Social Media Conference

MARCH 19-21, 2025

WALT DISNEY WORLD SWAN RESORT
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL

DON'T MISS THE MAGIC

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Three days to help you…

Captivate your community • Create stellar social media content • Select stellar platforms • Dazzle audiences • Ignite action • Make lasting connections • Fire up reach, results and ROI

Are you ready to shine on social media?

Are your social feeds lagging? Are some platforms a bit too toxic? With rapid developments in AI, are you worried you’re falling behind? Does your social video strategy need an upgrade? What do creators and influencers want from marketers and communicators today? What stories should your organization tell?

It’s time to brighten up your social media strategy, illuminate new opportunities, and spotlight your organization’s greatest hits for all to see. At Ragan and PR Daily’s 2025 Social Media Conference, we’ll work together to learn how, where, and when to show up on social to build loyal, engaged, and enthusiastic communities and incite them to act.

Over three days, you’ll collaborate with peers, try out new tools, and learn from social media’s leading luminaries — innovators, experts, and tacticians who know just what it takes to safely, effectively, and creatively build social media, marketing, and communications strategies that work. No matter what type of organization you work for, this conference will help you build out and level up social accounts that score timely, measurable wins every day.

REGISTER NOW

Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
Photo from Ragan's Disney Conference
3+
DAYS
40+
SPEAKERS
30+
SESSIONS
50+
HOURS
Enjoy post-conference access to conference content for one year!

FEATURED SPEAKERS

fireworks
AGENDA

Attend three days of information-packed sessions and inspirational keynotes on the magical grounds of the Walt Disney World Resort.

Wednesday, March 19
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.
Activating Your AI Superpowers: Tools, Tips & Strategies for Innovative Social Content Creation

You can settle for the same social strategies you’ve always used, or you can join in the effort to change the way we all work through AI. Suit up and learn how to maximize your organization’s omnichannel content creation efficiency and supercharge your creativity.

In this workshop, you’ll get a hands-on look at the latest generative AI tools and find out how to improve your prompts, optimize and measure your content’s performance, and integrate emerging tech into your social media practices. You’ll also get advice on developing ethical use policies for AI-powered resources, and find out new ways they can be integrated into your organization to streamline processes and level up your work.

  • Selecting your supersuit: Which AI tools are right for you and your organization, and how do they compare? See some of the most popular tools in action, and test them yourself.
  • Leveling up your powers: Work with peers and instructors to improve the way you prompt, develop and optimize AI-generated text, images and videos.
  • Great responsibility: Considerations for using AI ethically, including setting and communicating policies around generative AI tools and their use in your workplace.
  • Creativity unleashed: An interactive look at better and more creative content with the help of AI.
  • SEO secrets: Evolving your SEO tactics to align with AI-driven priorities, boosting visibility and engagement.
  • Optimum impact: Develop an AI-driven marketing plan that helps your organization accelerate into the next stage of innovation—and measure its results.
2:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Insiders Out: How Employee Storytelling Puts the Heart Back into Employer Brand Building

Your employees are the soul of your organization, and their stories can be a treasure trove for communicators. This session will explore the power of curating and amplifying employee narratives, turning them into compelling content that magnifies the humanity of your employer brand and strengthens your internal comms practice.

Learn how to spark excitement, joy and passion as you showcase your organizational wins, build a more connected workforce, and attract top talent and new business.

  • Advocacy activation: Strategies for encouraging employees to share their experiences and achievements.
  • Build connections: How to leverage intranets and employee social networks to foster a sense of community and belonging.
  • Policy essentials: Best practices for creating social media policies that protect your brand while empowering employees.
  • Checking in: Monitor, measure and reward the positive results of employee activity on social and beyond.
  • Employees in action: How to empower your employees to be brand ambassadors and support executives in building their personal and professional brands online.
3:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Social Studios: Video Storytelling Across Social Media Ecosystems

If your organization doesn’t have a social video strategy, it’s time to break out your inner Hollywood filmmaker and get to work. In this interactive workshop, we’ll learn how to create top-notch video content for platforms including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and internal channels such as intranets. Find out what content resonates best on which platform, discover in real time how to create social videos on any budget and best practices for ensuring your work gets seen—and incites action.

  • Become a filmmaker: Become a soup-to-nuts social studio with guidance and live, interactive demonstrations on ideation, scripting, shooting, editing and posting.
  • Tailor your content: Learn what orientation, length and style your videos content should appear in to resonate most with different platforms, and find out what makes communities on each platform keep watching and start clicking (or tapping).
  • Video optimization: Get your videos in front of more eyes with advice on better timing, scripting, captioning, accessibility and more.
  • Creator queries: Considerations for partnering on video to teach new audiences.
  • Next-gen tools: What software and apps do you need in your arsenal to make the best content for your organization?
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception: Fun with New Friends
Thursday, March 20
8:00 a.m.
Registration Opens
8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast Session
8:45 – 8:50 a.m.
Welcome to the Social Media Conference! Let the Fireworks Begin!
8:50 – 9:15 a.m.
The Future of AI on Social Media

Prepare for a captivating fireside keynote that explores the future of AI in social media and marketing. Find out how big brands can harness AI today to transform their digital strategies and operations. Discover practical ways AI can revolutionize your social media and marketing efforts, from content creation to audience engagement, and learn from real-world examples where AI is already making a significant impact on brand presence and customer interaction. Don’t miss this inside look at how AI is shaping the future of business and marketing.

9:15 – 9:45 a.m.
KEYNOTE
In a Word: What’s Next for Creativity?

When every person alive can take to social media, when AI allows everyone to write and make images in formats that only trained professionals could before—and when intellectual property boundaries are blurred as a result—what is creativity? How are today’s biggest issues changing self-expression? Learn from a renowned storyteller who will share their creative journey and their thoughts on what’s next for those bursting with ideas and vision. They’ll explain what makes creativity human, how humans can get back to their creative roots, and what distinguishes originality from regurgitation.

9:45 – 10:05 a.m.
Networking Break
10:05 – 10:30 a.m.
Psych!: What Users Want from Social Media Today

Understanding what drives user behavior is key to crafting content that resonates and incites action. This session will explore how to tap into the needs and desires of users across generations and platforms, using cutting-edge neuro-marketing techniques to influence and engage your audience on a deeper level. Discover how to harness the power of the subconscious to create social media strategies that truly connect.

  • How to tailor your social media content to meet the specific needs and wants of different age groups.
  • The latest techniques and trends in neuro-marketing and neuro-mapping that can help you understand and influence audience decision making.
  • Strategies to incite action and drive engagement by tapping into deep-seated psychological motivations.
  • How to integrate neuro-marketing tools into your social media strategy to create content that resonates across all platforms.
10:40 – 11:25 a.m.
Panel
Embracing the Bots: Generative AI and Emerging Tools

Generative AI has hit the accelerator on innovation. Catch up on all the ways AI is changing the social media and marketing landscape, including the tools that are taking the lead, the ethical considerations you need to know, and ways of approaching AI-generated content with emotional intelligence—plus the rise of virtual influencers. Learn how to navigate the complexities of AI while protecting your data and enhancing your brand’s digital presence.

  • Ethical AI insights: Navigating the complexities of automated decision-making, including transparency, bias mitigation and responsible implementation.
  • Emotional AI tactics: Leveraging AI to understand and respond to user sentiment in real-time, fostering more empathetic and effective interactions.
  • Virtual influencer trends: How and why brands work with virtual influencers—and how they’re engaging audiences in never-before-seen ways.
  • Next steps: Practical advice on incorporating generative AI into your strategy while safeguarding your data and maintaining ethical standards.
11:25 – 11:45 a.m.
Timeline Cleanse: Reset & Refresh
11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Interactive
Three-Second Storytelling: How to Capture Attention and Interest in an Instant

Moving at the speed of social means igniting your audience’s neurons the instant they lay eyes on your content. This workshop will guide you in crafting brand stories that captivate and resonate across platforms and media formats, from vertical video to eye-catching carousels and must-click copy. Learn how to earn and keep attention, and find out how to position your organization in the right place, at the right time, with the right voice.

  • Vertical video secrets: How to design compelling stories for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts that stand out in a vertical format.
  • Platform optimization: Strategies for tailoring your three-second stories to fit the unique demands of each social media channel.
  • Who has the mic?: Determine which voices and platforms are the best match for your brand, and compare the benefits and drawbacks of working with creators versus producing your own content.
  • Bringing it to life: How to integrate your quickfire storytelling techniques into a cohesive content strategy across all your marketing efforts.
12:20 – 1:20 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:20 – 2:05 p.m.
Panel
Shields Activated: How to Combat Crisis, Predict Predicaments and Deescalate Reputational Battles

Staying ahead of potential crises can keep your organization far, far away from social media wars and safeguard its reputation—and developing a comprehensive response plan will keep you centered when unpredictable challenges do arise. This session will provide you with strategies for managing PR and reputational crises with confidence, anticipating treacherous territory and reducing tensions before an all-out battle breaks out. Learn how to use social listening tools and media monitoring strategies to sense and mitigate disturbances before they blow up, and find out how to stay mindful and strategic when your organization unexpectedly comes under fire.

  • Mindful social management: How to use social listening and other tools to anticipate, prevent and deescalate potential crises before they happen.
  • Countering conflict: Frameworks, drills and documentation can help you stay steady amid real time PR and reputational crises.
  • Repair and refuel: Strategies for maintaining and rebuilding trust during and after a crisis.
  • Don’t force it: How to develop and implement a crisis-proof social media strategy that keeps your brand resilient.
2:15 – 2:40 p.m.
Post This, Not That: Igniting Better Performance and Avoiding Social Media Speed Bumps to Secure Your Brand’s Reputation

There’s no guarantee that a post will hit the accelerator—and sometimes posts take off for the wrong reasons. This session is designed for social pros who find themselves pouring their best work into the social media void or sifting through unpleasant comments and reactions. You’ll get advice on tailoring posts and organizational narratives to each platform and audience and avoid mistakes that can put your brand under fire, and you’ll learn how to conduct an audit so you can learn from the past and tune up your tactics.

  • Nail the lede: Perfect your first sentence, sound or visual that your audience encounters to stop the scroll and capture attention.
  • Pitfalls to avoid: Common mistakes and risks associated with various platforms, and how to steer clear of them to safeguard your organization and team.
  • The art of the audit: What to look for when auditing your organization’s social media presence and platforms to identify and address potential risks.
  • Drive performance into the sunset: Protect your brand, build trust and loyalty, and make informed decisions about platform selection and social media management.
2:50 – 3:10 p.m.
Lightning Talk
3:10 – 3:30 p.m.
Timeline Cleanse: Reset & Refresh
3:30 – 3:55 p.m.
Razzle Dazzle: How Next-Gen Visuals and Video Can Improve Reach, Accessibility and Impact

Earning attention on social media today means dazzling audiences with the graphic and video equivalent of a fireworks show. Explore how next-gen visual storytelling can elevate your PR efforts, capture attention, and convey your message more effectively across platforms. We’ll look at how tools like Canva, Lumen5 and emerging AI-powered design and video generation platforms can supercharge your content creation, while also addressing best practices for accessibility and inclusion.

  • Visual innovation: Deliver your message in style with the emerging AI tools that will optimize the performance of your social posts.
  • Video engagement: What’s the role of video in modern storytelling? Discover how anyone can create videos that capture attention, boost reach and convey your message with impact.
  • An eye for accessibility: Accessibility is good business. We’ll cover best practices for ensuring your visual content is accessible and inclusive, so it reaches wider audiences and resonates with everyone.
  • See it through: How newly released tools and tech can help you integrate optimized visuals and video into PR and marketing strategies at any organization.
4:05 – 4:30 p.m.
It’s a Jungle Out There: Staying Safe as a Social Pro Today

Between reputational pitfalls and hostile users, the digital landscape is a challenging environment for even the most adventurous professional and the boldest brand. Social media careers often come with an expectation of always-on sentiment monitoring, content creation and crisis mitigation. This session will not only help you protect your organization from PR problems, but protect yourself and your teams too. We’ll discuss which platforms can be the riskiest for brand safety and community building, how to choose when and where to contribute to social conversations and what policies to put in place to safeguard yourself and your organization.

  • Treading social media minefields: Evaluating what risks come with which platforms, and how to meet your audience in a way that doesn’t put you or your org at unnecessary risk, even in contentious cultural moments.
  • Audience trends: Understanding the rise of “quiet” experiences as audiences seek refuge from the noise—discover where they’re going and what content resonates with these communities.
  • Strategic content creation: How to adapt your PR strategies across various channels, including podcasting, social platforms, and owned media, for the greatest impact.
  • Happy and healthy posting: How to refine your digital strategy and policies to create engaging content that doesn’t introduce additional problems or meet backlash.
4:40 – 5:00 p.m.
Keynote Panel
How We Got Here: Finding Your Seat in the Social Media C-Suite

Social media roles have become mission-critical aspects of an organization’s communications, customer service, crisis control and community-building operations. Despite their necessity, social pros are still plagued by assumptions that the vast multimedia competencies required on the job are the work of “the intern,” and higher-level social roles simply don’t exist in many organizations—yet. In this fireside panel, social media executives from a range of organizations will share how they achieved their rank and offer advice to rising stars seeking the next step in their career.

  • The social C-suite: What do director, VP and executive-level social media roles look like, and what all do they encompass?
  • Make the case: Learn how to position yourself, your wins to get what you need—whether that’s scoring a promotion, hiring staffers or investing in tools and resources.
  • Raise your voice: Once you have that top-level seat at the table, learn how to speak the language that will earn your ideas the credence, resources and support they deserve.
  • Q&A: Continue the discussion from on-stage to our after-hours reception, where you’ll have a chance to meet this panel of top-level social media leaders.
5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Reception
Friday, March 21
8:15 – 8:45 a.m.
Breakfast Session
8:45 – 8:55 a.m.
Welcome Back & Morning Trivia!
8:55 – 9:20 a.m.
Keynote
How to Bring Sunny Days to the Social Media Maelstrom

Everything’s not always “A-OK” on social media, as anyone who’s ever interacted on most platforms knows. But positivity begets positivity. How can you bring warmth, comfort, compassion and nostalgia—not to mention a bit of humor—to some of the darker spaces on the internet? Discover how to channel the power of joy and create inclusive contentthat builds deep connections and generates brand love and fandom.

9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Panel
From Boring to Boo-yah!: How Humor, Edutainment, and Surprise Can Transform Your Strategy

Is your social engagement often at rock bottom? Can’t figure out what social media should look like for your org that peddles insurance, healthcare or enterprise software? Surprise and delight your audiences by tapping into the power of humor and entertainment. This session will explore how even brands you’d expect to be bland can use these elements to captivate new audiences and elevate their presence. Discover the secrets to making your content memorable and engaging by integrating fun and educational elements.

  • Humor hacks: How major brands and organizations in less sexy industries break the social media mold by clowning around with relatable, pitch-perfect humor.
  • Edutainment essentials: Make learning fun to create memorable content that ignites curiosity and educates audiences.
  • Surprise elements: Techniques for tapping into memes, and advice for editing your content to make it more engaging, and adding unexpected twists to keep your audience invested.
  • It’s all in the delivery: Build your social content calendar, nailing the balance between cadence and quality, entertainment and messaging, or goofing around and getting results.
10:25 – 10:35 a.m.
Lightning Talk
10:35 – 10:55 a.m.
Timeline Cleanse: Reset & Refresh
10:55 – 11:20 a.m.
Creator Connections: How to Set Up Influencers and Brand Ambassadors for Success

Creator, influencer and brand ambassador relationships require an enormous amount of trust—after all, you’re putting your brand in someone’s hands. This session will provide actionable tips for making the most of these relationships from the first discussion to the content itself. Learn how to select the right influencers, navigate pricing and ensure your brand ambassadors have what they need to put your organization’s best foot forward on your behalf. Plus, find out how to measure the success of collaborative content.

  • Influencer selection: How to choose the perfect influencers based on audience size, personality, and alignment with your brand.
  • Price insights: Understanding the cost ranges and value propositions of different creators and influencers.
  • Impact measurement: Techniques, tools and metrics for proving the ROI of user-generated content and influencer-driven projects.
  • Next steps: How to pair your brand with influencers and set them up for success, while keeping up with algorithm updates and changes.
11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Anywhere You Go: Storyselling and Content Creation Across Channels

In today’s multi-platform world, your brand’s story needs to resonate wherever your audience is. This hands-on session will guide you through crafting a compelling organizational narrative and adapting it across different contexts like LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, and emerging platforms. Walk away with ready-to-use messaging for your next campaign or project, tailored to each channel’s unique demands.

  • Platform-specific content: How to create content that meets the unique requirements of platforms like TikTok, LinkedIn, and Instagram to effectively reach your target audience.
  • Audit essentials: The importance of conducting platform audits for channels such as Facebook, Twitter (X), and YouTube to strategically allocate resources where they matter most.
  • Crossposting strategies: Best practices for making the most of a piece of content across platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn, ensuring it’s done the right way for maximum impact.
  • Next steps: How to develop and execute a multi-channel content strategy that amplifies your brand’s narrative across all platforms.
12:05 – 12:25 p.m.
Closing Fireside
Influencers Who Changed Us: The Journey from Creator to Career

Social media personalities can rise and fall in popularity in the blink of an eye—yet some have persisted since the dawn of even our oldest platforms and become cultural fixtures. In this session, hear from the voices that shaped our online experiences and changed the way we communicate, bringing entertainment, insight, education and joy to our social media frontiers. Learn how a single post can transform a life and form the foundation for a lasting platform, and find out what it’s like being amid the whirlwind of excitement, opportunity and harrowing public awareness that comes with long-term social media fame.

12:25 – 12:30 p.m.
Baker's Dozen Takeaways from the Conference! + Giveaways
Thursday, March 20
10:05 – 10:30 a.m.
Extraordinary Experiences: Creating Immersive Brand Activations That Earn Attention and Loyalty

Immersing audiences in your brand—either through virtual or in-person brand activations—can be one of the best ways to earn their attention and loyalty. This session will showcase activations including experiences at events, mixed and virtual reality campaigns, and gaming-centric campaigns that incite action and awaken passion. Learn how to earn fans by inviting them to not just read about your brand, but experience what it’s all about.

  • Experiential marketing: What does it take to create a brand activation, either in-person or in a virtual environment?
  • Immersive design: Find out what investment of time, resources and funds it takes to bring these experiences to life in a way that fully captivates and engages your audience.
  • Proving the value: How to measure the success of experiential marketing and activations.
  • Do it yourself: Figure out what experiences make the most sense for your brand, and take the first steps toward making them a reality.
10:40 – 11:25 a.m.
Panel
Decoding Social ROI: How to Unlock Social Media’s Revenue Potential and Measure Impact

Translating engagement to action doesn’t have to be a puzzle. In this session, we’ll learn how to align community building strategies with business objectives to deliver on organization-wide goals. Discover when and how to integrate paid social media efforts, explore the rise of TikTok Shop and other in-app shopping options in the US, and identify the most profitable areas for your social strategy. Entertainment and building genuine relationships with your audience can lead to the highest ROI—you just have to unlock it.

  • Content creation decoded: How to develop content that not only engages but also delivers measurable results aligned with your business goals.
  • Paid social insights: Best practices for incorporating paid social media into your strategy, including timing and budgeting tips.
  • In-app shopping trends: Understanding the rise of in-app shopping in the US and how to leverage it for increased revenue.
  • Next steps: Effective tactics for building entertainment-driven content and fostering mutually beneficial relationships that maximize your social media ROI.
11:25 – 11:45 a.m.
Timeline Cleanse: Reset & Refresh
11:45 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Interactive
Platform Smackdown: Selecting Your Organization’s Ultimate Social Media Lineup

Some brands play Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots with their social platforms to remain competitive; for other brands, it’s more a game of chess, Monopoly or Scrabble. In this interactive session, we’ll pair up the sector and brand voice with the appropriate playing field for their intended strategy. In this interactive session, you’ll dive into a platform showdown, weighing the pros and cons of TikTok versus Instagram and Facebook, X versus Threads, and more, as well as newer challengers like nospace, BlueSky, and Mastodon. By the end, you'll walk away with a clear strategy on where to invest your time and resources for maximum impact.

  • Platform vs. Platform: A deep dive into the strengths and weaknesses of leading platforms like TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, helping you decide which best fits your brand’s goals.
  • Equip yourself: Insights into newer players like Threads, nospace, BlueSky, and Mastodon, and how they can fit into your social media strategy.
  • Select your stats: How to allocate your time and resources effectively, focusing on the platforms that offer the best return for your efforts.
  • Pick your battle: Develop a customized social media strategy that aligns with your organization’s goals, bandwidth and audience preferences.
1:20 – 2:05 p.m.
Panel
Tidying Your Tech Toybox: Selecting the Most Efficient Social Media Management Tools for Your Business

Effective social media management requires tools suited to the many demands of the job, from social listening to scheduling to reporting to video production capabilities. Do you have the right software and hardware to get the job done—without creating redundancies? When the CFO starts looking over your shoulder and asks about the ROI on your tech stack, it might be time to streamline, and when your boss wants a video strategy, you need to know what to ask for to make it happen. In this session, social leads from a range of sectors will discuss the highs and lows of their experiences with social tech tools so that you can decide what works best for you and your team.

  • Tool evaluation: The strengths of various social media management platforms, helping you choose the right ones for your needs.
  • Interactive insights: Collaborative sharing of top tools among participants, with each table presenting their most effective tools for your audience.
  • Tech decluttering: Strategies for simplifying your tech stack to focus on the tools that truly support your social media goals.
  • Put your tools to work: Whichever tools you have on hand, find out how to make the most of them, and which ones you might want to ditch.
2:15 – 2:40 p.m.
Measure This, Not That: Deciding What Data Points Matter Most

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of metrics these days. In this session, we’ll pare down the data deluge to help you focus on what truly matters. Learn how to identify the key data points that drive real results for your brand, and which metrics belong in the Vanity pile. Discover strategies for refining your measurement approach so that you can make data-driven decisions that have a genuine impact on your organization’s success.

  • Insightful KPIs: How to distinguish between meaningful metrics and vanity metrics, ensuring your focus is on what truly drives success.
  • Data prioritization: Techniques for identifying the most impactful data points in a sea of information, so you can allocate your resources effectively.
  • Reporting clarity: Best practices for creating reports that highlight what matters most, enabling smarter decision-making across your organization.
  • Metrics that matter: How to refine your measurement strategy to prioritize data that delivers actionable insights and meaningful outcomes.
2:50 – 3:10 p.m.
Lightning Talk
3:10 – 3:30 p.m.
Timeline Cleanse: Reset & Refresh
3:30 – 3:55 p.m.
Podcasting for Thought Leadership: Marketing Strategies for SMEs, Brands, and Education

Today’s podcast industry market is worth $24 billion, and still growing—but it’s not enough to just produce a branded podcast in this lucrative yet crowded space. This session explores how to fold in your PR, thought leadership, and internal communications strategy for an integrated approach that takes into consideration regulated fields. Join to hear:

  • Planning, Production, and Creativity: How to conceptualize your podcast —from branding/naming it to episode planning, content calendars and audience targeting – plus the must-have tools and resources.
  • Platform Optimization: Strategies for maximizing discoverability on Spotify, Apple, and other major platforms – and how to release and monetize gated content that adds values to subscribers.
  • Employee Engagement: How to leverage internal podcasts to enhance employee communication, foster community -- plus measurement and ROI: and demonstrating the impact of internal podcasts on organizational goals.
  • Regulated Industry Podcasting: Strategies for mitigating legal and reputational risks in podcasting, ensuring that content complies with industry regulations, and how to create content that educates and informs.
4:05 – 4:30 p.m.
Case Study
Serve Your Scoop: How Social Studios and Brand Newsrooms Can Get to Earned by Owning the Narrative

With the volatility of journalism and news outlets today, you may find sweeter success by embracing the power of your social studio or brand newsroom to control and position your narrative and generate attention on owned channels — even if you’re a team of one. This session will help you serve up newsworthy owned scoops and embrace journalistic principles, all while maintaining strong media relationships that secure consistent external coverage. Discover the dynamics that will position a brand as a trusted source and boost your visibility on both your organization’s channels and news outlets at large.

  • Churn it yourself: Get your story into the world your way and earn attention by tapping into the news cycle, generating buzz and doing justice to the narrative.
  • Flavors of storytelling: Determine where a story needs to be to maximize its impact, whether that’s newsletters, blogs or social platforms.
  • The delicious pitch: What journalists want out of brand relationships and what they look for in brand stories.
  • Own your story and earn it too: Marry your brand newsroom’s timing and tactics with your media relations efforts to ensure a cohesive narrative.
Friday, March 21
9:30 – 10:15 a.m.
Panel
Rules of Play: How to Establish Policies and Encourage Positivity Around Employee Social Presence

Social media can change the employee experience game and transform staffers into brand champions. It’s often up to comms and marketing leads to help employees understand expectations for discussing their work publicly, posting about competitors, and celebrating their wins and those of their colleagues. This session will explore how to encourage and empower employees to take to social platforms (both internal and external) equipped with the information, assets and alignment they need to authentically express themselves and match their organization’s energy.

  • Policy integration: How to incorporate social media guidelines into your employee policies to support a consistent and positive brand image.
  • Boosting advocacy: Strategies for enhancing employee advocacy through social media, turning staff into passionate brand ambassadors.
  • Engagement impact: Understanding how social media affects employee engagement and how to leverage it to improve the overall employee experience.
  • Put it in writing: How to develop and implement effective social media policies that align with your brand values and support employee advocacy.
10:25 – 10:35 a.m.
Lightning Talk
10:35 – 10:55 a.m.
Peoplemoving: How to Build a Community with the Help of Social Media Socialites & UGC

Harness the power of user-generated content and community conversations to craft authentic brand stories and cultivate a loyal fanbase. This session will guide you through leveraging influencers and creators as brand partners and community builders to strengthen your brand’s presence and engagement. Discover how to effectively use social media to connect with your audience and build a vibrant, engaged community.

  • Community creation: How to utilize user-generated content and community conversations to develop genuine brand narratives and enhance fan loyalty.
  • Influencer impact: Strategies for partnering with influencers and creators to build and nurture your brand community.
  • Engagement tactics: Effective methods for fostering meaningful interactions and maintaining an active and engaged audience.
  • Next steps: How to implement community-building strategies and measure their impact on your brand’s success.
11:30 – 11:55 a.m.
Stories of the C-Suite: Championing Brand Ideals Through Thought Leadership

Executives are the most visible and emblematic embodiment of an organization in the public eye—which means that everything they say about that org needs to be pitch-perfect. Naturally, that’s where your comms engine comes in, ready to outfit and equip leaders with the words and actions that will reflect positively on the brand for both the public and employees. This session will provide firsthand advice for effectively translating executive priorities, values and insights into compelling content across social platforms, earned media, and stages.

  • Right words, right time: Strategies for getting the most out of C-suite leaders and translating their thoughts into impactful content that resonates across platforms and in the public eye.
  • Love on LinkedIn: How to optimize LinkedIn profiles and content to build a strong executive presence and amplify thought leadership.
  • Media and stage presence: Techniques for positioning executives as influential voices in earned media and at industry events.
  • Next steps: Coaching executives and creating a cohesive thought leadership strategy that integrates executive insights with broader brand messaging and audience engagement.


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SPEAKERS

Speakers will be announced soon.

 

INTERESTED IN SPEAKING?

Please reach out to Director of Event Programming
Alyssa Smith.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

  • 😍 How to build not just customer base, but a community of dedicated fans
  • 🤖 How AI is changing the social media game, and what you need to know to stay ahead
  • 📈 What metrics matter when measuring the success of your social and marketing strategies
  • 🤝 What creators and influencers want from brand relationships today, and how they can supercharge your messaging
  • 🎬 How to level up your social video game across TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and more
  • 👑 What leadership roles look like for social media pros and how to attain them
  • ✨ How to unleash and reawaken your creative vision and bring positivity and joy to your social media communities
  • And, so much more…

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PRICING
Don't miss the magic! Join us for Ragan's Social Media Conference:
Advanced Rate Early Bird Rate VIP Rate Regular Rate
Conference All-Access Pass (includes the pre-conference workshops)
Standard $3,199 $3,299 $3,399 $3,499
Nonprofit/Gov/Edu $3,099 $3,199 $3,299 $3,399
Ragan Insider $3,049 $3,149 $3,249 $3,349
Conference Registration - Individual
Standard $2,799 $2,899 $2,999 $3,099
Nonprofit/Gov/Edu $2,699 $2,799 $2,899 $2,999
Ragan Insider $2,649 $2,749 $2,849 $2,949
Bootcamp
$699 $699 $699 $699
Conference Recording
Includes pre-conference workshops and conference sessions
$1999 $1999 $1999 $1999

On Demand
For those who can’t attend the conference live, an on-demand option is available during the registration process.
Need help convincing management you should attend?
Download this letter to convince your boss you should attend the Social Media Conference.
Get your tickets early and save. Discounts are also available for the following:

Group Discounts
Would you and your team like to attend? Group pricing for 3 or more is available when registering!

RAGAN COUNCIL MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Membership includes free registration passes. Contact Shallon Blackburn for more information on becoming a member.
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RAGAN INSIDER DISCOUNTS

Insiders save on all Ragan events. Not a Ragan Insider? You can become one during registration for this event!

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LOCATION
Conference Venue Information:
Walt Disney World's Swan Resort
1700 Epcot Resorts Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
1888-828-8850
Swandolphin.com

We have secured a room block at Walt Disney World's Swan Hotel for conference attendees.  Room rates start at $299. The hotel reservation link will be sent to you after registering for the conference from Ragan's Customer Service team. Please note we are not affiliated with any third-party hotel booking services.

Photos from Ragan's Disney Social Media Conference

BONUS MATERIALS
  • The Guide for Ethical AI Usage in Communications
  • Measurement Guide to Proving Internal Comms Value
  • Internal Meetings Handbook and Facilitator Guide
  • LinkedIn Executive Thought Leadership Guide
  • Six Steps for Change Communications in a Volatile World
  • How to Run an Internal Communications Audit

Experience the Magic

Beyond the conference, enjoy exciting networking events, experiences, and all the magic Walt Disney World Resort and surrounding areas have to offer!

Business People Drinking After Work

NETWORKING COCKTAIL PARTY

Mingle with colleagues, social media leaders and special Disney guests at this can’t-miss networking cocktail party.

Join your peers and conference speakers for a networking party sprinkled with Disney magic. Enjoy great conversations and superb food and drink.

Happy business colleagues talking while eating lunch

Food For Thought

Connect with colleagues on issues of shared interest and get to know your fellow attendees over a great meal. You'll make new connections during breakfast, lunch, and snack breaks, all included with your registration.

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DISNEY MAGICAL EXPERIENCES

Extend your stay and receive:

  • Room block rates at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort
  • Discounted Walt Disney World Resort theme park rates

VIEW OTHER EVENTS THIS WEEK

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SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Want to become a sponsor? Get in touch with our team to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

Let's Partner!

RAGAN GIVES BACK
Give Kids The World Village is a nonprofit "storybook" resort located in Central Florida. Here, children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations. To date, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 188,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries to provide a once in a lifetime experience.
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WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

You can’t afford to miss this if you work in:

  • Marketing
  • Digital communications
  • Media relations
  • Corporate communications
  • Social media
  • PR
  • Public affairs
  • HR
  • Branding
  • Global communications
  • Public information
  • Internal communications
  • Corporate affairs
Disney Social Media Conference 2025 certificate

GET RECOGNIZED!

Each registration comes with a personalized Social Media Conference Certificate of Completion for attending.

REGISTER NOW

SHRM Certificate

Lawrence Ragan Communications, Inc is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

This program is valid for 10 PDCs.

THE COMPANY YOU'LL KEEP

WONDERING IF YOU SHOULD ATTEND?

Here’s what past attendees are saying about Ragan and PR Daily Events!

Photos from Ragan's Disney Social Media Conference

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST!

The conference fun doesn’t start and stop at the event! Follow us on socials and sign-up for update emails.

Contact us for group rates and share with friends!

Ragan.com Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive the latest articles from Ragan.com directly in your inbox.

PRESENTED BY

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CONTACT

REGISTRATION

For questions related to event registrations, please contact:
Shallon Blackburn
Director of Client Services

 

SPONSORSHIP

If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please contact:
Hannah Lavelle

 

PROGRAM

For information on programming and speakers, please contact:
Brian Pittman
Strategic Program Manager
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?