The International Association for Media and Communication Research -IAMCR- hosts an annual academic conference, a five-day event that brings together 1,300 to 1,800 participants from around the world. It is held at a university or academic institution.
Recent conferences have been hosted in Christchurch, New Zealand (2024), Singapore (2025), and Galway, Ireland (2026), with São Paulo, Brazil, to be held on 18 to 22 July 2027. The 2028 location has been recently approved by the IAMCR International Council and will be announced in early 2027.
IAMCR aims for geographical diversity in its conference locations. Details of past conferences are available here.
IAMCR is now inviting Expressions of Interest to host its 2029 and 2030 annual conferences.
To be considered, an Expression of Interest (EoI) must be submitted to the IAMCR Executive Director, Salvatore Scifo at sscifo@iamcr.org by Monday 11 January 2027 at 23:59 UTC. The Expression of Interest includes the following sections and the filled form should not be longer than 5 pages:
- A presentation of the proposed host institution(s)
- The year(s) for which the proposal is being submitted (2029, 2030 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
> Download the template Expression of Interest application form here
The IAMCR Conference Committee, Executive Board and/or International Council, all part of the review and approval process, may request further information when considering your EoI.
If this EoI is accepted, you may be asked to prepare a full proposal, due in Spring 2027 for the 2029 conference. Full proposals for the 2030 conference will have a later deadline.
For more information or to discuss your interest or this process further, over email or a videocall, please contact the IAMCR Executive Director, Salvatore Scifo, at sscifo@iamcr.org
EoIs are welcome for proposals led by universities, research institutes and other academic partners. We do not consider proposals submitted directly 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 over 400 sessions organised by IAMCR’s 37 Sections and Working Groups. Abstracts are peer-reviewed and grouped thematically. These sessions require 30–35 breakout rooms running concurrently throughout the week. - Innovative or Local Sessions
Hosts are encouraged to introduce new session formats. - 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 Working Groups are responsible for the main programme of the concurrent academic 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.
Please note as per the document regulating IAMCR conferences, the Memorandum of Understading, 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.