BledCom 2025 Preliminary 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 25,  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, in front of the conference venue).

IMPORTANT: From the parking lot to the entrance of the Bled Castle 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

26.06.2025

Time

8.30 - 17.30

8.30 - 9.15

REGISTRATION

    9.15 - 9.45

    • 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:

      Samo Uhan, Professor and Dean of the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Social Sciences (Slovenia)

      9.45 - 10.15

      • KEYNOTE SPEECH

        KEYNOTE SPEAKER

        W. Timothy Coombs, Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications (Canada)


        PARTNER: ZAVAROVALNICA TRIGLAV

        9.15 - 10.30

        • CORRESPONDENT

          Anne Gregory, Professor Emeritus at the University of Huddersfield (UK)

          9.30 - 10.45

          • DEBATE

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

            10.45 - 11.00

            COFFE BREAK

              11.00 - 12.00

              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1A

                Chair: 


                From Visibility to Influence: Rethinking Impact Measurement in Digital Health Communication

                Hejlová, Denisa, Charles University (Czech Republic)

                Kaclová, Markéta, Charles University (Czech Republic)


                Legitimizing social listening in health emergencies: ethics in EU institutional discourse

                Kolar, Urška, The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) (Slovenia)

                Vrdelja, Mitja, The National Institute of Public Health (NIJZ) (Slovenia)


                Trust in practice: the application of trustworthiness in Dutch health crisis campaigns

                Alkemade, Elise, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands)

                Barnoy, Aviv, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands)


                "Managing Health Crises in the Age of Misinformation: A Case Study of Tylenol’s Response to the 2025 Autism Allegations"

                Dong, Enzhu, The University of Alabama (USA)

                Li, Jo-Yun, University of Miami (USA)

                McKeever, Brooke W., The University of Alabama (USA)

                McKeever, Robert, The University of Alabama (USA)


                DEBATE

              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1B

                Chair: 


                The insular side of disasters: listening to citizens’ voices for improving risk and crisis communication

                Lovari, Alessandro, University of Cagliari (Italy)


                Regional Resilience Centers Co-create Crisis Communication for All-of-Society

                Ruoslahti, Harri, Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

                Hytönen, Eveliina, Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland) 


                Flooded and Confused. An Insider’s View of a Disastrous Flood in Poland in Sep 2024                    

                Barlik, Jacek, University of Warsaw (Poland)


                Beyond the Content: Examining Framing Strategies and Amplification of Risk Information in Typhoon Misinformation

                Feng, Zeping, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                Chen, Sihui, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                Yu, Wenting, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)


                DEBATE

              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1C

                Chair: 


                Authentic Vulnerability as a Leadership Resource in Times of Crisis

                Wang, Yijing, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands)

                Anton, Anca, University of Bucharest (Romania)

                Ravazzani, Silvia, Università IULM (Italy)


                What if misinformation never reaches the audience? Comparing proactive versus reactive strategies for combatting misinformation in times of crisis. 

                De Waele, Aurélie, Ghent University (Belgium)


                Is American Higher Education in Crisis? An Examination of International Doctoral Students in Public Relations

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

                A. Vasquez, Rosalynn, Suffolk University  (USA)

                Kim, Solyee, Howard University  (USA)


                The Incubating Iceberg – A Crisis Communication Model

                Besson, Nanette, Media University of Applied Sciences (Germany)

                                

                DEBATE

                  12.00 - 13.00

                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2A

                    Chair: 


                    Why Information Fails in Health Crises: Evidence on Social Influence

                    Barreto, Ana Margarida, NOVA University of Lisbon – NOVA FCSH (Portugal)

                    Sá, Margarida, Escola Superior de Educação Coimbra (Portugal)

                    Medeiros, Tatiana, NOVA University of Lisbon – NOVA FCSH (Portugal)

                    Quatorze, Maura, NOVA University of Lisbon – NOVA FCSH (Portugal)

                    Sarmento, Ana Teresa, Universidade de Lisboa (Portugal)

                    Correia, Janine, National Health Service (SNS) (Portugal)


                    Constructing the “Hero” and the “Villain”: Media Narratives and the Doctor-Patient Relationship in the Romanian Healthcare Crisis

                    Iorgovan-Georgescu, Darina-Bianca, University of Bucharest (Romania)   


                    Knowledge, Skills and Motivation for Efficient Communication in Health Crises in Slovenia

                    Kropivnik, Samo, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

                    Terseglav, Saša, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)


                    Nurses’ Crisis Communication During Natural Disasters: A Study Protocol on Health Promotion and Community Engagement

                    Durocher, Hélène, Université du Québec à Rimouski (Canada)      


                    DEBATE

                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2B

                    Chair: 


                    The ‘Transgenerational Legacy’ and ‘Reputational Shadows’ of a Corporate Crisis: An Exploratory Case Study of Inherited Perceptions of BP’s Deepwater Horizon Crisis Among Generation Z 

                    McFarlane, Poppy, Cardiff University (UK)

                    Read, Kevin, City St George’s, University of London (UK)

                    Bellamy, Bridget, Ada and Alan (UK)


                    Corporate Blacklisting: Strategic communication during wartime

                    Shevchenko,Tetiana, Vienna University of Economics and Business (Austria) 

                    Seiffert-Brockmann, Jens, Vienna University of Economics and Business (Austria)   


                    Short-Termism in Corporate Communication: A Theoretical Framework Amid an Accelerated Issue Environment

                    Strauß, Nadine, University of Zurich (Switzerland)


                    Using Influencers to Divert Attention from Corporate Crises: Computational Evidence for Third-Party Bolstering in TikTok Sponsorships

                    Zhou, Alvin, University of Minnesota (USA)

                    Xu, Dongqing (DQ), University of Minnesota (USA)

                    Huang, Jiacheng, University of Minnesota (USA)


                    DEBATE

                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2C

                    Chair: 


                    In Case Of Emergency…Ask The Expert! The Role of Science Communication in time ff uncertainty

                    Materassi, Letizia, University of Florence (Italy)

                    Solito, Laura, University of Florence (Italy)

                    Sorrentino, Carlo, University of Florence (Italy)

                    Macrì, Ester, University of Florence (Italy)


                    Public Diplomacy as Crisis Management: Building and Sustaining Reputational Security

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

                    Vanc, Antoaneta M., School of Communications (USA)


                    The price of reputation: The ethical tension between political legitimacy and public safety in the Valencia DANA

                    Rodriguez, Sandra, University of Beira Interior (Portugal) 

                    Persici Toniolo, Bianca, University of Beira Interior, LabCom (Portugal)

                    Gonçalves, Gisela, University of Beira Interior, LabCom (Portugal) 


                    Navigating crisis communication decision-making: Uncovering competing logics within crisis management teams

                    Balliu, Laurence, Ghent University (Belgium)

                    Claeys, An-Sofie, Ghent University (Belgium)

                    Ongenaert, David, Charles University (Czech Republic)


                    DEBATE

                    13.00 - 14.30

                    LUNCH

                      14.30 - 15.30

                      • PARALLEL PANEL SESSION 1A

                        PANEL 1


                        Anatomy of Governance: An Inquiry into the Hidden Foundation of Crisis Management


                        Chair: Yan, Jin


                        Discussant: Tim Coombs


                        Panelists: Yijing Wang, Silvia Ravazzani, and Flora Hung-Baesecke


                      • PARALLEL PANEL SESSION 1B

                        PANEL 2


                        Health Communication in Times of Crisis: Trust, Literacy, and Strategic Decision-Making 


                        Chair: Ana Margarida Barreto


                        Panelists: Ivone Ferreira, Rosário Silva, José Azevedo, Adriana Fogel & Patrícia Padrão



                      • PARALLEL PANEL SESSION 1C

                        PANEL 3


                        Crisis Communication Training in Healthcare


                        Chair: Dejan Verčič


                        Panelists: Amela Duratović, Saša Terseglav, Mitja Vrdelja

                        15.30 - 16.30

                        • INTERACTIVE SESSION

                          A - INTERACTIVE SESSION


                          Moderator: Jon White


                          Panelists: Rod Cartwright, Katherine Sykes

                        • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3B

                          Chair: 


                          Understanding the effects of moral outrage: Improving the predictability of SCCT for preventable crises

                          Tachkova, Elina R., Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                          Fediuk, Tomasz A., Family Business Strong, LLC (USA)


                          Communication failures: optimising effective strategic crisis communication management in large-scale wildfires

                          Roy, Chloé, Université Laval (Canada)


                          The Devastating Fire Crisis in Hong Kong: Assessing Public Engagement with Government Crisis Communication on Social Media 

                          Ngai, Cindy, S.B., The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                          Singh, Rita Gill, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)


                          Measuring Science Communication in Climate Crisis Reporting: Media Coverage of Cyclone Barbara in Romania

                          Răducu, Roberta M., National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA) (Romania) 


                          DEBATE

                        • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3C

                          Chair: 


                          ‘The forest and the trees’ paradigm for Risk Assessment: Are company boards getting a fuller picture to be crisis prepared? 

                          Qureshi, Noumaan, University of Mumbai (India)


                          Transparency and stakeholder management in cybersecurity breaches: Applying stakeholder theory to the University Hospital Centre Zagreb crisis communication case study 

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

                          Biošić, Ivan, Algebra Bernays University (Croatia)


                          Training Validation-Based Insights into Cyber Crisis Communication

                          Hytönen, Eveliina, Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland)

                          Ruoslahti, Harri, Laurea University of Applied Sciences (Finland) 


                          How data accessibility amplifies knowledge gap in civil protection: mapping warning communication documentation across 27 countries

                          Torpan, Sten, University of Tartu (Estonia)

                          Johansson, Bengt, University of Gothenburg (Sweden)   


                          DEBATE

                          16.30 - 17.30

                          • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4A

                            Chair: 


                            Disaster Communication as the Null Curriculum: An Examination of PR Education in Türkiye

                            Akçay, Ebru, Başkent University (Turkey)


                            Disruption, Transgression, and Subversion in the Context of Permanent Liminality: Lessons for Crisis Communication

                            Samoilenko, Sergei, George Mason University (USA) 


                            Preparing future communication professionals for disasters and emergencies: Integrating WHO RCCE-IM framework into PR education

                            Nunes, Tatiana, Polytechnic University of Lisbon, LIACOM (Portugal)

                            Raposo, Ana, Polytechnic University of Lisbon, LIACOM (Portugal)

                            Claxton, Nancy, World Health Organization Euro Region (Denmark)


                            Health communication, artificial intelligence, and gender: uses and perceptions of portuguese university students

                            Baptista, Raphaël, Universidade de Lisboa, ISPS (Portugal)

                            Belim, Célia, Universidade de Lisboa, ISPS (Portugal)

                            João Cunha, Maria, Universidade de Lisboa, ISPS (Portugal)


                            DEBATE

                          • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4B

                            Chair:


                            Beyond Persuasion: Post-Persuasive Crisis Communication and the Limits of Strategic PR in Political Emergencies

                            Pappas, Konstantinos, University of the Arts, London (UAL) (UK)


                            What do we know about political crisis communication? A review of a decade of research

                            Lozano-Recalde, Cristian, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (Spain)


                            Crisis as a Trigger for Strategic Communication: Normalizing Cabinet-Level International Government Communication in Japan

                            Nishikawa, Junko, J.F. Oberlin University (Japan) 


                            Navigating Crisis Communication: Cultural Dynamics of Political Public Relations Practice in South India

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

                            Sissons, Helen, Auckland University of Technology (AUT) (New Zealand)


                            DEBATE

                          • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4C

                            Chair:


                            Combating Information Warfare in Crisis: Misinformation and Disinformation Challenges in Post-Soviet Digital Authoritarianism

                            Turdubaeva, Elira, University of Bremen (Germany)

                            Cropp, Fritz, University of Missouri (USA)   


                            Communicating Through Emergency Alerts: Examining Canadian Police Approach

                            Maier, Mandy, Mount Saint Vincent University (Canada)

                             

                            Post-Crisis Strategic Communication: A Qualitative Study in a Quebec Government Organization 

                            Zajmovic, Ema, Université Laval (Canada)

                                          

                            Defining the “Critical Juncture”: A Thematic Analysis of Crisis Narratives in Chinese Presidential New Year Speeches (2012-2026)

                            Mo, Fei Vincent, Central European University (Austria)

                            Tang, Jiawei, Central European University (Austria)

                            Huang, Vincent, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                            Wang, Dan, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)


                            DEBATE

                                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

                                  27.06.2025

                                  Time 
                                  9.45 - 16.00

                                  9.45 - 10.45

                                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5A

                                    Chair:  


                                    Exploring How Strategic Communication Professionals Employ Ethics of Care to Navigate Disinformation

                                    Lemon, Laura L., The University of Alabama (USA)

                                    Boman, Courtney D., The University of Alabama (USA)

                                    Taylor, LaTonya, The University of Alabama (USA)


                                    Public Information Officers as Public Relations Practitioners: Role Enactment and Media Relationships in Public Sector Crisis Communication 

                                    Becktel, Kalyca Lynn, North Carolina State University (USA)

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


                                    Forced Versatility and Stretched Profession: Resocialization of PR Practitioners in the Generative AI Era

                                    Huang, Vincent, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                    Shen, Wenxin, Beijing Normal-Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China) 


                                    Strategic Public relations in India: An Analysis using the Generic Principles

                                    Ashikho, Aviini, Symbiosis International (Deemed University)(India)

                                    Sriramesh, Krishnamurthy, University of Colorado Boulder (USA)


                                    DEBATE

                                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5B

                                    Chair: 


                                    In AI We Trust: Opportunities and Threats of Using Generative Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations Content Creation

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


                                    Employee Responses to AI-Driven Organizational Change: Leadership, Communication, and Readiness

                                    Yue, Cen April, Boston University (USA)

                                    Krishna, Arunima, Boston University (USA)

                                    Yang, Sung-Un, Boston University (USA) 

                                    Wright, Donald K., Boston University (USA)


                                    Conspiracy Spillover: A Study of Australian Supermarket Giants, their Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use, and the Issue of AI-Driven Price Gouging"

                                    Kim, Soojin, University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Australia)

                                    Tam, Lisa, Queensland University of Technology (Australia)

                                    Krishna, Arunima, Boston University (USA)


                                    Prompting Authenticity: How Generative AI Reconfigures Professional Agency in Public Relations and Advertising 

                                    Amuza, Antonio, University of Bucharest (Romania)

                                    Moraru, Mădălina, University of Bucharest (Romania)  


                                    DEBATE

                                  • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5C

                                    Chair:


                                    Theoretical Foundations of Internal Communication: A Systematic Review 

                                    Tkalac Verčič, Ana, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

                                    Brečić, Ružica, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

                                    Rimac Bilušić, Milka, University of Zagreb (Croatia)


                                    Crisis Trigger Model: A New Framework for Crisis Communication

                                    Selaković, Marko, S P Jain School of Global Management (UAE)

                                    Verčič, Dejan, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)  

                                    Ljepava, Nikolina, University of Khorfakkan (UAE)


                                    Synthetification of Public Communication: Introducing the Concept and Its Relevance for Public Relations Research and Practice

                                    Zerfass, Ansgar, Leipzig University (Germany)

                                    Laborde, Aurélie, Université Bordeaux Montaigne (France)

                                    Buhmann, Alexander, BI Norwegian Business School (Norway)


                                    Making Crisis Communication Decisions Under Pressure: A Simulation-Based Intervention Study

                                    Geysi, Nilüfer, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)

                                    Sohodol, Çisil, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)


                                    DEBATE

                                    10.45 - 11.00

                                    COFFE BREAK

                                      11.00 - 12.00

                                      • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 6A

                                        Chair: 


                                        Revisiting internal crisis communication research: where are we today?

                                        Johansen, Winni, Aarhus University (Denmark)

                                        Ejsing, Maja, Aarhus University (Denmark)


                                        Beyond “Soft Skills:” The Roles of Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness in Listening, Engagement, and Employee Advocacy 

                                        Chen, Zifei Fay, University of Georgia  (USA)

                                        Place, Katie R., Quinnipiac University (USA)


                                        The boundary-spanning capacity of social technology platforms: Examining the impact of communication visibility on work engagement

                                        Huang, Vincent, Hong Kong Baptist University  (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                        Cen, April Yue, Boston University  (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China) 

                                        Huang, Jiangling Margaret, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China) 


                                        Risk READINESS for Psychological Safety at Workplace: A New Decision-Making Thermometer

                                        Hsiang, Guang-Lun, University of Georgia (USA)

                                        Wang, Yijing, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands)

                                        Ravazzani, Silvia, Università IULM (Italy)

                                        Jin, Yan, University of Georgia (USA)

                                        DEBATE


                                      • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 6B

                                        Chair: 


                                        Leader Silence in Organizational Crisis: Implications for Employee Trust, Engagement, and Crisis Recovery Efforts

                                        Kang, Minjeong, Indiana University (USA)

                                        Yang, Sung-Un, Boston University (USA)


                                        When Sustainability Becomes a Crisis: Evidence from Organizational Practice and Implications for Crisis Communication 

                                        Milan, Gloria, ICDLAB Sostenibilità e Comunicazione (Italia)

                                        Bonometto, Caterina, ICDLAB Sostenibilità e Comunicazione (Italia)


                                        Organizational reputation and crisis communication strategies: the case of the Elevador da Glória funicular accident

                                        de Carvalho Weinstock, Sandra, Polytechnic University of Lisbon (Portugal)

                                        Nunes, Tatiana, Polytechnic University of Lisbon, LIACOM (Portugal)


                                        Framing "Too Big to Fail": A Case Study of the Acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS in Key Global Financial Hub Media

                                        Gimenez Gil, Paloma, University of Zurich (Switzerland)

                                        Strauß, Nadine, University of Zurich (Switzerland) 


                                        DEBATE

                                      • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 6C

                                        Moral Meaning-Making in Crisis: Examining Networks, Emotions, and Identity in an International Religious Crisis

                                        Morehouse, Jordan, University of Colorado Boulder (USA)

                                        Boatwright, Brandon, Clemson University (USA)

                                        Qu, Yan, University of Maryland, College Park (USA)

                                        Austin, Lucinda, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (USA)


                                        Lost in Translation? Generative AI and the Preservation of Crisis Communication Style Across Cultures      

                                        Nchakga, Camille, University of Zurich (Switzerland)

                                        Guan, Qinghao, University of Zurich (Switzerland)

                                        Strauß, Nadine, University of Zurich (Switzerland)    


                                        Labor Rights Reporting in Leading Chinese and U.S. Automotive Corporation: A Comparative Analysis of Trends, Thematic Salience, and COVID-19 Responses in Sustainability Disclosures 

                                        Ngai, Cindy Sing Bik, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                        Singh, Rita Gill, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                        Dong, He, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                        Zhu, Yunxia, The University of Queensland (Australia)

                                        Jiang, Rui, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                        Chen, Sihui, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)


                                        Belgian youth and crisis preparedness: Perceptions, strategies, and information practices 

                                        Burgers, Evelien, Ghent University (Belgium)                          

                                        Claeys, An-Sofie, Ghent University (Belgium)

                                        De Waele, Aurélie, Ghent University (Belgium)

                                        Bauwens, Morgane, Ghent University (Belgium) 

                                                      

                                        DEBATE

                                        12.00 - 13.00

                                        • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 7A

                                          Chair:


                                          It takes more than motivation in life to be receptive to palliative care: The mediating role of death discussion and perception of accessibility

                                          Yeo, Su Lin, Singapore Management University (Singapore)

                                          Lin, Yumin, Nanyang Technological University Singapore (Singapore)


                                          Ethics in Media Reporting on Alternative Medicine: Audience Perceptions in Croatia

                                          Takahashi, Marta, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

                                          Rimac Gelo, Antonija, Croatian Parliament (Croatia)

                                          Grossi, Ines, University of Osijek (Croatia)


                                          What’s Going on With that Device Attached to Your Hip—Now in Your Hand? (Part 3) Continuing the Discussion of the Downfalls Among PR Professionals’ (Et. al) of Mobile Device Dependency

                                          Downes, Edward, Boston University (USA)


                                          Reframing Climate Change as a Permanent Crisis: Developing a Model for Strategic Crisis Communication

                                          Belić, Ivana, REGEA (Croatia) Domac, Julije, REGEA (Croatia)

                                          Domac, Julije, REGEA (Croatia)


                                          DEBATE

                                        • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 7B

                                          Chair:


                                          One Bad Algorithm, All Bad Algorithms? Examining Public Responses to AI-Managed CSR Practices Following AI-Driven Crises

                                          Wu, Linwan, University of South Carolina (USA)   

                                          Chen, Zifei Fay, University of Georgia (USA)   

                                          Tao, Weiting, University of Miami (USA)   


                                          Artificial Intelligence & Artificial Intelligence Influencers on Crises Management: From Traditional to Digital Public Relations by PR Practitioners 

                                          Ulaş, Sevilay, Çankaya University (Turkey)

                                          Gümüş, Sema, İstanbul Topkapı University (Turkey)


                                          Exploring the Impact of Employees’ Work-Related AI Use on Employee Empowerment and Innovative Job Behavior: Evidence from the U.S. and China 

                                          Wang, Yuan, University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                          Men, Linjuan Rita, University of Florida (USA)

                                          Akanbi, Francis, University of Florida (USA)

                                          Sund, Estelle (Yiyuan),  University of Florida (USA)


                                          Public Perception of AI-generated Chatbot in Public Relations: Trust, Satisfaction, and Commitment

                                          Chanda, Tania, University of Maryland (USA)

                                          DEBATE



                                        • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 7C

                                          What can practitioners learn from research? A practitioner's view of the implementation of research within crisis communication into police operations.

                                          Ljungberg, Kristian. Swedish Police Authority (Sweden)


                                          When Reality Breaks the Playbook: Crisis Communication Lessons from Ukraine

                                          Julia Petryk, Calibrated (Ukraine)


                                          Managing internal dissent and adversarial employee activism: A new corporate governance function

                                          Conti, Sara, Università IULM (Italy)

                                          Hsiang, Guang-Lun, University of Georgia (USA)

                                          Hung-Baesecke, Chun-Ju Flora, University of Technology Sydney (Australia)

                                          Ravazzani, Silvia, Università IULM (Italy)

                                          Jin, Yan, University of Georgia (USA)


                                          It’s all about expertise, isn’t it? The role of subject matter experts in communication management

                                          Rüth, Antonia, Leipzig University (Germany)

                                          Zerfass, Ansgar, Leipzig University (Germany)


                                          DEBATE

                                            13.00 - 14.30

                                            LUNCH

                                              14.30 - 15.30

                                              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 8A

                                                Chair: 


                                                The Lack of Formal Crisis Management Communication in the US and Its Divisive Effects on Publics  

                                                Hunter, Caleb, The George Washington University (USA)

                                                Kim, Edward, The George Washington University (USA)   


                                                Spectres of Digital Authoritarianism: Statecrafted Collective Forgetting on Social Media Platforms in China

                                                Wang, Dan, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Guo, Steve, Beijing Normal Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Huang, Vincent, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Mo, Fei Vincent, Central European University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Tang, Jiawei, Central European University (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)


                                                Activist public relations and frameworks: The case of the Climáximo collective in Portugal

                                                Marques, Liliana, University of Beira Interior (Portugal)

                                                Persici Toniolo, Bianca, University of Beira Interior, LabCom (Portugal) 

                                                Gonçalves, Gisela, University of Beira Interior, LabCom (Portugal)


                                                AI-Augmented Leadership Communication Development: Task Configurations, Learning Quality, and Governance in Hybrid Learning Ecosystems

                                                Brants, Oliver, Oliver Brants GmbH (Germany)


                                                DEBATE

                                              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 8B

                                                Chair:


                                                From Catwalks to Black Cards: Crises of Exclusivity in Luxury Fashion and Luxury Finance

                                                Karagiorgou, Ioanna, University of the Arts London (UK)


                                                Brand Identity Fusion as a Relational Shield during Crises: A Multistakeholder Approach

                                                Krishna, Arunima, Boston University College of Communication (USA)

                                                Arti, Alina, University of Jyväskylä (Finland)


                                                When Privacy Feels at Risk: How Concerns Shape Consumer Participation in Brand Value Co-Creation

                                                Fan, Xiaofang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Huang, Xinyue, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Li, Yin Yi, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Yao, Jiawen, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China)

                                                Wu, Shih-Chia, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong, S.A.R. China) 


                                                DEBATE

                                              • PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 8C

                                                Chair:


                                                Bolstering Crisis Response Strategies in Government Disaster Communication: A Content Analysis of Croatian Government Earthquake Messaging (2020–2021)

                                                Lednicki, Nikolina, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

                                                Uzunoğlu, Ebru, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)


                                                Crisis Communication and Collective Mourning in Turkish Football After the 2023 Earthquake

                                                Suher, İdil Karademirlidağ,  Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)

                                                Vatanartıran, Ömer, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey) 

                                                                    

                                                Crisis Communication During Disasters: Communication Gaps and Challenges Experienced by NGOs After the February 6 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

                                                Hürmeriç, Pelin, Yeditepe University (Turkey)

                                                Demirel, Ege Simge, Yeditepe University (Turkey)


                                                Crisis by Design: The Social Media Algorithmic Addiction Spillover Crisis

                                                Yim, Myungok Chris, Loyola University Chicago (USA)


                                                DEBATE

                                                  15.30 - 16.00

                                                  • CLOSING 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 33rd International Public Relations Research Symposium will be W. Timothy Coombs, an advisor for the Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications, Canada. Coombs is the leading author on crisis communication.

                                                      W. Timothy Coombs (PhD Purdue University) (USA) is an advisor for the Centre for Crisis and Risk Communications. His primary area of research and consulting is crisis communication. His works include the award-winning book Ongoing Crisis Communication, coediting the Handbook of Crisis Communication, and co-writing Strategic Sport Communication: Traditional and Transmedia Strategies for a Global Sport Market. His crisis communication research has won multiple awards from professional organizations including the Jackson, Jackson & Wagner Behavioral Science Prize. He is a Fellow in the International Communication Association.

                                                      CORRESPONDENT

                                                      Prof. Anne Gregory is Professor Emeritus of Corporate Communication at the University of Huddersfield. Anne joined the University of Huddersfield in September 2014.

                                                      Previously she worked at Leeds Beckett University where she was Director of the Centre for Public Relations Studies, an internationally recognised research centre and think tank on public relations and communication. While at Leeds Beckett, she also completed a three year term as Pro Vice Chancellor.

                                                      

                                                      Anne has led numerous specialist research and consultancy programmes for public and private sector clients, particularly for the UK Government where her work has led to Government policy documents and capability-building initiatives. She remains an advisor to UK Government having completed three attachments and is currently working on the Senior Talent Programme for Government which seeks to build capability in the most senior communicators. She is a formal Reviewer of Government Departmental communication and has advised both the South African and New South Wales Governments on capability development.