Touching down in Palm Springs, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation. It wasn’t just another conference; it was a journey to reunite with my tribe, the government social media community. After the incredible experience of GSMCON in Reno the previous year, expectations were naturally high. Yet, even with those raised hopes, the sheer power of this community and the exceptional event planning prowess of the GSM team still managed to exceed them. This year’s Government Social Media Conference, GSMCON2024, was not just an event; it was an immersion into a world where I felt genuinely seen, heard, and profoundly understood. The speakers were phenomenal, the energy was infectious, the sessions were incredibly insightful, and the feeling of community was palpable, stronger than ever before. Reconnecting with friends from past conferences felt like warm reunions, and forging new bonds with emerging talents in the socialgov field was genuinely inspiring.
Being a government social media manager can sometimes feel like navigating a solitary path. But stepping into GSMCON, surrounded by fellow social media professionals in government, that feeling instantly dissolved. It was like finding the missing piece, the community that truly gets it. In fact, the feeling was so strong, the lyrics from Muni Long’s hit song echoed in my mind, “TWIN… where have you been? Nobody knows me like you do.” And it’s absolutely true. The people you meet at the Government Social Media Conference share a unique understanding. They grasp the specific challenges we face, they appreciate the internet’s often quirky humor, and they’re always ready to offer invaluable support and inspiration.
Pre-Conference Deep Dive: Mastering Instagram Reels
On a personal note, I am overflowing with gratitude for everyone who participated in my pre-conference workshop, “Mastering Instagram Reels for Government Agencies.” Hosting this workshop on Monday was a genuine highlight for me, primarily because it delved into a topic I am deeply passionate about. We explored a comprehensive range of subjects, from essential best practices and valuable tools to showcasing outstanding examples of Reels from government agencies across the nation.
We also engaged in a dynamic hands-on activity, breaking into teams tasked with creating Instagram Reels specifically for the Government Social Media Conference. With only 30 minutes allocated for this exercise, I must admit, I felt a twinge of nervousness about what we could achieve. However, I was absolutely amazed by the creativity and ingenuity everyone demonstrated! The Reels produced were not only impressive but also genuinely funny and highly relatable.
Check out some of these creative reels attendees created during the workshop (and keep an eye on GSM’s Instagram as they feature more!):
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Government Social Media LLC (@governmentsocialmedia)
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Government Social Media LLC (@governmentsocialmedia)
My heartfelt thanks go out to each attendee for their enthusiastic participation and to the GSM team for inviting me to speak!
Top Takeaways from GSMCON2024
1. The Rise of AI: Transforming SocialGov
A resounding message echoed throughout GSMCON2024: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not merely a futuristic concept; it is a tangible, transformative tool poised to revolutionize our operations in the digital sphere. From the initial stages of brainstorming and content planning to the intricate processes of campaign creation and refining scripts, captions, and public statements, AI presents unprecedented opportunities to streamline workflows and significantly enhance productivity.
At GSMCON, this vision of heightened efficiency transitioned from abstract potential to concrete reality. Zack Seipert, representing the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, presented compelling data from a Harvard Business School study, revealing that AI users demonstrated remarkable improvements: completing 12% more tasks, achieving a 25% acceleration in task completion time, and elevating quality by an impressive 40%. This is a paradigm shift, with profound implications for the government social media landscape.
As a government social media manager juggling multiple responsibilities, I deeply understand the value of time. However, the strategic and ethical implementation of AI is paramount. While AI undeniably amplifies our capabilities, it is crucial to recognize it as a powerful complement to human expertise, not a replacement. AI empowers us to work smarter, more efficiently, and with greater impact.
Anndrea Harris, the Canva Queen, captivated attendees by showcasing the remarkable AI tools integrated within Canva, illustrating the vast potential for content creation and design enhancement. Imagine receiving a low-resolution image from a field employee, questioning its quality. Generative AI offers a solution, capable of enhancing image quality and expanding the frame, resulting in a more professional and visually appealing output.
Powerful new AI apps for graphics and video thanks to @canva presentation #GSMCON2024 pic.twitter.com/sixXfW8Frd
— Robert Rogers (@roberthrogers1) April 16, 2024
Zack Seipert’s session, “AI: Your Ultimate Productivity Partner,” further illuminated the vast AI landscape, revealing thousands of available tools. AI-powered language translation emerged as a particularly impactful application. Seipert’s demonstration highlighted AI’s potential to dismantle linguistic barriers and cultivate inclusivity within diverse communities. By leveraging AI for translation and similar tasks, we not only enhance accessibility but also broaden the reach and influence of our digital communications.
As we navigate the burgeoning AI revolution, maintaining equilibrium is crucial. While AI offers immense potential to supercharge our efforts, a well-defined roadmap is essential – enter the AI policy. This policy serves as our guide, establishing rules of engagement, privacy safeguards, and ethical frameworks necessary to navigate this evolving landscape responsibly. With clear guidelines, we can confidently harness AI’s transformative power to drive innovation while upholding our commitment to serving communities with integrity and excellence.
2. Short-Form Vertical Video: The Reigning Content King
Short-form vertical video firmly established itself as a dominant force at GSMCON2024. During my session, “Mastering Instagram Reels for Government Agencies,” I shared compelling data illustrating the format’s effectiveness. From propelling the City of Tampa, Florida’s Instagram following to over 100,000 – largely due to the power of Reels – to initiating the City of Lakewood, Colorado’s Instagram growth after my move, I’ve witnessed firsthand the consistent growth and engagement driven by Reels.
Wendy Aguilar’s session, “Reel Success: Instagram’s Creative Magic for Public Agency Outreach,” further underscored this point, showcasing impressive results from the Sacramento Fire Department (and don’t miss her interview with Sacramento Fox here about her GSMCON experience and passion for socialgov!). Leigh Gibson and Aimee Colton’s discussion on pivoting from TikTok to Instagram further highlighted the enduring appeal and versatility of short-form vertical video.
A standout moment was Nikki Bowers’ speed session from the City of Las Vegas. Her challenge to incorporate vertical content into our daily strategies resonated deeply, emphasizing the critical need to stay ahead of content trends.
Wow, @jlvanderkolk! Girl, you got me shook! You blew my mind w/this compliment!🥰
I’m so happy you enjoyed the presentation & got some great ideas from it! That’s why #GSMCON is so great!
Plz connect w/me on LinkedIn, and follow the @CityOfLasVegas on all of our channels too! https://t.co/65qOZOweAF
— Nikki Bowers (@OnlyNikkiBowers) April 18, 2024
Short-form vertical video is not a fleeting trend; it’s an essential tool for government social media managers seeking to forge meaningful connections with their audiences.
3. Acknowledging the Demands: The Realities of SocialGov Life
Being a Government Social Media Manager is undeniably demanding. We often embody a multitude of roles for our agencies: storytellers, photographers, videographers, graphic designers, brand managers, copywriters, customer service representatives, webmasters, producers, speechwriters, marketing and advertising specialists, data analysts, intelligence officers, crisis communicators, and bridge-builders across internal silos – often alongside other significant responsibilities within our positions.
Our work exists under constant public scrutiny. Mistakes or typos are immediately visible, and the public is rarely hesitant to point them out. From online trolls to our supervisors and elected officials, our posts are universally accessible. We frequently serve as the primary voice for our communities during crises.
Jon-Stephen Stansel’s opening remarks at GSMCON directly addressed and validated these daily challenges. He reminded us that our roles are not for the faint of heart, requiring resilience, creativity, and unwavering fortitude.
However, amidst these challenges, there is also a profound sense of empowerment. We are the experts in our field, equipped with specialized knowledge of social media best practices, capable of driving tangible change. GSMCON fostered a collective call for greater recognition within our teams – for our voices to be valued and our insights to inform strategy and decision-making.
Navigating this demanding landscape necessitates prioritizing our mental health and overall well-being. GSMCON featured several sessions dedicated to this crucial aspect, underscoring the importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance and developing strategies to mitigate inherent stressors. Whether through mindfulness practices, establishing boundaries, or seeking support from our peers within this incredible community, safeguarding our mental health is non-negotiable.
Yes, working in government social media presents significant challenges. But the GSM community provides invaluable support, making the journey not only manageable but also deeply rewarding. I am immensely grateful for this community, which understands both the intricacies of our profession and the critical balance between public service and personal well-being.
Conclusion: Inspired and Ready for Orlando
Reflecting on GSMCON2024, an overwhelming sense of joy and inspiration washes over me. The conference was an absolute triumph, brimming with enriching sessions, engaging dialogues, and invaluable connections. Choosing between concurrent sessions was a challenge, but I am eager to delve into the recordings of those I missed. Richard Yeakley’s session on “OnlyFans for #SocialGov,” for instance, is a must-watch. It was not only packed with actionable insights on capturing attention on social media but also thoroughly entertaining and captivating. Richard Yeakley is truly a social media wizard!
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the Golden Post Awards! Your creativity, innovation, and unwavering dedication to excellence are a true inspiration to us all.
GSMCON2024 held extra personal significance for me as my first conference representing the City of Lakewood, Colorado, following my move from the City of Tampa. It was a bittersweet moment watching my former Tampa team receive the award for “Best Use of Social Media in an Emergency” for their exceptional work during Hurricane Idalia, a project I was deeply involved in before my departure. Witnessing Tampa’s win filled me with immense pride and reaffirmed the vital importance of our work as government social media managers, particularly during times of crisis.
Large group photo of government social media professionals at GSMCON2024 in Palm Springs, showcasing the vibrant community.
Finally, immense gratitude to the entire GSMCON team for orchestrating another outstanding conference experience. Their meticulous effort and dedication were evident in every detail, from the top-tier content to the beautiful venue. And a huge shoutout to the Whova App – a fantastic upgrade that streamlined networking, meeting organization, and schedule navigation. Your commitment to attendee experience is deeply appreciated, and I am already eagerly anticipating next year!
Speaking of next year, I’m already counting down the days until GSMCON2025 in Orlando! I can’t wait to return to Florida and reunite with this incredible community. Until then, I’ll carry the inspiration and camaraderie of GSMCON2024 as I continue striving for excellence in government social media. Here’s to another year of learning, growth, and those rewarding comments that say, “give the social media manager a raise!” 😉
Meet the Author
Headshot of Angela Ramirez (Pitts), Freelance Writer at Government Social Media LLC and speaker at GSMCON2024.
Angela Ramirez (Pitts)
Freelance Writer – Government Social Media LLC
Angela Ramirez (Pitts) is an award-winning government communicator dedicated to strengthening the connection between government agencies and the communities they serve through social media. During her tenure with the City of Tampa, Angela cultivated a dynamic social media presence, narrating Tampa’s story through significant events, including Super Bowls, the COVID-19 pandemic, and major hurricanes. She also established a thriving, community-focused social media following for the City, growing the @cityoftampa Instagram profile from under 1,000 to over 100,000 followers in less than five years.
Now serving as Communications Manager for the City of Lakewood, Colorado, the state’s 5th largest city, Angela’s passion for government social media continues to drive her as a thought leader in the field. She deeply values the connections she has forged with social media professionals nationwide.
Angela holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Digital Strategy from the University of Florida. In her leisure time, she enjoys exploring Instagram Reels, spending time with her husband and dog, and planning her next travel adventure.
Government Social Media empowers government professionals to achieve social media mastery through conferences, online training, and professional association membership.
Enhance your public communication and connect with fellow socialgovs by registering for the 2024 Government Social Media Conference in Palm Springs, California, or virtually! Join our free network for bi-weekly Government Social Media Chats or the professional association for member-only webinars. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on training, events, and more.
