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement in your entry.

How to enter

Determine your eligibility
You may only nominate your own agency, but if you want to recognize another agency, we encourage you to reach out to them! Eligible agencies include these entities within the United States. 

Pick your categories
Our award program features 10 categories focusing on social media strategy, presence and success. Government agencies can submit up to three entries!

You’ll find categories from platform presence and best short-form video to social media customer service and best use of social media in an emergency. Categories like Best Facebook Presence and Long Form Video are typically very competitive in terms of number of entries received. Don’t forget about entering in other categories, like Best Nextdoor Presence, Social Media Customer Service and Best Twitter Presence, as well!

Get your entry ready!
Head to our awards platform to create an account, and from here, you’ll follow the steps to fill out your entries. Answer each question showing the judges why your agency excels in this category!

Officially submit your entry by 11:59 p.m. PT Monday, February 6 to be considered for the Golden Post Awards. Finalists will be announced in March and will receive certificates. Winners will be named at a special ceremony at GSMCON2023 and receive a trophy!

Submitting outstanding entries

How can you make your agency’s entries stand out? 

Catch the replay of a helpful webinar from Awards Committee Co-Chair and GSM Membership Council President Kristen Waggener! Scroll down this page to learn what judges are looking for, changes to this year’s program and practical tips on how to create excellent entries that make your government social media work shine. 

Another great resource is to see what winning entries in 2022 looked like! View the gallery to take a look at actual submissions from winners and finalists.

New for 2023

We’re making several enhancements for 2023 based on your feedback!

• Entrants will now receive feedback from judges! This has been a popular request, and now, you’ll get feedback at the close of this year’s program, highlighting areas of excellence and opportunities for improvement in your entry.
• Short-Form Video category is now accepting entries for videos that are 60 seconds or less. Videos over 60 seconds should be entered in the “Best Long-Form Video” category.
• Judges can now submit entries — as long as entries are in a category they aren’t assigned to judge.
• Entrants will be asked to share more information about staff size and outsourced work.

What are the Golden Post Awards?

People who manage social media in government are in one of the most difficult fields for social media professionals. The Golden Post Awards is a free program dedicated to recognize their hard work, which frequently involves high stakes, high expectations and limited resources in facilitating open communication with the public. 

The Golden Post Awards debuted in 2015, and this year will be the 7th installation! Led by co-chairs Chelsea Sawyer, Kristen Waggener and Katie Grant, our 2023 Award Committee is hard at work planning a memorable ceremony celebrating the work of social media professionals. Winners will be named at the ceremony, happening during the 2023 Government Social Media Conference. 

Only registered GSMCON2023 attendees will be able to participate in the ceremony at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada, so we encourage you to register to attend GSMCON! Registration for a virtual ticket also allows entry to watch the live streamed award ceremony for those not attending the conference in person. 

More on GSMCON2023

Over 600 participants have already signed up for the premier social media conference for government agencies! Get the latest tools for you to become the most efficient public service communicator:

• Network with fellow government professionals in this niche social media field at fun events like the Welcome Reception (held at Lex Nightclub) and guided networking activities.
• Hear from over 30 speakers throughout the program! Attendees take part in 2.5 days of concurrent breakout sessions, Speed Sessions, keynotes and more.
• Celebrate wins at the Golden Post Awards and enjoy a complimentary shuttle ride for a networking night in Lake Tahoe.
• Explore different upgrades available to add on special sessions, networking opportunities and pre-conference, in-depth workshops. 

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.