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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
Bio
Prof Veena Parboo Rawjee is an Associate Professor and Head of Department of Public Relations Management at the Durban University of Technology, with over 27 years of experience in higher education. She has held several senior leadership roles, including Acting Executive Dean and Deputy Dean in the Faculty of Management Sciences. Prof Rawjee led the establishment and operationalisation of the DUT Business School, contributing to executive education and industry engagement. Her teaching and supervision span undergraduate to doctoral levels, with a strong focus on communication, media, and strategic management. She has supervised numerous Masters and PhD graduates and has an extensive publication record in media, communication, and business-related fields. Prof Rawjee actively contributes to institutional governance through participation in key committees and strategic initiatives. She is also engaged in international collaborations and curriculum development aligned with global and industry trends. Her work reflects a commitment to academic excellence, student development, and research that informs practice.
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. Wan Norbani Wan Noordin
Head, Center of Strategic Communication
Senior lecturer
Faculty of Communication and Media Studies
Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM)
Malaysia
Bio
Wan Norbani Wan Noordin is the Head of the Center for Strategic Communication at Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, UiTM where she oversees the development, management, and execution of academic, local, and international initiatives for three degree programs: Public Relations, Advertising, and Communication Management Policy. She is also a recognized Transnational Education (TNE) expert, particularly in education franchising, validation, as well as dual and double degree programs. She has successfully developed and established four profitable TNE centers in Kurdistan (Iraq), Mauritius, China, and Egypt within four years, offering a diverse range of TNE programs. She holds a PhD in Communication from Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand, and teaches both undergraduate and master’s courses in Public Relations and International Communication. Her research focuses on communication technologies, their development, and their impact on academia, industry practices, and communities. She also serves as a reviewer for rated journals and conferences in the fields of Public Relations, Communication, and Media. Wan is actively involved in professional organizations; she is the Treasurer and a Council Member of the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia, the country’s oldest national public relations body. Additionally, she serves on the advisory board of Yayasan Era Suria, a Malaysian NGO dedicated to environmental conservation, youth empowerment, and sustainability. Currently, she teaches International Communication at the master’s level and Strategic Financial Public Relations at the undergraduate level. She is passionate about supervising PhD and master’s students and frequently contributes journal articles on topics related to digital conversations, communication and media, as well as image and reputation studies.
How to publish your first paper
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