Speakers

The strongest GSMCON sessions give attendees something they can use. We’re looking for focused sessions that go beyond high-level ideas and give government communicators practical strategies, examples, tools or approaches they can apply in their own work. You don’t need to have the biggest agency or the biggest budget. A strong proposal clearly identifies what attendees will learn, why it matters and what makes your perspective valuable.

We’re rethinking the traditional breakout experience for #GSMCON2027 and are open to different ways of helping attendees learn. We're introducing four distinct session formats this year:
Breakout Session: (45-mins to 1 hour) up to 500 attendees in-person; livestreamed to virtual ticket holders. (Good rule of thumb - breakout topic should be relevant to at least 300 in-person attendees)
Speed Session: (30-mins) up to 500 attendees in-person; livestreamed to virtual ticket holders; Change for 2027: one speaker for entire session. (Topic should be relevant to at least 300 in-person attendees)
Studio Live: (30-mins) ~100 participants; in-person only, not livestreamed. Good for topics appealing to smaller niche audiences. Additionally, Studio Live speakers may also be asked to host a roundtable.
Tech Lab: (30-mins) ~100 attendees; in-person only, not livestreamed. Good for demonstrating devices or other technology. Additionally, Tech Lab speakers may also be asked to host a roundtable.

Not at all! If you have relevant experience, a strong idea and something valuable to teach government social media managers, we encourage you to submit a proposal. As we reimagine GSMCON for 2027, we’re especially interested in bringing fresh perspectives, new expertise and new voices to the GSMCON stage.

The Call for Speakers process is intended for government and public-sector practitioners and other independent subject-matter experts proposing educational sessions for the GSMCON community. If you’re submitting on behalf of a company, vendor or industry partner and are interested in presenting as part of your organization’s involvement with GSMCON, please contact Team GSM instead to learn about sponsorship and partnership opportunities, including opportunities to share your expertise with GSMCON attendees.

While government professionals make up the majority of our speaker lineup, the speaker review committee occasionally features private sector experts if the session is highly educational and not promotional. If that’s you, feel free to submit a proposal. If your organization is interested in showcasing your product or service, our sponsorship program is the best path for activations that involve speaking engagements.

You may submit more than one proposal, but we encourage applicants to focus on their strongest idea rather than submitting multiple variations of similar topics.

We strongly encourage proposals designed for a single presenter. A focused, individual presentation generally allows speakers to go deeper into their topic and make the most of the available session time. If a second presenter brings a distinct perspective or expertise that is essential to the session, you may propose a co-presenter. Your application should explain how both presenters will meaningfully contribute to the session.

You can review the application questions in advance via the link at the top of this page, and then submit your session proposal using the button near the top of this page. You can save your proposal and return to it before submitting — just make sure to officially submit your entry by the deadline! We can't access partially-complete forms.

Proposals are reviewed based on the strength and relevance of the topic, its practical value for government communicators, the speaker’s experience and ability to teach the subject, and how the session fits within the overall GSMCON program. We also consider direct feedback from hundreds of past GSMCON attendees about the topics, questions and challenges they most want addressed at #GSMCON2027.

As we reimagine the conference for 2027, we’re also intentionally looking for a mix of trusted expertise, fresh perspectives and new voices to bring to the GSMCON stage. Team GSM may also reach out directly to experts and accomplished professionals for keynotes, panels and select breakout sessions.

After our review panel makes final selections, you’ll receive an email from Team GSM with information on next steps. Applicants who are not selected will also receive an email.
You’ll be notified about your proposal in mid-November 2026.

We’ll work with selected speakers to determine the best format and length for their session based on the topic and overall program.

Speakers present live and in person at the event venue to both an in-room audience and a virtual audience (for most breakout and speed sessions). Our professional A/V team manages technical aspects, and volunteers are available in each breakout room to help facilitate the session and monitor the virtual chat.

GSMCON attendees are primarily government communicators representing city, county, state, federal, law enforcement, special district and other public-sector agencies.

Confirmed speakers receive complimentary in-person General Admission registration and recognition on our website and in event promotion. If you already have a paid registration and are approved to present a session, your eligible registration fee will be refunded. Speakers are not paid a speaker fee or honorarium and are not reimbursed for travel or other expenses.

Selected speakers work closely with Team GSM throughout the process. You’ll receive access to our Speaker Hub with helpful information, resources, slide templates and important deadlines. We’ll also stay in touch leading up to the conference to help answer questions and prepare you for your session. At GSMCON, our A/V team and volunteers will be available to support your session. Speakers also receive complimentary General Admission registration and are encouraged to experience the conference, attend sessions and connect with the socialgov community.