PIO Calendar

NFPA 1030: Public Information Officer
2026-07-20 00:00 - 2026-07-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | TEEX-Brayton Fire Field, 1595 Nuclear Science Road, College Station, TX, 77843, United States
This course covers topics necessary to work as a Public Information Officer (PIO), such as:

ethics
legal issues
policies
the media
scene management
news conferences

As part of the course, you will present information on camera about a simulated incident, prepare written press releases, and learn how to prepare for news-media interviews.

PER-343 Social Media Engagement Strategies
2026-07-21 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Fort Bend (TX) County Emergency Operations Center, 307 Fort St, Richmond, TX, 77469, 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).

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-07-21 00:00 - 2026-07-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | San Diego, CA, San Diego, CA, 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.

2026 Emergency Communications Academy
2026-07-21 00:00 - 2026-07-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Sacramento Marriott Rancho Cordova, 11211 Point East Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA, 95742, United States
The Emergency Communications Academy will be July 21-22, 2026 held at the Marriott in Rancho Cordova and the CalOES headquarters.
The academy draws communications professionals from across the state for this unique, hands-on training academy for those wanting to learn effective, cutting-edge risk and crisis communication tactics and strategies using lessons learned from real-world events. This is a multi-day academy with robust training and presentations and hands-on experiences. This academy is taught by public safety experts from federal, state and local government agencies such as FEMA, Cal OES, CAL FIRE, and others. It’s designed for public information professionals who understand the basics of their job and want to expand their knowledge and skills to handle the unique complexities of crises such as natural and manmade disasters.

MGT-467 Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification
2026-07-21 00:00 - 2026-07-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Fayetteville, Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 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.

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-21 00:00 - 2026-07-23 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Tyler, TX, Tyler, TX, 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
2026-07-21 00:00 - 2026-07-23 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Midland (TX) Emergency Operations Center, 1703 East County Road 120, Midland, TX, 79703, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-21 00:00 - 2026-07-23 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Killeen Fire Station 4, 9200 Trimmier Road, Killeen, TX, United States

CPRA: Agency Leaders Ideas Exchange
2026-07-21 12:00 - 13:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Members-only Event | Hosted by the Agency Leaders SIG
Running an agency often means leading a team and managing a business at the same time. The Agency Leaders SIG Ideas Exchange is a members-only session for agency leaders, owners, and people managers to connect, share, and think through the challenges that come with doing both.
Join us on Tuesday 21 July for a 1-hour online session where you’ll join a breakout room based on your selected topic:
Generational Expectations — A practical discussion on leading across generations, where expectations differ, and how to build shared conviction that keeps the team aligned.
Productivity — A business-first conversation around getting the most from your team’s time, where it really goes, and how to protect capacity for the work that matters most.
Each breakout room will be facilitated by a member of the Agency Leaders SIG Committee, creating a candid space to share challenges, test ideas, and connect with peers who are navigating the same terrain.
This event is exclusively for CPRA members. Not yet a member? Join online now to access this event and other member benefits.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-07-22 00:00 - 2026-07-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dona Ana County (NM) Goverment Center, 845 N. Motel Blvd, Las Cruces, NM, 88007, 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.

The Resiliency Academy Virtual Edition
2026-07-22 00:00 - 2026-07-24 23:59 (America/New_York)
The Resiliency Institute is excited to host a virtual Resiliency Academy in July 2026. This interactive training workshop focuses on all-hazards preparedness tailored to the private sector. Our team of experts will equip you with the essential building blocks to create a best-in-class crisis management program.
After finishing the Academy, you will be awarded a certificate of completion for 16 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), which can be applied towards all four ASIS security certifications, DRII recertifications (CEAP number 6.0) or IAEM’s CEM accreditation and recertification (Category E).

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-07-22 00:00 - 2026-07-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Statesville, NC, Statesville, NC, United States

NFPA 1030: Public Information Officer
2026-07-22 08:00 - 2026-07-24 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

Lights, Camera, Credibility: Mastering On-Camera Interviews
2026-07-22 10:00 - 11:00 (Africa/Abidjan) | https://piocalendar.com/event/lights-camera-credibility-mastering-on-camera-interviews/
A practical one-hour TOC Briefing webinar for public safety professionals, government leaders, PIOs, executives, communications staff, and spokespersons to improve confidence, delivery, and effectiveness during on-camera interviews. Covers preparing for media interviews, staying on message, body language and delivery, bridging techniques, avoiding common mistakes, communicating during crises, and tips for camera setup, lighting, audio, framing, and virtual interviews. Webinar access link will be provided 24 hours prior to the training date.

Public Relations and Media Relations for First Responders
2026-07-22 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/public-relations-and-media-relations-for-first-responders-2/
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
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.

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-07-23 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Statesville, NC, Statesville, NC, 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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-07-23 00:00 - 2026-07-25 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lake Buena Vista, FL, Lake Buena Vista, FL, United States

PER-343 Social Media Engagement Strategies
2026-07-24 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Statesville, NC, Statesville, NC, 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).
The course will supplement and build upon NDPTC’s existing FEMA-certified performance-level course entitled “Social Media Platforms in Disaster Management” (PER-304-W) by providing social media strategies for engaging the public during disaster events.

Mastering the Media Release
2026-07-24 13:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Sydney)
Create compelling media content that stands out from the pack.
Principal editor and trainer, Julie Shannon, will teach you to draft clear professional media releases that get the pickup they deserve. This course uses real examples from the government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors.
This in-depth session with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback on your work.

Who should attend: This course is great for early-career PR and Communication professionals, as well as individuals seeking to refresh their skills. You’re invited to share examples from your organisation to discuss during the session.

Learning Outcomes

write engaging headlines, straplines and leads
develop interesting story angles on a range of topics
shape the body of the media release
prepare appropriate quotes for your key spokespeople
manage political and strategic messaging in the copy
negotiate with subject matter experts for stronger content outcomes

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-07-27 00:00 - 2026-07-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | Denver, CO, Denver, CO, United States

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-07-27 00:00 - 2026-07-31 23:59 (America/New_York) | Plymouth, Minnesota, Plymouth, MN, 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 E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer
2026-07-27 00:00 - 2026-07-31 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.

PRSK: Power of Data: Mastering Social Media Analytics for Strategic Decision Making
2026-07-27 00:00 - 2026-07-31 23:59 (Africa/Abidjan) | Nakuru, Kenya, Nakuru, Kenya
Power of Data: Mastering Social Media Analytics for Strategic Decision Making full brochure
27–31 July 2026 · 50 CPD Points · Mid / Advanced Career. Limited seats per cohort — register directly with PRSK.

Digital Marketing Concepts – Explore the role of social media analytics within the broader context of digital marketing.
Algorithms and Content Performance – Understand how algorithms influence the visibility and performance of content.
Social Media Listening and Monitoring – Learn techniques for effective listening and monitoring across platforms.
Social Media Analytics – Dive into the metrics that matter for measuring success.
Al in Social Media Analytics – Discover how Al tools are transforming data analysis and insights.
Social Media Audit and Paid Social Analytics – Conduct audits to evaluate performance and understand paid social strategies.
Reporting and Social Media KPIs – Identify key performance indicators that drive success.
Fake Media & Content Verification – Learn to identify and verify fake media and content.

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

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

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

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

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-07-28 00:00 - 2026-07-30 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Paris, TX, Paris, TX, United States
