May 14th Multilingual Alerting Summit
2026-05-14 11:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/may-14th-multilingual-alerting-summit/
Join the Language & Accessibility in Alert & Warning Workgroup (LAAWW) for the virtual Multilingual Alerting Summit on May 14, 2026 from 8:30am-2pm Pacific (11:30am-5pm Eastern).

We will discuss the use of various emergency alerting software systems to send multilingual alerts. The opening session includes a presentation about multilingual alerts in action. Next, we will offer individual breakout groups by software type. System users will discuss the pros and cons of various methods for issuing multilingual alerts. We will gather lessons learned, feedback about the software, and questions about/ideas for product features.

If you are not already a member of LAAWW, please click here to sign up.

Mastering Media Relations: Strategies for Effective Communication for Police, Fire and Other Emergency Services
2026-05-14 12:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | JGPR Academy (Canton), 719 Washington St, Lower Level, Canton, MA, 02021, United States
Hybrid! Zoom and In Person Options available
Overview
In this course, we delve into the intricacies of interviewing, mastering press conferences and harnessing the power of the media to amplify your department or agency’s message. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, our goal is to equip you with the tools and confidence to navigate media interactions with ease.
Completing this course will teach you:
Learn Strategies for Preparing and Conducting Successful Interviews and Press Conferences
Understand the Role of the Media in Emergency Situations
Explore Best Practices for Collaboration Between Emergency Responders and the Media
Developing Relationships with the Media and Journalists
Who is the course for?
This course is intended for Police Chiefs, Fire Chiefs, Command Staff, Public Information Officers (PIOs), Mayors, Town Managers, Town Administrators, Select Board Members, City/Town Leaders, Chiefs of Staff, and all Municipal Staff or First Responders looking to advance their knowledge in these areas.
Location
Virtually via Zoom
OR
JGPR Academy Training Center
719 Washington Street
Canton, Massachusetts 02021

CPSE Public Information Officer (PIO) Credential Webinar
2026-05-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/cpse-public-information-officer-pio-credential-webinar/
Learn more about the Center for Public Safety Excellence Public Information Officer credential by joining this webinar. Hear from a variety of PIOs about the reason they sought credentialing through CPSE and the value it adds to their career. If you are considering seeking credentialing or want to learn more, register for this webinar.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-20 23:59 (America/New_York) | Las Vegas, NV, Las Vegas, NV, 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
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-20 23:59 (America/North_Dakota/Center) | Henderson (NV) Office of Emergency Management, 240 S. Water Street, Henderson, NV, 89015, United States
This course will 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.

ILEA: The Executive Communicator
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-21 23:59 (America/New_York) | ILEA Headquarters at The Center for American and International Law, 5201 Democracy Drive, Plano, TX, 75024, United States
Communication is at the heart of building relationships, thus at the heart of good policing.  While Public Information Officers, Communications Directors, and such are often pigeon-holed to media relations and social media functions, the insights and skill true strategic communicators bring to the executive are unique and valuable.
One of the biggest obstacles of the strategic communicator is developing the expertise and confidence necessary to work closely with chief executives.  This course will define the challenges facing police executives and how communication can support management in reaching their goals for a safe and secure community.
This course is designed specifically for experienced public information officers or executives with responsibility for internal and external communication. It explores the academia behind communications and crisis planning, as well as thinking more purposefully about the overall brand and image of an agency.
Each day, students will take part in deep-dive discussions about the value of communications, how to garner support for the position, and how to better convey communication theory to executives to earn buy-in for communication programs and enhance the overall communications efforts of their agencies.

FBI-LEEDA Media and Public Relations (MPR)
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Goodyear, Arizona, Goodyear, AZ, 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)
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | Ogden, Utah, Ogden, UT, United States

FEMA E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer
2026-05-18 00:00 - 2026-05-22 23:59 (America/New_York) | University of Central Florida, 500 W. Livingston Street, Orlando, FL, 32801, 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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-19 00:00 - 2026-05-21 23:59 (America/New_York) | Rochester, MN, Rochester, MN, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-19 00:00 - 2026-05-21 23:59 (America/New_York) | Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, 3755 Mark Dabling Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO, 81067, United States

Advanced Social Media Practices for First Responders
2026-05-19 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/advanced-social-media-practices-for-first-responders/
Overview
Is your agency’s social media stale or just not connecting to the people you serve? Are you ready to share important information in an engaging way? This course will focus on telling your agency’s story honestly through social media. In Advanced Social Media for First Responders you will learn what content to emphasize, what to avoid, and how graphics and photos can make your mission stand out – all without resorting to gimmicks.
Retired Pensacola (FL) Police Captain Stephen Davis will share his expertise that led to his department’s rapid ascension into being one of the most highly touted social media programs in law enforcement. Over the span of four years, Capt. Davis advanced the Pensacola Police Department’s social media presence 800%, won multiple awards, and was covered by national news organizations.
Completing this course will teach you:
How the words and content you choose can build relationships​
How to manage interactions​
How to use photos and graphics for effect​
Tools to make you a better storyteller​
Who is the course for?
First responder social media managers wanting to build a solid brand foundation from their existing program, established managers who want to realize their social media’s full potential, and any chief, supervisor, or leader who may be wary of social media and its benefits.
Location
Virtually via Zoom

Joint Information Center Concepts (JICC)
2026-05-20 00:00 - 2026-05-21 23:59 (America/New_York) | Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds, 204 Fairground Rd, Quincy, CA, 95971, United States
Joint Information Center Concepts (JICC): This course will emphasize the design and function of a Joint Information Centers (JIC) and offers the course participants a hands-on experience on how to form an effective public information team to respond to crises. Course participants will be assigned positions in a JIC with real-time roleplay experience in workshop activities and exercises designed to deliver an effective situational response. In addition to JIC organization development, emphasis will be placed on using current social media methodologies and practical communication principles.
This course is intended for graduates of CSTI’s Basic Public Information Officer (PIO) course, L0105 Public Information Basics, Media Relations, and Intermediate PIO courses. Experiential knowledge will also be considered for acceptance.

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-05-20 00:00 - 2026-05-22 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Capital Area Council of Governments, 6800 Burleson Rd, Austin, TX, 78744, 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.

NAGC Webinar: Why You Feel Busy But Not Productive and What to Do About It
2026-05-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/nagc-webinar-why-you-feel-busy-but-not-productive-and-what-to-do-about-it/
Practical ways leaders can get out of reactive mode, better prioritize their time, and focus on what matters most.
Speaker Brian Stroh is a Maxwell Leadership Certified Team speaker and leadership expert who has shared the stage with renowned figures such as John C. Maxwell, financial strategist Chris Hogan, and Kyle Vowinkel, the FBI’s lead negotiator during the Boston Marathon bombing. With a focus on practical strategies in communication and leadership development, Brian has equipped hundreds of leaders to increase their influence, sharpen their decision-making, and lead with clarity and confidence.
Brian brings a unique blend of real-world leadership experience and values-based guidance to every audience he serves. Brian lives in Sioux Falls, SD with his wife, Tarina, and they have four children.
Cost of $49 is for non-members.

Demo of New Media Tool Developed Specifically for Disaster Comms
2026-05-20 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/demo-of-new-media-tool-developed-specifically-for-disaster-comms/
You are invited to a free, 30-minute demo of a new media tool that was developed specifically with disaster comms in mind by a comms pro with 25+ years of experience, including doing disaster comms at a national level. This tool leverages technology that lets you develop media distribution lists in seconds that otherwise could take you hours using any other PR tool. It allows you to perform media searches against GIS layers your agency develops and maintains and measure the effectiveness of your comms efforts in new ways. The developer of this one-of-a-kind geographic news media database will host the demo and show you how this technology can help you and your team get vital information to the people you serve in a much more targeted and timely way when they most need it. Please email fillpot@geotargetedcomms.com to receive a Zoom invite for the demo.

The 10-Minute Crisis Test: Is Your Organization Ready?
2026-05-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | https://piocalendar.com/event/the-10-minute-crisis-test-is-your-organization-ready/
In today’s high-speed information environment, the first 10 minutes of a crisis often determine the next 10 days of public trust. Whether facing a public safety incident, infrastructure failure, natural disaster, or rapidly evolving emergency, organizations are expected to communicate quickly, clearly, and credibly under intense public scrutiny.
This FREE webinar will highlight the hidden communication failures that emerge during crises and introduce a practical framework for evaluating whether your organization is truly prepared to communicate when it matters most.

ELEVATE 2026 CPRS National Conference
2026-05-24 00:00 - 2026-05-26 23:59 (America/New_York) | The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, 184 Adolphus St, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, E5B 1T7, Canada
When the tide rises, so do we.
This three-day national conference will bring together over 200 senior PR and communications professionals from across Canada and beyond, for a high-calibre program of keynotes, panels, case studies, research pop-ups, and immersive workshops. Expect a rich blend of global thought leadership, Canadian-led insights, and East Coast hospitality.
WHY YOU CAN’T MISS THIS

First-to-Market Insights – Be among the first in Canada to explore 2026’s defining trends with global and local experts.
Exclusive Research Debuts – Insights from CPRS’ Thought Leadership Council, Canadian universities, and global academic partners.
Action-Ready Learning – Leave with strategies, tools, and frameworks you can apply immediately.
Unparalleled Networking – Forge national and cross-border connections in an intimate, high-calibre setting.

T-PUB4033: Texas Public Information Officer
2026-05-26 00:00 - 2026-05-29 23:59 (America/Chicago) | Omni Fort Worth Hotel, 1300 Houston Street, Fort Worth, TX, 76012, United States

MAGC Webinar: Making Clarity the Culture
2026-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | https://piocalendar.com/event/magc-webinar-making-clarity-the-culture/
Join MAGC and Don Gore, plain language program coordinator with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, on May 26 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM for a session that will guide you in using and maintaining plain language in your work.
Maintaining a plain language presence is important, but not easy. We’ll highlight the biggest barriers and how to overcome them with confidence.
Don Gore, Plain Language Program Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Revenue
With more than 30 years in the field, Don Gore is a seasoned communicator and the driving force behind the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s award‑winning Plain Language program. He ensures public‑facing content is clear, accessible, and consistent. He also sits on the MAGC board, where it’s rumored he does stuff.

From Agenda to Access: AI and Integrated Workflows
2026-05-26 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/from-agenda-to-access-ai-and-integrated-workflows/
In this product-led session, CivicPlus® experts will walk through how modern municipalities are transforming their legislative workflows using AI-powered tools and integrated systems. You will see how to move from agenda creation to public access through a connected approach that improves efficiency, strengthens compliance, and meets rising transparency expectations.
This webinar will demonstrate how to streamline the full lifecycle:
Agenda → Ordinance → Code → Records → Public Access
with a focus on practical, real-world use cases.
What You Will Learn

How AI-powered minutes, language translation, and accessibility tools support compliance and reduce manual workload
How to deliver more transparent, searchable, and accessible public information across meetings, records, and code
What a connected legislative workflow looks like from agenda creation through ordinance publication and code updates
How audit trails and system tracking create defensible, compliant processes for records and legislative management
How to improve resident access while reducing duplicate requests and internal bottlenecks

This is a live, product-driven walkthrough led by a CivicPlus experts. You will see how Agenda and Meeting Management Select, NextRequest, and Municode Codification work together to support a modern, transparent, and efficient governance experience. If your team is managing agendas, ordinances, and records across multiple systems or manual processes, this session will provide a clear view of what a modern, connected approach can look like and how it can support your community’s transparency and compliance goals.

PER-344 Social Media Tools & Techniques
2026-05-27 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/per-344-social-media-tools-techniques-9/
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-318 Public Information in an All-Hazards Incident
2026-05-27 00:00 - 2026-05-28 23:59 (America/New_York) | Cape May, NJ, Cape May, NJ, 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.

Comms Connect NZ
2026-05-27 00:00 - 2026-05-28 23:59 (America/New_York) | Takina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre, 50 Cable Street, Te Aroa, Wellington, 6011, New Zealand
Comms Connect NZ will once again bring the very best industry experts in critical comms and public safety technology – with the conference delivering the latest technologies and applications and case studies on the likes of satellite comms, DMR Tier 3, PTT over cellular, professional LTE, AR/VR, IoT, private networks, disaster response and more – to those responsible for their organisation’s critical communications.
If you’re a professional communications user, a dealer, manufacturer, or supplier to this sector, it’s important to seek out the very latest information, technologies, or solutions and to further develop industry relationships. Comms Connect NZ this year will deliver countless opportunities for you and your team to achieve these objectives. We look forward to seeing you there.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-05-27 00:00 - 2026-05-29 23:59 (America/New_York) | Flint, MI, Flint, MI, United States

Speak Calm into Chaos: Introduction to Crisis Communication
2026-05-27 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/speak-calm-into-chaos-introduction-to-crisis-communication/
This introductory course provides a foundational understanding of how clear, accurate, and timely communication supports effective emergency response. Participants will explore key principles of emergency messaging, examine real-world examples, and gain insight into how communication impacts public trust and outcomes. The course also introduces core concepts related to audience analysis, message development, and delivery strategies used by emergency management professionals.

AWR-209 Working with the Media: A Course for Rural First Responders
2026-05-28 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Wiscasset, ME, Wiscasset, ME, United States
Adapted from FEMAÕs 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.Ê

3CMA Decatur, GA Regional Conference
2026-05-28 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Decatur (GA) Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur, GA, 30030, United States
Playing the Long Game: Strategy, Trust & Public Engagement
In an era of rapid change and heightened scrutiny, government communicators are called to do more than deliver messages. We are called to manage brands, tell our community’s story, and strengthen the foundation of public trust.
Join us in Decatur, GA on May 28 for the 3CMA Regional Conference, Playing the Long Game: Strategy, Trust & Public Engagement. Together, we’ll step back from the day-to-day demands and focus on the strategic work that drives lasting impact.
Whether you’re a seasoned communicator or early in your career, this conference will offer fresh perspectives, practical insights, and valuable peer connections to help you think bigger, plan smarter, and engage more meaningfully with your community.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-06-01 00:00 - 2026-06-03 23:59 (America/New_York) | Forsyth, GA, Forsyth, GA, United States

E/L0952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer
2026-06-01 08:00 - 2026-06-05 17:00 (America/New_York) | Kentucky State Emergency Operations Center, 110 Minuteman Parkway, Frankfort, KY, 40601, United States
This FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident Command System (ICS) All-Hazards Position Specific course prepares participants to serve effectively as a Public Information Officer (PIO) on a Type III All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT).
Using lecture, discussion, and scenario-based activities, students build core PIO skills for all-hazards incidents, with emphasis on initial response. Topics include:
• information operations,
• developing a communications strategy,
• media relations (including social media), and
• working with Assistant PIOs.
The course also addresses special incident situations, PIO safety considerations (including while escorting others), and PIO responsibilities during transition and demobilization.
