The PIO Calendar was created to make it easier for Public Information Officers and external affairs professionals to find relevant training, conferences, and learning opportunities in one place. Whether you are new to the role or a seasoned communicator, the goal is simple: reduce the time it takes to find quality training and make professional development more accessible.
This page provides a quick overview of how to use the PIO Calendar and what you’ll find across the site.
Online Training
The Online Training section highlights self-paced courses that can be completed at any time. These trainings are not tied to specific dates and are typically offered by external organizations such as FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute and other trusted providers.
This section is ideal if you are looking to:
- Complete required or supplemental training on your own schedule
- Build foundational knowledge
- Explore outreach, coordination, and external affairs–related topics
Because these courses are on-demand, they remain available regardless of when you visit the site.
Instructor-Led Training
The Instructor-Led Training section serves as a catalog of live, facilitated training programs. These courses are typically delivered in classroom, virtual-live, or hosted formats and emphasize practical application, discussion, and peer engagement.
Rather than listing dates directly, this page provides:
- Brief descriptions of available instructor-led programs
- Context on what each course covers and who it is designed for
- Direct links to view upcoming offerings in the full calendar
This section is designed to help users understand what training options exist before deciding when or where to attend.
Upcoming Trainings & Conferences
The Upcoming Trainings & Conferences section is the full, date-driven calendar. This is where you’ll find:
- Conferences
- Webinars
- Live trainings and workshops
All events listed here are time-specific and include registration details when available. Filters allow users to narrow results by format, topic, or timeframe to quickly find relevant opportunities.
If you are looking to register for something soon, this is the best place to start.
News & Updates
The News & Updates section shares important information about the PIO Calendar, including:
- Platform updates and improvements
- New training additions
- Partnerships and announcements
- Tips on how to use the site effectively
This section helps users stay informed about what’s new and how the platform continues to evolve.
Submitting a Training or Conference
The PIO Calendar is a community-supported resource. If you offer a PIO-related training, conference, or webinar, you can submit it directly through the Submit a Training button in the navigation menu.
Submitted events are reviewed to ensure they are relevant and appropriate before being added to the calendar.
A Shared Resource for the Profession
The PIO Calendar is designed to support learning, connection, and professional growth across disciplines and organizations. Whether you are here to find training, share opportunities, or simply explore what’s available, we’re glad you’re here.