Presentations
The Hot Seat
How well do you hold up during a press conference? Do you get flustered when you’re hit with an ‘off-topic’ question, or a hard-hitting question? Join investigative reporter/instructor Steve Gregory for this specially created hands-on session for PIO’s and communicators. Participants be given a scenario, experience a ‘mini-JIC’, and then present the incident to the room. During the mock presser participants will experience what it’s like to face an ‘inquisitive’ media. This breakout session is limited to only 20 participants but will allow observers to sit in. And whether you’re an active participant or not, everyone in the room will learn something. Make sure you bring a notepad, laptop, or tablet.
"Not If, But When" - Strategies for Communicating the Unexpected
No one had really heard of Aurora, CO, Ferguson, MO, or Uvalde, TX until the unthinkable happened. Then, in a blink of an eye, all three cities were thrust into the international spotlight. It’s not really ‘if’ anymore but, ‘when’. Award-winning instructor Steve Gregory will walk you through the press conferences of some high-profile events. He’ll detail what worked and what didn’t. He’ll also offer some methods of handling your message in a time of crisis. Steve’s experience as an investigative journalist in Los Angeles offers attendees a view into how reporters respond to these types of stories, regardless of an agency’s size or location. Steve has covered some of the nation’s biggest stories including riots in Ferguson, MO and Los Angeles, CA, Wildfires on Maui, the San Bernardino Terrorist Shooting, OJ Simpson’s armed robbery trial, and conflicts along the US/Mexico Border.
Tune In: The Ultimate Guide to Launching Your Public Safety Podcast
In an age where public trust and safety depend on clear, timely, and accessible communication, podcasting has emerged as one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools in the public safety communicator’s toolkit.
With more than 100 million monthly listeners nationwide, podcasts provide agencies with a direct line to the community, helping residents feel informed, connected, and prepared before, during, and after critical incidents.
Join Liselle DeGrave, APR, President of DeGrave Communications, and Rachel Dickman, MBA, APR, Founder/CEO of RMG Communications, award-winning co-hosts of the PRessing On in Public Relations podcast and consultants to numerous public agencies, to learn how your agency can launch, sustain, and grow a podcast designed to strengthen community trust, enhance preparedness, and keep the public safe.
Smartphone Studio: Mastering Mobile Video
Shooting and editing smartphone video, whether for fast turnaround in a crisis or for planned, polished productions, is a critical skill for communicators. In this fast-moving session, smartphone video expert Kerry Shearer will have the latest tips, tools, apps and techniques to help you increase your skills and be more confident when creating video content. He’ll show you the best accessories to help you get great audio, video and lighting, and cover the latest and best AI tools to save you time and increase the quality of your production. He’ll also have some great gear giveaways for attendees. Whether you’re a video veteran or just getting started, you’ll have some great takeaways from this session!
Fire The Guy Running That Account
How Seal Beach got Agency Buy-In with their unique brand of transparency and engagement.
As social media becomes one of law enforcement’s most powerful tools for transparency, connection, and recruitment, success depends on more than just good content — it requires internal buy-in. This presentation explores how Seal Beach got agency buy-in with its unique brand of transparency and engagement. These strategies helped build support across all levels of the organization, from command staff to frontline personnel.
Good News Travels Fast (When You Pitch It Right)
Public safety has some of the most powerful stories in the world, but too often, they’re overlooked. In this session, Jennifer Atenza, Community Engagement & Public Information Manager for the Culver City Police Department, shares real-world strategies for pitching positive stories and packaging news releases that stand out.
Using the Random Acts of Kindness Project from Oceanside, a local feel-good initiative that gained national coverage, Jennifer illustrates how timing, tone, and a clear understanding of the news cycle can transform community stories into national headlines.
You’ll walk away ready to pitch with purpose, build genuine media relationships, and make your next story lead the news cycle for all the right reasons.
Visual Storytelling: Photography for Public Safety
This hands-on 90-minute workshop is designed for public safety social media managers and PIOs who want to capture professional, impactful photos that tell their agency’s story. Participants will learn how to take compelling photos in real-world public safety settings — from ride-alongs and training events to press conferences and community outreach — using just a DSLR or smartphone. The session focuses on practical techniques, lighting, composition, and quick edits to produce high-quality visuals that enhance credibility, engagement, and transparency online.
Digital Recruiting for Public Safety: Turning Online Presence into Personnel
This session dives into how public safety agencies can harness the power of digital platforms to attract, engage, and recruit top-tier candidates. Participants will learn how to integrate social media, websites, and media content into a cohesive recruiting strategy that resonates with today’s digital-first audience. This course will provide actionable tools and examples that agencies can apply immediately to boost their recruitment results.
