NAGC 2016 Communications School

The National Association of Government Communicators' 2016 Communications School will be held June 7-9, 2016 at the FHI 360 Conference Center, Washington, DC. It is the only event of its kind that provides invaluable networking opportunities and practical educational sessions to help government communicators increase their skills. The coveted NAGC Government Communicator of the Year Award is presented during the Communications School and honors an individual who has brought forth government's message with a high standard of professionalism and ethics.

Who Should Attend: Federal, state, and local government communicators, including contractors who direct and facilitate government communications - editors, writers, graphic artists, webmasters, video professionals, broadcasters, photographers, information specialists and agency spokespersons.

Hotels Close to the FHI 360 Conference Center -- Download a list of hotels within a short walking distance of the event location. Some may offer discounted room rates for groups using the Center. When calling, please be sure to mention that you are attending a meeting at the FHI 360 Conference Center.

OMB Releases New Conference Guidance for Federal Agencies -- The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recently provided federal agencies with updated guidance on the attendance of federal agency employees at conferences and related travel expenses.

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) partnered with other associations to draft a protocol, much of which was adopted by the OBM, including best practices such as keeping hotel costs within government per diem rates and ensuring that social events held in conjunction with a conference aren’t lavish or excessive. According to ASAE, "OMB recognized the need for federal employees to attend mission-related conferences and provided some best practices for approving travel and conference expenses. While the memo said that sequestration budget cuts will likely result in reduced government participation in conferences and travel, OMB stressed that federal agencies should not interpret any recent Administration guidance as a moratorium on travel or conference attendance."