When a major emergency or act of violence occurs, public information professionals are thrust into an environment defined by fear, uncertainty and intense public demand for information, often before all the facts are known. In 2025, the City of Palm Springs faced this reality following a domestic terrorism incident that immediately drew national attention.

This session provides an inside look at how communications unfolded in the critical minutes, hours and days after the incident. Presenters will walk through the role of the Police Department in delivering timely information, the transition to FBI jurisdiction and how those shifts impacted communications protocols, messaging and information flow. The session will also highlight the essential role of City communications staff in supporting public safety partners, coordinating across agencies/departments, managing misinformation and keeping the community informed with empathy, transparency and consistency during an evolving situation.

For more details and registration, visit the event website.