New to the field of public-sector communications? Whether you’ve recently started your career, transitioned from a different profession or just need a refresher, this full-day workshop is for you! During this boot camp, you’ll learn core strategies, tools and techniques to level-up your communications skills.

Key takeaways from this workshop include information on:

• Thriving in today’s media environment
• Developing key messages for important agency issues and programs
• Preparing for in-person and virtual on-camera interviews
• Creating a Writing and Brand Style Guide to cohesively share your organization’s story
• Channeling your inner journalist to write for maximum engagement
• Crafting impactful news releases and content that resonates across multiple mediums, including print, digital and video
• Understanding and using Federal Plain Language Standards, AP Style and more

Speakers:

Jill Wagner
President
Idea Emporium

Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. registration opens
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Location: County of Fresno
Fresno County Health & Wellness Center
1925 E Dakota Ave, Fresno, CA 93726

Parking for CAPIO attendees is free.

Lunch and light refreshments are included.

Cost: $95 – CAPIO Members/$160 – Non Members

Register

BIOS

Scott Summerfield

Scott is a principal of SAE Communications. SAE has provided communications counsel, media relations, and Joint Information Center management for many of California’s most challenging recent crises, including the 2023 winter storms, 2020 Coronavirus response, 2019 Conception dive boat tragedy, 2018 Montecito mudslide, 2017 Thomas fire, 2016 Sherpa fire, 2015 Refugio Beach oil spill, 2014 Isla Vista shootings, 2011 Seal Beach massacre, and numerous crises of confidence. SAE was recently part of a team examining the 2015 San Bernardino County terrorist attack response and recovery. Scott also advises on emerging issues such as cyberattacks, Public Records Act, and First Amendment videography.

Scott’s work includes strategic communications, key message development/training, and crisis communications for a wide range of organizations including Port of Long Beach, California State Lottery, League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, City of San Francisco, City of San Jose, City of Palo Alto, City of Santa Clara, City of Beverly Hills, City of Carlsbad, Fairfield Police Department, Bechtel Corporation, Calpine Corporation, Intel Corporation, and many others. SAE’s educational clients include University of California – Davis, San Jose State University, Long Beach City College, Santa Barbara City College, and several local school districts.

Scott is a Dean of Instruction at the California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI), past president and lifetime member of the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), CAPIO Paul Clark Award winner in recognition of outstanding service, grants chair of the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, past executive board member of the City-County Communications and Marketing Association (3CMA), past board member of the Bay Area Cable Excellence Awards, and guest lecturer at the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School of Communication. Scott is a graduate of the Telecommunications and Film program at San Diego State University and is a member of its Alumni Association Board of Advisors.

Jill Wagner

Jill Wagner, APR is an expert, award-winning public relations strategist with a proven track record of helping organizations tell their stories, navigate crises, and achieve strategic goals.

As the founder of Idea Emporium, she delivers creative and comprehensive public relations, communications, and marketing services to build reputations and influence audiences. Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America, Wagner excels in strategic thinking and creative execution, ensuring communications efforts align with organizational objectives.

With over 30 years of crisis communications expertise, she specializes in managing complex and high-stakes situations, and in translating complicated information into clear, impactful messaging. From crisis readiness to response and recovery, she supports organizations with the tools to respond, restore trust, and move forward effectively.

A trusted advisor to leaders and teams, Jill provides expert guidance on communications strategy and organizational issues. She also serves as a speaker, trainer, and mentor and has presented at dozens of conferences around the nation on public relations topics. 

Her work has earned local, regional, and national recognition, including ADDYs, Tellys, and Awards of Excellence from PRSA, the National School Public Relations Association, CASE, and more. Twice honored as her PRSA Chapter’s Professional of the Year, she was also inducted as a Fellow in Fresno State’s Department of Mass Communications and Journalism, a distinction recognizing excellence in her career.