September 16-18 (SMILE)
September18-19 (iSMILE) Palm Beach County, FL
We are thrilled to announce that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is hosting the SMILE Conference 2024, the premier event dedicated to the intersection of social media and law enforcement. Join us from September 16-19, 2024, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for an unparalleled experience of learning, networking, and innovation.
Attending SMILE and iSMILE offers invaluable insights into the latest social media strategies and investigative techniques tailored for law enforcement professionals.
Gain knowledge from industry leaders and innovators who provide cutting-edge strategies and best practices in social media for law enforcement.
1Participate in hands-on workshops that offer practical skills and actionable takeaways to enhance your agency’s social media and investigative efforts.
3Connect with peers, build professional relationships, and exchange ideas with law enforcement personnel from around the globe.
2Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, technologies, and tools that are transforming the landscape of social media in public safety.
4Sheriff of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw has dedicated over five decades to law enforcement, making significant contributions to public safety in Palm Beach County. Beginning his career with the West Palm Beach Police Department, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of Police in 1996. In 2004, Bradshaw was elected as the Sheriff of Palm Beach County and has been re-elected for five terms, making him the longest-serving sheriff in the county's history. Bradshaw leads the largest law enforcement agency in Palm Beach County, overseeing six departments and a workforce of over 4,300 employees and 1,500 volunteers. His leadership has been marked by a tough-on-crime approach, focusing on dismantling gangs, combating cybercrime, and addressing human trafficking. He has also prioritized mental health support within the agency and invested significantly in new technologies and community programs. An advocate for community-based policing, Bradshaw holds numerous prestigious positions, including Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs Emergency Task Force for Region 7 and membership on the Executive Board of the FBI’s Joint Terrorist Task Force. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management and a Master's in Administration with a specialization in Emergency Management (Florida Sheriffs Association) (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office) (FL Politics).
Senior Communications Advisor
Linda Tobias is a writer and communications professional based in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She has worked with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police (MVTP), Canada’s only police service dedicated to a public transit system, since 2017. Linda oversees MVTP’s sprawling digital footprint that includes 48 social media accounts across 8 platforms, part of an effort to meaningfully engage with the many diverse communities that MVTP serves. Thanks to the training and mentoring Linda provides to the department’s social media account holders, MVTP has seen several posts go viral and receive international media attention. Linda received an Inspector Commendation for her strategic use of social media following the shooting of an MVTP officer in 2019. Thanks to her efforts, key updates were shared in a timely manner, media requests were responded to, and misinformation was quickly corrected despite the overwhelming volume of related content being shared online. Before entering the world of policing, Linda worked as a freelance journalist and communications consultant. Much of her work was focused on developing and launching digital strategies for Canadian healthcare organizations.
Anthony Rodriguez, a social media expert with a decade of experience working for some of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, has been a passionate advocate for social media’s role in modern policing. Anthony is the owner of Sentiment PR. Sentiment PR is a premier law enforcement public relations firm specializing in strategic communication and social media management. With a focus on building strong community relationships, Sentiment PR offers comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of law enforcement agencies across the nation. Anthony is also the new proud owner of the SMILE Conference.
Community Engagement Officer | Waterford PD
Community Engagement Officer Eric Fredricks is from the Waterford Police Department in Connecticut. He has been with the agency for 13 years. He is a member of various teams within the department such as the Peer Support Team, Accident Investigation Team, Marine Patrol Unit and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He is a trained Forensic Interviewer and a Gracie Survival Tactics Instructor. Recently he was assigned to the Detective Unit for 3 years as an Investigator.After those three years, he became the Community Engagement Officer. He is in charge of multiple programs and events that focus on community policing, crime prevention and peer support. Since January 2022, he was partnered with K-9 Hodges, who was trained to be a facility dog by Puppies Behind Bars. Hodges helps provide officer wellness, victim support, and community engagement. You can follow Hodges & Officer Fredricks’ adventures at www.instagram.com/k9ofc_hodges_waterfordpd/.
Public Information Manager | City of Hollywood PD
Deanna Bettineschi grew up in Port Saint Lucie, Florida. She attended the University of Florida where she majored in Telecommunications and Minored in Communications Studies. She began her career in 2011 in TV News. Deanna was a reporter/anchor for almost a decade when she decided to change careers. In December of 2020, Deanna became the Public Information Manager for the Hollywood Police Department. Deanna manages the social media accounts for the department, produces press releases, updates the department’s website, does on-camera interviews, and facilitates press conferences. Deanna is married to her husband Tommy, who is a Navy Veteran, who also works at the police department. Together, they have a 7 year old Dalmatian named Pongo.
Director PIO | Broward Sheriff’s Office
With more than 30 years of media relations experience, Veda Coleman-Wright has been described as a consummate professional. Her experience and expertise have been invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of public communications, especially during times of crisis. She is a former South Florida television assignment editor and joined the Broward Sheriff’s Office in 1996. Currently, Veda is the director of the Public Information Office at BSO. Veda holds a B.S. degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in political science from Florida A&M University. She is a 2015 graduate of Leadership Broward Class XXXIII. In 2012, she completed BSO’s Institute for Criminal Justice Studies’ Executive Leadership Program at Nova Southeastern University. Veda has received several awards and commendations. In 2017, She was honored as a Woman of Distinction by the Lauderhill Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2010, Veda was honored by Success South Florida magazine as one of the 50 Most Powerful Black Professionals. In 2008, she was recognized for her contributions, leadership and service to the South Florida community in the area of community empowerment by the Zeta Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She and her husband have two sons.
Keynote Speaker/Communications & Media Expert/Host/Emcee
Lieutenant | Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Sergeant | Seal Beach PD
I'm excited about the opportunity to speak at SMILE and present our session, "The Power of Humor in Law Enforcement Social Media." During my presentation, I’ll dive into our unique approach of using humor in our messaging, how we've built trust within our community, and the impact of our efforts during significant events like the "Caravan 4 Justice" protests and the COVID-19 lockdowns. We've developed a nationally recognized social media presence that effectively blends humor, authenticity, and informative storytelling. With over 40,000 followers on our Facebook and Instagram platforms, we've successfully built a strong and engaged community, especially amongst law enforcement social media managers.
GET EXPERIENCE
Discover how to revolutionize your agency’s approach to digital communication and investigative techniques. Learn from top experts who are shaping the future of social media in law enforcement. Gain insights into the latest trends, tools, and strategies that will enhance your skills and elevate your department’s online presence.
Are you ready to revolutionize your law enforcement agency’s approach to social media? The SMILE Conference 2024 is your ultimate destination for cutting-edge strategies, innovative tools, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Join us from September 16-18 in beautiful Palm Beach Gardens, where law enforcement professionals from around the globe will gather to share insights, learn from industry experts, and collaborate on the latest trends in digital communication.
Join us at the iSMILE Conference, where law enforcement professionals gather to explore the latest advancements in social media investigations. This event is designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively utilize social media for investigative purposes, enhancing your ability to solve cases and ensure public safety.
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4431 PGA Boulevard – Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
4431 PGA Boulevard,Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410USA
The conference will be held at the same location as your hotel accommodations, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience for all attendees.Programme Details
