K0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/k0105-public-information-basic-6/
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.

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.

International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH) 2026
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland, 2-10 Fisherwick Place, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT1 6DW, United Kingdom
Please note that all times provided are in BST (GMT+1)

We are proud to bring an amazing mix of keynote speakers, short communications, poster sessions, workshops, round tables and exciting opportunities for networking with communications expert from all over the globe to The International Conference on Communication in Healthcare (ICCH) 2026.

E/L0952 NIMS ICS All-Hazards Public Information Officer
2026-09-14 00:00 - 2026-09-18 23:59 (America/New_York) | Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis, MN, 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.

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
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
2026-09-15 00:00 - 2026-09-17 23:59 (America/New_York) | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Baton Rouge, LA, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-15 00:00 - 2026-09-17 23:59 (America/New_York) | Nazareth, PA, Nazareth, PA, 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.

MGT-327: Ensuring Effective Public Information and Warning for Tribal Nations
2026-09-17 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Anniston, AL, Anniston, AL, United States
Course Description
In this course, participants will learn how to use available resources and techniques to distinguish people with access and functional needs within their communities, analyze their specific needs, develop trust relationships, and create effective communication strategies. Participants will learn practical techniques for developing messages and delivering them to increase their effectiveness when collaborating with trusted organizations within the community. Finally, participants will ensure the messages are tailored to address specific needs among the community members. By completing this course, participants will gain hands-on experience through performance-based activities and the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate climate and weather- related risks among the whole community.

Course Objectives

Distinguish people with access and functional needs within the whole community and use strategies to tailor risk communications. Describe the importance of understanding the changing risk profiles among people with access and functional needs within their communities¬. Evaluate risk communication strategies for mitigation, response, and recovery activities to ensure more equitable outcomes among the whole community. Prepare effective risk communication messages to reach the whole community.

MGT-340: Crisis Leadership: A Community Case Study
2026-09-18 08:30 - 12:30 (America/Anchorage) | Asheville, NC, Asheville, NC, 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

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.

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-21 00:00 - 2026-09-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Medina, OH, Medina, OH, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-21 00:00 - 2026-09-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Pearland, TX, Pearland, TX, United States

L0105 Public Information Basics
2026-09-21 00:00 - 2026-09-23 23:59 (America/New_York) | Winnebago, NE, Winnebago, NE, United States

UT Master PIO
2026-09-21 00:00 - 2026-09-25 23:59 (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.

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.

AWR-209 Working with the Media: A Course for Rural First Responders
2026-09-22 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York) | Stevens Point, WI, Stevens Point, 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-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.

Rad Response in Action Case Studies: Industrial Accidents & Domestic Terrorism
2026-09-22 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
You are invited to attend a series of virtual workshops designed to strengthen multi agency preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies. Sessions will focus on operational coordination, responder safety, and effective strategic communication. Registration requires free account creation on the NIPC Events Learning Management System.
This live, instructor-led session analyzes real-world radiological accidents and incidents and international threat scenarios to identify communication challenges and response lessons learned.

Public Relations and Media Relations for First Responders
2026-09-22 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | https://piocalendar.com/event/public-relations-and-media-relations-for-first-responders-3/
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.

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

Boston AI Week 2026
2026-09-24 00:00 - 2026-10-02 23:59 (America/New_York) | Boston, MA, Boston, MA, United States
A movement, not a conference.
Boston AI Week grew out of the belief that Massachusetts should not experience AI as isolated conferences, closed-door meetings, and scattered meetups. It should come together — across startups, enterprises, universities, government, investors, artists, students, and practitioners — as one connected ecosystem.

Rad Response in Action Case Studies: Nuclear Explosion, Nuclear Poison, & Nuclear Medicine
2026-09-24 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
You are invited to attend a series of virtual workshops designed to strengthen multi agency preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies. Sessions will focus on operational coordination, responder safety, and effective strategic communication. Registration requires free account creation on the NIPC Events Learning Management System.
This live, instructor-led session examines three radiation case studies involving different exposure pathways and response challenges: the SL-1 reactor prompt criticality accident, the Alexander Litvinenko polonium-210 poisoning, and a high-dose-rate brachytherapy overdose incident. Participants will explore how radiation hazards are identified, how exposure and dose are reconstructed, how responders and public health partners manage uncertainty, and how technical facts can be translated into clear communication. The course highlights lessons for emergency response, health physics, medical follow-up, regulatory actions, and public messaging.
