PIO Calendar

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-09-01 00:00 - 2026-09-02 23:59, 2026-09-03 00:00 - 2026-09-04 23:59 (America/New_York) | El Paso, TX, El Paso, 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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-02 00:00 - 2026-09-04 23:59 (America/New_York) | Downey, CA, Downey, CA, 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.

K0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-07 00:00 - 2026-09-11 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/k0105-public-information-basic-6/

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-09-09 00:00 - 2026-09-10 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lubbock, TX, Lubbock, TX, United States

2026 3CMA Annual Conference
2026-09-09 00:00 - 2026-09-11 23:59 (America/New_York) | Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th Street, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
3CMA is heading to Denver in 2026 — where the elevation is high and the expectations for local government communications are even higher. This year’s theme, Peak Performance – Achieving New Heights in Local Government Communications, celebrates the drive, creativity and resilience that define our profession.
Set in the Mile High City, the conference will bring together colleagues from across the country to talk candidly about what’s working, what’s changing and what’s next. Attendees can expect a mix of general sessions, hands-on workshops, timely breakout discussions and networking opportunities that offer real tools and takeaways — highlighting what it takes to operate at the highest level strategically, creatively and collaboratively.
From staying ahead of emerging technology and evolving public expectations to strengthening community trust and sharpening your storytelling, this year’s program is designed to help communicators elevate their everyday work. Whether your goal is to improve crisis communication, build stronger teams, streamline processes or rethink your digital approach, you’ll find sessions designed to help you climb a little higher.
Join us in Denver to learn, connect and trade ideas with peers who understand the peaks and valleys of the profession. When communicators perform at their best, our communities benefit — and that’s a summit worth reaching.

Save the Date: 2026 CAPIO Leadership Summit
2026-09-10 00:00 - 2026-09-11 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles) | Shannon Community Center (Dublin, CA), 11600 Shannon Ave, Dublin, CA, 94568, United States
Save the dates! This year’s Leadership Summit will be held at the Shannon Community Center in Dublin, CA on September 10 and 11. This is a great opportunity to gain those soft skills and insights to level up your current or future career!

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | Fort Worth, TX, Fort Worth, TX, 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.

E0952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | National Disaster & Emergency Management University, 16825 S. Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, 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.

FY 2026 FEMA Executive Public Information Officer Week 3
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | National Disaster & Emergency Management University, 16825 S. Seton Ave, Emmitsburg, MD, 21727, United States
Week 3: E0394: Executive Public Information Application

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | Daytona Beach, Florida, Daytona Beach, FL, 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.

Social Media Academy
2026-09-15 00:00 - 2026-09-16 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles) | Santa Maria (CA) Police Department, 1111 W. Betteravia Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455, United States
About The Course
Social media, when utilized effectively, can serve as a vital tool for public safety and government agencies to engage with their communities, recruit new employees, communicate during emergencies, and disseminate important updates. In this course, you will explore advanced techniques, tips, and resources to create polished, captivating, and professional content. By the end of the course, you’ll feel empowered and prepared to enhance your department’s social media initiatives and make a significant impact.
Topics Covered:
Creating engaging photos, videos, and graphics
Writing engaging captions
Developing an effective content strategy
Understanding branding essentials
Navigating legal and policy considerations
Strategies for boosting reach and engagement
Best practices for live streaming
Crafting and sharing news releases via social media
Building and managing social media teams
Utilizing insights and analytics for improvement
Optimizing platform features, settings, and best practices
Recommendations for apps and equipment
To download the course flyer click here.
Travel Information
Airport:
Santa Maria Airport (SMX)
Hotel:
Radisson Hotel Santa Maria(Next to airport)
3455 Skyway Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(805) 357-9891
Hampton Inn Santa Maria
2190 Preisker Lane
Santa Maria, CA 93458
(805) 424-1414

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-09-15 00:00 - 2026-09-16 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lebanon, OH, Lebanon, OH, United States

PNW Comms Summit
2026-09-15 08:30 - 2026-09-16 12:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | University of Washington Tacoma, 1900 Commerce Street, Tacoma, WA, 98402, United States
The PNW Comms Summit is a 1.5-day conference bringing together government communicators to connect, learn, and share what’s actually working. Designed for public information officers, communications teams, and teams of one, this summit focuses on practical strategies, real-world challenges, and building relationships that strengthen communication.

Brand Minds
2026-09-16 00:00 - 2026-09-17 23:59 (America/New_York) | Bucharest, Romania, Bucharest, Romania
BRAND MINDS is the biggest business summit in Central and Eastern Europe.
Each year we are uniting business experts, world-famous authors, and brilliant thinkers with 6000+ business professionals.
Attend The Central and Eastern European Business Summit of the Year which brings together outstanding business thinkers and world-class experts to discuss the latest in marketing, sales, leadership, branding, team management, business strategy, innovation, and company culture. This conference is more than networking; it is about creating meaningful and long-lasting partnerships.

Hubspot's UNBOUND 2026
2026-09-16 08:00 - 2026-09-18 17:00 (America/New_York) | Boston, MA, Boston, MA, United States
UNBOUND is the ultimate gathering for sales, marketing, and customer experience professionals, all of which have implications for PR professionals. With over 13,000 in-person attendees, this conference is all about “inbound marketing” – creating valuable content and curated experiences that genuinely connect with customers. Make sure you attend to gain new perspectives on AI, customer experience, and sustainable revenue.
INBOUND is now UNBOUND

Welcome to growth without limits. After fifteen years as HubSpot’s flagship event, INBOUND is now UNBOUND. INBOUND laid the foundation. UNBOUND reflects how growth works today. Built for modern go-to-market teams ready to become unstoppable, UNBOUND is a mindset for connected systems, AI-driven execution, and unified teams across the entire customer experience. Over three high-impact days, you’ll explore emerging strategies, apply practical AI-powered insights, and build powerful connections to lead your business into its next era.

Save the Date: Utah PIO Association Annual Conference
2026-09-21 00:00 - 2026-09-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Courtyard Marriot St. George (UT), 185 S 1470 E, St. George, UT, 84790, United States
Registration opens July 1, 2026
Cost will be announced soon.
Join the Utah PIO Association Annual Conference—one of the largest gatherings of public information officers in the country—for an experience built by government communicators, for government communicators.
Connect with peers from across agencies and sectors and collaborate on real-world challenges. Walk away with fresh ideas, practical tools you can use immediately, and a network of professionals who truly understand the unique demands, pressures, and purpose of your work.

FEMA E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer
2026-09-21 00:00 - 2026-09-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dona Ana County (NM) Emergency Operations Center, 4201 Tortugas Trail, Las Cruces, NM, 88007, 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.

UT Master PIO
2026-09-21 08:00 - 2026-09-25 13:00 (America/New_York) | University of Tennessee LEIC, 193 Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37210, United States
Step into a higher level of leadership and communication by joining the Master Public Information Officer Cohort. This program is designed for experienced professionals ready to move beyond delivering information to shaping strategy, building trust, and leading with confidence when it matters most. Through a dynamic, multi-disciplinary learning environment, you’ll strengthen your ability to navigate complex messaging, manage crises, and influence outcomes across agencies and communities. Participants also engage in professional leadership development through targeted assessments, including an emotional intelligence evaluation, helping you better understand your leadership style, strengthen self-awareness, and enhance how you lead and communicate under pressure. If you’re ready to elevate your impact and become a trusted voice in public service, the Master PIO Cohort is your next step.

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-09-22 00:00 - 2026-09-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Greenville, SC, Greenville, SC, United States

G 272 Warning Coordination
2026-09-22 08:00 - 2026-09-23 16:30 (America/New_York) | North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, Iowa, United States
This course is produced with the partnership with the National Weather Service (NWS). In order to reduce deaths, injuries, and property loss, Emergency Managers must work closely with the NWS and news media to provide effectiveness.

Accelerate: An Interactive Crisis Communications Conference
2026-09-23 00:00 - 2026-09-25 23:59 (America/New_York) | UVA Sycamore Hill, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
About the Conference
The Challenge
When a crisis hits, leaders don’t have time to think. News breaks in minutes and narratives form instantly. Leaders must decide and communicate simultaneously, under intense pressure.
‍The Experience
Accelerate is a multi-day evolving crisis scenario. You won’t just study a crisis; you will operate inside one. Instructional sessions will teach you messaging best practices, and the unfolding crisis scenario will allow you to put your new skills to work.
The Network
You won’t just attend, you’ll be surrounded by fellow leaders from a variety of professions. The conversations don’t stop when the session ends.
All meals are included and structured to extend learning through facilitated conversations with faculty, guest speakers, and peers.
Structured meals, small-group settings, and shared pressure inside the scenario create connections that tend to last well beyond the conference.
Why Accelerate Is Different
A multi-day evolving crisis scenario
Immediate application of every lesson
Practical decision-making under pressure
Direct feedback from experienced facilitators and former reporters
A controlled environment where mistakes become lessons instead of headlines
Who Should Attend
Accelerate is for leaders in public safety, higher education, government, or any organization which could face high-profile public relations crises.
What Participants Practice
You will practice real-time internal and external messaging, managing misinformation, media relations, and participate in a mock news conference with live feedback.
The Outcome
Participants leave with:
Sharper judgment under pressure
Stronger leadership instincts
Greater confidence in how they communicate during crises
A readiness to lead when moments define careers, organizations, and public trust

PRSA Boston Northeast District Conference
2026-09-24 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Bentley University Conference Center, 175 Forest Street, Waltham, MA, 02452, United States
Calling all PR and Comms professionals,
Our world is changing fast, and you need to keep up. The 2026 PRSA Northeast District Conference (PRxNE26) at Bentley University in greater Boston on Thursday, September 24 is the perfect place to be!
___________________________________________________________
Conference:
Thursday, September 24, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Pre-conference Networking Event:
Boston “Tea” Party | Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________
Why attend?
In a landscape reshaped by AI, algorithm shifts, stakeholder activism, and fast-moving policy changes, this conference gives PR and comm professionals and educators the tools, case studies, and connections to lead with confidence.
When you join us at the PRSA Northeast District Conferece, you will:

Learn about the latest trends affecting our PR and Comms industry.
Learn about the advantages and pitfalls of tech advances and how to utilize them.
Refine your skills to master whatever challenges that come your way and elevate your career.
Learn how to effectively manage crises, including cyber crises, and keep your reputation intact.
Develop essential skills in ethics to build trust and loyalty with your publics.
Learn about pitches that work and other media relations tips.
Learn how to navigate our changing political climate while staying true to your mission.
Network with other PR and Comms professionals from Buffalo to Bangor.

________________
What to expect?

Keynotes from frontline strategists driving change in technology, social platforms & relationships, and the policy environment.

Breakout sessions that translate trends into playbooks you can implement in campaigns and counsel—right away.

Actionable takeaways on AI & analytics, content and community, trust, risk, reputation, and measurement that matters.

High-impact networking with peers from Buffalo to Bangor to build relationships, swap ideas, and spark collaborations.

___________________
Who should be there?
Agency and in-house pros, nonprofit and public-sector communicators, higher-ed leaders and faculty, sole practitioners and PR/Comms professionals, as well as PRSSA students and advisers.
____________
Bottom line
One day conference. Big insights. Networking. Real skills.

2026 KAPIO Annual Conference
2026-09-24 00:00 - 2026-09-25 23:59 (America/New_York) | Hotel Topeka at City Center, 1717 SW Topeka Boulevard, Topeka, KS, 66612, United States
Connect. Learn. Elevate Your Impact.
The KAPIO Annual Conference is where Kansas’ public communicators come together to sharpen skills, share strategies, and recharge. It’s a low-cost, high-value professional development opportunity that delivers practical tools you can put to work immediately.
The work of public communicators matters—across city and county government, law enforcement, fire and emergency services, public health, hospitals, schools and universities, and other public-facing agencies. This conference is built to help you thrive in that role. From navigating high-pressure situations to managing complex projects or sparking more engagement, KAPIO is your place to learn, recharge, and connect with others who understand the challenges (and rewards) of the work you do.
2026 Keynote
Communication Gaps Are Trust Gaps: What Happens When Messaging Fails Inside the Organization
Speaker: Paul D. Raymond, Jr., PDR Strategies

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-28 00:00 - 2026-09-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Bloomfield, IN, Bloomfield, IN, United States

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-09-28 00:00 - 2026-10-02 23:59 (America/New_York) | Wayne, New Jersey, Wayne, NJ, United States

FBI-LEEDA Master Public Information Officer (MPO)
2026-09-28 00:00 - 2026-10-02 23:59 (America/New_York) | Lexington, Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-29 00:00 - 2026-10-01 23:59 (America/New_York) | Fairfax, VA, Fairfax, VA, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-29 00:00 - 2026-10-01 23:59 (America/New_York) | Gunnison, CO, Gunnison, CO, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-29 00:00 - 2026-10-01 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dimondale, MI, Dimondale, MI, United States
