PIO Calendar

CAPIO Webinar: Communicating California’s Nonfunctional Turf Law (AB 1572): Tools, Messaging, and Resources for Public Agencies
2026-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://piocalendar.com/event/capio-webinar-communicating-californias-nonfunctional-turf-law-ab-1572-tools-messaging-and-resources-for-public-agencies/
California’s Nonfunctional Turf Law (AB 1572) marks a major shift in how public agencies, businesses, HOAs, and institutions use water, and effective communication is essential to its successful implementation.
In this one-hour webinar, CalWEP (California Water Efficiency Partnership) will guide public-sector communicators through a practical, easy-to-use toolkit designed to help agencies clearly explain AB 1572, reduce confusion, and support community compliance.
Participants will receive a guided tour of CalWEP’s Nonfunctional Turf (NFT) Resource Website and outreach tools, including ready-to-use messaging, visuals, and sector-specific resources that can be adapted for local use. The webinar will focus on how communicators can translate a complex state policy into clear, actionable information for residents, businesses, HOAs, and other stakeholders.
Whether you work in city communications, utilities, special districts, or public affairs, this session will equip you with practical strategies, language, and resources you can immediately integrate into your outreach efforts.

5 Psychology Hacks to Test in Your Marketing
2026-06-03 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/5-psychology-hacks-to-test-in-your-marketing/
Marlana Trombley, operator and growth specialist at Prosper Peak, will teach participants five powerful psychological principles that influence audience behavior, media engagement, and brand perception in this interactive, one-hour virtual lunch and learn.
Attendees will leave with knowledge on how to apply these concepts strategically across earned media, thought leadership, influencer partnerships, and crisis communications.

EMEAA Webinar: Conversation with NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell
2026-06-04 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/emeaa-webinar-conversation-with-nycem-commissioner-christina-farrell/
Join us as we have a conversation with New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Christina Farrell. We’ll explore her history creating the department’s first external affairs division and upcoming preparedness efforts for the FIFA World Cup and hurricane season.

When Minutes Matter: All-Hazards Alert and Warning Communications
2026-06-10 11:00 - 2026-06-11 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/when-minutes-matter-all-hazards-alert-and-warning-communications/
The field of alerts and warnings is rapidly evolving driven by new technology, social media, research on effective communication, and rising public expectations. Emergency managers must continually update their capabilities, processes, and messages to keep pace.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing this collaborative technical assistance workshop to help jurisdictions improve the speed, reach, and effectiveness of alerts and warnings. This program emphasizes peer-to-peer engagement, fostering shared learning and practical improvement.
This workshop is suitable for public sector warning authority officials including emergency managers, public information officers, social media coordinators, as well as public outreach coordinators.

NIOA Webinar: The Best Practice News Conference presented by Judy Pal
2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/nioa-webinar-the-best-practice-news-conference-presented-by-judy-pal/
A well-run news conference can calm a crisis, while a badly run one can make headlines for all the wrong reasons—and we’ve all seen those trainwrecks. This webinar breaks down best practices and real-world examples of what separates effective news conferences from damaging ones, starting with the most basic rule: open with actual news to announce. We’ll cover smart timing, the right principals at the podium and the core principles that should guide every appearance, from clarity and candor to empathy and accountability. A news conference isn’t simply a media moment—it’s a critical tool for providing credible information and helping maintain or rebuild public trust when it matters most.

LinkedIn for Recruitment, Leadership & Public Trust
2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/linkedin-for-recruitment-leadership-public-trust/
One-hour live webinar for public safety, government, and professional organizations on using LinkedIn to strengthen recruitment, build trust, and grow professional credibility. Covers LinkedIn best practices and 2026 algorithm trends, leadership branding, recruitment-focused content strategies, practical posting and engagement tips, and common mistakes.

NAGC Webinar: Building Collaborative Leadership Using "Yes, And"
2026-06-17 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/nagc-webinar-building-collaborative-leadership-using-yes-and/
Upcoming Webinar: Building Collaborative Leadership Using “Yes, And”
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 | 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Meet Your Speaker:
Nikki Frias
CEO and Founder
CorpDev Strategies
Nikki Frias is the CEO and founder of CorpDev Strategies, an applied improv and professional development company focused on communication, collaboration, leadership, and team dynamics. With over 18 years of comedy and improvisation experience, Nikki uses experiential learning to help organizations strengthen workplace culture, improve adaptability, and build more connected teams. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Maryland, combining evidence-based organizational practices with the interactive power of improv. Nikki has facilitated workshops for professionals across industries including education, law, healthcare, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership. Learn more at Corpdev.work

EMEAA Webinar: Trafficking Risks in Disasters: Spotting & Supporting Survivors for PIOs & Emergency Teams with Sandra Dennis-Essig
2026-06-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/emeaa-webinar-trafficking-risks-in-disasters-spotting-supporting-survivors-for-pios-emergency-teams-with-sandra-dennis-essig/
Disasters create chaos, displacement, and vulnerability—conditions that traffickers often exploit. For public information officers and emergency management professionals, understanding these risks is an essential part of protecting the communities they serve.
In this timely webinar, Sandra Dennis-Essig, Counter Human Trafficking Advisor to EMEAA, will explore how disasters can increase the risk of human trafficking and what communication professionals and emergency teams can do to help identify and support potential survivors.
“Trafficking Risks in Disasters: Spotting & Supporting Survivors for PIOs & Emergency Teams” will provide practical guidance on recognizing trafficking red flags during crisis situations, communicating survivor-centered messaging, and connecting vulnerable individuals with appropriate services. Drawing from real-world disaster response experiences and survivor advocacy work, Sandra will share actionable protocols that emergency management and public information professionals can integrate into preparedness, response, and recovery operations.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how trafficking risks emerge during disasters—and how communications teams can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable populations.
Sandra Dennis-Essig serves as the Counter Human Trafficking Advisor to the Emergency Management External Affairs Association (EMEAA). A graduate of the National Disaster and Emergency Management University with FEMA, DHS, and CISA certifications, she has worked closely with the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking as a survivor advocate and speaker. Sandra is the author and co-author of several articles on human trafficking and emergency management, and she speaks nationally on integrating trafficking awareness into disaster preparedness and response.

3CMA Webinar: Part One: AI Demystified: What You Don't Know (But Should) About the Tools You're Already Using
2026-06-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/3cma-webinar-part-one-ai-demystified-what-you-dont-know-but-should-about-the-tools-youre-already-using/
AI is everywhere, but most of us are using it on instinct and learning as we go. In this practical, example-driven webinar, Rebecca Emery of Seacoast AI will give local government communications professionals a clear-eyed look at how AI actually works under the hood, as well as the “why” behind AI.
You’ll learn a repeatable framework for crafting prompts that consistently produce strong results, a collection of prompt examples tailored to the kinds of tasks you handle every day, and a better understanding of the privacy and security habits that protect you and your organization. Whether you’re brand new to AI or have been working with it for a while, this session will fill in the gaps and give you the confidence to use these tools more effectively.

3CMA Webinar: Part Two: Get Found by AI: Generative Engine Optimization for Local Government Communicators
2026-07-15 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/3cma-webinar-part-two-get-found-by-ai-generative-engine-optimization-for-local-government-communicators/
When residents ask an AI answer engine about local services, emergency information, or community resources, does your content show up accurately – or even at all? As more people turn to generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to search for information online, local government communicators need to adapt their SEO strategies.
In this forward-looking webinar, Rebecca Emery of Seacoast AI introduces Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and how we can structure and present our content so generative AI models and answer engines can find it, trust it, and serve up accurate information and answers to the people who want it. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how GEO differs from traditional SEO and how AI actually reads our content online, what changes you can make today to improve your content’s visibility in AI-generated responses, and why this matters more than ever for public trust and community reach.

Telling Your Story to the Media and Legislators
2026-11-19 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://piocalendar.com/event/telling-your-story-to-the-media-and-legislators/
When: Nov 19, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (PT)

Presenters: CAPIO and CSDA
Every special district has a story to tell—about the essential services you provide, the people you serve, and the value you deliver to your community. Effectively sharing that story builds trust with the public, strengthens relationships with the media, and helps decision-makers understand your district’s priorities and funding needs.
In this practical, fast-paced session, you’ll hear communication strategies and real-world examples to help you:

Identify and shape compelling stories that highlight your district’s impact and funding needs.
Build positive working relationships with local reporters and media outlets.
Communicate clearly and confidently with legislators and key stakeholders.
Use storytelling to turn technical topics into relatable community benefits.

Participants will receive adaptable message frameworks and talking points to help their district tell its story with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
10:00 – 11:00 am
Free CSDA Member
$125 Non-member
CSDA webinars are offered at no charge to all Members in part through the generous support of the Special District Risk Management Authority (SDRMA).
