The International Association for Media and Communication Research -IAMCR- hosts an annual academic conference, a five-day event that brings together 1300 to 1800 participants or more from around the world. It is held at a university or academic institution. Recent conferences have been hosted in France, New Zealand, and Singapore, with Galway, Ireland scheduled for 2026. IAMCR aims for geographical diversity in its conference locations. Details of past conferences are available here.
IAMCR is inviting Expressions of Interest to host its 2027 and 2028 annual conferences.
To be considered, an Expression of Interest (EoI) must be submitted to the IAMCR Secretariat (eoi2027-28@iamcr.org) by 15 October, 2025. This concise document (2-5 pages) should include the following:
- A presentation of the proposed host institution(s)
- The year(s) for which the proposal is being submitted (2027, 2028 or either)
- A motivation statement. (Why do you want to host the IAMCR conference?)
- A summary description of the proposed conference theme
- A presentation of the proposed venue and its suitability for hosting an IAMCR conference. (Can it meet the logistical requirements of an IAMCR conference with 1,500 or more participants? What are its disadvantages?)
- Identification of: (a) key individuals behind the proposal, and; (b) the university or universities and other institutions supporting it
The Executive Board may request further information when considering your EoI.
If this EoI is accepted, you may be asked to prepare a full proposal, due early in 2026 for the 2027 conference.Email it to eoi2027-28@iamcr.org.
For more information or to discuss your interest or this process further, contact the IAMCR Secretariat and Executive Board at eoi2027-28@iamcr.org.
EoIs are welcome for proposals led by universities, research institutes and other academic partners. We do not consider proposals from conference centres, tourist boards or commercial event organisers.
Key Components of an IAMCR Conference
- Plenary Sessions
Three to four high-profile plenaries, including opening and closing sessions, focus on interdisciplinary and globally relevant themes. - Partner & Special Sessions
Sessions co-organised with international and regional partners (e.g. UNESCO, ICA, ECREA, AMIC, ALAIC) and informal roundtables on current issues. - Concurrent Academic Sessions
The core of the programme features up to 350 sessions organised by IAMCR’s 37 Sections and Working Groups. Abstracts are peer-reviewed and grouped thematically. These sessions require 25–30 breakout rooms running concurrently throughout the week. - Innovative or Local Sessions
Hosts are encouraged to introduce new session formats. For example, Christchurch introduced "Pitopito kōrero", an informal discussion series. - Social and Cultural Programme
Includes an opening reception, a gala dinner, and cultural events showcasing the host region and facilitating engagement with local communities.
IAMCR and its thematic sections and workinhg groups are responsible for the main programme of the concurrent acadademic sessions. Local organisers take the lead on most of the plenary sessions, as well as logistics and finance, working closely with IAMCR in a Conference Organising Committee with members from IAMCR and the host institution.
The host institution and its Local Organising Committee (LOC) are financially responsible for the conference, which is paid for with the registration fees of participants and locally-generated sponsorships. Any surplus generated is remitted to IAMCR.
Download the IAMCR conference proposal submission guidelines