L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-10 00:00 - 2026-05-13 23:59 (America/New_York) | Palm Beach County (FL) Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401, United States
NOTE: This course is offered as part of the Governor’s Hurricane Conference. There may be a conference fee associated with this course. Contact the organizer for more information.
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.
Tentative Schedule (Subject to change):

Sunday, May 10, 2026, 1:30PM – 5:00PM
Monday, May 11, 2026, 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 1:30PM – 5:00PM

40th Annual Governor's Hurricane Conference
2026-05-10 00:00 - 2026-05-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | Palm Beach County (FL) Convention Center, 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401, United States
The GHC is the nation’s largest and best-attended conference focusing on hurricane planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation! The GHC is an opportunity to learn from the successes of others and identify proven best practices, as well as learning what mistakes to avoid BEFORE it’s too late! Over 300 hours of training and workshops covering all aspects of hurricane readiness, full of the latest trends, topics, tools and technologies to best improve your disaster response/recovery processes will be offered. The GHC provides access to tried and true solutions and ideas for a wide range of hurricane-related challenges that can be put into action immediately when you return, many at little or no cost!

AWR-209 Working with the Media: A Course for Rural First Responders
2026-05-11 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Concord, NH, Concord, NH, 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

NAGC 49th Annual Communications School
2026-05-11 00:00 - 2026-05-13 23:59 (America/New_York) | Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, 41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage, CA, 92270, United States
The 2026 theme “Innovation Oasis: Elevating Government Communication through Evolving Technologies, Strategic Metrics and Building Trust” highlights NAGC’s focus on harnessing emerging technologies to deliver more transparent, responsive, and inclusive messaging while reinforcing the foundational role of trust in public communications

2026 CAPIO Annual Conference
2026-05-11 00:00 - 2026-05-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | San Diego, CA, San Diego, CA, United States
Are you ready to Make Waves at CAPIO’s 2026 Annual Conference? This is your chance to showcase your work, build connections with colleagues from across the state, and dive into sessions led by California leaders in public sector communications. Expect insights on media relations, strategic communications, social media, emergency response, branding, emerging technologies and much more.
Our theme, Making Waves, celebrates the momentum, creativity and leadership of California’s public information community. It’s an extraordinary moment for our profession, and CAPIO members continue to set the pace with innovative campaigns, bold storytelling, and solutions that meet the dynamic challenges of today’s communication landscape.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-05-11 00:00 - 2026-05-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Murfreesboro, TN, 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)
2026-05-11 00:00 - 2026-05-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | San Antonio, TX, San Antonio, TX, United States

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-05-12 00:00 - 2026-05-13 23:59 (America/New_York) | Sheraton Norfolk Waterside, 777 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA, 23510, 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-467 Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification
2026-05-12 00:00 - 2026-05-13 23:59 (America/New_York) | Williston, VT, Williston, VT, United States
The Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification course brings planners, operators, public information professionals, government, public safety, and marketing professionals together in an effort to prepare and/or enhance venue and event communication programs. The course prescribes best practices to common communication pitfalls and provides flexible and scalable solutions to a wide-range of scenarios. The training leverages a combination of exercises, discussions, and activities to optimize participant experience.

4th Annual Public Sector Comms Week
2026-05-12 00:00 - 2026-05-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | REX HOTEL, CANBERRA, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra City, Australia
The 4th Annual Public Sector Comms Week is Australia’s leading gathering for government communication professionals. Over three days, the event brings together 250+ public sector communicators from all levels of government to strengthen trust, build capability, and elevate the impact of public communication.
Delegates will gain practical insights into translating complex policy, managing crises, countering misinformation, and building community confidence, all while navigating tighter budgets and increasing expectations. The program delivers actionable tools across three streams: External Communications, Internal Communications, and Digital & Social Media.

AI for Marketers Summit
2026-05-12 00:00 - 2026-05-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/ai-for-marketers-summit/
Learn how top brand marketers are using AI to drive performance and scale
Hear from senior executives from cross-industry brands share how they’re investing in AI and how it’s transforming their marketing strategies.
Gain practical knowledge and skills immediately applicable to your work, and get expert feedback to help refine your strategies.
Determine how and when to capitalize on AI through hands-on workshops that identify real problems and potential use cases for AI in your work.
Understand the areas marketing AI has the biggest impact on brands, including content generation, marketing operations, brand building, customer experience, and more.
Learn the ins and outs of generative AI, ChatGPT, and the essential tools to seamlessly integrate AI into your existing marketing strategy.
Discover how AI can help you save time and reduce costs by automating routine tasks and freeing your time for more strategic thinking.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-12 00:00 - 2026-05-14 23:59 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Burleigh County (ND) Emergency Management, 4200 Coleman Street, Bismarck, ND, 58503, United States
This course will 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.

When Minutes Matter: FIFA World Cup 2026 Alert and Warning Communications
2026-05-12 11:00 - 2026-05-13 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/when-minutes-matter-fifa-world-cup-2026-alert-and-warning-communications/
When Minutes Matter: FIFA World Cup 2026 Alert and Warning Communications. The workshop is designed to help emergency managers involved in issuing alerts to improve the speed, reach and effectiveness of public alerts and warnings.

Dates: May 12 and May 13, 11 am – 4 pm ET (8 am – 1 pm PT/ 10 am – 3 pm CT)
Audience: FIFA World Cup 2026 hosting jurisdictions that fall within State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) emergency managers, and Public Information Officers (capacity is 500)

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.
This workshop is being specifically delivered for jurisdictions hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Not supporting the FIFA World Cup but interested in this content? Register to be added to the distribution list here for future nationwide workshops: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSFEMA/signup/44637
*Two-day delivery with new material being delivered each day

EMEAA Webinar: Earning the Respect of Your Senior Leader & Getting a Real Seat at The Table with Dr. Joseph Trahan, APR, Fellow PRSA
2026-05-12 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/emeaa-webinar-earning-the-respect-of-your-senior-leader-getting-a-real-seat-at-the-table-with-dr-joseph-trahan-apr-fellow-prsa/
Public information officers and communication professionals are often expected to shape messaging, manage crises, and protect organizational reputation—yet many struggle to gain consistent access to senior leadership and decision-making conversations.
In this engaging session, Dr. Joseph V. Trahan, III, APR, Fellow PRSA will share practical strategies for building credibility with executive leadership and earning a meaningful role in the decision-making process. Drawing on decades of experience in public affairs, military communication operations, and professional education, Dr. Joe will explore how communicators can demonstrate value, strengthen trust with senior leaders, and move from tactical support roles to strategic advisors.
Participants will learn how to better position themselves within their organizations, communicate their expertise effectively to leadership, and ensure communication strategy is included early in key decisions.
Whether you work in emergency management, public safety, government, or organizational communications, this session will provide practical insight on how to secure—and keep—a true seat at the table.

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-05-13 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Viroqua, WI, Viroqua, WI, United States
This performance-level web-based course is designed for individuals in the public and private sectors who are responsible for gathering and disseminating disaster-related information and who would like to increase their knowledge and understanding about social media and its uses during crisis communication to support organizational preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

MGT-467 Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification
2026-05-13 00:00 - 2026-05-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | West Warwick, RI, West Warwick, RI, United States

Strategic Social Media for Public Safety Professionals & Government Leaders
2026-05-13 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Louisville (CO) Police Department, 992 West Via Appia Way, Louisville, CO, 80027, United States
Learn how to build community trust and strengthen relationships by effectively telling your agency’s story. This engaging, one-day training for PIOs and agency leaders covers strategic use of social media, working with traditional media, and practical techniques for amplifying your message. Students explore real-time messaging, managing misinformation, uncovering compelling stories, navigating negativity, and understanding legal considerations, all through interactive exercises designed to prepare your agency to communicate proactively and confidently.

Communicating Critical Incidents Through Video
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://piocalendar.com/event/communicating-critical-incidents-through-video/
About The Course
In today’s digital environment, video often becomes one of the most important tools public safety agencies use to communicate during and after critical incidents. From officer-involved shootings to high-profile use-of-force incidents, the way agencies present video evidence can significantly impact public understanding, media coverage, and community trust.
This one-hour TOC Briefing explores practical strategies for creating clear, informative, and responsible critical incident videos that help agencies communicate transparency while maintaining professionalism and legal awareness. Drawing on real-world experience working with public safety agencies across the country, this session will walk through how agencies can effectively use body-worn camera footage, surveillance video, dispatch audio, and supporting visuals to provide context and clarity during complex incidents.
Participants will learn how to structure a critical incident video that helps viewers understand what occurred, why key decisions were made, and how the incident unfolded.
The briefing will also address common challenges agencies face, including editing and redactions, legal considerations, messaging, and producing effective videos even with limited resources or staffing.
Whether you are a Public Information Officer, command staff member, or communications professional, this session will provide practical guidance for using video as a powerful tool for transparency, accountability, and public communication.
In this session, you’ll learn:
Best practices for producing and releasing critical incident videos
How to structure a video timeline that clearly explains what occurred
When and how to incorporate body-worn camera, surveillance footage, and audio recordings
Key considerations for editing, redacting, and protecting sensitive information
Messaging strategies that help provide context while maintaining transparency
Practical production tips for agencies with limited resources or in-house expertise
By the end of the session, participants will leave with a clear framework for planning, producing, and releasing critical incident videos that inform the public, support transparency, and strengthen community trust.
*Webinar Access Link will be provided 3 days prior to the training date.

New Hampshire Hospital Association and Yankee PRSA AI Adoption & Building Trust Forum
2026-05-13 10:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | New Hampshire Hospital Association, Concord, New Hampshire, United States
Join the New Hampshire Hospital Association and Yankee Chapter PRSA for two dynamic panels on the topics of AI Adoption and Building Trust.
Schedule:
10:30 – 11:15 a.m.: “Empowering AI Adoption: How Hospital Communications Teams Are Leading the Way,” featuring Karen Ingraham, Sr. Director of Strategy, Planning & Communications, St. Paul’s School, and Brianna Allard, Director of Social Impact Marketing & Communications, Southern New Hampshire University
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: “Building and Rebuilding Trust,” featuring Jean Hitchcock, Sr. Health Care Advisor, Yes&
12:15 – 1 p.m. – Lunch
Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: New Hampshire Hospital Association, 125 Airport Road, Concord, NH 03301
Cost: $25 for PRSA Members

Public Relations and Media Relations for First Responders
2026-05-13 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | JGPR Academy (Canton), 719 Washington St, Lower Level, Canton, MA, 02021, United States
Hybrid Zoom AND In Person Event!
Overview
Communicating with the residents and community members you serve is a critical component in building trust, relationships, and legitimacy in the eyes of those you are sworn to protect. Additionally, building a rapport and managing your relationship with the media that covers your department can lead to consistent news coverage and create an ally when you need to get information out in a timely manner.
Completing this course will teach you:
A basic understanding of Public Relations and Media Relations
Understanding the need to act and communicate quickly during a crisis
Understanding how effective communication builds public trust and legitimacy for your Department
The importance of Media Relations skills and overall Communication
Who is the course for?
This course is intended for Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Command Staff, Public Information Officers (PIOs), and all First Responders looking to advance their knowledge in these areas.

3CMA Webinar - Reinventing the Mundane into Social Media Magic
2026-05-13 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/3cma-webinar-reinventing-the-mundane-into-social-media-magic/
A behind-the-scenes look into UDOT’s social media success. Hear from UDOT’s Social Media Manager on growing content and followers, using data to convince leadership, and transforming routine government updates into engaging, credible posts through storytelling, visuals, and audience-focused messaging. Includes real examples and simple frameworks to increase reach, improve community engagement, and make public information more accessible and memorable.

PER-343 Social Media Engagement Strategies
2026-05-14 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Viroqua, WI, Viroqua, WI, 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).

PR360: Mastering the Modern Message
2026-05-14 00:00 - 2026-05-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | The Grand Brighton Hotel, 97-99 King's Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2FW, United Kingdom
The UK’s Flagship Strategic Communication Conference
Thursday 14 & Friday 15 May 2026 | The Grand, Brighton
In 2026, the lines between corporate reputation, brand purpose, and internal culture have dissolved. For the modern communications leader, navigating this complexity requires more than just agility; it demands a total strategic reset.
We bring the industry’s heavyweights to The Grand: Agency Chiefs, In-house Directors, and the Comms leaders driving the future of our sector forward. PR360 is PRWeek’s flagship annual conference and the benchmark event in the communications calendar.
Bypass the surface level and tackle the high-stakes friction points of our industry. Gain breakthrough perspectives from the architects of global brands. Engage in closed-door discussions on AI ethics, geopolitical volatility, and the evolution of trust. Be the first to pressure-test the strategies that will define the 2027 landscape.
Once the final session concludes, the dialogue continues at our exclusive seafront social. Trade the boardroom for the Brighton coast for an evening of premium hospitality.
This is your opportunity to connect with the industry’s decision-makers in a setting that inspires breakthrough thinking and lasting professional bonds.
Two days to define your year. One stage to lead the industry.

Government Communications Masterclass: Crisis, Social, and Public Speaking
2026-05-14 08:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Brian Carey Training Center, 1023 191st St., Homewood, IL, 60430, United States
Effective public communication is more essential than ever. The  Government Communications Masterclass: Crisis, Social, and Public Speaking is a one-day intensive training designed for government professionals who manage public messaging. In a single day, participants strengthen skills in crisis response, social media, media relations, legal considerations, and public speaking through real-world case studies, practical exercises, and guided discussion. This hands-on approach builds confidence, clarity, and the ability to communicate effectively under pressure.

May 14th Multilingual Alerting Summit
2026-05-14 11:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/may-14th-multilingual-alerting-summit/
Join the Language & Accessibility in Alert & Warning Workgroup (LAAWW) for the virtual Multilingual Alerting Summit on May 14, 2026 from 8:30am-2pm Pacific (11:30am-5pm Eastern).

We will discuss the use of various emergency alerting software systems to send multilingual alerts. The opening session includes a presentation about multilingual alerts in action. Next, we will offer individual breakout groups by software type. System users will discuss the pros and cons of various methods for issuing multilingual alerts. We will gather lessons learned, feedback about the software, and questions about/ideas for product features.

If you are not already a member of LAAWW, please click here to sign up.

Mastering Media Relations: Strategies for Effective Communication for Police, Fire and Other Emergency Services
2026-05-14 12:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | JGPR Academy (Canton), 719 Washington St, Lower Level, Canton, MA, 02021, United States
Hybrid! Zoom and In Person Options available
Overview
In this course, we delve into the intricacies of interviewing, mastering press conferences and harnessing the power of the media to amplify your department or agency’s message. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, our goal is to equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate media interactions with ease.
Completing this course will teach you:
Learn Strategies for Preparing and Conducting Successful Interviews and Press Conferences
Understand the Role of the Media in Emergency Situations
Explore Best Practices for Collaboration Between Emergency Responders and the Media
Developing Relationships with the Media and Journalists
Who is the course for?
This course is intended for Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Command Staff, Public Information Officers (PIOs), Mayors, Town Managers, Town Administrators, Select Board Members, City/Town Leaders, Chiefs of Staff, and all Municipal Staff or First Responders looking to advance their knowledge in these areas.
Location
Virtually via Zoom
OR
JGPR Academy Training Center
719 Washington Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021

CPSE Public Information Officer (PIO) Credential Webinar
2026-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/cpse-public-information-officer-pio-credential-webinar/
Learn more about the Center for Public Safety Excellence Public Information Officer credential by joining this webinar. Hear from a variety of PIOs about the reason they sought credentialing through CPSE and the value it adds to their career. If you are considering seeking credentialing or want to learn more, register for this webinar.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-20 23:59 (America/New_York) | Las Vegas, NV, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-20 23:59 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Henderson (NV) Office of Emergency Management, 240 S. Water Street, Henderson, NV, 89015, United States

ILEA: The Executive Communicator
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-21 23:59 (America/New_York) | ILEA Headquarters at The Center for American and International Law, 5201 Democracy Drive, Plano, TX, 75024, United States
Communication is at the heart of building relationships, thus at the heart of good policing.  While Public Information Officers, Communications Directors, and such are often pigeon-holed to media relations and social media functions, the insights and skill true strategic communicators bring to the executive are unique and valuable.
One of the biggest obstacles of the strategic communicator is developing the expertise and confidence necessary to work closely with chief executives.  This course will define the challenges facing police executives and how communication can support management in reaching their goals for a safe and secure community.
This course is designed specifically for experienced public information officers or executives with responsibility for internal and external communication. It explores the academia behind communications and crisis planning, as well as thinking more purposefully about the overall brand and image of an agency.
Each day, students will take part in deep-dive discussions about the value of communications, how to garner support for the position, and how to better convey communication theory to executives to earn buy-in for communication programs and enhance the overall communications efforts of their agencies.
