BledCom 2025 Program

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Please note that the Program is subject to change!


Early Registrations will be available at the BledCom registration desk in the foyer of the Rikli Balance Hotel on Thursday, June 26,  from 18.00 to 19.00.


Thursday's dinner for the participants who registered and payed for it in advance, will be from 19.30 - 22.00  (departure at 19.00).

IMPORTANT: From the parking lot to the entrance of the Restaurant there is an approximate 100 meters of paved steep paths. Please wear sensible shoes.

Day 1

Program may be subject to change: check the website for regular updates. All times are in Central European Summer Time (CEST).
Friday

27.06.2025

Time

8.30 - 17.45

8.30 - 9.30

REGISTRATION

    9.30 - 10.15

    • OPENING SESSION

      PROGRAM COMMITTEE

      Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana and Herman & Partners (Slovenia)

      Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado (USA)

      Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb (Croatia)


      WELCOME ADDRESS:

      Iztok Prezelj, Professor and Dean of the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Social Sciences (Slovenia)

         

      IPRA ADDRESS

      Nataša Pavlović Bujas, President 2024 – 2025 of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA)  

         

      CIPR ADDRESS

      Alastair MacCapra, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)


      PRSS ADDRESS

      Tina Cipot, President of the Public Relations Society of Slovenia (PRSS)

      10.15 - 11.00

      • KEYNOTE SPEECH

        KEYNOTE SPEAKER

        The Future Impact of AI on Public Relations

        Marko Grobelnik, Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia)

         

        RESPONDENT

        Lahad, Imad, APCO (U.A.E.)


        DEBATE


        PARTNER: ZAVAROVALNICA TRIGLAV

        11.00 - 11.15

        COFFE BREAK

          11.15 - 12.15

          • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1A

            Chair: Gareth Thompson


            AI a boon or a curse? The question lies with us

            Galloway, Chris, Massey University (USA)

            Vujnovic, Marina, Monmouth University (USA)

            Swiatek,  Lukasz (Luk),  University of New South Wales  (USA)

            Kruckeberg,  Dean, UNC Charlotte  (USA)


            Unpacking the Vulnerabilities of PR Professionals in the Age of Generative AI

            Dong, Chuqing, Michigan State University (USA)

            van den Berg, Morgan, Michigan State University (USA)


            Perceptions, concerns and best practices: Communication practitioners’ views on AI in the South African communication landscape

            Kloppers, Elbé,  North-West University (South Africa)

            Bezuidenhout, Louise,  North-West University (South Africa)


            Artificial Intelligence and Art Marketing in Brand Communication: The Example of Refik Anadol 

            Gözde Tayfur, Nur, Istanbul Yeni Yuzyil University (Turkey) 


            DEBATE

          • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1B

            Chair: Denisa Hejlová


            The Role of AI-Generated Greenfluencers in Sustainability Messaging: Authentic Advocacy or Algorithmic Greenwashing?

            Geysi, Nilüfer, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)


            The Influence of AI: The Third-Person Effect in the Censorship of Deepfakes

            Laskin, Alexander V., Quinnipiac University (USA)

            D’Agostino, Giulia, Università della Svizzera italiana (Switzerland)


            Is blockchain the solution to AI deepfakes in PR? A provisional outlook

            Fabbri, Valerio, FabbriKo (Slovenia)


            Exploring the Impact of Using Generative Artificial Intelligence on Productivity and Quality in Corporate Communications

            Wong, Janice, Centre for Professional Communication, Singapore Institute of Technology(Singapore)


            DEBATE

          • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1C

            Chair: Michal Chmiel


            Intersectional Gender Representation in Corporate Social Media and AI-Imagery: From Progress to Perils?

            Dhanesh, Ganga S, University of Maryland (USA)

            Saad, Mahinaz, Independent Public Relations Practitioner (USA)


            Race, diversity, and social mobility in the public relations industry

            Bridgen, Liz, Buckinghamshire New University (UK)

            Zeler, Ileana, Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain)


            Marketplace Theory as a Foundation for the Responsible Use of AI in Public Relations

            Fitzpatrick, Kathy R., University of South Florida (USA)

            Palenchar, Michael, James University of Tennessee (USA)


            The PR Roots of Modern Tourism – World War II Allied Soldiers in Rome 

            Isaacson, Tom, Northern Michigan University (USA)


            DEBATE

            12.15 - 13.00

            • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2A

              Chair: Brian Smith


              Lost in Translation? AI Disruption in Language Services as a Mirror for Public Relations Industry Transformation 

              Doswell, Steve, Gemini Communicating for Business Ltd (UK) 


              The Immediate Experiment. Mobile Devices’ Diffusions and Adoptions--and the Lives of Public Relations Professionals 

              Downes, Edward J., Boston University (USA)

              Di, Yuejiao, Boston University (USA)  


              The Future of Work for Public Relations and Advertising Professionals: Replaced by AI or Enhanced by AI?

              Laskin, Alexander V., Quinnipiac University (USA)

              Russell, Erin, Quinnipiac University (USA)


              DEBATE

            • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2B

              Chair: Jacek Barlik


              Investigating the impact of AI on SMEs: communicative challenges and insights from an Italian study 

              Lovari, Alessandro, University of Cagliari (Italy)

              Marinelli, Alberto, Sapienza University (Italy)

              Comunello, Francesca, Sapienza University  (Italy)

              Brescia, Paolo, University of Cagliari (Italy) 


              Developing a Digital Communication Management Framework for South African Sport Organizations 

              Degenaar, Koos, North-West University (South Africa)

              Holtzhausen, Lida, North-West University (South Africa)  


              Decoding Digital Trust: A Multi-dimensional Analysis of Tech Influencer Credibility on YouTube

              Floether, Kevin, McMaster University (Canada)


              DEBATE

            • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2C

              Chair: Minjeong Kang


              Artificial intelligence and student fear, resistance and creativity in the classroom. The public relations teaching perspective

              Bridgen, Liz, Buckinghamshire New University (UK)  

              Williams, Sarah, Buckinghamshire New University (UK)


              A South African Perspective on the Integration of AI in Corporate Communication Curriculum: Bridging the Gap between Academic Training and Professional Practice.

              Bezuidenhout, Louise.  North-West University (South Africa)

              Fourie, Lynnette, North-West University (South Africa)


              Employing artificial intelligence to streamline communication process 

              Jeleč, Ivana, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Croatia)

              Šarić, Jelena, VERN' University (Croatia)

              Ratkić, Hrvoje, VERN' University (Croatia)


              DEBATE

              13.00 - 14.30

              LUNCH

                14.30 - 15.30

                • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3A

                  Chair: Liz Bridgen


                  Uniting a team of 5 million: An analysis of New Zealand’s ‘Unite Against COVID-19’ crisis communication campaign

                  Lingwall, Andrew, Pennsylvania Western University Clarion (USA)

                  Ashwell, Douglas, Massey University (New Zealand)


                  The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on PR: Enhancing Crisis Management, Audience Engagement and Skepticism

                  Hürmeriç, Pelin, Yeditepe University (Turkey)

                  Demirel, Ege Simge, Yeditepe University (Turkey)


                  AI and the Impact of Communication on Judicial Processes – The Brazilian Case

                  Fabio Brandt, Novo Selo Comunicacao (Brazil)


                  Artificial Intelligence Relations. What is it like to be an AI?

                  Drapal, Andrej, Consensus (Slovenia)


                  DEBATE

                • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3B

                  Chair: Anca Anton


                  AI-powered Influence: How digital humans reshape consumer behavior. Examining the Mediating Roles of Perceived Value and Trust

                  Wu, Shih Chia, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)

                  Zheng, Nanxiao, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)


                  AI-Generated Influencers in Strategic Communications: The AI Influencers Engagement Model (AIEM)

                  Ljepava, Nikolina, American University in the Emirates (U.A.E.)

                  Selakovic, Marko, S P Jain School of Global Management, Dubai (U.A.E.)


                  Deploying Artificial Intelligence and Dynamic Visual Artefacts (Avatars) in employee communication: Exploring perceptions and attitudes among corporate communicators

                  Batziou, Athanasia, Imperial College London (UK)

                  Read, Kevin, University of Greenwich (UK)

                  Naylor-Leyland, Victoria, Ada and Alan (UK)

                  Milbourn, Sophie, Thread and Bloom (UK)


                  From Tools to Colleagues? The Role of Communicative AI in Corporate Communication

                  Eisner, Julia, University of Applied Science GmbH - Campus Wieselburg & Wiener Neustadt (Austria) 


                  DEBATE


                • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3C

                  Chair: Sabine Einwiller


                  The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations Education: Opportunities and Implications for Governance, Quality, and Ethics

                  Grossbard, Alain, RMIT University (Australia)


                  An Interview with AI on Ethical Dilemmas of PR Professionals

                  Akçay, Ebru, Başkent University (Turkey)


                  The Quest for Responsible Public Relations for Responsible AI: Public Relations Practitioner Use in the United States vs. Czechia

                  Germinder, Lea-Ann, University of Missouri (USA)


                  Dealing with the unethical use of artificial intelligence in teaching-learning in institutions of higher learning: a case study of the NWU

                  Kloppers, Henk, North-West University (South Africa)

                  van den Berg, Francois, North-West University (South Africa)


                  DEBATE

                  15.30 - 15.45

                  COFFE BREAK

                    15.45 - 17.00

                    • PANEL SESSION 1

                      Ethical AI in Public Relations: Global Standards, Guidelines, and Research


                      Panel Moderator: Marko Selakovic, SP Jain School of Global Management (U.A.E.)


                      Panelists: 

                      - Anca Anton,  University of Bucharest (Romania)

                      - Alice Cheng, North Carolina State University (USA) 

                      - Marko Grobelnik, Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia)

                      - Imad Lahad, APCO (U.A.E.)

                      - Nikolina Ljepava, American University in the Emirates (U.A.E.)

                      - Svetlana Stavreva, IPRA AI Chapter Chair 

                      - Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

                      - Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

                      - Marina Vujnović, Monmouth University (USA)

                        17.00 - 17.45

                        • PANEL SESSION 2

                          SCENARIO PLANNING: Sessions on scenario planning for public relations in the age of AI


                          Moderator: Jon White, University of Reading (UK)


                          Panelists: 

                          All participants in the session.

                            19.30 - 22.00 (departure at 19.00)

                            DINNER

                              Day 2

                              Program may be subject to change: check the website for regular updates. All times are in Central European Summer Time (CEST).
                              Saturday

                              28.06.2025

                              Time 
                              10.00 - 16.45

                              10.00 - 10.45

                              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4A

                                Chair:  Alessandro Lovari


                                AI Risks: Are European Communication Professionals Ready? A Study on Individual and Organisational READINESS 

                                Wang, Yijing, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands)

                                Ravazzani, Silvia, Università IULM (Italy)

                                Anton, Anca, University of Bucharest (Romania)


                                Artificial Intelligence in European Public Relations: Between Optimism and Underestimation

                                Kaclová, Markéta, Charles University (Czech Republic)

                                Hejlová, Denisa, Charles University (Czech Republic)


                                Between convenience and professional myopia. Adoption of AI tools by would-be public relations specialists.

                                Barlik, Jacek, University of Warsaw (Poland)


                                DEBATE

                              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4B

                                Chair: Ganga Dhanesh


                                How is Artificial Intelligence Shaping Crisis Communication? A Systematic Review of Interdisciplinary Research

                                Cheng, Yang (Alice), NC State University (USA)


                                AI in Public Relations: Exploring Professional Attitudes, Adoption Intentions, and Internal Communication

                                Yang, Sung-Un, Boston University (USA)

                                Yue, Cen April, Boston University (USA)

                                Krishna, Arunima, Boston University (USA)

                                Wright, Donald K., Boston University (USA)


                                On the public policy aspects of generative AI: Guidance from recent history and the risks from revisionist states.

                                Thompson, Gareth, University of the Arts London (UK)


                                DEBATE

                                10.45 - 11.00

                                COFFE BREAK

                                  11.00 - 12.00

                                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5A

                                    Chair: Su Lin Yeo


                                    Right to Know as an Ethical Public Policy Approach to AI and

                                    Misinformation/Disinformation Disquietude

                                    Palenchar, Michael J., University of Tennessee (USA)

                                    Fitzpatrick, Kathy R., University of South Florida (USA)

                                    Warbington, Abbey, University of Tennessee (USA)


                                    Privacy Concerns in AI-Driven Public Communication

                                    Ertem-Eray, Tugce, North Carolina State University (USA)

                                    Ki, Eyun-Jung, University of Alabama (USA)


                                    Ethics in the time of AI – A South African perspective 

                                    Kloppers, Elbé, North-West University (South Africa) 

                                    Fourie, Lynnette, North-West University (South Africa) 


                                    Public Relations Professionals‘ Acceptance of Generative AI in Content Creation

                                    Caroline Möller, Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Cologne (Germany)

                                    Jan Niklas Kocks, HTW Berlin (Germany)

                                    Ralf Spiller, Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Cologne (Germany)


                                    DEBATE

                                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5B

                                    Chair: Marko Selaković


                                    Trust, authenticity and artificial intelligence. AI-created content and its consequences for building symmetrical relationships with audience members

                                    Chmiel, Michal, Royal Holloway, University of London (UK)


                                    All AI disclosures are not created equal: Examining the effect of disclosure labels on trust

                                    Merle, Patrick F., Florida State University (USA)

                                    Krueger, Mitch, Florida State University (USA)

                                    Croft, Alyssa, Florida State University (USA)


                                    Generative AI in Political Public Relations: A Video Ethnographic Study of Content Production

                                    Rasquinha, Mark, Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand)

                                    Theunissen, Petra, Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand)


                                    We are only Human: How Strategic Communicators can lead in the Age of Artificial Intelligence 

                                    Hung, Olivia, McMaster University (Canada)


                                    DEBATE

                                    12.00 - 13.00

                                    • PAPER SESSION 6 (A)

                                      A


                                      Chair: Louise Bezuidenhout


                                      Proposing Artificial Intelligence-Managed Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-CSR) Communication Framework

                                      Dhanesh, Ganga S, University of Maryland (USA)


                                      Competence Meets Compassion: Understanding the  Boundary Conditions of Employee Reactions to CSR

                                      Song, Baobao, Virginia Commonwealth University (USA)

                                      Yue, Cen April, Boston University (USA) 

                                      Tao, Weiting, University of Miami (USA)

                                      Ji, Yi Grace, Boston University (USA)


                                      Compassion fatigue in humanitarian and charity PR : 

                                      AI to the rescue?

                                      Pappas, Konstantinos, University of the Arts (UK)


                                      AI’s impact on reputations and relationships - ramifications for the public relations function

                                      Verinder, Ben, Chalkstream (UK)


                                      DEBATE

                                    • PANEL SESSION 3 (B)

                                      B


                                      Generative Crisis Misinformation? AI 

                                      Opportunities and Contradictions in a Crisis


                                      Panel Moderator:  Brian G. Smith, University of Mississippi (USA)


                                      Panelists: 

                                      - Andrea Hickerson, University of Mississippi (USA)

                                      - Dave Ferris, Cohere AI (USA)

                                      - Staci B. Smith, University of Mississippi (USA)

                                      - Patrick Merle, Florida State University (USA)  

                                        13.00 - 14.30

                                        LUNCH

                                          14.30 - 15.30

                                          • ROUND TABLE

                                            ROUND TABLE on How Digitalization of Internal Communication Affects Broader Organizational and Personal Outcomes


                                            Adaptive internal communication: Building resilient organizations and fostering satisfaction with life

                                            Tkalac Verčič, Ana,  University of Zagreb (Croatia)

                                            Verčič, Dejan, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)


                                            The Power of Listening: Examining the Impact of Organizational Employee Listening Competency on Engagement, Well-Being, and Mental Readiness

                                            Kang, Minjeong, Indiana University (USA) 


                                            Organizational climate for appreciation: Scale development 

                                            and validation

                                            Wahl, Ingrid, University of Vienna (Austria)

                                            Huber, Jeannine, University of Vienna (Austria)

                                            Einwiller, Sabine, University of Vienna (Austria) 


                                            Preparing internal communication practitioners for the changing AI corporate environment in South Africa

                                            Degenaar, Anette, North-West University (South Africa)

                                            Sutton, Lucinda B, North-West University (South Africa)


                                            This Panel is supported by the Croatian Science Foundation (project HRZZ-IPS-2022-02-4542) and Slovenian Researchand Innovation Agency (project J5-4584).

                                            15.30 - 16.15

                                            • PANEL SESSION 4

                                              Culture and Crisis Communication: An 

                                              Overlooked Link


                                              Chair and Moderator: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado (USA)


                                              Panelists:


                                              When in India… The baby talc Saga of an MNC

                                              Asha Kaul, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (India)

                                              Vidhi Chaudhri, Erasmus University, Rotterdam  (The Netherlands)


                                              Prioritizing Profit Over Aid?: Red Crescent and the 2023 Earthquake

                                              Tugce Ertem-Eray, North Carolina State University (USA)


                                              Nation Branding Campaign Angers Digital Publics  

                                              Chiara Valentini, University of Jyvaskyla (Finland)

                                              Alessandro Lovari, University of Cagliari (Italy)

                                              Paolo Brescia, University of Cagliari (Italy)


                                                16.15 - 16.45

                                                • SCENARIO PLANNING & CLOSING SESSION

                                                  SCENARIO PLANNING

                                                  Sessions on scenario planning for public relations in the age of AI


                                                  Panel Moderator: Jon White, University of Reading (UK)

                                                  Panelists: All participants in the session.


                                                  CLOSING SESSION


                                                  Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana and Herman & partnerji (Slovenia)

                                                  Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

                                                  Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado (USA)

                                                  19.30 - 22.00 (departure at 19.00)

                                                  DINNER

                                                    Keynote Speech

                                                    KEYNOTE SPEAKER

                                                    The keynote speaker for this 32nd International Public Relations Research Symposium will be Marko Grobelnik, a researcher at the AI Lab at the Jožef Stefan Institute and co-founder of the UNESCO International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI).

                                                    Grobelnik collaborates extensively with major European academic institutions and leading industry players, including Bloomberg, British Telecom, the European Commission, Microsoft Research, the New York Times, and OECD.

                                                     

                                                    As a co-author of several books and co-founder of multiple startups, Grobelnik has contributed to over 100 EU-funded AI research projects. His keynote speech, titled “The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Its Potential Impact on Public Relations,” will explore key predictions for the future, highlighting shifts that may come sooner than anticipated.

                                                    RESPONDENT

                                                    Imad Lahad is an expert in AI, intelligence, and disruptive technologies. Currently serving as the Global Chair of AI & Intelligence at APCO, he leads initiatives that harness emerging technologies to drive innovation and transformative solutions for APCO and its clients worldwide.

                                                    Imad's journey with APCO began in 2013 as the Director of Digital Strategy, where he quickly demonstrated his leadership and forward-thinking approach. He went on to become the Managing Director of APCO’s Dubai office, playing a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s direction and expanding its capabilities in the region. As the head of the global Digital Practice, Imad established the AI Comms Lab, a pioneering initiative that integrates advanced AI capabilities and innovative tools into APCO’s offerings. This lab also led to the creation of Margy, APCO’s proprietary adaptive intelligence, which is leveraged across the organization to deliver cutting-edge insights and solutions for clients.