Social Media for Government Conference

Danielle Shepard’s Session

8:45 a.m.– 9:30 a.m. PT — Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Critical Messaging in Critical Moments: Social Media in Emergencies

When disaster strikes, your social media strategy can mean the difference between chaos and calm in critical moments. This session will explore how the City of Tampa has effectively leveraged social media to safely guide its residents through life-threatening natural disasters, like hurricanes. Join us to gain insights on how to communicate to your audience before, during, and after an emergency, highlighting the importance of branding, action-oriented visuals, and overcommunication. This session will provide actionable crisis communication tactics to efficiently deliver life-saving information, foster community confidence, and build trust.

Attendees will gain valuable lessons on:

Branding crisis communications messaging.
Selecting subject matter experts as principal voices for your organization.
Using social media platforms' native features to your advantage.
Developing engaging content with a consistent cadence.

Learn from the City of Tampa’s recent experiences to enhance your own agency’s social media strategy when it matters most.