PIO Calendar

Risk Communications and Managing Opposing Viewpoints for Public Health Professionals
2026-10-07 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
In this two-part class, John Guilfoil takes public health directors and communicators through an experiential journey that is tailor-made for the extreme demands and ever-evolving world of public health. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, municipal governments have been called upon to deliver timely, confident advice and guidelines amid rapidly-changing circumstances and an evolving range of powerful doubters, misinformation trolls and conspiracy theorists.
In part-one, John offers a back-to-basics approach to risk communication. From mosquitoes to rats to season flu, learn how to communicate with your residents, coworkers and intergovernmental contacts and work to create communications plans that fulfill a World Health Organization goal of providing “real-time exchange of information, advice and opinions between experts or officials and people who face a hazard or threat to their survival, health, or economic or social wellbeing.
In the second half of the training, learn how to navigate in a world of competing viewpoints — and in a world of misinformation, disinformation and gasp Facebook commenters. Learn that conflicting viewpoints are a normal part of constituent services, understand the differences between healthy skepticism and conspiracy theory, learn techniques to remain dispassionate and above board in communicating public health information. This well-reviewed class also covers active listening techniques and two breakout sessions.

MGT-340: Crisis Leadership: A Community Case Study
2026-10-08 08:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pendleton, OR, Pendleton, OR, United States
This seminar uses one of three case studies to examine the dynamics leadership, planning and communications during a crisis from the perspective of an elected or community leaders. This four-hour seminar explores recent case studies to frame the discussion regarding methods to overcome challenges in planning and responding to a large-scale incident. The seminar’s outcome is to develop individual and jurisdictional action plans to guide improved preparedness and emergency response.
Available Case Studies:

Hurricane Harvey: Chaos on the Gulf Coast
Mayhem at Mandalay Bay
The Camp Fire: Crisis in California

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-10-12 00:00 - 2026-10-16 23:59 (America/New_York) | Southlake, Texas, Southlake, 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
2026-10-13 00:00 - 2026-10-14 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lufkin, TX, Lufkin, TX, 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.

Internal Communications Conference
2026-10-13 00:00 - 2026-10-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | Microsoft Headquarters, Seattle, WA, 15010 NE 35th Street, Redmond, WA, 98052, United States
The pressure on communicators has never been greater. Neither has the opportunity.

Leadership transitions. AI rollouts. Geopolitical tensions. Internal and strategic communicators are navigating one of the most complex workplace environments in decades. Employees expect faster updates, authentic leadership and consistent messaging across all platforms. Meanwhile, communicators are helping their organization adopt AI, navigate digital transformation and keep teams aligned through constant change.
With change comes opportunity.
Ragan’s Internal Communications Conference on Oct. 13-15 gives you the playbook you need to lead with clarity and credibility and advance your role within your organization.
Join us on Microsoft’s campus for an immersive learning and networking event filled with practical strategies you need to meet this moment with confidence. You’ll learn how to strengthen executive communication, guide teams through disruption, combat misinformation and integrate emerging tech into your workflows responsibly. Join hundreds of peers from leading organizations and leave with ideas, tools and frameworks you can apply immediately.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-10-13 00:00 - 2026-10-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | Park City, UT, Park City, UT, 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
2026-10-13 00:00 - 2026-10-15 23:59 (America/New_York) | Opelika, AL, Opelika, AL, United States

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-10-13 00:00 - 2026-10-15 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Breckenridge, TX, Breckenridge, 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.

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Management and Setup
2026-10-14 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/emergency-operations-center-eoc-management-and-setup-2/
As a public official that is involved in Emergency Management, the ability to communicate effectively and quickly is essential. Creating an EOC provides the framework of a communication network during an emergency, a major crisis, weather event, power outages, active shooter, or any other event that may significantly impact your community. This 4.5-hour course will teach you how to design an EOC and how to manage communications before, during, and after an EOC activation. As the former Fire Chief in Foxborough, MA and Nashua, NH, Chief Hatfield has over 40 years of knowledge and experience in the private, municipal, state and federal life safety and emergency management fields.
Completing this course will teach you:
Why and When an EOC Activation is Necessary
How to Set Up an Effective EOC
How Technology Drives Effectiveness
How to Fund and Design an EOC
Demobilizing and Recovery Efforts
This course is for Emergency Management Directors, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Public Safety Command Staff and Personnel, Municipal Leaders, and anyone involved in Emergency Operations Center activations.

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-10-15 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | South Carolina Emergency Management Division, 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, SC, 29172, 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.

Crisis Communications Boot Camp Austin
2026-10-15 00:00 - 2026-10-16 23:59 (America/New_York) | The Cathedral ATX, 2403 E 16th Street, Austin, TX, 78702, United States
Crisis Communications Boot Camp Austin 2
We’re back in Texas.
After five years, the Crisis Communications Boot Camp Austin 2 returns — part of a global training series delivered in over 40 cities, trusted by senior communicators worldwide.
Why Communicators Attend
Because when a crisis hits, you don’t get time to think.
You are expected to lead.
This training is built for that reality.
You will learn directly from communications leaders at: Amazon, NASCAR, IBM, Stanford University, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Entergy, City of Austin and Flex — people making high-stakes decisions in real time.

Communications Elevated 2026
2026-10-15 08:00 - 18:00 (America/Denver) | Lowry Conference Center (Denver, CO), 1061 Akron Way, Denver, CO, 80230, United States
Communications Elevated is IABC Colorado’s first, full-day conference designed to bring communicators together for learning, connection, and practical insight that elevates our work.
Communicators are navigating constant change, new tools, evolving expectations, and increasing demands for clarity and impact.
Communications Elevated is being built to help you:

Strengthen your skills and confidence

Learn from experienced practitioners

Connect with peers across communications disciplines

Walk away with insights you can immediately apply

Whether you work in internal communications, PR, marketing, or a related field, this conference is designed to meet you where you are and elevate your skills.

PER-343 Social Media Engagement Strategies
2026-10-16 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | South Carolina Emergency Management Division, 2779 Fish Hatchery Road, West Columbia, SC, 29172, 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).

Communication Leadership Summit USA
2026-10-16 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Alexander Court (Washington, DC), 2001 K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
As the communication profession continues to evolve, industry leaders are navigating increasingly complex challenges around AI, trust, reputation, workforce engagement, and business impact.
That’s why IABC, in collaboration with Stategic, is excited to host the Communication Leadership Summit USA (CLS USA) on 16 October 2026 in Washington, D.C.
Unlike a traditional conference, CLS USA is designed as an interactive “unconference,” where participants create the agenda and engage in peer-driven discussions on the topics most relevant to their work. This proven format fosters candid conversations, fresh perspectives, and practical insights from professionals across industries, sectors, and career stages.
From corporate communicators and consultants to public affairs and internal communication professionals, attendees will gather for a day of collaborative discussion, fresh perspectives, and practical problem-solving.
By keeping the event intentionally small, participants can fully engage in conversations, build new relationships, and leave with ideas they can put into practice right away.

Public Relations Society of America ICON 2026
2026-10-18 00:00 - 2026-10-20 23:59 (America/New_York) | Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL, 32821, United States
Experience the largest annual conference for communications and public relations professionals, presented by PRSA.
Hear inspiring keynotes from nationally recognized leaders and industry experts.
Choose from a wide range of breakout sessions designed to elevate your skills and expand your expertise.
Connect with peers, mentors, and partners through dedicated networking events and informal meet-ups.
Explore the latest trends in AI, ethics, media, and strategic communication shaping the future of the profession.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-10-19 00:00 - 2026-10-21 23:59 (America/New_York) | Forsyth, GA, Forsyth, GA, United States

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-10-19 00:00 - 2026-10-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Bristol, Virginia, Bristol, VA, United States

E/L0952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer
2026-10-19 00:00 - 2026-10-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Trenton, NJ, Trenton, NJ, United States
This course is designed for a Public Information Officer (PIO) assigned to an incident as a member of an All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT) and local IMTs, as well as for the PIO assigned to an incident as an Assistant PIO in a variety of capacities.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-10-20 00:00 - 2026-10-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Salem, NH, Salem, NH, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-10-20 00:00 - 2026-10-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Winchester, VA, Winchester, VA, United States

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-10-21 00:00 - 2026-10-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lakewood, NJ, Lakewood, NJ, United States

MGT-467 Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification
2026-10-21 00:00 - 2026-10-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Greeley, CO, Greeley, CO, 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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-10-21 00:00 - 2026-10-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Tallmadge, OH, Tallmadge, OH, United States

AWR-209 Working with the Media: A Course for Rural First Responders
2026-10-22 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Chilton, WI, Chilton, WI, United States
Adapted from FEMA’s 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.

MGT-467 Sport and Special Event Public Information and Emergency Notification
2026-10-22 00:00 - 2026-10-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Beaufort, SC, Beaufort, SC, United States

International Conference on Health Communication and Media Studies (ICHCMS)
2026-10-23 00:00 - 2026-10-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dunedin, New Zealand, Dunedin, New Zealand
International Conference on Health Communication and Media Studies (ICHCMS – 26) at Dunedin, New Zealand, on 23rd – 24th October 2026 is delighted to welcome professionals, academicians, and practitioners from the field to attend high-level conferences. The IIRD is organising meaningful discussions focusing on solutions, future scope, and ongoing trends. This is your chance to acquire knowledge, learn, and improve.
As a participant, this is your golden opportunity to create valuable connections through socialisation which will boost your professional journey. This event will welcome experts from national and international locations connected to the field. So, meet your heroes and engage in revolutionary discussions.
Moreover, you can engage with like-minded people and explore new areas of interest with active participation. Moreover, academicians can present their research, vision, and creative ideas to benefit the topic. The atmosphere of active questioning and engagement will benefit the event and all participants
Attendance at these conferences will level up your CV and prove helpful in future endeavours. Moreover, it will give an insight into where all the nations stand concerning advancements and recent trends in Health Communication and Media Studies . An event full of socialisation, opportunities, information, and specialists should not be missed.
You can discuss your career, fields, and research and get an evaluation from participants and speakers. They will assist you in choosing the right path. Moreover, conferences organised at amazing locations help you explore several cities.
At the IIRD conference, you can meet leading business delegates & sponsors who are looking for creative minds. Moreover, you can grab the opportunity to get funded for your further studies at Health Communication and Media Studies .

Social Media for Higher-Ed Virtual Conference
2026-10-26 00:00 - 2026-10-28 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/social-media-for-higher-ed-virtual-conference/
We’re now in our 12th year.
Because managing social media in higher ed deserves its own conference!
Built for Higher Ed — Not Repurposed for It
Our sessions dive into strategies tailored to colleges and universities. Every session is grounded in the realities of higher education: complex audiences, institutional processes, limited resources, and evolving expectations. You won’t hear any unrelatable private sector brand strategies here; just what actually works on campus.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-10-26 00:00 - 2026-10-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Sacramento, CA, Sacramento, CA, 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)
2026-10-26 00:00 - 2026-10-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Valhalla, NY, Valhalla, NY, United States

E/L0952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer
2026-10-26 00:00 - 2026-10-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Valdez, AK, Valdez, AK, United States
