PIO Calendar

PER-343 Social Media Engagement Strategies
2026-06-22 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/per-343-social-media-engagement-strategies-12/
This eight-hour performance-level course is designed to provide participants with knowledge and skills using social media tools to engage individuals and volunteer organizations for assistance during an emergency. Participants will learn about social media engagement techniques, individual and organizational roles in crisis communication, and Virtual Operations Support Teams (VOST).

FEMA E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer
2026-06-22 00:00 - 2026-06-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lewis University – St. Charles Borromeo North Campus, 101 W. Airport Road, Romeoville, IL, 60446, United States
The National Response Framework (NRF) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) devote significant attention to the importance of emergency public information. Public Information Officers are key members of the ICS and EOC organizations, and work closely with officials who are part of Multiagency Coordination Groups. PIOs advise the Incident Commander, Unified Command, and EOC director on public information relating to incident management.
With public information included as a function within NIMS and within ICS, it is critical to address and provide training for this important element of Emergency Management.
The National Disaster & Emergency Management University (NDEMU) Public Information Officer (PIO) training curriculum includes courses delivered at the awareness, basic, advanced and master levels. The basic level course was developed by NDEMU and is managed by NDEMU or state emergency management trainers who teach basic skills and techniques for use during small, localized, single-agency responses; preparedness campaigns; and escalating localized responses.
The advanced level course teaches participants additional skills for use during escalating incidents, including strategic communications and incident action planning as it relates to Joint Information Center (JIC) operations.

K0105 Public Information Basics
2026-06-22 00:00 - 2026-06-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/k0105-public-information-basic-4/
To equip participants with the skills needed to be full or part-time PIOs, including oral and written communications; understanding and working with the media; and basic tools and techniques to perform effectively as a PIO, both in the proactive/ advocacy times and crisis/ emergency response.

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-06-22 00:00 - 2026-06-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | Carmel, Indiana, Carmel, IN, United States
Building off of the FBI-LEEDA Media & Public Relations course, the Master Public Information Officer course moves the participant from the tactical to the strategic level of media and brand management. Participants will spend 4 ½ days exploring; the business model of media engagement, take a deeper dive into cultivating a brand image through internal and external communications, and learn how to proactively pitch stories in today’s 24/7 news environment. Students will learn the advanced means of creating high-quality in-house videos for social media, develop messaging calendars, and learn the art of being a strategic advisor. This course will build on crisis management skills in tabletop exercises designed to build the framework for a crisis communication manual.

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-06-23 00:00 - 2026-06-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Bluffton, SC, Bluffton, SC, United States
This course examines the role of public information in all-hazards incident management and provides practical training in crisis communication techniques. In a major incident, it is of critical importance that community leaders, incident managers, and Public Information Officers (PIO) are prepared to communicate with the public through traditional and social media. This course focuses on the role of public information in all-hazards incident management; the information needs of the press and public in a crisis; and strategies for planning, conducting, and managing the public information effort during a crisis event.

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-06-23 00:00 - 2026-06-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Red Bluff, CA, Red Bluff, CA, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-06-23 00:00 - 2026-06-25 23:59 (America/New_York) | University of Alaska Anchorage – Eugene Short Hall, 2601 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK, 99508, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-06-23 00:00 - 2026-06-25 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Galveston County North County Annex, 174 Calder Drive, League City, TX, 77573, United States
The Texas Public Information Officer Course will provide initial information for those individuals who are employed or appointed by a state agency or local government entity and whose duties include communicating with the public during a disaster regarding the importance of early communication and coordination of crisis information.

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-06-23 00:00 - 2026-06-25 23:59 (America/Chicago) | City of Lubbock (TX) Emergency Operations Center, 1515 East Ursuline, Lubbock, TX, 79403, United States

Crisis Communications for Higher Education Leaders
2026-06-23 08:00 - 2026-06-24 16:00 (America/New_York) | Northeastern Illinois University Student Union Conference Room, 5500 N St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625, United States
This fast-paced two-day course prepares university and campus public safety supervisors, PIOs, and communications staff to manage messaging during campus crises, including critical incidents, controversies, and high-profile events. Participants will build skills in real-time emergency messaging, social media, news releases, media relations, and managing misinformation through practical exercises and realistic campus scenarios. Guided by an experienced crisis communications instructor, the course provides proven strategies to communicate clearly and effectively when it matters most.

Social Media Academy
2026-06-23 08:00 - 2026-06-24 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | North Net Training Center, 2400 East Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, CA, 92806, United States
About The Course
Social media, when utilized effectively, can serve as a vital tool for public safety and government agencies to engage with their communities, recruit new employees, communicate during emergencies, and disseminate important updates. In this course, you will explore advanced techniques, tips, and resources to create polished, captivating, and professional content. By the end of the course, you’ll feel empowered and prepared to enhance your department’s social media initiatives and make a significant impact.
Topics Covered:
Creating engaging photos, videos, and graphics
Writing engaging captions
Developing an effective content strategy
Understanding branding essentials
Navigating legal and policy considerations
Strategies for boosting reach and engagement
Best practices for live streaming
Crafting and sharing news releases via social media
Building and managing social media teams
Utilizing insights and analytics for improvement
Optimizing platform features, settings, and best practices
Recommendations for apps and equipment
To download the course flyer click here.
Travel Information
Airport:
John Wayne Airport (SNA / KSNA)
Hotel:
Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim Orange
400 N. State College Boulevard
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 938-1111

AWR-209 Working with the Media: A Course for Rural First Responders
2026-06-24 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Vidor, TX, Vidor, TX, United States
Adapted from FEMAÕs IG-290 curriculum, this 8-hour course provides rural first responders with skills needed to communicate with the public through the media. Examines roles of the media and the rural first responder/public information officer. Participants learn how to give print/electronic media interviews, write news releases, provide information at the scene, and how they fit into the joint information system.Ê

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-06-24 00:00 - 2026-06-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City, OK, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-06-24 00:00 - 2026-06-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dodgeville, WI, Dodgeville, WI, United States

NFPA 1030: Public Information Officer
2026-06-24 08:00 - 2026-06-26 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Alabama Fire College, 2501 Phoenix Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35405, United States
This course is based on NFPA 1030: Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Prevention Program Positions, Chapter 12, Public Information Officer, 2024 Edition. This course is designed for individuals seeking the knowledge and skills to conduct media interviews, prepare news releases, and media advisories.

Cost: $220 In-State / $400 Out-Of-State
Prerequisites: 18 years of age; High school diploma/GED
Required Resources:

Public Information Officer, Second Edition
Certification Course Syllabus
Practical Exam Materials
Laptop that can produce Microsoft Office or Adobe PDF documents

LEMIT Public Information Officer
2026-06-29 00:00 - 2026-07-01 23:59 (America/New_York) | LEMIT Criminal Justice Center, 1600 Bobby K. Marks Blvd., Huntsville, TX, 77341, United States
The Public Information Officer (PIO) course is designed for public safety personnel responsible for managing, disseminating, and overseeing information on behalf of their departments or organizations. Open to potential, newly assigned, and experienced PIOs—as well as administrative executives involved in public communication—the program equips participants with the essential skills and “tools of the trade” needed to handle both routine operations and community crises effectively. Through interactive, hands-on exercises, participants learn to write media releases, conduct interviews and on-camera briefings, and engage with social media and other communication platforms. The course emphasizes situational awareness, public relations strategies, and evaluation of public information campaigns, preparing attendees to serve as confident, credible, and effective voices for their agencies in any circumstance. (****Course mandated to meet requirements of SB33; the Uvalde Strong Act.)

FEMA Executive Public Information Officer FY27 Application Due
2026-06-30 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | National Disaster & Emergency Management University, 16825 S. Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, United States
The Executive Public Information Officer Program (EPIOP) is the final component of the public information training series. This program consists of a three (3) course series that prepares public information officers for executive-level leadership, strategic decision-making, and trusted advisor roles.
The program focuses on the most critical competencies for public information leaders. EPIOP participants work within a collaborative environment on projects and establish a network of peers.
EPIOP participants will contribute to the body of knowledge for public information.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-07-06 00:00 - 2026-07-10 23:59 (America/New_York) | Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Coatesville, PA, United States
The FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR) course is a 4 ½-day intense curriculum developed to assist law enforcement in communication with not only the media, but the communities they serve. The course is suitable for chiefs and commanders who may deal with the media on a regular or ad hoc basis and full-time/part-time Public Information Officers (PIOs). This class provides proven strategies and best-practices for media relations, crisis communications and social media. Students will learn to prepare and deliver messages. The session features numerous desktop and on-camera exercises. Participants are asked to bring a laptop or tablet to class.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-07-06 00:00 - 2026-07-10 23:59 (America/New_York) | San Antonio, TX, San Antonio, TX, United States

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-07-07 00:00 - 2026-07-08 23:59 (America/New_York) | Durham, NC, Durham, NC, United States

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-07-07 00:00 - 2026-07-08 23:59, 2026-07-09 00:00 - 2026-07-10 23:59 (America/New_York) | College Station, TX, College Station, TX, United States

K0105 Public Information Basics
2026-07-07 00:00 - 2026-07-09 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/k0105-public-information-basic-5/

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-07 00:00 - 2026-07-09 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Lumbertson ISD Center for Performing Arts, 100 S. LHS Drive, Lumberton, TX, 77657, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-07 00:00 - 2026-07-09 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Abilene, TX, Abilene, TX, United States

PER-343 Social Media Engagement Strategies
2026-07-08 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Renaissance Austin Hotel, 9721 Arboretum Blvd, Austin, TX, 78759, United States
This eight-hour performance-level course is designed to provide participants with knowledge and skills using social media tools to engage individuals and volunteer organizations for assistance during an emergency. Participants will learn about social media engagement techniques, individual and organizational roles in crisis communication, and Virtual Operations Support Teams (VOST).
Imported Details
Registration: https://ndptc.hawaii.edu/training/?course=31&state=&training_method=&start= | Location: Springfield, IL

UT Social Media Dynamics: A Crisis Response Simulation (online)
2026-07-09 00:00 - 2026-07-10 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/ut-social-media-dynamics-a-crisis-response-simulation-online/
This course is offered ONLINE via Zoom. Prior to the start date of the class, you will receive an email with the Zoom link. Invoice must be paid to receive link.
Hands-On Learning: Engage in realistic, fast-paced simulations that replicate real-world social media crises.
Master Crisis Management: Develop critical skills to effectively navigate and mitigate public relations challenges in digital spaces.
Real-Time Decision Making: Learn to think on your feet with live scenarios that test your strategic response under pressure.
Expert-Led Insights: Gain industry best practices from seasoned professionals in crisis communication and social media strategy.
Ideal for Professionals: Perfect for Public Information Officers, Social Media Managers, corporate communicators, and anyone navigating the digital landscape.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-07-13 00:00 - 2026-07-17 23:59 (America/New_York) | Pecos, Texas, Pecos, TX, United States

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-07-13 00:00 - 2026-07-17 23:59 (America/New_York) | Madison, Alabama, Madison, AL, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-14 00:00 - 2026-07-16 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Angelo State University Emergency Operations Center, 2410 Vanderventer Ave, San Angelo, TX, 76909, United States
