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Special Events at Media and Mass Communication Conference 2027
MEDCOM 2027 will feature a curated series of special events and workshops designed to enhance learning, collaboration, and professional growth throughout the conference. These sessions are thoughtfully developed to complement the core academic program, offering participants deeper engagement with the key issues shaping contemporary media and communication landscapes.
Bringing together global scholars, journalists, media professionals, policymakers, and industry experts, these special features create space for focused discussion, skill development, and meaningful connection around the conference theme: “Signals Beyond the Algorithm: Humanity, Trust & Freedom in an AI‑Driven Media World.”
What to Expect
The MEDCOM team is currently developing a distinctive lineup of sessions that will add depth and value to the conference experience. These features will include immersive opportunities that encourage critical thinking, practical learning, and collaborative exchange across academia and professional practice.
Why Stay Connected
- Interactive sessions supporting academic and professional development in media and communication
- Facilitated networking opportunities with international experts, institutional representatives, and industry stakeholders
- Specialised workshops exploring emerging trends in journalism, digital media, strategic communication, and media ethics
Further details on pre‑conference workshops, conference‑day special sessions, and featured events will be announced soon. We encourage you to revisit this page regularly as we unveil the full program of special events for MEDCOM 2027—a leading international media and communication conference shaping the future of global media dialogue.
Pre-Conference Workshops
Prof. Veena Parboo Rawjee
Head of Department
Department of Public Relations Management
Durban University of Technology
Publish and Flourish
Date: 20th August 2026 | Time: 1.30 p.m. – 2.30 p.m. IST
Topic Overview:
A practical conversation on how to take your work from a draft to a published journal article. The workshop focuses on helping emerging scholars strengthen their papers so they are clear, well-positioned, and ready for submission. It draws on common challenges many first-time authors face and offers straightforward ways to approach the publication process with more confidence.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the journal publication journey
- Strengthening the structure and flow
- Positioning the manuscript effectively
- Identifying and addressing common challenges
- Building confidence in the submission process
Dr. Mistura Salaudeen
lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication
Hong Kong Shue Yan University (HKSYU)
From Manuscript Development to Manuscript Acceptance: Navigating Academic Publishing in Media, Communication, and Journalism Studies
Date: 22nd October 2026 | Time: 11.30 – 12.30 IST
Topic Overview:
As academic publishing becomes increasingly competitive and rigorously evaluated, early‑career researchers and postgraduate students often struggle with identifying suitable journals, framing publishable arguments, and responding effectively to peer review. This workshop offers a practical and insightful introduction to understanding research publications and navigating the academic publishing process in the fields of media, communication, and journalism. This session demystifies the publication journey by breaking down the core components of high‑quality research articles, including theoretical positioning, methodological clarity, and contribution to ongoing debates in media and communication scholarship. Participants will learn how to spot and avoid predatory journals, evaluate journal scopes, analyze editorial expectations, and align their manuscripts with disciplinary standards. The workshop also highlights common pitfalls in manuscript preparation, strategies for strengthening argumentation, and best practices for engaging with reviewers’ comments constructively. By drawing on examples from leading journals in journalism studies, digital media research, and global communication, the session equips attendees with the skills needed to transform research ideas into publishable work. Ultimately, the workshop aims to empower emerging scholars with the practical knowledge required to participate meaningfully in academic publishing and to contribute to advancing scholarship in media, communication, and journalism.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand the academic publishing process in media, communication, and journalism.
- Identify suitable and credible journals aligned with the manuscript’s scope.
- Recognize and avoid predatory or low-quality journals.
- Develop strong theoretical positioning, methodological clarity, and scholarly contribution.
- Align manuscripts with journal guidelines and editorial expectations.
Dr. Wan Norbani Wan Noordin
Head, Center of Strategic Communication
Senior lecturer
Faculty of Communication and Media Studies
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Malaysia
Indexed and Impactful : Strategies for Successful International Journal Publishing.
Date: 11th November 2026 | Time: 14.00 p.m. – 15.00 IST
Topic Overview:
Publishing your first research paper can feel challenging, but it becomes easier when you understand the process clearly. This topic introduces beginners to the main steps of academic publishing, including choosing the right research topic, writing a strong paper, selecting a suitable journal, following submission guidelines, and responding to reviewer comments. It also highlights common mistakes first-time authors should avoid.
Key Takeaways:
- Choose a clear and research-worthy topic
- Understand the structure of a research paper
- Select the right journal
- Avoid plagiarism and poor referencing
Conference Day Workshop
Dr. Chris Fenner
Public Relations Faculty
Dept. of Communication
University of West Florida
USA
High-Impact Classroom Exercises for PR and Journalism in the Age of AI
This workshop introduces practical, ready-to-use classroom exercises designed to help students navigate an AI-driven media landscape while strengthening core reporting and strategic communication skills. Participants and encouraged to bring examples of activities that address AI-assisted writing, source verification, ethical decision-making, and audience engagement in both PR and journalism contexts. Emphasis is placed on adaptable, low-prep exercises that promote critical thinking and can be immediately implemented across undergraduate and graduate courses.
Designing Media Futures
Designing Media Futures is a highly interactive, chair‑facilitated session that moves beyond usual panel discussion into collaborative ideation. Co-Chairs and Participants work together to map future‑ready media and communication models shaped by emerging technologies, ethical challenges, and shifting audience expectations.
Through guided prompts and structured dialogue, the session encourages critical thinking around trust, transparency, and human‑centered media design. By the end of the session, participants will have co-created tangible concept maps and actionable ideas that reflect more ethical, inclusive, and resilient media ecosystems for the next decade.
Prof. Andrea Volterrani
Director of Master
Social Comm. | Social Farming
University of Rome Tor Vergata
Dr. Tülây Atay
Hatay Mustafa Kemal University
Faculty of Communication
Journalism Department
Dr. Chris Fenner
Public Relations Faculty
Dept. of Communication
University of West Florida