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Monday, April 1
 

1:00pm MDT

Conference Check-in
Grab your name badge and swag bag when checking-in with us at the GSMCON registration booth prior to participating in the event.
Monday April 1, 2019 1:00pm - 9:00pm MDT
Presidential Lobby 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

2:30pm MDT

Add-on Workshop: Intro to Government Social Media
This 2.5 hour pre-conference workshop is an optional $75 add-on that you can purchase along with your attendee ticket. This is an introductory training session for social media professionals who are either new to government or familiar with government but new to managing social media.

Workshop Topics
  • What government social media managers should know about Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Nextdoor (including government-specific TOS and features)
  • Overview of government-focused social media issues, including public records, FOIA, Freedom of Speech and more.
  • Quick primer on government social media policy.
The workshop fee is $75 and may be purchased along with your GSMCON attendee ticket. 
Monday April 1, 2019 2:30pm - 5:00pm MDT
Jackson EF 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Workshop Add-On

7:00pm MDT

Welcome Reception
Join us in the breathtaking Delta Island for our Nashville kickoff celebration! This unique indoor venue transforms you to a different world as you enjoy the ambience of lighted trees and the riverfront. Surprises are in store for you!

Meet attendees, speakers and sponsors as you enjoy complimentary snacks. We’ll start you off right with one free drink ticket for the bar (they also accept cash + credit cards). Warm thanks to our 2019 reception sponsor, Everbridge!

You’ll need your GSMCON badge to enter. Spouses/Guests can purchase a $20 welcome reception guest pass at our Information booth.
Monday April 1, 2019 7:00pm - 9:30pm MDT
Delta Island 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Special Activity
 
Tuesday, April 2
 

7:00am MDT

Continental Breakfast
Grab a light morning snack at our continental breakfast buffet and find a good seat for the general session. Make sure to eat between 7-8 a.m., as we’ll kick off the conference with our opening keynotes at 8 a.m. sharp in the same room!    
Tuesday April 2, 2019 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

7:00am MDT

Conference Check-in
Grab your name badge and swag bag when checking-in with us at the GSMCON registration booth prior to participating in the event.
Tuesday April 2, 2019 7:00am - 5:00pm MDT
Presidential Lobby 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

8:00am MDT

Opening Kickoff! Welcome, Hootsuite and Twitter Keynotes
Join us for our opening session as with kick off the 5th year anniversary of GSMCON! Conference Director Kristy Dalton reveals more about this year’s program and welcomes our 2019 opening keynote speakers.

Get insight from the world's most popular social media management platform as we hear secrets from Hootsuite’s Ben Cathers on why investing in video and visual content is key in 2019.

Twitter returns to GSMCON for our 5th anniversary! Learn strategies from a major social network as Lauren Devoll from Twitter’s government and election team shares about the power of Twitter and provides strategies on how to create winning, relevant conversations.
Speakers
avatar for Kristy Dalton

Kristy Dalton

Conference Director, GSMCON
Kristy Dalton is the founder and conference director of GSMCON. She is the CEO of Government Social Media LLC and executive director of the Government Social Media Organization. She has been called on as an industry influencer, has authored several social media courses for the LinkedIn... Read More →
avatar for Ben Cathers

Ben Cathers

Principal Government Solutions Consultant, Hootsuite
Ben partners with Hootsuite’s largest government and financial services clients to help address their unique digital transformation requirements. He works closely with customers and industry analysts to ensure our solutions meet and exceed government-specific compliance standards... Read More →
avatar for Lauren Devoll

Lauren Devoll

Public Policy Associate, Twitter
Lauren Devoll manages U.S. government and strategic partnerships on the Public Policy team at Twitter in Washington, D.C. Before joining Twitter, she spent five years specializing in digital strategy and content creation for political campaigns at the RNC and NRCC. A native of Fort... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session

8:00am MDT

Zen Lounge
We know you’re still on the clock, so take a break from sessions and get some work done while you charge your devices in the relaxing vibe of our Zen Lounge quiet zone. The lounge is open Tuesday/Wednesday 8am-5pm and Thursday 8am-11am.    
Tuesday April 2, 2019 8:00am - 5:00pm MDT
Presidential Boardroom A

9:15am MDT

Expo Open 9:15am - 5pm
Meet our sponsors and network with attendees in the Expo area.
Tuesday April 2, 2019 9:15am - 5:00pm MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

9:30am MDT

How to Overcome Internal Pushback
Embracing change isn’t always easy in government, and many social media professionals have a hard time convincing their agency to let them fully engage on social media. How do we get past this resistance and get to a place where leadership sees the value in what we do? Walk away from this session with a toolkit filled with with statistics, case studies, "FANs" (Frequently Answered "No") responses, and more. 

Speakers
avatar for Alexandra Walden

Alexandra Walden

Chief Public Information Officer, Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
Alexandra Walden serves as the Chief Public Information Officer for the State of Nevada's Department of Motor Vehicles. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University and her Master's in Public Administration from Bellevue University. She has worked in State... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Lincoln CDE 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Job Recruiting for Free on Social Media
Filling public sector jobs can be challenging for any department. Government agencies don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on recruiting when you can do it practically for free on social media. Learn award-winning social recruitment techniques from the Fort Worth Police Department that any agency can replicate.  
Speakers
avatar for Brad Perez

Brad Perez

PIO/Videographer, Fort Worth Police Department
Officer Brad Perez has been with the Fort Worth Police Department for 15 years.  As a hobby, Brad began making videos for the department and the Chief took notice and asked Brad to join the Public Relations Office back in December 2015 to help with recruitment. Brad's first recruitment... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Social Media Security: Take Control Before & During Times of Crisis (Hootsuite)
Does your agency have a plan in place for a social media account breach? Government agencies are using social media to deliver on vital citizen experience objectives and security is the underlying factor in achieving those goals—but many agencies fail to address this critical element. Join this session to learn about essential security protocols, the importance of having a social media management system in place, and to start building a strategic response plan tailored for your agency.
Speakers
avatar for Ben Cathers

Ben Cathers

Principal Government Solutions Consultant, Hootsuite
Ben partners with Hootsuite’s largest government and financial services clients to help address their unique digital transformation requirements. He works closely with customers and industry analysts to ensure our solutions meet and exceed government-specific compliance standards... Read More →
avatar for Anna Easterbrooks

Anna Easterbrooks

Social Media Marketing Manager, Carahsoft
Anna is the Social Media Marketing Manager at Carahsoft, a trusted government IT solutions provider and top-ranked GSA Schedule Contract holder, managing a portfolio of 40 social media accounts across four social platforms while providing social media support for 300+ of its best-of-breed... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson CD 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Understanding How Government Can Use Facebook Groups
Learn best practices for using Facebook groups to own the discussion on a topic and engage citizens on important issues without cluttering up your main page. Agencies looking for public comments need to meet their stakeholders on their level, and UDOT has experimented with groups and received telling results about how citizens want to hear from agencies.
Speakers
avatar for Zach Whitney

Zach Whitney

Digital Communication Specialist, Utah Department of Transportation
Zach Whitney is a professional storyteller with 10 years of communication experience. He operates under the motto that “everyone has an interesting story to tell.”For the past two years, Zach has worked as a digital communication manager for the Utah Department of Transportation... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Add-on Workshop | Smartphone Video Lab
This 2.5 hour workshop is an optional $75 add-on that you can purchase along with your attendee ticket. In this hands-on workshop, Kerry Shearer, “The Livestream Expert” and former PIO for Sacramento County, will help you develop video and audio skills with easy apps, techniques, and accessories. If you’re not making video content the majority of your social media posts, you’re not getting the impact and algorithm reach you deserve! Fast, effective video creation skills are what you need to maximize your time, help your agency shine, and brand yourself as a content-creation superstar. Kerry will teach you how to run livestreams; shoot and edit smartphone videos that look amazing; and use apps that will add motion to still photos and graphics.
Speakers
avatar for Kerry Shearer

Kerry Shearer

CEO, Kerry Shearer "The Livestream Expert"
Kerry Shearer thrives on teaching public agency communicators how to use livestreaming and smartphone video production effectively so that they can create great content, get more engagement, and communicate clearly. He is a former broadcaster for KFBK NewsTalk 1530 in Sacramento... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 9:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Jackson EF 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Workshop Add-On

10:30am MDT

Networking Break
Relax and recharge with our extended networking break in the Expo area.
Tuesday April 2, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

11:00am MDT

Facebook Power Editor for Ads Explained
This session introduces you to Facebook Power Editor, a tool that allows you to choose advertising campaign goals, segment audiences, and craft content for a better ad experience for your audience. Learn how to set up ads for A/B testing, lead generation, app installs and video views. Determine the best target audience using Facebook's demographic segments and understand the metrics that you should pay attention to when running ads.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Sadler

Jennifer Sadler

Professor of Marketing, Columbia College Chicago
Jennifer Sadler is a Professor in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department who teaches branding and marketing courses. Her experience includes branding, entrepreneurship, and social/digital marketing. After gaining her master’s in journalism from the University of Memphis, she... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

11:00am MDT

First Amendment Issues Facing Government Social Media Coordinators
What do you do when a comment appears on your social media feed that’s contrary to your agency’s values or ignites controversy with the public? If you think the answer is to hide or delete the comment, your agency could face a Civil Rights lawsuit. Knowing how the First Amendment applies to your social media presence can protect you from a lawsuit, legal fees and damages. This humorous and lively session features practical tips from an expert social media attorney for cities and counties.
Speakers
avatar for Mark Weaver

Mark Weaver

Founder & President, Communications Counsel
Mr. Weaver is a national communications advisor with decades of experience. He’s worked with a wide array of public & private sector clients on PR, social media, and crisis communications. Mr. Weaver has lectured around the country on a variety of topics to a wide range of public... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

11:00am MDT

Public Safety and Expanded Online Community (Everbridge)
Online communities consist of people from all walks of life who seem to have no relationship at all, but are held together by a common interest. Agencies can set up their own communities around the common interest of public safety and leverage a variety of communication methods to engage. This session hosted by Everbridge will explore how these communities function and what ‘rules’ you need to be aware of for successful community engagement.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Babcock

Sara Babcock

Associate Product Manager, Everbridge Nixle
Sara Babcock is an Associate Product Manager at Everbridge, responsible for the strategy and development of the Nixle product. Since 2017 she has lead the cross-functional project teams working to bring easy and interesting community engagement into cities, towns, counties, and states... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Jackson CD 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

11:00am MDT

Reaching Non-English Speakers on Social
Does your agency struggle to connect with non-English speakers? Learn how to develop a non-English language social account focused on your agency services and use audience data to determine when to post translated key messages on English-language pages. Hear how to build a community network to share translated content and how to empower your team to connect with underserved residents in your community.
Speakers
avatar for Warren Kagarise

Warren Kagarise

Digital Engagement Manager, King County, WA
As digital engagement manager for King County, WA, in Seattle, Warren Kagarise leads the county’s efforts to connect with its 2.2 million residents through the innovative use of social media and other tools.Before joining King County, he served as communications coordinator for... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Lincoln CDE 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

12:15pm MDT

General Session: Lunch, Sponsor Speed Dating & Raffles
Come back to the ballroom to enjoy our luncheon buffet. During lunch, we’ll present “Sponsor Speed Dating”, where our high-level sponsors get only 3 minutes on the countdown clock to try to win you over! After every speaker, we’ll raffle cool electronics and other prizes. You must be present to win!
Tuesday April 2, 2019 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session

2:00pm MDT

Create Social Media Reports Your Agency Can Understand
Discover how to create social media reports that help you earn credibility as a subject matter expert, increase your social media marketing budget, and show your agency’s community impact. This session covers a 3-prong approach to reporting including: Transparency, Context and Simplicity.  

Attendees Will Learn:
  • Why social media reporting is the important part of a social media manager’s job. How to understand the different types of social media reports and when to use them. 
  • How to define and identify social media metrics for your social reports on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 
  • How to incorporate city/agency/department statistics into your reports to strengthen your POV. 
  • How to put together a social media report that’s easy to read and understand from beginning to end. 
  • Tips and Tricks to assist with creating reports to save you time and increase efficiency.
Speakers
avatar for Sabrina Merritt

Sabrina Merritt

Founder + CEO, October Social Media
Sabrina Merritt, Founder + CEO, of October Social, is also the Co-Founder of Women Interactive Creative Technology Fest. Sabrina has built her career as a social media manager at International NGO, CARE, and Fortune 500 company, The PulteGroup. Since launching October Social Media... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Helping Elected Officials Share Their Stories - Without the Politics
Whether you manage social media for an elected official or an elected body, it can be hard to navigate politics while creating content that best represents your agency. We'll walk through how elected officials can best engage with constituents on social media, as well as how to serve a divided Council, without playing politics. As social media managers, we are tasked with helping elected officials share their message, while keeping in mind the agency itself comes first.
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Guzman-Barrera

Stephanie Guzman-Barrera

Deputy Director of Communications, Seattle City Council, City of Seattle
Stephanie Guzman-Barrera, a former journalist turned government communicator, is passionate about reaching constituents in the digital space and making government social media fun and engaging. A Southern California native, Stephanie got her bachelor's degree in English from Loyola... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Lincoln CDE 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

How the National Archives Keeps Social Media Records (PageFreezer)
Learn how to capture and manage your social media records in accordance with current National Archives and Records Administration's (NARA) guidance. Session will look at how social media fits into the Federal Records Act, the challenges of writing a schedule for dynamic content, and practical options for capture and management. We'll use NARA's own experience with corporate social media records for over 100 social accounts as a case study.
Speakers
avatar for Gabby Kalaw

Gabby Kalaw

Strategic Partnerships Manager, PageFreezer
Once a political aide in the British Columbia government, Gabby Kalaw is now Strategic Partner Manager with PageFreezer Software. His career in stakeholder relations spans 15 years across internet technology, and  government communications, bringing him unique insights to where the... Read More →
avatar for Kristen Albrittain

Kristen Albrittain

National Archives and Records Administration
Kristen is a member of the National Archives and Records Administration's Social Media Team, specializing in policy, terms of service agreement negotiations, and corporate records management for social media. She received her MLS from the University of Maryland in 2009... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Jackson EF 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Run Twitter Ads Like a Pro
Whether you’re new to Twitter ads or looking to optimize your existing campaigns, hear directly from Twitter’s own Lexi Neaman on how to set up a campaign designed with government objectives in mind. Learn the ins and outs of audience targeting, ad units and see a live dashboard demo.

Speakers
avatar for Lexi Neaman

Lexi Neaman

Senior Client Account Manager, Twitter
Lexi is a Senior Client Account Manager at the Twitter DC office. After graduating from the University of Maryland, Lexi interned at Ketchum Public Relations on the online strategy team which piqued her interest in paid digital. In September 2013, Lexi made the move to Twitter and... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Networking Break
Relax and recharge with our extended networking break in the Expo area.
Tuesday April 2, 2019 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

3:30pm MDT

Social Media Accessibility Panel
How can can social media professionals ensure that government communications are accessible for every person in their communities? Expert panelists weigh in on why accessible content matters and discuss the big issues - and solutions - for social media content.
Speakers
avatar for Bridget Coyne

Bridget Coyne

Public Policy Director, Twitter
Bridget Coyne joined Twitter in 2012 and is a senior manager on Twitter’s Public Policy team in Washington, DC. In her capacity, she develops creative civic engagement initiatives for Twitter and manages government and election partnerships with leading government and political... Read More →
avatar for April Meredith

April Meredith

Independent Living and Advocacy Specialist, Empower Tennessee
April Meredith is the Independent Living and Advocacy Specialist for Empower Tennessee, a nonprofit that aims to cultivate a barrier-free community where people with disabilities are valued equally and participate fully. April's duties include administrating the organization's Facebook... Read More →
avatar for Sarah Sampson

Sarah Sampson

Deputy Director, Tennessee Disability Coalition
Sarah has furthered the work of the Tennessee Disability Coalition in creating a society that values, supports and includes individuals with disabilities since 2010. In her current role, Sarah leads the Communications Team and assists with strategic planning, development and coordination... Read More →
avatar for Lizzie Sorkin

Lizzie Sorkin

Director of Communications, National Association of the Deaf
Before arriving at the NAD in 2013, Lizzie worked at Gallaudet University for five years, first as a Digital Video Specialist and then as a Video Senior Producer. She has a Bachelor’s degree from the School of Film and Animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master’s... Read More →

Tuesday April 2, 2019 3:30pm - 4:45pm MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session

5:30pm MDT

Tuesday Evening Activities: Restaurant Romp & Downtown Shuttle
Looking for something to do Tuesday evening? Check out what we've got planned -

Restaurant Romp: No signup needed! Simply stop by one of our participating Gaylord restaurants at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and find the GSMCON liaison near the restaurant host. Our liaison will work with the host to seat GSMCON attendees together so you can get to know other attendees. Each person is responsible for covering his/her own bill. Visit our Information Booth to view menu selections for participating restaurants to decide where you want to dine! 

Downtown Nashville Shuttle: Complimentary GSMCON shuttles run every 15 minutes from the Gaylord Opryland starting at 5:30 p.m.! You’ll be dropped off and picked up at 1st & Broadway in downtown Nashville! Final shuttle heads back to the Gaylord at 9pm. What you choose to do is up to you! Advance sign up & liability release is required and you must show your pass to board. Spouses and guests are welcome with advance sign up. Sign up at the Information booth by 5:30 pm on Tuesday.

Tuesday April 2, 2019 5:30pm - 9:00pm MDT
  Special Activity
 
Wednesday, April 3
 

7:00am MDT

Continental Breakfast
Grab a light morning snack at our continental breakfast buffet and find a good seat. Make sure to eat between 7-8 a.m., as we’ll kick off the conference with our opening keynotes at 8 a.m. sharp in the same room!    
Wednesday April 3, 2019 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

7:00am MDT

Registration/Information
Grab your name badge and swag bag when checking-in with us at the GSMCON registration booth prior to participating in the event. Ask any questions at our Information Booth.
Wednesday April 3, 2019 7:00am - 5:00pm MDT
Presidential Lobby 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

8:00am MDT

Facebook Keynote: Best Practices and Q&A
Facebook’s Eva Guidarini returns to the stage to share what her team has been working on over the last year. She’ll discuss ideas for increasing your agency’s organic reach, as well as the latest tools and best practices to help you connect with members of your community on Facebook. She’ll host a popular Q&A where attendees get to come to the mic and ask their own questions!
Speakers
avatar for Eva Guidarini

Eva Guidarini

Politics and Government Outreach Manager, Facebook
Eva is the manager of state and local government outreach at Facebook. She and her team help elected officials, campaigns, and governments use the platform to better connect with voters and constituents. Previous to Facebook, Eva worked on political campaigns – most recently on... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session

8:00am MDT

Zen Lounge
We know you’re still on the clock, so take a break from sessions and get some work done while you charge your devices in the relaxing vibe of our Zen Lounge quiet zone. The lounge is open Tuesday/Wednesday 8am-5pm and Thursday 8am-11am.    
Wednesday April 3, 2019 8:00am - 5:00pm MDT
Presidential Boardroom A

9:15am MDT

Expo Open 9:15am - 5pm
Meet our sponsors and network with attendees in the Expo area.
Wednesday April 3, 2019 9:15am - 5:00pm MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

9:30am MDT

Communicating with Diverse & Underserved Populations via Social Media
This session addresses the gaps many government agencies experience with reaching diverse and underrepresented populations. Participants will explore their agency’s gaps in communication and reach as well as learn how to develop key partnerships with NGOs and agencies rooted in underserved communities by utilizing their social media tools effectively. Participants will leave with tools, templates and resources to support their new messages and content creation process.
Speakers
avatar for Giovanni N. Dortch

Giovanni N. Dortch

Principal Consultant, Zenzilé's Way Consulting
Ms. Dortch is the owner of Zenzilé’s Way Consulting, a communications consulting firm focused on speaking, writing, editing and community programming. Ms. Dortch supports independent authors in telling their stories  through her consulting and editing services.  She also supports... Read More →
avatar for Yolo Spinks

Yolo Spinks

Digital Strategist, YOLOSpin Media
Yolo Spinks is a digital strategist and the founder of YOLOSpin Media, a full-service social media agency that specializes in social media strategy and implementation. With a charming smile and deep-rooted Southern drawl to match, she pairs her customer service, public relations and... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Making the Case for Separate Pages
Several agencies have multiple social media accounts, and the question is often posed, "should we have a separate page for X, or keep it under one?” Separate departments that have a demand for their content should be separate to be seen as a legitimate source. Too often, cities or counties seek to govern the messaging and desire to limit their exposure to just one page. This session will provide guidance and tips for managers to take back and help convince their management to divide. Also discussed will be when agencies have divided their exposure too much.

Speakers
avatar for Chad Norvell

Chad Norvell

Major, Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
Major Chad Norvell is the Commander for the Criminal Law Enforcement Bureau for the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office, which is located on the southwest side of Houston, TX. Additionally, he oversees the agency's Public Information Officers who manage the agency's media and social... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Running Efficient Social Campaigns with Sprout Social
Join Sprout for a deep-dive exploration into the product where we’ll show you how to run a social campaign utilizing core features. You’ll learn how to quickly identify trending topics, find new content ideas and respond quickly to followers while maximizing your time. The social world moves quickly and the ability to get your message out the door and increase engagement is essential to continuing to provide value to your community!
Speakers
avatar for Jill Florence

Jill Florence

Manager of Solutions Engineering, Sprout Social
Jill Florence is a Manager of Solutions Engineering at Sprout Social. She is an expert on the Sprout product and is passionate about helping marketers improve social media workflows to extract the most business value from their social strategies. On the weekends, she can be found... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson CD 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Add-on Workshop | Social Media Legal Issues
This 2.5 hour workshop is an optional $75 add-on that you can purchase along with your attendee ticket. Julie Tappendorf, author of the book “Social Media & Local Governments: Navigating the New Public Square,” will lead a workshop on the various legal issues that come up with government use of social media. The workshop will cover First Amendment protections, impact of copyright laws, compliance with public record laws, and employee use of social media. Attendees will be presented with examples of “employees behaving badly” and asked to respond whether discipline for the employee’s social media activities is justified. Attendees are encouraged to bring their current social media comment/posting policies for a small group work session to identify potential problem areas. Finally, Julie will take questions on all of the thorny legal issues faced by governments (and attendees) when engaging on social media.
Speakers
avatar for Julie Tappendorf

Julie Tappendorf

Partner, Ancel Glink, P.C.
Julie Tappendorf is an equity partner at Ancel Glink, PC in Chicago. She is the co-author of the book "Social Media & Local Governments: Navigating the New Public Square." She is a frequent speaker on a variety of topics, including social media law and ethics. She also trains government... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 9:30am - 12:00pm MDT
Jackson EF 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Workshop Add-On

10:30am MDT

Networking Break
Relax and recharge with our extended networking break in the Expo area.
Wednesday April 3, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

11:00am MDT

20 Instagram Stories Hacks to Increase Engagement
Over 400 million people are actively using Instagram Stories every day, including YOUR citizens! Are you there with them? In this session, you’ll walk away with 20 creative ideas and examples for using Instagram Stories, best practices and hacks to increase your engagement and make your stories stand out.
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Oxford

Lauren Oxford

Digital Communications Strategist, City of Gilbert, AZ
Lauren is the Digital Communications Strategist for Gilbert, Arizona, a community of 250,000 residents. As a member of Gilbert's Digital Communications Department, Gilbert Digital, Lauren oversees the strategy and implementation of Gilbert's 25+ social media accounts and provides... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Lincoln CDE 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

11:00am MDT

Advanced Tactics for Video & Tech
Representing your agency’s brand can sometimes require a higher level of production than the latest smartphone can offer. With a few bucks and an extra pair of hands, the quality of your live content can be vastly improved. In this session, we will talk about how to leverage staff skills to improve Facebook Live broadcasts and the quality and diversity of your Twitter and Instagram content.
Speakers
avatar for Ryan Gajewski

Ryan Gajewski

Director of Multimedia, Lambert & Co.
After growing up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ryan left home to produce videos for a number of NHL teams, but he left the world of sports in to work for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, which oversees the State of Michigan’s marketing initiatives. Ryan recently joined... Read More →
avatar for Nick Nerbonne

Nick Nerbonne

Digital Media Director, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
Throughout nearly 20 years of digital marketing and public relations experience, Nick has represented brands and organizations in television news, hospitality, network services, consumer products, and economic development, among others. As Digital Media Director at the Michigan Economic... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

11:00am MDT

Developing Effective Training for Social Media Admins
We’ll dive into industry best practices for training your social media teams and resources you can share with them to ensure their success. Learn how to create a successful Social Media Style Guide that aligns with your agency’s brand, as well as how to train admins - from those who are just starting on social media to seasoned professionals who need to stay up-to-date to with social media trends.  
Speakers
avatar for Sophia Champieux

Sophia Champieux

Public Affairs Specialist, Orange County Sheriff's Department
Sophia Champieux is part of the Public Affairs team at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Southern California. Since 2017, she has managed the department’s social media accounts, oversees over 90 secondary accounts, and creates social media strategies focusing primarily... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

11:00am MDT

The Great Debate: To Hide or Delete that Comment (ArchiveSocial)
An unsavory comment shows up on Facebook. It violates your policy. You hide it. Right? Wrong! (says Kristy Dalton). Participate in our live debate featuring real examples and case studies. Come hear from your peers on #TeamHide vs #TeamDelete in a session hosted by ArchiveSocial and Jordan Gilgenbach, Digital Communications Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis.
Speakers
avatar for Anil Chawla

Anil Chawla

Founder | Chief Executive Officer, ArchiveSocial
Anil is a frequent speaker on the topics of government social media records management and compliance with public records laws, and his work has been featured in prominent publications including Government Technology, NextGov, InformationWeek, CNBC, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur.com... Read More →
avatar for Jordan Gilgenbach

Jordan Gilgenbach

Digital Media Relations Coordinator, City of Minneapolis
Jordan Gilgenbach has been the Digital Media Relations Coordinator for the City of Minneapolis since September 2016, and focuses primarily on web, social and other digital communications strategy and implementation. Jordan has spent his entire career in local government communications... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Jackson CD 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

12:15pm MDT

Lunch & Keynote: How We Will Elevate the Social Media Profession in Government
Your job is demanding. Your position has been misunderstood, undervalued and underpaid. But in reality, you have a complex, high stress and high stakes role with a tremendous responsibility and impact on your agency. Hear GSMCON conference director Kristy Dalton explain the one thing we can do as an industry to elevate the status of the socialgov profession and reshape the culture within our agencies as a whole.
Speakers
avatar for Kristy Dalton

Kristy Dalton

Conference Director, GSMCON
Kristy Dalton is the founder and conference director of GSMCON. She is the CEO of Government Social Media LLC and executive director of the Government Social Media Organization. She has been called on as an industry influencer, has authored several social media courses for the LinkedIn... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 12:15pm - 1:45pm MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session

2:00pm MDT

Advanced Social Media Data Insights
We mindlessly calculate monthly quantitative data on our social media analytics exports, but what does it all mean? Learn how to build social media reports you look forward to creating and managers look forward to reviewing. We'll walk through how to build an audit and identify successful and unsuccessful topics, in addition to qualitative reporting and implementing strategies that boost engagement.
Speakers
avatar for Christina Roach

Christina Roach

Communications Specialist, Fort Worth Housing Solutions
Christina has over five years of experience developing social media strategy for government agencies. A self-proclaimed “numbers nerd”, she developed analytic report templates that allow government agencies to evaluate social media performance quantitatively and qualitatively... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Ensuring Social Media Accessibility
Are your social media posts accessible to users with disabilities? Many people with disabilities rely on social media to learn about critical news, important resources and opportunities for community participation. Far too often, we leave them out of the conversation if we aren’t intentional about accessibility. We’ll highlight built-in accessibility features, demo best practices in making posts accessible, and share resources for effective communication with citizens with disabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Sampson

Sarah Sampson

Deputy Director, Tennessee Disability Coalition
Sarah has furthered the work of the Tennessee Disability Coalition in creating a society that values, supports and includes individuals with disabilities since 2010. In her current role, Sarah leads the Communications Team and assists with strategic planning, development and coordination... Read More →
avatar for Emma Shouse Garton

Emma Shouse Garton

Communications Director, Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities
Emma Shouse Garton of Nashville has been Communications Director for the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities since 2012. She oversees agency communications efforts, including their website, social media, publications, weekly newsletter and community outreach efforts. As... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Jackson EF 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Instagram Best Practices Training
Facebook’s Jannelle Watson and Khalid Pagan will present best practices for government agencies on the visual platform, including tips on how to use stories, IGTV, and other features effectively.
Speakers
avatar for Khalid Pagan

Khalid Pagan

Northeast Lead, Facebook
Khalid Pagan is a member of Facebook's Politics and Government Outreach Team, where he works with agencies and officeholders in New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Before Facebook, he worked in digital advocacy campaigns and government relations.
avatar for Jannelle Watson

Jannelle Watson

Southwest Lead, Facebook
Jannelle Watson works on Facebook’s Politics and Government Outreach team where she focuses on helping local and state officials use Facebook and its family of apps to optimize their online presence. Prior to Facebook, Jannelle worked for the National League of Cities and the Office... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Lincoln CDE 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Setting up Your Customer Service Framework on Social Media
As more and more government business moves online, people are turning to social media as the most effective way to get their questions answered and make suggestions. Learn methods for getting buy-in from your coworkers on the importance of expediting responses, tips for dealing with negative public feedback and how to turn that into a positive interaction. Walk away with a system for tracking social media inquiries and their successful resolution.
Speakers
avatar for Tom Christensen

Tom Christensen

Communications Specialist, County of San Diego, CA
Tom is a communications specialist with San Diego County specializing in social media and Vice President in charge of the annual conference for the California Association of Public Information Officials. Christensen has done presentations on government use of social media for the... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

2:00pm MDT

Strategies for Managing & Releasing Video Footage in Crisis Communications
As social media swells the number of voices coming into play during natural disasters, controversial incidents and more, agencies will only have so much weight when trying to rise above the fray unless they are able to showcase their story through video. Releasing videos [and the art of providing context for those videos] can change the game for agencies, specifically during a crisis. Learn about best practices, how to highlight processes and policies and most importantly, how and when to coordinate the release of a video to optimize your agency’s impact with news agencies and residents.
Speakers
avatar for Chris Hsiung

Chris Hsiung

Captain, Mountain View Police Department
Captain Chris Hsiung commands the Special Operations Division at the Mountain View Police Department in Northern California. Since 2012 he has managed the department social media strategy, platforms, and engagement with the community. Chris is a nationally recognized speaker on the... Read More →
avatar for Katie Nelson

Katie Nelson

Social Media + Public Relations Coordinator, Mountain View Police Department, CA
Katie Nelson is the Social Media and Public Relations Coordinator at the Mountain View Police Department in Northern California. Since 2015, she has managed the department’s social media accounts, focusing primarily on the department’s engagement efforts as well as serving as... Read More →

Wednesday April 3, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm MDT
Jackson CD 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

3:00pm MDT

Networking Break
Relax and recharge with our extended networking break in the Expo area.
Wednesday April 3, 2019 3:00pm - 3:30pm MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

3:30pm MDT

General Session: PowerTalk Table Discussions
We've placed topic signs on the tables in our general session room. Sit at the table of your choice and move around as you wish. Chat directly with other attendees to network, explain challenges and get ideas!
Wednesday April 3, 2019 3:30pm - 4:45pm MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session
 
Thursday, April 4
 

7:00am MDT

Continental Breakfast
Grab a light morning snack at our continental breakfast buffet and find a good seat. Make sure to eat between 7-8 a.m., as we’ll kick off the conference with our opening keynotes at 8 a.m. sharp in the same room!    
Thursday April 4, 2019 7:00am - 8:00am MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

7:00am MDT

Registration/Information
Grab your name badge and swag bag when checking-in with us at the GSMCON registration booth prior to participating in the event. Ask any questions at our Information Booth.
Thursday April 4, 2019 7:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Presidential Lobby 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

8:00am MDT

Why Diversity, Inclusion and Representation Matter on Social Media and More
As leaders in our profession, how do we start a dialogue about the positive impact that a diverse and inclusive mindset can have on our agencies? Panelists weigh in on strategies for inclusive representation on social media, as well as how we can have meaningful conversations on the broader discussion of diversity in our country.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Hart

Elizabeth Hart

Associate Director of Communication and Media Relations, Tennessee Department of Health
Elizabeth Hart began working in radio at WJAB, 90.9 FM, in 2001 as a news reporter while pursuing her undergraduate degree at Alabama A&M University. A love for journalism and medicine led Hart to career in health communications beginning with a position as the Media Coordinator for... Read More →
avatar for Warren Kagarise

Warren Kagarise

Digital Engagement Manager, King County, WA
As digital engagement manager for King County, WA, in Seattle, Warren Kagarise leads the county’s efforts to connect with its 2.2 million residents through the innovative use of social media and other tools.Before joining King County, he served as communications coordinator for... Read More →
avatar for Nekasha Pratt

Nekasha Pratt

Director of Marketing, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Nekasha (pronounced "Ne-kee-sha") Pratt is a versatile marketer with more than 15 years of experience. She leverages her background in social media, digital, advertising, and technology to create and execute marketing and branding initiatives. Throughout her career, Nekasha has spearheaded... Read More →
avatar for Dominique Pryor-Anderson

Dominique Pryor-Anderson

Director- Strategic Partnerships & Engagement | Community Land Trust Manager, The Housing Fund
Dominique Pryor-Anderson is currently the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagements and Community Land Trust Manager, at The Housing Fund. She has been a thought leader in equity, diversity and inclusion in her role at Vanderbilt University’s Wond’ry Innovation Center... Read More →
avatar for Anil Chawla

Anil Chawla

Founder | Chief Executive Officer, ArchiveSocial
Anil is a frequent speaker on the topics of government social media records management and compliance with public records laws, and his work has been featured in prominent publications including Government Technology, NextGov, InformationWeek, CNBC, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur.com... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 8:00am - 9:15am MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session

8:00am MDT

Zen Lounge
We know you’re still on the clock, so take a break from sessions and get some work done while you charge your devices in the relaxing vibe of our Zen Lounge quiet zone. The lounge is open Tuesday/Wednesday 8am-5pm and Thursday 8am-11am.    
Thursday April 4, 2019 8:00am - 11:00am MDT
Presidential Boardroom A

9:15am MDT

Expo Open 9:15am - 11am
Meet our sponsors and network with attendees in the Expo area.
Thursday April 4, 2019 9:15am - 11:00am MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

9:30am MDT

Claiming and Managing Your Google My Business Profiles
Citizens are frustrated because they have been asking you questions and you are not responding. Most government agencies are unaware of the need to own and manage their Google My Business profiles. Learn how you can easily own, manage and demonstrate analytics for all of your government office locations with Google My Business in this hands-on session.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn Connet

Dawn Connet

eGovernment Services Coordinator, State of Iowa Office of the CIO
Dawn has two decades experience working with government technology systems. She started her career in the private sector selling technology solutions to government.  For the last five years Dawn has worked for the Office of the Chief Information Officer focusing on improving citizen... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson EF 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Getting the Most out of Nextdoor
Learn where Nextdoor fits into the social media landscape in this session hosted by your friendly Nextdoor neighbors. Hear how to deepen engagement and see the results your peers have attained. Learn what’s on the product roadmap for 2019 and get a chance to give input on what we build next. You will also have a chance to ask questions and share your success stories.
Speakers
avatar for Joseph Porcelli

Joseph Porcelli

Public Agency Lead, Nextdoor
Joseph Porcelli currently serves as a Public Agency Lead for Nextdoor. In this role, Joseph focuses on providing engagement strategies to aid government partners utilizing Nextdoor’s free government interface to build stronger, safer, and happier communities. Some of Joseph’s... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson AB 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Secrets to Being on Camera in Live Video
Eighty percent of people would rather watch a live video than read a post. With more agencies jumping on the live video bandwagon, how do you appear confident and cool instead of cold and cowering? Hear a 20 year television news veteran share secrets to being on camera in live video, including how to look into the camera without looking like a deer in headlights, sure fire ways to get your energy to 100 and importance of your natural voice.
Speakers
avatar for Roshanda Pratt

Roshanda Pratt

Storyteller and Live Video Strategist, The REP Network
Roshanda 'The Rosho' Pratt is a respected news producer, livestream expert, speaker, and storyteller strategist. With two decades of experience in crisis communications, marketing, and on both sides of the television camera, she is best known for helping influencers discover their... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Lincoln CDE 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Snapchat for Government
Want to understand how Snapchat can be used by government? Are you already Snapchatting but want pro tips? Get valuable advice from Snapchat’s lead of political & non-profit partnerships in this session.
Speakers
avatar for Sofia Gross

Sofia Gross

Political and Non-Profit Partnerships, Snap, Inc.
Sofia Gross is part of Snap, Inc's Public Policy Team where she leads Political & Non-Profit Partnerships in Washington, DC. She first started at Snapchat in 2015 as a Politics & News Producer on the News Team based in New York City. Sofia is also currently a Technology and Democracy... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Jackson CD 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

9:30am MDT

Successfully Handle Social Media in Large Scale Emergencies
During large scale emergencies, it can be challenging to find innovative ways to share vital messages through social media. This session discusses award-winning social media techniques used by the Chatham Emergency Management Agency for hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, plane crashes and other disasters over the last three years. You’ll learn how to use simple tools such as Facebook Live to connect with your community during these trying times.
Speakers
avatar for Chelsea Sawyer

Chelsea Sawyer

Emergency Management Specialist, Chatham Emergency Management Agency, GA
Chelsea is an Emergency Management Specialist for the Chatham Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) in Savannah, Georgia. She is responsible for community engagement and partnership management. This includes community outreach, information dissemination, social media management, website... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Washington B 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  Breakout Session

10:30am MDT

Networking Break
Relax and recharge with our extended networking break in the Expo area.
Thursday April 4, 2019 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
Expo 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA

11:00am MDT

Closing Sendoff! United Nations Keynote & Raffles
We’re honored to welcome closing keynote remarks from United Nations senior social media strategist Charlotte Scaddan on effectively harnessing social to convince people to care about issues that matter. She’ll teach you how to do more with less to grow support in a fiercely competitive and constantly evolving digital landscape. Walk away with strategies for ensuring a “social first” approach in agencies with a more traditional mindset.

Stay for raffle prizes and the big reveal of the #GSMCON2020 location!
Speakers
avatar for Charlotte Scaddan

Charlotte Scaddan

Senior Social Media Strategist, United Nations
Charlotte Scaddan is senior social strategist at the United Nations on the team managing the UN's flagship accounts in nine languages, with 30 million followers. She leads major global campaigns on social and provides social media guidance to senior UN officials across the UN System... Read More →

Thursday April 4, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm MDT
Presidential Ballroom 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
  General Session
 
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