This May, a dozen Tripepi Smith staff members will attend three major industry conferences — California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO), California Community Choice Association (CalCCA) and California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) — delivering speaking presentations and strategic sponsorship support.
From the coast of San Diego to the state capital in Sacramento to the desert oasis of Indian Wells, the Tripepi Smith team will demonstrate its commitment to being present for local government. Over a single high-impact week, the firm will participate in the CAPIO Annual Conference, the CalCCA Annual Conference & 10-Year Anniversary Celebration and the CCCA Annual Municipal Seminar. Through a coordinated deployment of subject matter experts, the firm will provide communications support and insight to hundreds of public agency professionals across the West Coast.
Making Waves in San Diego (CAPIO) May 11–14
A multi-year Diamond Sponsor of CAPIO, Tripepi Smith is also supporting the 2026 Annual Conference as a Wi-Fi sponsor, helping attendees stay connected throughout the event. Representing the firm are Principal Jennifer Nentwig, APR+M, Creative Director Kevin Bostwick and Senior Business Analyst Dana Sovinec.
On May 13, Jennifer will moderate the session “Defying Gravity: Elevating PIOs from Messenger to Strategic Partner.” California JPIA Communications Director Olga Berdial and City of Encinitas Deputy City Manager Mike James will explore how public information officers can move into the strategy room as trusted advisors.
“The CAPIO Annual Conference provides an invaluable forum for communicators to exchange ideas and sharpen the tools we use to serve our communities,” said Jennifer. “The Tripepi Smith team is proud to support the professionals who are building public trust across California, and we’re excited to connect with peers who are continuing to push the field of public sector communications forward.”
Celebrating 10 Years of Community Choice (CalCCA) May 12–14
In Sacramento, a six-person team including Principal Katherine Griffiths, APR, Senior Business Analyst Peter Johnson, Business Analysts Aly Edwards and Olivia Rizzuto, Junior Videographer Daniel Ceruti and Junior Business Analyst Ted Hwang will support the CalCCA 2026 Conference & 10-Year Anniversary Celebration as a Gigawatt Sponsor.
For the fourth time, Tripepi Smith will support social media, videography and other communications initiatives at the conference. In celebration of CalCCA’s 10-year anniversary, the firm will expand its role to lead a yearlong social media campaign, developing and publishing 24 custom-designed posts across CalCCA’s platforms. Each piece will pair strategic messaging with thoughtful visual design to highlight key milestones, achievements and organizational impact.
“CalCCA’s Annual Conference is always a highlight for the CCA community, and this year’s gathering is especially meaningful as we celebrate CalCCA’s 10th anniversary,” said Katherine. “Tripepi Smith is proud to work alongside CalCCA, its member agencies and partners over the past decade, helping communicate the value of community choice energy across California. We look forward to connecting with colleagues from across the state and continuing to advocate for CCAs as they strengthen engagement with the communities they serve.”
Leading with Purpose in Indian Wells (CCCA) May 14–17
The week will conclude in Indian Wells at the CCCA Annual Municipal Seminar, where Tripepi Smith serves as a Platinum Associate Member Sponsor of CCCA and the Annual Municipal Seminar Wi-Fi sponsor. Principal Jennifer Vaughn, APR, Director Mike Egan and Senior Business Analyst Kaetlyn Hernandez will represent the firm at this cornerstone event for contract cities.
As part of this year’s program, Jennifer will also contribute to the conversation through “Command and Coordination: Council Roles in Crises,” taking place May 16. The session will explore how elected officials can effectively navigate emergency situations, align with staff and communicate clearly with the public during times of crisis. The panel will be moderated by Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack and feature Lakewood Vice Mayor Jeff Wood, Lakewood Director of Public Safety Joshua Yordt and Jennifer.
“Our team looks forward to returning to this annual event, which has long been a cornerstone of Tripepi Smith’s engagement with the CCCA community,” said Jennifer. “It’s a valuable opportunity to reconnect with city leaders, contribute to discussions shaping local government and invest in our longstanding relationships we’ve built with contract cities over the years.”
“Tripepi Smith remains dedicated to being an institution of local government,” said President Ryder Todd Smith. “By showing up for the community at key gathering points, the firm ensures its team is equipped with the latest insights to help agencies build trust and engage residents with speed and precision. It also provides a platform for Tripepi Smith to share the wisdom our team has accumulated working with over 250 local government agencies.”
About Tripepi Smith
Tripepi Smith is a California-based marketing, technology and public affairs firm that serves for-profit, nonprofit and public agencies. Its unique mix of marketing and technology prowess provides a competitive advantage to agencies seeking to leverage the internet to achieve their communication goals. The firm provides full content creation services, including: ghost writing, collateral development, photography, video production, aerial imagery, search engine optimization, email marketing campaigns and website design and execution. Tripepi Smith’s diverse clients include: City of American Canyon, City of Calabasas, City of Culver City, City of Cupertino, City of Daly City, City of Grover Beach, City of Indian Wells, City of La Cañada Flintridge, City of Lake Forest, City of Livermore, City of Malibu, City of Napa, City of Palmdale, City of Paramount, City of Tracy, CalChoice Energy Authority, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Santa Clara County Fire Department, Costa Mesa Sanitary District, Rowland Water District, California City Management Foundation, Renne Public Law Group, West Coast Arborists, Scripps College, Blind Children’s Center and Climatec.
