Join us for the 2025 STAR Awards luncheon aboard the iconic Queen Mary on October 2—an event you won’t want to miss.

New this year we are starting the day with a compact symposium featuring Zach Camerino who will deliver an inspiring session on taking your social media presence to the next level with video plus insights on social media metrics by Tom Christensen. Following that, we will celebrate the winners of the STAR Awards over lunch.  Finally, for those interested in touring the iconic ship – you’ll have a chance to take a tour of the Queen Mary before you head home. 

Get ready to learn, connect, and celebrate excellence in the field!

These awards recognize excellence in government video programming in 40+ categories including Community Event Coverage, Best City | County Services Information Video, Human Interest, Public Safety, PSA, Sports Programming, Social Media, Election Coverage, Parks & Recreation and more. 

View Finalists

Date: OCTOBER 2, 2025

Event Schedule

• 9:00 AM – CHECK-IN / NETWORKING
• 10:30 AM – COMPACT SYMPOSIUM: Lights, Camera, Impact! Video Creation & Metrics that Matter
• 12:30 PM – STAR AWARDS 
• 2:30 PM – EVENT CONCLUDES
• 2:45 PM – OPTIONAL TOUR OF THE QUEEN MARY ($20 additional)

CAPIO Member Price
$115 – Full Event (Compact Symposium + Awards Lunch)
$75 – Awards Lunch Ticket

Non-Member Price
$165 – Full Event (Compact Symposium + Awards Lunch)
$95 – Awards Lunch Ticket

Deadline to purchase tickets:  September 19.

Buy Tickets

LOCATION

Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
Book Your Hotel Room

Directions

COMPACT SYMPOSIUM

Lights, Camera, Impact! Video Creation & Metrics that Matter

Are you ready to elevate your social media game? Whether you’re a content creator or just looking to boost your Agency’s social media presence, this training will equip you with the skills needed to make your videos stand out. Video producer Zach Camerino will share his expertise in a straightforward, actionable format that you can apply immediately to your work.  After these insights, learn more about anaylzing and understanding your social media metrics with Tom Christensen, Communications Specialist, County of San Diego and CAPIO Immediate Past President.

Key Takeaways:

• Pro Tips for Compelling Content:  Discover secrets to creating videos that capture attention and engage your audience.
• Horizontal to Vertical Magic: Master the art of transforming your horizontal videos into vertical formats optimized for social media platforms.
• Reels Mastery: Take home practical tools and techniques for crafting eye-catching Instagram and Facebook Reels.
• Metrics:  What metrics matter and how to analyze effectiveness

Speakers:

Zach Camerino

Zach Camerino is all about capturing reality in a bold way. An Emmy Award-winning Filmmaker, Editor and Live Broadcast Director, Zach thrives on using his creativity to boost artists, brands and organizations. His body of work encompasses a wide range of products, including documentaries, commercials, social media content and live broadcasts.

Zach works as Broadcast Director at The Church at RB in San Diego, California. An organization with a digital footprint reaching far beyond San Diego, he is responsible for directing the weekly live multi-camera broadcast. Zach is also a video producer for LEGOLAND California Resort, where he shoots content covering all-new rides, shows and attractions.

Tom Christensen

Tom Christensen has been a communications specialist with the County of San Diego since 2006 and has worked in government communications for nearly 30 years. He coordinates and monitors nearly 100 accounts as part of the County’s nationally-recognized social media efforts. He was the 2021 CAPIO Communicator of the Year and part of the team that won the 2018 CAPIO Frank Potter Cowan Crisis Communications Leader Team Award. He currently is CAPIO’s immediate past president and previously served on the CAPIO Board as the Vice President – Conference.