In the context of accelerated technological, social and economic changes, communication is affirmed as a key factor in shaping relations in the economy, politics and society. Communication Management Forum 2026 scientific conference, which is held under the title Corporate Communications: Issues & Perspectives, is dedicated to the analysis of precisely these contemporary communication challenges, from corporate and political to ethical and technological.

The 34th edition of International Public Relations Research Symposium (BledCom) will be held on JULY 2 & 3, 2027 in Rikli Balance Hotel , Lake Bled - Slovenia (IN-PERSON ONLY) . The main theme of the 34th conference is "THE SOCIAL ROLE FOR PUBLIC RELATIONS IN A TURBULENT WORLD". With each passing year especially in the past decade, it appears as though our world is becoming ever more turbulent. Individuals, organizations, and societies are bribng forced to cope with a world in flux. The very foundation of an established geo-political equilibrium is being severely tested – aided, among other factors, by the increase in illiberal democraticsystems. The world had rejoiced the fall of the Berlin Wall at the end of the 20 th century signaling the end of a bipolar and contentious political order. That elation appears to have been premature as the first quarter of the 21 st century has heralded multipolar geopolitics that has been the source of this turbulence also. The formation of BRIC in 2006 that became BRICS in 2011, the establishment of Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), the birth of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) are a few examples of countries trying to jockey for global relevance and impact in the 21 st century. Twentieth century problems such as global warming and human migration have not abated, but have become exacerbated, and continue to add to the state of flux. The calmness of an established world order has also been significantly affected by the meteoric rise of digital media and more recently the onset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that have simultaneously aided, and disrupted, the life of every human being. This current reality offers us the prime opportunity to be reflective and address the social role of public relations as a practice and scholarly discipline. Therefore, BledCom 2027 invites scholars, practitioners, educators and administrators to reflect on the social role for public relations and its relevance in an increasingly turbulent world. SOME RELEVANT QUESTIONS ARE: Does the practice of public relations have a social role beyond that of being the ‘paid piper’ for an organization? Has the discipline contributed to the current turbulence in the world? If so, how? To what extent has the discipline reflected on its own social responsibility while professing to bethe conduit of communication for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? Does public relations have a role in calming and healing this turbulence? If so, is the discipline even contemplating its role to help calm and heal a turbulent society? Is the discipline equipped to engage in this societal role as healer? Has scholarship adequately addressed the role public relations has played in building just andequitable societies as part of civil society? GUIDELINES FOR SUBMISSION As in previous years, BledCom welcomes all papers related to public relations and strategic communication, not just those addressing the conference theme. Panel proposals are also invited. We invite abstracts between 500 and 800 words (including title, keywords, and references) and panel proposals. Abstracts should include: - Introduction and purpose of the study (including research question if applicable), - Literature review (to situate the work in existing scholarship), - Methodology (including data sources, rationale, and sample), - Results and conclusions (highlighting implications and limitations), - Practical and social implications. Please provide 3–5 keywords that reflect your study. Use APA style (latest edition). Abstracts must be submitted anonymously, with identifying information included on a separate cover page. A list of references is optional but included in the word count. Panel proposals should include: - Title and focus of the panel, - Name of the panel chair, - Names of participants and titles or foci of their contributions. IMPORTANT DATES Submission deadline: Tuesday, February 2, 2027 Notification of acceptance: Tuesday, March 3, 2027 (after peer review) Full papers (up to 6,000 words): due Monday, September 13, 2027, for proceedings. Please send all submissions to: bledcom@fdv.uni-lj.si PROGRAMME COMMITTEE Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana and Herman & partnerji, Slovenia Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado Boulder, USA Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb, Croatia

As we prepare to kick off the 33rd International Public Relations Research Symposium this week, the newly released Global Peace Index has ranked Slovenia as the 4th SAFEST country in the entire world! In a time of rising global complexities, Slovenia has officially entered the top 5 for the first time, celebrated for its exceptional personal safety, high community trust, and a restorative work-life balance seamlessly connected to nature. This milestone could not be more relevant to our central theme this year: “Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication.” As communication scholars and practitioners, we are gathering to discuss resilience and trust in times of crisis and we are doing it from one of the most stable, peaceful havens on the planet.  Enjoy the absolute peace of mind while you network, share groundbreaking research, and soak in the beauty of Lake Bled. Welcome to Slovenia. Welcome to Bledcom.

For over three decades, BledCom has been more than just a symposium. It has been a unique sanctuary for dialogue where the world’s leading communication researchers and practitioners meet to navigate the complexities of our field. Today, we are honored to celebrate a major milestone in this journey: the 5th Anniversary of the International Declaration of Communications Professionals and Researchers presented by INTERDECOM .

The 27th Annual Congress will be hosted by the Department of Audiovisual Communication and Advertising at the Faculty of Communications Sciences of University of Malaga in the city of Malaga, on the Costa del Sol of Andalusia, Spain, between 16 and 19 September 2026. The theme of the Congress is “Regenerating public relations and strategic communication in the face of the new global order: are we ready for this challenge?”

Abstract submission deadline for the 33rd International Public Relations Research Symposium BledCom is fast approaching. BledCom will be held on June 26–27, 2026 , in Bled, Slovenia . The conference theme is Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication . The keynote speaker will be W. Timothy Coombs , advisor to the Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications, Canada . Professor Coombs is a leading author and authority in the field of crisis communication. You are welcome to submit paper abstracts and panel proposals via email to bledcom@fdv.uni-lj.si by February 3, 2026 (midnight, CEST) . We invite abstracts of 500–800 words (including title and keywords), with up to five references . Please note that, as has been the norm in the past, BledCom welcomes all papers relevant to public relations and communication management , not only those that address the conference theme. Panel proposals are also welcome. For more details, please view the BledCom 2026 Call for Papers : https://www.bledcom.com/bledcom-2026-call-for-papers

Leading theme is Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication . BledCom invites abstracts between 500 and 800 words (including title, keywords, and references) and panel proposals. We welcome all papers related to public relations and strategic communication, not just those addressing the conference theme. Submission deadline is February 3, 2026.

The EUPRERA XXVI Annual Congress will take place on September 24-27, 2025 , in Lund, Sweden . The congress is organized by Lund University’s Department of Communication and welcomes research At the Intersection between Academia and Practice in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. MARCH 31 is the SUBMISSION DEADLINE for short-length papers, full-length research papers, and panel proposals. Submit here: EUPRERA 2025 Congress - ConfTool Pro - Login

IPRA webinar Leadership and communication in the era of GenAI will be presented by Imad Lahad, managing director APCO Dubai and Prof. Dr. Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia on Thursday 16 January 2025 at 12.00 GMT/UCT This webinar will explore how generative AI (GenAI) is transforming the landscape of leadership and communication. As organizations navigate this new era, leaders are faced with the challenge of integrating AI into their communication strategies in ways that enhance engagement, efficiency, and trust. This webcast will discuss also how leaders can effectively leverage GenAI to meet these demands, address ethical considerations, and align their strategies with evolving expectations of transparency, authenticity, and inclusivity. How to join There is no pre-registration. Simply click on this Teams link on the day. And please mute your microphone and turn off your video when joining. https://teams.live.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fmeet%2F931926971837%3Fp%3DYIzjjqZmBENkz7ILaj%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meet&deeplinkId=088f2615-c105-4ef5-8e43-3404cecc8e27&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true Meeting ID:931 926 971 837 Passcode:7jF35H Background to IPRA IPRA, the International Public Relations Association, was established in 1955, and is the leading global network for PR professionals in their personal capacity. IPRA aims to advance trusted communication and the ethical practice of public relations. We do this through networking, our code of conduct and intellectual leadership of the profession. IPRA is the organiser of public relations' annual global competition, the Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA). IPRA's services enable PR professionals to collaborate and be recognised. Members create content via our Thought Leadership essays, social media and our consultative status with the United Nations. GWA winners demonstrate PR excellence. IPRA welcomes all those who share our aims and who wish to be part of the IPRA worldwide fellowship. For more see www.ipra.org