June 26 - June 27, 2026 | Rikli Balance Hotel

BledCom 2026

Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication

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June 26 - June 27, 2025 | Rikli Balance Hotel

BledCom 2026

Disaster, Health, and Organizational

Crisis Communication

CONFERENCE STARTS

:
:
:
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Countdown finished!

The main theme is Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication. In a world increasingly defined by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, crises are no longer exceptions.They have become the rule. Disasters—natural and man- made—continue to ravage communities. Global public health threats such as COVID-19 have revealed systemic vulnerabilities and communication breakdowns. Further, organizational crises—from product recalls to reputational scandals—threaten not only economic performance but also trust, legitimacy, and stakeholder relationships.

2,600

Attendees so far

62

Countries so far

53

Publications so far

33

Years so far

Meet BledCom

BledCom is an annual international symposium on public relations and communication management held in Bled, Slovenia, since 1994. It brings together scholars, practitioners, and students worldwide to discuss key themes in communication, bridging theory and practice. Known for its scenic setting by Lake Bled, BledCom fosters global networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. It often publishes presented research, contributing to advancements in communication management.

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.

Latest news

By Maja Jančič September 26, 2025
Leading theme is Disaster, Health, and Organizational Crisis Communication . BledCom invites abstracts between 500 and 800 words (including title, keywords, and references) and panel proposals. We welcome all papers related to public relations and strategic communication, not just those addressing the conference theme. Submission deadline is February 3, 2026.
By Maja Jančič February 19, 2025
The EUPRERA XXVI Annual Congress will take place on September 24-27, 2025 , in Lund, Sweden . The congress is organized by Lund University’s Department of Communication and welcomes research At the Intersection between Academia and Practice in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. MARCH 31 is the SUBMISSION DEADLINE for short-length papers, full-length research papers, and panel proposals. Submit here: EUPRERA 2025 Congress - ConfTool Pro - Login
By Maja Jančič December 17, 2024
IPRA webinar Leadership and communication in the era of GenAI will be presented by Imad Lahad, managing director APCO Dubai and Prof. Dr. Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia on Thursday 16 January 2025 at 12.00 GMT/UCT This webinar will explore how generative AI (GenAI) is transforming the landscape of leadership and communication. As organizations navigate this new era, leaders are faced with the challenge of integrating AI into their communication strategies in ways that enhance engagement, efficiency, and trust. This webcast will discuss also how leaders can effectively leverage GenAI to meet these demands, address ethical considerations, and align their strategies with evolving expectations of transparency, authenticity, and inclusivity. How to join There is no pre-registration. Simply click on this Teams link on the day. And please mute your microphone and turn off your video when joining. https://teams.live.com/dl/launcher/launcher.html?url=%2F_%23%2Fmeet%2F931926971837%3Fp%3DYIzjjqZmBENkz7ILaj%26anon%3Dtrue&type=meet&deeplinkId=088f2615-c105-4ef5-8e43-3404cecc8e27&directDl=true&msLaunch=true&enableMobilePage=true&suppressPrompt=true Meeting ID:931 926 971 837 Passcode:7jF35H Background to IPRA IPRA, the International Public Relations Association, was established in 1955, and is the leading global network for PR professionals in their personal capacity. IPRA aims to advance trusted communication and the ethical practice of public relations. We do this through networking, our code of conduct and intellectual leadership of the profession. IPRA is the organiser of public relations' annual global competition, the Golden World Awards for Excellence (GWA). IPRA's services enable PR professionals to collaborate and be recognised. Members create content via our Thought Leadership essays, social media and our consultative status with the United Nations. GWA winners demonstrate PR excellence. IPRA welcomes all those who share our aims and who wish to be part of the IPRA worldwide fellowship. For more see www.ipra.org
By Maja Jančič November 8, 2024
The 32nd edition of International Public Relations Research Symposium (BledCom) will be held IN-PERSON on June 27 & June 28, 2025 in Rikli Balance Hotel, Lake Bled - Slovenia. Important dates for BledCom 2025: • Abstracts Submission Deadline: February 3, 2025 • Notification of Acceptance: March 3, 2025 • Preliminary Program: April 15, 2025 • Early Bird Registration Deadline: May 9, 2025 • Conference Registration Deadline for Speakers: May 31, 2025 • Conference Registration Deadline for Attendees: June 20, 2025 • BledCom 2025 Conference: June 27 & June 28, 2025 • Full papers for Conference Proceedings: September 15, 2025

Explore the conference

Event location

Rikli Balance Hotel

Cankarjeva cesta 4, 4260 Bled



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