NAGC Webinar: Navigating Misinformation in Community Social Media
2026-04-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | IL
Misinformation moves fast and if you respond wrong, it moves faster. This session breaks down a real-world government case where a routine issue escalated into widespread public confusion. It reveals key lessons for managing misinformation in today’s fast-moving digital environment.
Learn why misinformation spreads, how to decide when to respond (and when not to), and how to deliver clear, credible information without escalating conflict. You’ll also explore proactive strategies to build trust before rumors start and how to prepare for emerging threats like AI-generated content and deepfakes.
Leave with a practical rumor response toolkit and a mindset shift: you’re not there to win the conversation, you’re there to build trust.
Speaker – Tabitha Clark, APR
Tabitha Clark, APR, is a public-sector communications leader with over a decade of experience in government, law enforcement, and education communications. She currently serves as Communications Director for the City of Perry, Georgia, where she leads citywide strategy, crisis communications, community engagement, and award-winning initiatives.
Accredited in Public Relations (APR), Tabitha is a nationally recognized speaker known for blending clear, ethical storytelling with emerging technology. Her work focuses on the responsible, practical use of AI to improve transparency, efficiency, and trust in public communication. She writes and presents on misinformation, leadership, and modern government communications, and is building a national voice at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and human-centered leadership.

2026 PRWeek Crisis Comms Conference
2026-04-16 08:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20004, United States
On April 16, 2026, PRWeek will gather top industry executives who have been through the crisis trenches to share their collective decades of experience.
This is a must-attend event for every communicator and marketer, no matter your discipline or work environment. You’ll join over 200 fellow professionals for networking, inspiration and lessons you can apply immediately to your own practice.
The 2026 PRWeek Crisis Comms Conference is an event you won’t want to miss.

NDPIO Webinar: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the NWS... But Didn't Know What to Ask!
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | https://piocalendar.com/event/ndpio-webinar-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-the-nws-but-didnt-know-what-to-ask/
📣 Register for our April Training!
Thursday, April 16 at 12:00 PM
Spring and summer in North Dakota can bring rapidly changing and sometimes extreme weather, from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to flash floods and heat events. ⛈️🌪️🌧️☀️ Clear, timely communication can make all the difference.
Join us NDPIO 𝗭𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 with Megan Jones, Meteorologist and Climate Services Lead at the US National Weather Service Bismarck North Dakota.
Megan will share how PIOs and communicators can make the most of NWS tools, data, and graphics, and how to turn complex forecasts into clear, actionable information for your audiences. She will also offer insight into her work supporting emergency management partners and the decisions that help protect North Dakotans during severe weather events.
Do not miss this opportunity to strengthen your messaging, enhance public safety, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how NWS Bismarck helps communities prepare for and respond to summer weather hazards. 📣🛟

EMEAA: Mental Health for PIOs with Chief Reardon
2026-04-16 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/emeaa-mental-health-for-pios-with-chief-reardon/
Chief Reardon will discuss first-hand experiences with response, the aftermath of sensitive incidents, and the mental health impact PIO professionals must keep in mind.

With over 26 years in the fire service, including 23 years with the Duxbury Fire Department, Chief Rob Reardon currently serves as Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management for the Town of Duxbury, Massachusetts. A recognized leader in public safety, Chief Reardon is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School’s Executive Leaders Program, the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program, and the Massachusetts Chief Fire Officer Program, delivered in partnership with the Edward J. Collins Center for Public Management. He is also an accredited Fire Chief in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Chief Reardon holds dual bachelor's degrees: one in Mass Communications from Emerson College and another in Fire Science from Anna Maria College. His executive education also includes completion of Harvard University’s National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) and Columbia University’s Leading with Impact program. Before entering the fire service, Chief Reardon spent over a decade as an award- winning photojournalist in Boston, with his work appearing on the covers of national magazines, newspapers, books, and international broadcasts. He covered high-profile stories ranging from presidential visits and professional sports to celebrity appearances, major trials, and breaking national news events.
An accomplished speaker and published author, Chief Reardon is frequently invited to present at leading conferences and institutions across the country. He has spoken at Harvard University, the Naval Postgraduate School, Firehouse World, Firehouse Expo, and the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) one of the largest fire service conferences in the world, drawing over 35,000 attendees in 2023. He also speaks at numerous private sector events on topics such as leadership, crisis communication, social media strategy, public information, and media relations.
In 2013, Chief Reardon secured grant funding to create the Regional Old Colony Communications Center (ROCCC) an $8 million, state-of-the-art 911 dispatch facility serving six communities. Under his leadership, ROCCC became the first dispatch center outside of Boston to directly receive wireless 911 calls, a milestone that continues to save lives through improved emergency response. In recognition of his expertise in emergency communications, Chief Reardon was appointed by the Governor to the Massachusetts State 911 Commission, a position he proudly holds today.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-20 00:00 - 2026-04-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Jefferson County (CO) Dakota Building, 800 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO, 80401, 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.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-04-20 00:00 - 2026-04-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Warrensburg, Missouri, Warrensburg, MO, 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
2026-04-20 00:00 - 2026-04-24 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.

MGT-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Blue Springs, MO, Blue Springs, MO, 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.

Oregon Association of PIOs Annual Conference
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Sunriver Resort (Sunriver, OR), Center Drive, Sunriver, OR, United States
The annual conference for the Oregon Association of Public Information Officers brings together over 100 communications professionals in law enforcement, fire and local government from across Oregon and SW Washington. This year’s agenda will include relevant topics like crisis communications, AI and social media, courses for advanced PIOs and beginners, networking opportunities by region and agency and guest speakers you won’t want to miss!

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Dimondale, MI, Dimondale, MI, United States

Employee Communications & Culture Conference
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Westin Boston Seaport District, 425 Summer St., Boston, MA, 02210, United States
AI is rewriting workflows, employees expect personalized and authentic experiences, and algorithms determine what voices get heard.
Join us April 21-23 in the heart of Boston for Ragan’s Employee Communications & Culture Conference so you can stay relevant and keep your seat at the table. You’ll walk away with practical and innovative ideas to implement back in the office — or in home offices and hybrid workplaces — that will keep employees engaged and productive. Learn how to supersize your strategies and elevate your comms even as you forge connections and share knowledge with industry peers and colleagues.
From manager communications and newsletters that really work to upskilling for AI (and incorporating agents into your workflow), you’ll leave this conference with the tools you need to build a better work environment. Explore sessions on thought leadership, case studies on how leading organizations are using AI, interactive exercises and engaging instruction from experts in the trade.
Don’t react to change — lead it. Join us to future-proof your comms strategy, sharpen your skills, and connect with peers facing the same urgent challenges. This is where communicators shape the next era of influence.

Social Media for First Responders Virtual Conference
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-23 23:59 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://piocalendar.com/event/social-media-for-first-responders-virtual-conference/
Two jam-packed days tailored to your role in public safety.
Don’t miss this First Responder social media conference!

We bring over 10 years of experience in social media education. That means you can count on a vetted, specially curated series of sessions and seasoned, experienced speakers to tackle topics that impact your agency or department’s social media strategy.

Intermediate Public Information Officer
2026-04-21 00:00 - 2026-04-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Office, 2644 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA, 92676, United States
This 3-day (24 hour) course is designed to increase PIO’s ability to be strategic communicators before, during, and after an emergency. Using a “Whole Community” approach, this course walks participants step-by-step on how to write strategic incident communication plans which enables PIOs to immediately set the narrative immediately after an emergency. Participants will leave the course with the framework to create strategic incident communication plans for their own jurisdictions. This course creates a practical and strategic link between the Basic PIO course and the Advanced PIO course.

Thinking About Your APR? Start Here.
2026-04-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/thinking-about-your-apr-start-here/
An honest conversation about what it takes, and why it matters.
At some point in many public relations careers, the question surfaces:
Should I earn my APR?
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential is widely recognized as the profession’s mark of strategic expertise, ethical leadership, and commitment to excellence. But what does the process actually involve? And is it worth it?
Join the Maine Public Relations Council (MPRC) for a free virtual professional development session designed to answer those questions clearly and candidly.
MPRC Accreditation Chair Shane Perry, APR, and newly accredited professional Benjamin Speed, APR, of Northern Light Health, will share an inside look at the APR journey. From deciding to pursue it to completing the panel presentation and written exam.
Whether you are exploring accreditation for the first time or considering beginning the process this year, this session will give you practical guidance and a realistic understanding of what to expect.
What You’ll Gain

A clear understanding of what the APR credential represents in Maine’s communications community
A concise overview of eligibility requirements, the panel presentation, and the computer-based exam
Practical preparation tips from someone who recently completed the process
Insight into how MPRC supports candidates through mentorship, programming, and peer connection

Benjamin will share what the experience was really like. What surprised him, what challenged him, and how earning his APR strengthened his confidence and strategic perspective.
Shane will outline how to begin the process, what resources are available, and why accreditation continues to matter in an evolving communications landscape.
Why APR Matters
APR is more than three letters after your name.
It signals strategic rigor.
It reinforces ethical practice.
It demonstrates a commitment to lifelong learning.
In a field where many claim expertise, APR provides a credible, professional standard. A standard that benefits both individual practitioners and Maine’s broader communications community.
If APR has been on your radar, this is your opportunity to learn more in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
If you’re new to APR, this is the right place to start.
If you’ve been considering it for a while, this may be the moment to move forward.
Register today and take the first step toward strengthening your professional credibility and impact

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-22 00:00 - 2026-04-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Gallup, NM, Gallup, NM, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-22 00:00 - 2026-04-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | Fort Worth, TX, Fort Worth, TX, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-22 00:00 - 2026-04-24 23:59 (America/New_York) | JEA EOC, 4800 Spring Park Road Cologix, Jacksonville, FL, 32207, United States

Crisis Communications
2026-04-22 08:00 - 2026-04-23 16:00 (America/New_York) | Milpitas (CA) Police Department, 1275 N. Milpitas Blvd., Milpitas, CA, 95035, United States
This engaging, fast-paced two-day course prepares public safety supervisors and PIOs for messaging during a crisis, whether it involves a critical incident or a controversy. Participants will learn how to communicate in real time on social media, craft effective news releases, manage misinformation, navigate media relations, and lead successful news conferences. In today’s complex communication environment, this training provides proven tools to help you communicate confidently when it matters most.

Rethinking Public Safety Recruitment in a Digital World
2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | https://piocalendar.com/event/rethinking-public-safety-recruitment-in-a-digital-world/
About The Course
Recruiting qualified candidates has become one of the biggest challenges facing public safety agencies today. Traditional job postings and hiring announcements are no longer enough to compete in a shrinking applicant pool. Agencies must learn how to communicate their mission, culture, and opportunities in a way that resonates with the next generation of candidates.
This one-hour TOC Briefing live webinar will explore practical digital strategies that agencies can use to attract, engage, and retain top public safety talent. Drawing from real-world experience working with agencies across the country, TOC Public Relations will share proven approaches for using social media, digital storytelling, and strategic messaging to strengthen recruitment efforts and build stronger candidate pipelines.
Participants will learn how to move beyond basic recruitment posts and instead develop a modern strategy that highlights agency culture, showcases personnel, and provides valuable information that supports candidates throughout the hiring process. From recruitment videos and social media content to candidate engagement and online resources, this session will provide actionable insights agencies can immediately apply.
Whether you are a PIO, social media manager, recruiter, command staff member, or agency leader, this briefing will help you better position your organization to compete for talent in today’s digital landscape.
In this session, you’ll learn:
Why traditional recruiting strategies are falling short in today’s hiring environment
How to use social media and digital content to showcase your agency and attract candidates
The types of recruitment content that resonate most with younger applicants
How to highlight officer and employee stories to build credibility and connection
Strategies for keeping candidates engaged throughout the hiring process
Practical ways to support candidates and their families during recruitment
By the end of the session, participants will walk away with clear, practical ideas for improving recruitment messaging and strengthening their agency’s ability to attract the next generation of public safety professionals.
*Webinar Access Link will be provided 3 days prior to the training date.

Utah PIO Association Quarterly Session - Rocky Mountain Power & Wildfire Threats
2026-04-22 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Denver) | Rocky Mountain Power Headquarters, 1407 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT, 84116, United States
🕦 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Virtual livestream starts at noon — link coming soon!)
Details: This session will explore how Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) is preparing for and responding to the growing wildfire threat across Utah and the region. Attendees will gain insight into real-world strategies for communicating with both the public and internal teams during high-risk situations, as well as how the utility is strengthening partnerships with local agencies to improve coordination and response.
The presentation will also cover key topics, including Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), what they are, how they’re implemented, and what they mean for residents.
This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from industry partners, better understand the role utilities play in wildfire mitigation, and walk away with practical communication strategies you can apply in your own organization and communities.

3CMA Webinar Series: From Scene to Screen — A.I. and Advanced Smartphone Video Tools
2026-04-22 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/3cma-webinar-series-from-scene-to-screen-a-i-and-advanced-smartphone-video-tools/
Today’s city and county communicators are expected to produce more video content, faster, and with greater impact than ever before. This session is designed to help 3CMA members do exactly that.
In this fast-paced, idea-filled session, our presenter, Kerry Shearer, goes beyond the basics to explore the tools, tips, and techniques that can help you create better video content faster — with a special focus on A.I.-powered tools that can streamline your workflow and boost production quality.
Whether you’re shooting quick social media updates, polished promos, behind-the-scenes content, interviews, or field footage, this webinar will show you how to level up your results using the gear and software that you need to know about! Kerry will cover smart ways to improve your video and audio, speed up editing, enhance visuals, reduce production headaches, and create content that is more engaging and more effective across digital platforms.
You’ll get an inside look at practical smartphone video accessories and advanced tools that can make a big difference in how your content looks and sounds — from microphones, lights, tripods, and stabilization gear to editing apps, workflow tricks, and A.I. tools for tasks like transcription, cleanup, captioning, and more. And yes, many of these techniques and tools can also apply to DSLR and mirrorless video workflows.
This is no dry death-by-PowerPoint slide show. Expect an energetic, jam-packed hour featuring live demos, real video examples, hands-on gear show-and-tell, and behind-the-scenes insights from Kerry’s multi-camera web studio. You’ll see what works, why it works, and how to put it to use in your own content creation process.
This session is bound to deliver plenty of practical takeaways, fresh ideas, gear and tool recommendations, and confidence-building inspiration for your next project!

Your ADA Title II Compliance Strategy Webinar
2026-04-24 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | IL
We’re excited to invite you to a crucial webinar focused on ADA Title II compliance for government agencies.
You’ll hear from esteemed speakers Don Torrez, ADA-Certified Accessibility Leader, Rebecca Woodbury, Founder of Dept. of Civic Things, and Bratton Riley, CEO of Citibot, as they share insights on developing a sustainable accessibility strategy. This session will equip you with practical knowledge to reduce high-risk PDF exposure and align with DOJ Title II requirements by shifting to a web-first content approach.
During this webinar, you will:
* Learn actionable strategies from industry leaders.
* Gain insights into aligning with DOJ Title II requirements.
* Participate in a live Q&A session to address your specific concerns.
This webinar is a must-attend for you and your team at 3CMA to ensure robust compliance and proactive risk management.
Join us here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2217739515205/WN_VKtxgXrSR4KVcMmxO-ljtw
Bonus: Every attendee receives a free ADA PDF Remediation Guide with enforcement timelines and a clear prioritization framework to reduce risk.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-27 00:00 - 2026-04-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | Boise, ID, Boise, ID, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-27 00:00 - 2026-04-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | Newburgh Heights, OH, Newburgh Heights, OH, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-04-27 00:00 - 2026-04-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | McIntosh, NM, McIntosh, NM, United States

2026 IACP Public Information Officers Section Midyear Conference
2026-04-27 00:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Tempe Mission Palms, 60 East 5th Street, Tempe, AZ, 85281, United States
The IACP Public Information Officers Midyear conference brings together public information officers from across the globe to explore new information-sharing efforts, best practices, case studies and more. Offering 20 hours of training, attendees will walk away with new and exciting tools and strategies to communicate with residents, community members, staff, and other stakeholders.
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Note: PIO Calendar Founder Paul D. Raymond, Jr. will present at this conference on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 2:30 PM. His session, “ChatGPT, Write My News Release: How AI is Reshaping the Modern PIO,” examines how artificial intelligence is transforming the tools, workflows, and expectations of today’s public information officers

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-04-27 00:00 - 2026-05-01 23:59 (America/New_York) | Bozeman, Montana, Bozeman, MT, United States

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-04-28 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Concord, NH, Concord, NH, 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
2026-04-28 00:00 - 2026-04-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | Everett, WA, Everett, WA, 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
2026-04-28 00:00 - 2026-04-30 23:59 (America/New_York) | Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
