1. business and industrial
2. business operations
3. business plans

2015 CAPIO Conference Agenda
Hilton, Long Beach  April 13 – 16, 2015
Conference Attire: Business Casual / Awards Dinner: Semi-Formal Recommended
(Agenda as of March 13, 2015)
Monday, April 13, 2015
TIME
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
SESSION/EVENT
Conference Registration/Information Desk
Location
Foyer
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Pre-conference Workshop
Pacific I/II
SOCIAL MULTIMEDIA MASTERY: PHOTO AND VIDEO CONTENT CREATION, POSTING
AND POSITIONING
Kerry Shearer, president, Kerry Shearer Communications|Social Media|Web Video
This session is all about quickly creating great content for your organization’s social media and websites,
with an emphasis on video and photo content creation. Shearer will cover best practices, insider tips,
great tools and teach hands-on skills to CAPIO communicators who are dedicated to skyrocketing their
social media expertise in 2015! New this year – how to tag and keyword YouTube video uploads for
maximum exposure, how to handle video on Facebook, and how to deal with plummeting page reach on
Facebook.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
NEW ATTENDEE ORIENTATION
Rachel McGuire, community affairs supervisor, Western Municipal Water District and
CAPIO president
Stay immediately after the pre-conference workshop to meet CAPIO’s President while
she provides new attendees with insights about how to make the most of your time at
the conference.
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Evening on Your Own
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Pre-conference Board Meeting
Pacific I/II
Atlantic I
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Conference Registration/Information Desk
Foyer
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Continental Breakfast/Exhibits/Networking
Come visit our exhibitors/sponsors while you enjoy breakfast!
Promenade/
International
8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
NEW ATTENDEE ORIENTATION
Rachel McGuire, community affairs supervisor, Western Municipal Water District and
CAPIO president
Bring your breakfast and meet CAPIO’s President while she provides new attendees with
insights about how to make the most of your time at the conference.
International
I/II/III
#CAPIO2015
Page 1
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Keynote
C.L. Lopez, communications officer, human services
nd
County of San Bernardino and CAPIO 2 Vice President and Conference Chair
International
I/II/III
Opening Keynote Sponsored by Vision Internet
PSYCHOLOGY OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Joan Gladstone, APR, Fellow PRSA, principal, Gladstone International
There's no time like a crisis to demonstrate leadership. However, making important decisions while under
intense stress can be a challenge even for the strongest leaders. When the crisis hits, you'll quickly
discover that your PIO role is far broader than advising and implementing news and social media
strategies. You'll have a critical role in guiding management’s immediate response and impacting your
agency’s reputation for years to come. To be effective, you must understand the psychology of crisis
management. Joan Gladstone will take you behind-the-scenes to discover how crisis teams work in the
real world. Most important, you'll take away specific ideas to help decision-makers overcome stress and
uncertainty and quickly make sound, wise and ethical decisions.
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break, Sponsor Exhibits and Networking
Promenade/
International
10:30 AM – 11:45
Concurrent Breakout Session I
TAKING THE NEXT LAP WITH YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA EFFORTS
Tom Christensen, communications specialist, County of San Diego
Melissa Phy, multi-media designer, County of San Diego
International IV
You’ve got a Twitter account and a Facebook page. You’ve been posting content and have a couple
hundred followers and some engagement, but you’re starting to stagnate. With limited time and resources
at your disposal, how do you take your social media to the next level? What will help set you apart from all
the other content that’s constantly being pushed out? Learn easy tips to generate material to post, and to
get your messages noticed, ways to gain followers and how to both use and apply analytic tools that are
available to everyone. We might not be able to make you Katy Perry (61 million Twitter followers) or
Justin Bieber (57 million), but we can help you push past the BeeGees (2,263 followers).
Concurrent Breakout Session II
DEVELOPING A PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN FOR THE AGENCY
(PIO Institute Credit- satisfies 4a(vi) Strategic Communication)
Sonam Shah-Paul, public information officer, Bay Area Air Quality Management District
Pacific I
In 2013, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Board of Directors authorized implementation of
the Air District’s first-ever Public Participation Plan. The Plan helps layout the complicated framework of
air quality agencies in the Bay Area, in hopes to better illuminate how the air district works in the
community and in the region to ensure healthy air quality. While many agencies have developed Public
Participation Plans, this plan is unique in that it identifies specific goals to ensure public participation and
outreach efforts continue to improve over the next five years. The plan is also a living document, ensuring
the Air District can continue to adapt and adjust goals and strategies as greater technologies become
available. In this session, attendees will learn insights in developing a long-range Public Participation Plan,
including building consensus, developing agency goals and improving outreach to communities.
Concurrent Breakout Session III
WEBSITE USABILITY AND CONTENT STRATEGY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Ashley Fruechting, director of sales, Vision Internet
#CAPIO2015
Page 2
Pacific II
On websites, “Content is King” or so they say… However, ask the typical government website manager and
they will likely describe their content as “neglected.” Sound familiar? Focusing on best practices for
mobile-use and responsive design, content as conversation, and content strategies will help lead to a more
accessible and usable website. Top takeaways of this session include exploring the importance of website
usability and developing content strategies; earning different user testing methods and how effective they
can be; and discussing time-saving website updating tips to learn how to engage with constituents
NOON – 1:30 PM
Luncheon and Keynote Presentation
Sponsored by Kleinfelder/Simon Wong Engineering
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE
NEXT LEVEL STUFF: HARD AND SOFT SKILLS THAT CAN MAKE (OR BREAK) YOUR CAREER
Cassandra Pye, president, 3.14 Communications, LLC
International
I/II/III
Oftentimes, it’s the little things that make the difference when it’s time for that next big opportunity or
promotion. Cassandra Pye, whose career has brought her in front of local, state, national and global
stakeholders, will provide tips and pointers to help you keep your skills sharp, gain confidence in your
personal brand and remind you of the small things which make a big impression and leave you at-theready when opportunity knocks.
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Concurrent Breakout Session I
RESTORING TRUST AFTER A POLICE SHOOTING GOES VIRAL
(PIO Institute Credit- satisfies 4b(vii) Diffusing Hostility)
Spencer Critchley, managing partner, Boots Road Group LLC
Pacific I
Although the City of Salinas has one of the most serious gang violence problems in California, shootings by
police officers are rare. The Salinas Police Department has adopted progressive strategies to minimize the
use of force in favor of prevention. But in the first few months of 2014, there were four officer-involved
shootings, one of which was captured on a cell phone video. The video showed only part of the incident,
but went viral, drawing national media attention. Protests followed and one turned violent, resulting in
the drive-by shooting of an innocent bystander, along with an attack on an officer who was trying to save
the victim's life. Spencer Critchley was asked to step In as the PD's Acting PIO, bringing along the
resources of his firm Boots Road Group. In this presentation, Spencer will take us from the initial crisis
through a multi-dimensional effort to rebuild communication and trust -- an effort that so far is
succeeding.
Concurrent Breakout Session II
FROM PACE CAR TO THE CHECKERED FLAG - WINNING THE SPONSORSHIP RACE
(PIO Institute Credit-satisfies 4b(ii) Selling the Idea)
Kathie Martin, marketing & public affairs officer, Town of Apple Valley
International I,
II, III
Get your sponsorship program off pit row and into victory lane! Learn tips and techniques for setting goals,
structuring levels and making the pitch to potential sponsors. Once you have them on your team, go
beyond a logo on a flyer and make meaningful connections. This session will discuss how to make sponsors
an integral part of your special event, and discover unique ways to engage your sponsors so they want to
come back year after year.
#CAPIO2015
Page 3
Concurrent Breakout Session III
DROUGHT BUSTING: COMMUNICATION, COORDINATION AND CONSERVATION
DURING 2014'S UNPRECEDENTED DROUGHT CONDITIONS
Christine Kohn, principal, IN Communications
Maurice Chaney, public information officer, Environmental Utilities, City of Roseville
Jessica Hess, media and communication Specialist -community relations, City of
Sacramento
Rhea Serran, media & communications specialist – media & public affairs, City of
Sacramento
Amy Talbot, water efficiency program manager, Regional Water Authority
International IV
In December 2013, the Sacramento region faced unprecedented drought conditions. Folsom Reservoir
dropped to historic low levels, threatening to dead pool so that the cities of Roseville, Folsom and others
could no longer draw water needed to serve thousands of customers. At the same time, the City of
Sacramento faced challenges on the American and Sacramento rivers, its primary water supplies, as river
levels steadily drew closer to the point where city pumps could no longer function. Roseville, Sacramento
and other water providers mobilized to ensure supplies would be available to both people and the
environment. They activated emergency response teams, were the first in the state to urge customers to
cut water use by 20 percent, launched aggressive communication programs, slashed water use at parks
and buildings and beefed up water waste patrols. By the end of 2014, the Sacramento region had reduced
water use by nearly 20 percent overall in comparison to 2013, leading the state in water conservation.
Panelists will address the unique nature of public communication during this slow-moving emergency and
plans for fighting drought fatigue as the state faces a fourth dry year in 2015. This panel discussion will
encompass several themes: crisis communication, community engagement, multi-agency coordination and
more.
Concurrent Breakout Session IV
Pacific II
FIFTY SHADES OF PUBLIC OUTREACH: HOW TO DELIVER AN EFFECTIVE PUBLIC
OUTREACH PROGRAM NO MATTER THE SIZE OF YOUR BUDGET
Noelle Afualo, SWE director of public relations, Kleinfelder/Simon Wong Engineering
Christina Byrne, section manager -Capital Projects Outreach, Orange County
Transportation Authority
Tim Watkins, chief of legislative and public affairs, San Bernardino Associated
Governments
Effective delivery of public sector projects often comes down to the details. Public Outreach is at times a
bit overwhelming and an under-valued consideration by both the agency and the 'customer'. Consultant
resources may be brought in to address the demand and help mitigate the effects of your projects.
However, sometimes the client's strategy and desired objectives differ from that of their budget and
independent consultant support. This presentation will highlight a best practices strategy for coordinating
these critical outreach efforts and demonstrate how resources can be optimized to keep overall costs
down while delivering the most effective public outreach program possible. Presenters Afualo, Byrne and
Watkins have partnered on numerous public transportation projects over the past decade. As a result,
they have developed a communication and outreach protocol that translates well to the demand of most
public agency outreach needs while bringing a cutting-edge, cost-conscious spin to the public outreach
program of old. Whether your project is a small street-scape project, a billion dollar design-build project,
or something in between, these three partners will demonstrate how to deliver an effective, results-driven
public outreach program utilizing consultants that will cater to any size budget.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
#CAPIO2015
Refreshment Break, Sponsor Exhibits and Networking
Page 4
Promenade
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Concurrent Breakout Session I
ESCAPE FROM DULLSVILLE: CRAFTING COMMUNICATIONS THAT ENGAGE AND EXCITE
Jennifer Benson, founder, Jenscribe
Maurice Chaney, public information officer environmental utilities, City of Roseville
Vicki Mongan, senior copywriter & web content developer, The Mongan Group
International IV
Two veteran communications experts who write for private- and public-sector clients will team up with a
seasoned public information officer to provide practical insight into how powerful yet concise
communication can strengthen your bond with the public. Based on the proven principles that less can be
more, and conversational copy trumps corporate speak, this interactive presentation will cover:
 Storytelling: Learn how to tap into the power of storytelling to communicate ideas, inspire
participation and build loyalty.
 Create once, publish everywhere: Explore ways to stretch budgets and give your communications legs
without continually reinventing the wheel.
 Social media: Social media may be hot, but it’s time to get real about when it is and isn’t smart to use.
 Finding your voice: Whether you’re updating a website, creating a press release or writing a
newsletter, learn how to match your writing voice with the medium.
 Myth busting: Explore commonly held grammar myths and why those myths need busting.
 Good vs. Typical: Energize your writing by breaking away from common trends that weaken messages.
 Cheat sheets: Learn about invaluable, yet affordable, online resources every communication
professional needs.
We’ll use real-life examples and engage the audience to keep things lively. You’ll come away inspired by
new ideas and gain an enthusiastic understanding of how to create concise, compelling copy.
Concurrent Breakout Session II
CHULA VISTA: IMAGE PROBLEM OR IDENTITY CRISIS
Anne Steinberger, marketing and communications manager, City of Chula Vista
Pacific I
The City of Chula Vista is San Diego County’s second largest city with more than 250,000 residents. It is
home to an Olympic Training Center, a range of housing options, quality schools, major development
projects, and tremendous outdoor facilities. Ten years ago, Chula Vista was one of the fastest growing
cities in the country. But it continues to take (unfair) hits in the media and in the public about crime,
corruption, and quality of life. In 2014, the City enlisted a research firm to conduct a countywide webbased public opinion survey to find out from residents living outside of Chula Vista their awareness,
attitudes and opinions about the City’s assets. The survey results are being used to help establish a brand
and develop marketing and media messages for economic development, tourism, attracting residents, and
more. In this session, the presenter will discuss the research results, present the challenges of addressing
image issues, and describe the steps being taken and the stakeholders involved in working to improve
Chula Vista’s image and identity.
Concurrent Breakout Session III
ISLA VISTA MASS MURDERS - RESPONDING TO A CRISIS
Scott Summerfield, principal, SAE Communications
Sheri Benninghoven, principal, SAE Communications
Kelly Hoover, public information officer, Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Pacific II
During the tragic Isla Vista shootings, SAE Communications provided the Santa Barbara County chief
executive officer overall (non-law enforcement) response suggestions and then provided a significant
amount of support for the county mental health agency since they were in the hot seat due to the
shooter’s mental health issues. On the law enforcement side, Kelly Hoover was instrumental in responses
on behalf of the Sheriff's office and public safety. This event drew international media attention generated
hundreds of emails and phone calls. You’ll hear key take-ways applicable to many emergencies and crisis
issues.
#CAPIO2015
Page 5
4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
Northern California Regional Meeting
Director-at-Large: Christine Brainerd
City of Folsom, communications manager
Pacific I
Central California
Director-at-Large: Valerie Kushnerov
City of Goleta, public information officer
Pacific II
Southern California
Director-at-Large: Kristeen Farlow
Cucamonga Valley Water District, public affairs officer
International IV
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Opening Reception and Exhibitor Mixer
Sponsored by our Gold Sponsors:
Caltrop, Crocker & Crocker, CV Strategies, Everbridge, News & Review,
and SAE Communications
Promenade
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Long Beach Harbor Cruise – Sponsored by the Port of Long Beach
What better way to appreciate our host city than a cruise in the Long Beach Harbor and a personal tour by
our friends at the Port of Long Beach. Enjoy the sites of the Queen Mary, the working Port’s shipping docks
and the city skyline as you sip cocktails and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres all compliments of our host!
Don’t miss this amazing introduction to Long Beach!
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Conference Registration/Information Desk
Foyer
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast/Exhibits/Networking
Come visit our exhibitors/sponsors while you enjoy breakfast!
Promenade/
International
Pre-scheduled
Appointments
ON CAMERA TRAINING
Pre-scheduled Individual Training Sessions
Caribbean
Offered by Scott Summerfield and Sheri Benninghoven, principals, SAE Communications
Conducted by SAE Communications, individual sessions will include a discussion of one of your agency's
pressing issues, development of key messages, and two rounds of mock interviews using a professional
videographer and broadcast-quality equipment. You'll be able to review your “on camera” experience
after the training and will have a huge jump on your communications strategy for your upcoming issue.
Limited spots available. Watch for an email soon to sign up. (Open to current CAPIO members)
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM
Concurrent Breakout Session I
NEWS CONFERENCES: GETTING THE MOST MILEAGE FROM MEDIA
José A. Álvarez, communications specialist, County of San Diego
Pacific II
Trying to generate buzz on social media is all the rage these days, but research shows people still prefer to
get their news from a traditional organization, making news conferences a powerful tool. Find out how to
get the media to cover your event, delivering your message to thousands of your customers through
television, print, radio and internet news outlets. This workshop will teach you how to make your news
conference a success, including:







#CAPIO2015
When and how to organize a news conference
How to identify compelling and newsworthy stories
How to define and manage your message
When and where to have a news conference
How to select effective spokespersons
How to create strong visuals
The need for human interest
Page 6
Concurrent Breakout Session II
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING: TARGETING YOUR DOLLARS
(PIO Institute Credit-satisfies 4b(v) Measuring Results)
Linda Zimmer, MarCom: Interactive
International
I/II/III
Social media advertising has become a “must have” if you want to effectively reach people on Facebook
and other social media platforms. This new trend is something every communicator needs to
understand. But how do you navigate the changing algorithms from each platform and ensure you’re not
wasting your advertising dollars? New strategies (or bigger budgets) are needed! Veteran social media
maven Linda Zimmer will guide you through the new social media advertising landscape.
Concurrent Breakout Session III
LESSONS FROM THE 2014 SOUTH NAPA QUAKE
Barry Martin, public information officer, City of Napa
Elizabeth Emmett, director of communications and community engagement, Napa
Valley Unified School District
Danis Kreimeier, director of library services and community outreach, County of Napa
International IV
Napa was hard hit by the largest quake in Northern California in 25 years on Aug. 24, 2014. The area
suffered more than 200 injuries, up to 175 red tagged structures, damage to historic buildings, and
extensive water system damage. Hear how three agencies handled communication during this crisis. They
will share what worked and what could be handled better next time.
Concurrent Breakout Session IV
DIVERSITY: THE NEW NORMAL
Strategies for Connecting and Cultivating ‘New-to-You Communities’
Ted Nguyen, senior section manager, OCTA External Affairs, Orange County
Transportation Authority
Pacific I
This multimedia session will share the latest statistics and other relevant information about the dynamic
changing face of California. As the nation’s epicenter of culture, religion, ethnicity and sexual orientation,
California is leading the demographic charge. Addressing these swift changes can mean the difference
between perplexed public agencies facing charges of bias and discrimination or enlightened public
information officials with the understanding, sensitivity and strategies to fully embrace all constituencies
who will play an ever increasingly pivotal role in the success of local communities in the Golden State.
10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Coffee Break, Sponsor Exhibits and Networking
Promenade/
International
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Concurrent Breakout Session I
MANAGING E-HOSTILITY
(PIO Institute Credit- satisfies 4b(vii) Diffusing Hostility)
Thomas Lorenz, director of communications & community relations, City of Glendale
International IV
Social Media Risks, Scenarios and Mitigation - Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The
increased use of social media and remote access technology creates challenges when an agency must
manage or respond to hostility and incivility that may be generated in these forums. This session will
identify strategies and techniques you can use to effectively manage online communications and mitigate
threats to the integrity of you or your organization. Learn how to identify the “Anatomy of a Troll” and
better prepare your response to an attack. To combat e-hostility you may need to utilize tactics from your
crisis communications toolbox. Attend this session to learn more about social media mitigation.
#CAPIO2015
Page 7
Concurrent Breakout Session II
REINVIGORATING INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
DeDe Cordell, director of communications and public affairs, Placer County
Chris Gray-Garcia, deputy chief of public affairs, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Sacramento District
Lori Woods, Sr. Training & Organizational Development Analyst, Placer County
Pacific II
Do you know what the best companies are doing with regard to internal communication? Come hear how
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Placer County are reinvigorating internal communications after
significant external and internal research. #1 lesson from the research: The internal audience should be
the #1 priority. Cordell and Gray-Garcia will share how they’ve begun implementing updated internal
communications plans at their agencies and are seeing the results of a more engaging environment.
Concurrent Breakout Session III
FUEL YOUR PROFESSIONAL FIRE WITH A DISTINCT PERSONAL BRAND
Andrea Landis, professional portfolio writer and personal brand consultant
Pacific I
No matter where you are in your professional journey, clarifying an authentic personal brand based in
your true passions and personality and sharing it with employers and colleagues is essential and will bring
you the type of career you've always wanted deep down - one that fits YOU. Personal branding consultant
and career coach Andrea Landis breaks down the keep-it-real strategy for defining and conveying your
distinct personal brand in a way that resonates with others and moves you forward again and again.
11:45 AM – NOON
Sponsor Exhibits and Networking
Promenade
NOON – 1:30 PM
Luncheon, CAPIO Business Meeting and Keynote
Sponsored by GovDelivery
LUNCHEON KEYNOTE - IT’S ALL ABOUT THE STORY
Michael Russo, multimedia manager, County of San Diego
International
I/II/III
Having a robust social media platform is great -- but content is still king. What good is a great
communications plan if what you're communicating isn't interesting and engaging? Take away skills to
create video content that viewers will find interesting and want to watch.
1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Sponsor Exhibits and Networking
Promenade
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Concurrent Breakout Session I
MARKETING FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY'S WORLD
Ryan Armstrong, digital communications manager, Orange County Transportation
Authority
Kriss Garbowski, Orange County Transportation Authority
Pacific II
This engaging session covers OCTA's experience, successes and lessons-learned with social media, mobile
and video marketing. Learn the skills needed to succeed through real examples and discussion about the
strengths of each digital channel. This engaging presentation will inspire communications professionals to
use new tools and resources to reach their audiences. Each digital approach will be evaluated using
industry statistics, case studies and actual sample work.
Concurrent Breakout Session II
THE POWER OF THE CROWD: USING SOCIAL NORMS TO CREATE EFFECTIVE
COMMUNICATIONS
Jennifer Tabanico, president, Action Research
Pacific I
Humans are inherently social creatures and therefore are highly influenced by the attitudes and behaviors
of others. Social norms are the perceptions of what is commonly done or approved of in a particular
situation. Social norms guide our actions on a daily basis. Norms exert powerful influence and are highly
#CAPIO2015
Page 8
versatile, making them an ideal tool for communication professionals to use in fostering positive attitudes
and behaviors at the community level. However, due to the power of this communication tool, social
norms must be employed with care. Oftentimes, communicators incorporate social norms in messaging
without even intending to do so. Therefore it is critical for communicators to understand how to maximize
the effectiveness of social norms communications, and, more importantly, to avoid any negative
consequences. Hear about and learn from real-world examples of how social norms can be used to create
effective communications and the circumstances under which providing normative information is
beneficial and when it can backfire and produce the opposite of what a communicator intends.
Concurrent Breakout Session IV
DEVELOPING A COMMUNICATIONS MASTER PLAN: YOUR ROADMAP TO SUCCESSFUL
OUTREACH
(PIO Institute Credit- satisfies 4a(vi) Strategic Communication)
Erin Gilhuly, president, CV Strategies (moderator)
Panelists:
Kristeen Farlow, communications and outreach manager, Cucamonga Valley Water
District
Alex Altman, vice president, CV Strategies
Debra Mustain, M.Ed, interim director, Alliance for Education, San Bernardino County
Superintendent of Schools
International IV
While public agencies seem to have plans for just about everything these days, strategic communications
planning remains an area of relatively little focus. In 2014, Cucamonga Valley Water District and the San
Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools each embarked on the communications master plan
development process with facilitating consultant CV Strategies. These wildly different organizations serve
different constituencies, provide different services, and have unique internal and external communications
needs — but both successfully developed unique, holistic and robust plans that will guide their
communications efforts for the next five years. In an interactive panel, key participants in the planning
process will discuss: garnering participation from staff, electeds and other diverse stakeholders; creating a
collaborative process that honors and values input; dealing with roadblocks; incorporating internal
communication strategies; developing plans that elected Boards of Directors can support; and, most
importantly, leveraging these documents to secure meaningful organizational change.
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Refreshment Break, Sponsor Exhibits and Networking
Promenade/
International
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Concurrent Breakout Session I
GOING DIGITAL IN A CRISIS: HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CAN BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND
HUMANIZE GOVERNMENT
Sarah Divan, communications officer, City of San Marcos
Tammy Glenn, assistant director of communications, San Diego County
Kristina Ray, communications manager, City of Carlsbad
International IV
What is it like to communicate with thousands of people per minute while emergency sirens blast in the
background and a natural disaster threatens the very heart of your community? This session offers a
behind-the-scenes look at how the Southern California communities of Carlsbad (pop. 109,000), San
Marcos (pop. 90,000) and San Diego County (pop. 3.2M) led a successful emergency communication effort
with robust social media engagement. As the world watched real-time, horrifying images of an out-ofcontrol wildfire threatening lives, homes and the environment, each jurisdiction effectively coordinated
inter-departmental public information teams to provide critical public safety information. Using digital
communication tools to connect to the community’s emotional needs, these teams built trust in local
government and strengthened the agency’s relationship with those it serves.
#CAPIO2015
Page 9
Concurrent Breakout Session II
WATER REUSE, POTABLE REUSE AND CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS
Patricia Tennyson, executive vice president, Katz & Associates
Pacific I
Water supply is the most prominent issue facing California. and Cities and water utilities are taking
important steps toward both water use efficiency and finding sustainable, resilient water sources to
address future droughts, and increased demands and competition for traditional water sources. Water
reuse can provide that resilient, sustainable and constant supply utilities seek, but when used to augment
drinking water sources, it is often accompanied by significant community opposition and negative public
perception. FInd out about water reuse and public perception challenges facing today’s PIOs, recent
research findings and key guidelines for implementing a successful water reuse public outreach program.
PIOs will leave empowered to approach challenging and often controversial water resource planning issues
with outreach tips and research takeaways.
Concurrent Breakout Session III
Pacific II
ADVANCING YOUR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT THROUGH A MOBILE APP
Steve Thesing, vice president of sales, Civica Software
The smartphone is a centerpiece of most people’s lives. Only recently have Cities and Counties discovered
the power of mobile devices to connect with their residents and community as a whole. In this
information session, Civica Software will introduce and demonstrate the latest mobile app technologies
and invite open discussion of all ways to enhance and advance the “community experience.” The City of
Rancho Cucamonga and City of Visalia are recent success stories of community engagement through
mobile. Partnering with Civica, these cities have deployed breakthrough mobile solutions and successfully
advanced their community engagement. Come learn more about their success and best practices for
framing and deploying mobile solutions to your community.
5:30 – 7:00 PM
Awards Reception (Semi-formal attire recommended)
Sponsored by Civica Software and Port of Long Beach
7:00 – 9:00 PM
Excellence in Communications Awards Gala and PIO Graduation
Scot Crocker, brand and marketing strategist, Crocker and Crocker
Christina Byrne, section manager – Capital Projects Outreach, Orange County Transportation Authority
Enjoy an evening celebrating Awards of Excellence winners, our annual Paul B. Clark and Communicator of
the Year recipients and the J. Lindsey Wolf PIO Institute graduates. Special guest appearance by Mayor
Robert Garcia, mayor of Long Beach. You won’t want to forget your camera!
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
2015-2016 CAPIO Board of Directors Meeting & Breakfast (Open to all attendees)
Atlantic I
9:15 AM –10:30 AM
SPEED NETWORKING AND MENTOR MATCH UP
Moderated by Heather Moro, strategic communications consultant and Paul B. Clark
Award Recipient (2009)
Atlantic I
Aquarium of
the Pacific
Thursday, April 16, 2015
PIOs looking for mentors and seasoned PIOs willing to mentor will have the chance to meet up during this
moderated session. The room will be divided into specialties: City, County, Special Districts, etc. Have the
chance to have a conversation with others you may not have met during the conference and collect
business cards of potential mentors or mentees to follow up with throughout the year.
9:15 AM –10:30 AM
#CAPIO2015
PREPARING FOR A HEALTH CRISIS
Jose Arballo, senior public information specialist, Riverside County Dept. of Public Health
Page 10
Atlantic II
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Diamond Sponsors
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
In-Kind Sponsors
Conference Supporter
#CAPIO2015
Page 11