Contributed blog by Natasha Shahani, Content Specialist at Government Social Media

It’s a magical May as we celebrate our 10th anniversary of the Government Social Media Conference! 

GSMCON2025 isn’t just another conference. It’s the leading event for government social media professionals with 40+ sessions covering mission critical topics, opportunities to hear directly from social networks in a powerful solutions-based panel and closing keynote from YouTube, and gaining real-world tools & support.

It’s not too late to join us virtually or in-person, but the registration cutoff is approaching fast—your deadline to register is Friday, May 9. 

But that isn’t the only socialgov event we have planned for this month. Add the following to your calendar:

Free GSM network & GSMChats

The free GSM network is where you’ll find a place to ask questions, share advice and genuinely meet fellow socialgovs working in public sector social media. While a lot of great collaboration happens publicly on the social networks, the GSM network is created exclusively for full or part-time employees of government agencies and educational institutions.

A major benefit of joining the network is to participate in our bi-weekly Government Social Media Chats (GSMChat), happening every other Thursday since 2015. You’ll meet with government social media professionals to discuss and share ideas with each other on different topics in a text-only chat. Recaps are available for most chats, too! Register & RSVP to attend chats in the free GSM network.

Thursday, May 8, 10am PT / 1pm ET
#GSMChat: Practical AI for Government Social Media Accounts

From auto-generated captions to voice cloning, new tools are popping up faster than you can say “em dash.” But in the government space, smart use of generative AI means balancing creativity with responsibility. Bring your insights as we dive into AI content help, tricky ethical lines, policy roadblocks, and the moments that still need a human touch. RSVP Now.

Save the Date–Thursday, June 5, 10am PT / 1pm ET
#GSMChat: Topic to be announced soon!

GSM Association events

The Government Social Media Association unlocks a support system for government employees handling social media—and is one of the most economical memberships.

Members get access to at least one live webinar on the latest social media updates (with replays often available). Get online resources, access to regional groups, quarterly virtual regional meetups, extras at GSMCON and more exciting perks.

Complete the application form & start viewing the member-only content today!

Tuesday, May 20, 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET
Annual Member Meeting at GSMCON

GSMCON attendees who are GSMA members are invited to join us in person or virtually for our annual Member Meeting! This is your opportunity to connect with your elected Membership Council, engage with fellow regional socialgovs, and get the latest updates on the association’s direction and upcoming goals. Be part of the conversation as we shape the future of government social media together! 

Even more downloads & other resources

Grab these free downloads and resources specific to socialgovs: 

• Sign up for our newsletter to get weekly socialgov-related tips in your inbox, event updates, and be the first to know more exciting training news.
• Looking for content ideas for your agency’s social media calendar? Download our yearly observance calendar roundup for some of the observances you might consider building content for—or be mindful of—for your government social media accounts.

• Browse the GSM blog to find helpful resources!  

Meet the Author

Natasha Shahani
Content Specialist - Government Social Media LLC

With eight years of government social media experience, Natasha joined Team GSM in 2025. 

Natasha graduated from Chapman University with a bachelor's degree in public relations & advertising and a minor in English. She has worked in PR and social media since 2011 and is looking forward to supporting the socialgov community. 

Natasha is a proud member of Alpha Gamma Delta and serves on the Board of Trustees for the Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation. 

When she is not working or volunteering, she spends time with her daughter, adventures around LA and watches Hallmark movies.