Engagement Institute Supporting Social Media for Gov 2026

How can government teams use social media to build trust, create genuine connection and engage communities — not simply broadcast to them?

Engagement Institute is pleased to be a Supporting Partner of the 21st Social Media for Gov Summit, coming to Melbourne from 10–12 November 2026.

The event brings together public sector communications, social media and engagement professionals to tackle a fast-changing digital environment — from AI and misinformation to audience trust, content strategy, community engagement and measuring real impact.

Bringing an Engagement Lens to the Conversation

Engagement Institute Board Chair Michele Barry has helped shape the event as a member of its Advisory Board and will chair sessions across the program.

In particular, Michele will chair the ENGAGE stream, focused on building trusted audiences through content, community and meaningful engagement.

Sessions will get into practical questions including how government can move beyond online bulletins to create conversation and community, humanise government through people-led storytelling, build long-term audience engagement and strengthen trust through digital channels.

For engagement practitioners working in or alongside government, it’s a chance to explore where communications and engagement intersect online — and what better digital engagement can look like in practice.

Join Us in Melbourne

The Social Media for Gov Summit runs from 10–12 November 2026 at Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne, with two conference days followed by optional workshops.

Engagement Institute members also have access to a special member rate for in-person and virtual attendance.

Explore the Social Media for Gov program and register →