PIO Calendar

FEMA E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer
2026-07-27 00:00 - 2026-07-31 23:59, 2026-08-10 00:00 - 2026-08-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | National Disaster & Emergency Management University, 16825 S. Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, 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.

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-07-27 00:00 - 2026-07-31 23:59 (America/New_York) | Kerrville, TX, Kerrville, TX, 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
2026-07-28 00:00 - 2026-07-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | Oak Forest, IL, Oak Forest, IL, 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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-07-28 00:00 - 2026-07-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Belmont, NY, Belmont, NY, 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.

UT PIO Essentials
2026-07-28 00:00 - 2026-07-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Jackson, TN, Jackson, TN, United States
This course is designed to provide students with the essetial skills necessary to be successful as a Public Information Officer. Participants will spend 24 hours exploring topics related to the PIO role. Topics include: PIO role, policy and procedures, media engagement, crisis communication, crisis strategy, managing local and national media stories, Classroom will include lecture, group projects, table-top exercises, final group presentation, and graduation.

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-28 00:00 - 2026-07-30 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Travis County Sheriff’s Office, 5555 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX, 78751, 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
2026-07-28 00:00 - 2026-07-30 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Texas A&M University Victoria South Building, 3007 N Ben Wilson St, Victoria, TX, 77901, United States

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-07-29 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/per-344-social-media-tools-techniques-6/
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
2026-07-29 00:00 - 2026-07-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Indianapolis, IN, Indianapolis, IN, 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.

Building a Brand that Resonates (Internally & Externally!)
2026-07-30 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | The Horace Mann Companies, 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Springfield, IL, 62715, United States
Effective branding extends far beyond logos and taglines; it lives in the everyday experiences of employees, clients and communities alike. When an organization’s internal culture and external identity are truly aligned, the result is a brand that is not only recognized but trusted and remembered.
Join Bridget Ingebrigtsen and Ellie Kasparie of O’Shea Builders for an engaging exploration of how one of central Illinois’ premier commercial construction firms has built a brand that resonates on both fronts. Under the guiding philosophy of “bringing joy to the journey,” O’Shea Builders has cultivated an identity that is as meaningful to the people who work there as it is to the clients and communities they serve. Learn about the strategies, challenges and insights behind O’Shea’s brand development along with ideas for how to strengthen your own organizations’ internal alignment and external presence. This presentation is ideal for communications, marketing and business professionals seeking a fresh perspective on the intersection of culture, identity and brand.
Bridget Ingebrigtsen is Brand Director of O’Shea Builders, where she has worked for 13 years. With a degree in journalism, Bridget began her career in the newspaper and publishing industry before finding her passion in marketing and branding. In her role at O’Shea, she helps shape and manage the company’s brand by integrating its mission and values into every touchpoint while helping preserve the family feel and culture that have defined O’Shea Builders for more than 125 years.
As Marketing Manager of O’Shea Builders, Ellie Kasparie helps build awareness of the O’Shea brand through social media, storytelling, and community engagement. Ellie enjoys finding creative ways to highlight the people, projects, and culture that make O’Shea Builders unique. In her role, she helps manage the company’s branding and communications, creating content that gives clients, employees, and the community a behind-the-scenes look at the work being done across the organization.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-08-03 00:00 - 2026-08-07 23:59 (America/New_York) | Glenpool, Oklahoma, Glenpool, OK, 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.

FEMA L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer
2026-08-03 00:00 - 2026-08-07 23:59 (America/New_York) | Wake County (NC) 911 Center, 2320 Westinghouse Boulevard, Raleigh, NC, 27604, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-08-04 00:00 - 2026-08-06 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Bedford (TX) Law Enforcement Center, 2121 L. Don Dodson Drive, Bedford, TX, 76021, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-08-04 00:00 - 2026-08-06 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Pitser-Garrison Convention Center, 601 N. Second Street, Lufkin, TX, 75901, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-08-04 00:00 - 2026-08-06 23:59 (America/New_York) | Cary, IL, Cary, IL, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-08-04 00:00 - 2026-08-06 23:59 (America/Chicago) | City of Del Rio (TX) Fire Station 4, 1051 W 10th Street, Del Rio, TX, 78840, United States

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-08-05 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Columbus, OH, Columbus, OH, United States

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-08-06 00:00 - 2026-08-07 23:59 (America/New_York) | San Marcos, TX, San Marcos, TX, United States

FPRA 2026 PR & COMMS SUMMIT
2026-08-09 00:00 - 2026-08-12 23:59 (America/New_York) | Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, 1500 Masters Boulevard, ChampionsGate, FL, 33896, United States
Get inspired. Get ahead. Get to the PR & Comms Summit
Join us August 9–12, 2026, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for the premier gathering of public relations and communications professionals.
Designed to expand your perspective and strengthen your strategic edge, the Summit delivers forward-looking insights, real-world strategies and fresh perspectives from marketing and comms leaders across the industry. From AI search and earned media to
crisis communications and identifying metrics that matter, you’ll leave with ideas you can put into action right away.

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-08-10 00:00 - 2026-08-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | Cedar Falls, Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, United States

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-08-10 00:00 - 2026-08-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | Parker, Colorado, Parker, CO, United States

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-08-11 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Freehold, NJ, Freehold, NJ, United States

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-08-11 00:00 - 2026-08-12 23:59 (America/New_York) | Altamonte Springs, FL, Altamonte Springs, FL, United States

Public Information Officer Workshop
2026-08-11 08:00 - 2026-08-12 17:00 (America/New_York) | San Joaquin (CA) County Sheriff’s Department, 7000 Michael Canlis Boulevard, French Camp, CA, 95231, United States
The role of the PIO has evolved significantly over the last few years, and so has the expectation from the public and media to get them transparent-timely information. This course will provide participants with the essential knowledge and practical tools to manage public information, whether it is a routine operation, positive PR story, or critical incident.
Through a blend of lectures, hands-on exercises, and real-world case studies, participants will learn how to develop and implement effective communication strategies, manage media relations, and engage with the public through various channels. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped to navigate the complexities of public information in emergencies and build trust within their communities.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-08-12 00:00 - 2026-08-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | Raleigh, NC, Raleigh, NC, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-08-12 00:00 - 2026-08-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | South Carolina Emergency Management Division, 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, SC, 29172, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-08-12 00:00 - 2026-08-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | Largo, FL, Largo, FL, United States

NFPA 1030: Public Information Officer
2026-08-12 08:00 - 2026-08-14 17:00 (America/Chicago) | Muscle Shoals Regional Training Center, Russellville, AL, 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.

Leadership and Influence (G240-EM)
2026-08-17 00:00 - 2026-08-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | Forsyth, GA, Forsyth, GA, United States
Being able to lead others – to motivate them to commit their energies and expertise to achieving the shared mission and goals of the emergency management system – is a necessary and vital part of the job for every emergency manager, planner, and responder. This course is designed to improve your leadership and influence skills. It addresses: leadership from within, how to facilitate change, how to build and rebuild trust, using personal influence and political savvy and fostering an environment for leadership development.
