Bookmark this page for updates! This post will be your one-stop resource for all things GSMCON2026—from speaker reveals and agenda updates to behind-the-scenes sneak peeks and insider details.

Join us in New Orleans for the 2026 Government Social Media Conference (#GSMCON2026)! 

From May 5–7, 2026, government professionals from around the world will gather in the Big Easy for the most anticipated public sector social media training event in the industry. For 2026, we’re bringing GSMCON to a city where history, music, food, and celebration come together. Or as locals say, laissez les bons temps rouler—let the good times roll.

Registration is officially open! Save the most by registering during our Super Early-Bird sale, only available through July 31, 2025. Prices for all ticket types increase on August 1!

You’re invited! #GSMCON2026 event details

#GSMCON® is the premier social media conference for government agencies. It’s where innovation, collaboration, and practical strategies come together to empower communicators to achieve mastery in government social media. Whether you’re joining us in-person or online, 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.

Event dates: Tuesday, May 5 through Thursday, May 7 (last day ends at noon CT)

Pre-conference Workshops and Welcome Reception will take place Monday, May 4. The last day of the conference (Thursday, May 7) will be a half-day to allow for flexible travel. Check out the high-level 2026 schedule!

Host venue: Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Room block and booking information is available on our Venue Page.

Hybrid event: While many industry events have moved away from hybrid, we remain committed to creating an accessible experience for all socialgovs. GSMCON2026 offers a full virtual experience alongside the in-person event so that socialgovs from across the country—and the globe—can upskill, connect, and participate in meaningful ways.

Sessions & speakers: Speakers and sessions will be announced after our Call for Speakers this fall. Past presenters have included experts from major social media networks and industry leaders covering the most relevant topics in government social media. Curious who joined us last year? Check out the 2025 lineup.

In-person and virtual ticket registration: Super Early-Bird registration is open now through July 31, 2025! Prices for all ticket types increase on August 1, so now’s the time to lock in the best rate for GSMCON2026.

Why attend #GSMCON2026?

Whether you're brand new to government social media or a seasoned pro, GSMCON is where your skills grow, your network expands, and your work gets re-energized.

Our attendees come from every level of government and every corner of the industry—from social media managers and PIOs to communications directors, elected officials, and even private sector professionals exploring a shift into public service.

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.

Here’s what you’ll gain at GSMCON2026:

• Unmatched training from the top experts in government social media
• Real-world strategies you can apply immediately
• Connections that count—network with peers who get what you do
• Inspiration & insight to help you overcome your biggest challenges

You’ll feel engaged and energized, with every moment crafted to deliver meaningful takeaways for your role as a government communicator. 

What past attendees are saying

“Love this conference! I always come back refreshed and full of new ideas!”

“I am a first timer. This was a high energy conference. Everyone was so nice and I traveled here alone. I felt like family with everyone.”

“Thank you to everyone who was involved in putting it on. The speakers and the content were top-notch. Really enjoyed the networking opportunities and the overall coordination and organization of this conference.”

“This was my first GSMCON. It was an amazingly good time with lots of knowledge. I was excited to return to work and show everyone what I learned.”

“One of the best conferences I have attended.”

“This was my first time attending—and I loved it! The entire experience gave me the revamp and reset I did not know I needed. The speakers were phenomenal, the sessions were packed with valuable insights, and I appreciated having the presentation files attached to each session—super helpful! I was excited to hear from the best in the field. The awards were such a nice touch. I'm already looking forward to the next one!”

“This conference FAR exceeded my expectations. I have been to quite a few others, and the opportunity to network with other government communications professionals while attending educational and engaging sessions was phenomenal. The award show was also SO GREAT! Seriously amazing job cannot wait to go again next year!”

Tickets types & add-on upgrades

We can’t wait to meet you—in person or online—for the socialgov event of the year! Whether this is your first GSMCON or you’re a long-time participant, you’re invited to join the GSMCON camaraderie.

We have a variety of options available for you to make the socialgov event of the year exactly what you need to succeed! 

In-person registration

Be in the room where the action happens.

As an in-person attendee, you’ll get 2.5 days of high-impact learning, real-time collaboration, and face-to-face connections with the people who get what it’s like to be a socialgov. Start your mornings at Breakfast & Networking, connect at the Welcome Reception, explore gov-focused tools and services in the Expo, and build relationships that last far beyond the conference.

Included in your ticket:

• 3 continental breakfasts
• 2 lunches
• On-demand access to session recordings for 3 months (starting 10 business days after the event ends)

In-Person Tickets are on sale right now for $779 during Super Early-Bird registration!

In-Person VIP Ticket Upgrade, +$585.
VIP includes all the other add-ons & guided networking!

• Includes all upgrades:
• 3 pre-con Workshops on May 4 (and on-demand recordings)
• Extended On-Demand Add-On 

• VIP Social, onsite May 4 from 2:30-3:30pm

• VIP Dinner & Activity, onsite May 6, 5:30-7:30pm 
• GSMCON T-shirt (pick it up onsite at our Info Booth)
• VIP Lounge access (quiet space, enhanced for 2026! 

• Badge upgrade

Virtual registration
It’s important to us to continue hosting a hybrid event to make the conference accessible to government communicators from wherever you are, even if you’re overseas. While we genuinely can’t say enough about our in-person experience, we know there are socialgovs across the country—and across the world—who prefer participating online.

Online attendees will watch keynote, general and breakout sessions in real-time, so you’ll be right there with speakers and fellow attendees as the action happens. We invest in the right tech and the right people to deliver a truly live experience because we believe virtual shouldn’t feel like an afterthought—it should feel like you’re right in the room.

You’ll connect with other virtual attendees via our event platform and you can participate in live speaker Q&As. Virtual networking activities will ensure you get to be a part of the fun, too! Post-event, you’ll get on-demand online access to session recordings for 3 months (starting 10 business days after the event ends).

Virtual Tickets start at $399 for a limited time during the Super Early-Bird sale!

Virtual VIP Add-On, +$400
This is a special version of our VIP tickets for our virtual participants! Get the virtual red carpet experience with everything in a virtual ticket to GSMCON2026, plus:

• Access to livestream of every pre-conference workshop on Monday, May 4 (includes access to watch recordings on-demand after the event!)
• Includes the Extended On-Demand add-on
• Exclusive online VIP networking session hosted by an emcee (45 mins)
• GSMCON T-shirt (mailed to you before the event!)

Special upgrade add-ons for all ticket types

Customize your GSMCON experience with these special add-ons, available to both in-person and virtual ticket holders!

Pre-Conference Workshops Add-On, +$115/each or bundle all 3 for +$300 to save
Available to in-person attendees and virtual participants.
Participate in 2-hour deep dives on Monday, May 4, 2026 on some of the most-requested socialgov topics. If you purchase your ticket now, you’ll still have the opportunity to add them later. Workshops will be recorded and available to view on-demand online for 3 months after the event ends!

Extended On-Demand Add-On, +$59
Available to in-person attendees and virtual participants.

• Extend your access to on-demand online 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!

Big Easy, big learning! See you at GSMCON2026

#GSMCON2026 is more than a conference—it’s where government communicators come together to share real solutions, build lasting connections, and level up their impact.

Whether you’re attending in person in New Orleans or joining us virtually from wherever you are, this is your moment to invest in yourself and your work.

Super Early-Bird registration is open now through July 31, 2025. Get more details and how to register today!