BledCom 2025 Program
Please note that the Program is subject to change!
Early Registrations will be available at the BledCom registration desk in the foyer of the Rikli Balance Hotel on
Thursday, June 26,
from
18.00 to 19.00.
Thursday's dinner for the participants who registered and payed for it in advance, will be from 19.30 - 22.00 (departure at 19.00).
IMPORTANT: From the parking lot to the entrance of the Restaurant there is an approximate 100 meters of paved steep paths. Please wear sensible shoes.
Day 1
27.06.2025
8.20 - 17.30
8.20 - 9.20
REGISTRATION
9.20 - 10.00
-
OPENING SESSION
PROGRAM COMMITTEE
Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana and Herman & Partners (Slovenia)
Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado (USA)
Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
WELCOME ADDRESS:
Iztok Prezelj, Professor and Dean of the University of Ljubljana Faculty of Social Sciences (Slovenia)
IPRA ADDRESS
Nataša Pavlović Bujas, President 2024 – 2025 of the International Public Relations Association (IPRA)
CIPR ADDRESS
Alastair MacCapra, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
PRSS ADDRESS
The newly elected president of the Public Relations Society of Slovenia (PRSS)
10.00 - 10.45
-
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Future Impact of AI on Public Relations
Marko Grobelnik, Jožef Stefan Institute (Slovenia)
10.45 - 11.00
COFFE BREAK
11.00 - 12.00
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1A
AI a boon or a curse? The question lies with us
Galloway, Chris, Massey University (USA)
Vujnovic, Marina, Monmouth University (USA)
Swiatek, Lukasz (Luk), University of New South Wales (USA)
Kruckeberg, Dean, UNC Charlotte (USA)
Unpacking the Vulnerabilities of PR Professionals in the Age of Generative AI
Dong, Chuqing, Michigan State University (USA)
van den Berg, Morgan, Michigan State University (USA)
Perceptions, concerns and best practices: Communication practitioners’ views on AI in the South African communication landscape
Kloppers, Elbé, North-West University (South Africa)
Bezuidenhout, Louise, North-West University (South Africa)
Br(AI)ve New World: Challenges, recommendations, and projections by Portuguese strategic communication professionals on AI use
Baptista, Raphaël, Universidade de Lisboa, Institute of Social and Political Sciences (Portugal)
Belim, Célia, Universidade de Lisboa, Institute of Social and Political Sciences (Portugal)
Cunha, Maria João, Universidade de Lisboa, Institute of Social and Political Sciences (Portugal)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1B
The Role of AI-Generated Greenfluencers in Sustainability Messaging: Authentic Advocacy or Algorithmic Greenwashing?
Geysi, Nilüfer, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)
The Influence of AI: The Third-Person Effect in the Censorship of Deepfakes
Laskin, Alexander V., Quinnipiac University (USA)
D’Agostino, Giulia, Università della Svizzera italiana (Switzerland)
Is blockchain the solution to AI deepfakes in PR? A provisional outlook
Fabbri, Valerio, FabbriKo (Slovenia)
Exploring the Impact of Using Generative Artificial Intelligence on Productivity and Quality in Corporate Communications
Wong, Janice (Singapore)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 1C
Intersectional Gender Representation in Corporate Social Media and AI-Imagery: From Progress to Perils?
Dhanesh, Ganga S, University of Maryland (USA)
Saad, Mahinaz, Independent Public Relations Practitioner (USA)
Gender, Leadership, and Legacy: Empowering the Next Generation with Insights from Asian Professionals in the Public Relations and Strategic Communication Industry
Yook, Bora, Fairfield University (USA)
Kirch Schneider, Kerli, Tallinn University (Estonia)
Race, diversity, and social mobility in the public relations industry
Bridgen, Liz, Buckinghamshire New University (UK)
Zeler, Ileana, Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain)
Marketplace Theory as a Foundation for the Responsible Use of AI in Public Relations
Fitzpatrick, Kathy R., University of South Florida (USA)
Palenchar, Michael, James University of Tennessee (USA)
DEBATE
12.00 - 13.00
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2A
Lost in Translation? AI Disruption in Language Services as a Mirror for Public Relations Industry Transformation
Doswell, Steve, Gemini Communicating for Business Ltd (UK)
Humanising AI in trade journals: A content analysis of communicatively constructed agency and its implications for public relations
Weller, Teresa, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (Germany)
Lock, Irina, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (Germany)
The Immediate Experiment. Mobile Devices’ Diffusions and Adoptions--and the Lives of Public Relations Professionals
Downes, Edward J., Boston University (USA)
Di, Yuejiao, Boston University (USA)
AI-Generated Public Relations Content: Between Efficiency and the Risk of Homogenization
Deren Van Het Hof, Secil, Akdeniz University (Turkey)
Gudekli, Aysad, Akdeniz University (Turkey)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2B
Investigating the impact of AI on SMEs: communicative challenges and insights from an Italian study
Lovari, Alessandro, University of Cagliari (Italy)
Marinelli, Alberto, Sapienza University (Italy)
Comunello, Francesca, Sapienza University (Italy)
Brescia, Paolo, University of Cagliari (Italy)
Artificial Intelligence and Art Marketing in Brand Communication: The Example of Refik Anadol
Gözde Tayfur, Nur, İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University Turkey (Turkey)
Developing a Digital Communication Management Framework for South African Sport Organizations
Degenaar, Koos, North-West University (South Africa)
Holtzhausen, Lida, North-West University (South Africa)
The PR Dividend
Vrsnik, Victor, 7-Eleven Canada (Canada)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 2C
Artificial intelligence and student fear, resistance and creativity in the classroom. The public relations teaching perspective
Bridgen, Liz, Buckinghamshire New University (UK)
Williams, Sarah, Buckinghamshire New University (UK)
A South African Perspective on the Integration of AI in Corporate Communication Curriculum: Bridging the Gap between Academic Training and Professional Practice.
Bezuidenhout, Louise. North-West University (South Africa)
Fourie, Lynnette, North-West University (South Africa)
From Classroom to Workplace Reality: AI Literacy Gaps in Communications
Richter, Martin, Charles University (Czech Republic)
Kaclová, Markéta, Charles University (Czech Republic)
Hejlová, Denisa, Charles University (Czech Republic)
Employing artificial intelligence to streamline communication process
Jeleč, Ivana, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (Croatia)
Šarić, Jelena, VERN' University (Croatia)
Ratkić, Hrvoje, VERN' University (Croatia)
DEBATE
13.00 - 14.30
LUNCH
14.30 - 15.30
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3A
Uniting a team of 5 million: An analysis of New Zealand’s ‘Unite Against COVID-19’ crisis communication campaign
Lingwall, Andrew, Pennsylvania Western University Clarion (USA)
Ashwell, Douglas, Massey University (New Zealand)
How is Artificial Intelligence Shaping Crisis Communication? A Systematic Review of Interdisciplinary Research
Cheng, Yang (Alice), NC State University (USA)
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on PR: Enhancing Crisis Management, Audience Engagement and Skepticism
Hürmeriç, Pelin, Yeditepe University (Turkey)
Demirel, Ege Simge, Yeditepe University (Turkey)
Generative AI for Crisis Communication
Pyle, Andrew, Clemson University (USA)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3B
AI-powered Influence: How digital humans reshape consumer behavior. Examining the Mediating Roles of Perceived Value and Trust
Wu, Shih Chia, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Zheng, Nanxiao, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
AI-Generated Influencers in Strategic Communications: The AI Influencers Engagement Model (AIEM)
Ljepava, Nikolina, American University in the Emirates (U.A.E.)
Selakovic, Marko, S P Jain School of Global Management, Dubai (U.A.E.)
Deploying Artificial Intelligence and Dynamic Visual Artefacts (Avatars) in employee communication: Exploring perceptions and attitudes among corporate communicators
Batzoui, Athanasia, Imperial College London (UK)
Read, Kevin, University of Greenwich (UK)
Naylor-Leyland, Victoria, Ada and Alan (UK)
Milbourn, Sophie, Thread and Bloom (UK)
From Tools to Colleagues? The Role of Communicative AI in Corporate Communication
Eisner, Julia, University of Applied Science GmbH - Campus Wieselburg & Wiener Neustadt (Austria)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 3C
The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Public Relations Education: Opportunities and Implications for Governance, Quality, and Ethics
Grossbard, Alain, RMIT University (Australia)
An Interview with AI on Ethical Dilemmas of PR Professionals
Akçay, Ebru, Başkent University (Turkey)
The Quest for Responsible Public Relations for Responsible AI: Public Relations Practitioner Use in the United States vs. Czechia
Germinder, Lea-Ann, University of Missouri (USA)
Dealing with the unethical use of artificial intelligence in teaching-learning in institutions of higher learning: a case study of the NWU
Kloppers, Henk, North-West University (South Africa)
van den Berg, Francois, North-West University (South Africa)
DEBATE
15.30 - 16.30
-
PANEL SESSION 1
A
Ethical AI in Public Relations: Global Standards, Guidelines, and Research
Panel Moderator: Marko Selakovic, SP Jain School of Global Management (U.A.E.)
Panelists:
- Anca Anton, University of Bucharest (Romania)
- Alice Cheng, North Carolina State University (USA)
- Nikolina Ljepava, American University in the Emirates (U.A.E.)
- Svetlana Stavreva, IPRA AI Chapter Chair
- Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
- Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- Marina Vujnović, Monmouth University (USA)
16.30 - 17.30
-
PANEL SESSION 2
A
Scenario Planning: Sessions on scenario planning for public relations in the age of AI
Moderator: Jon White, University of Reading (UK)
Panelists:
All participants in the session.
19.30 - 22.00 (departure at 19.00)
DINNER
Day 2
28.06.2025
9.00 - 10.00
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4A
AI Risks: Are European Communication Professionals Ready? A Study on Individual and Organisational READINESS
Wang, Yijing, Erasmus University Rotterdam (The Netherlands)
Ravazzani, Silvia, Università IULM (Italy)
Anton, Anca, University of Bucharest (Romania)
Artificial Intelligence in European Public Relations: Between Optimism and Underestimation
Kaclová, Markéta, Charles University (Czech Republic)
Hejlová, Denisa, Charles University (Czech Republic)
The use and perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Public Relations professionals
Monteiro Mourão, Rita, Universidade Europeia (Portugal)
Reis, Célia, Universidade Europeia (Portugal)
AI’s impact on reputations and relationships - ramifications for the public relations function
Verinder, Ben, Chalkstream (UK)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 4B
Integrating Public Relations Theory with AI: Tackling Challenges in the Era of Empowered Digital Publics
Lee, Hyelim, Korea University (South Korea)
Jung, Changyoung, Sejong University (South Korea)
Koo, Nayoung, Sejong University (South Korea)
Seo, Sangbeom, Sejong University (South Korea)
Yoo, Sangbong, Sejong University (South Korea)
Hong, Hyein, Sejong University (South Korea)
Jang, Yun, Sejong University (South Korea)
Kim, Jeong-Nam, University of Oklahoma (USA)
How the Diffusion of Innovation Theory & the Theory of Reasoned Behavior complement the Cultural Economic Model of Public Relations
Anderson, Bill, Elon University (USA)
Xie, Wei, Appalachian State University (USA)
Privacy Concerns in AI-Driven Public Communication
Ertem-Eray, Tugce, North Carolina State University (USA)
Ki, Eyun-Jung, University of Alabama (USA)
Artificial Intelligence Relations. What is it like to be an AI?
Drapal, Andrej, Consensus (Slovenia)
DEBATE
10.00 - 10.45
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5A
Between convenience and professional myopia. Adoption of AI tools by would-be public relations specialists.
Barlik, Jacek, University of Warsaw (Poland)
Generative AI in Political Public Relations: A Video Ethnographic Study of Content Production
Rasquinha, Mark, Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand)
Theunissen, Petra, Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand)
Harnessing AI in Public Relations: From Skepticism to Strategic Adoption
Holdsworth, Amanda D., Risepoint (USA)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 5B
On the public policy aspects of generative AI: Guidance from recent history and the risks from revisionist states.
Thompson, Gareth, University of the Arts London (UK)
The PR Roots of Modern Tourism – World War II Allied Soldiers in Rome
Isaacson, Tom, Northern Michigan University
(USA)
AI and the Impact of Communication on Judicial Processes – The Brazilian Case
Fabio Brandt, Novo Selo Comunicacao (Brazil)
DEBATE
10.45 - 11.00
COFFE BREAK
11.00 - 12.00
-
PAPER SESSION 6
A
Right to Know as an Ethical Public Policy Approach to AI and Misinformation/Disinformation Disquietude
Palenchar, Michael J., University of Tennessee (USA)
Fitzpatrick, Kathy R., University of South Florida (USA)
Warbington, Abbey, University of Tennessee (USA)
Ethical Issues of AI in Public Relations: Insights from PR Professionals in Türkiye
Engin, Elif, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)
Akgöz, Burcu Eker, Bahçeşehir University (Turkey)
Ethics in the time of AI – A South African perspective
Kloppers, Elbé, North-West University (South Africa)
Fourie, Lynnette, North-West University (South Africa)
Public Relations Professionals‘ Acceptance of Generative AI in Content Creation
Caroline Möller, Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Cologne (Germany)
Jan Niklas Kocks, HTW Berlin (Germany)
Ralf Spiller, Macromedia University of Applied Sciences Cologne (Germany)
DEBATE
-
PANEL SESSION 3
B
Culture and Crisis Communication: An
Overlooked Link
Panel Moderator: Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado (USA)
Panelists:
- Ruth Avidar, Yezreel Valley College (Israel)
- Vidhi Chaudhri, Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands)
- Tugce Ertem Eray, North Carolina State University (USA)
- Asha Kaul, IIMA (India)
- Chiara Valentini, Jyväskylä University (Finland)
12.00 - 13.00
-
PAPER SESSION 7
A
Proposing Artificial Intelligence-Managed Corporate Social Responsibility (AIM-CSR) Communication Framework
Dhanesh, Ganga S, University of Maryland (USA)
Aligning AI and Immersive Technologies in CSR: Big Data Insights from China’s Weibo
Ji, Yingru, Zhejiang University (China)
Kim, Sora, Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Zhang, Wanjiang Jacob, Chinese University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
Competence Meets Compassion: Understanding the Boundary Conditions of Employee Reactions to CSR
Song, Baobao, Virginia Commonwealth University (USA)
Yue, Cen April, Boston University (USA)
Tao, Weiting, University of Miami (USA)
Ji, Yi Grace, Boston University (USA)
Compassion fatigue in humanitarian and charity PR: AI to the rescue?
Pappas, Konstantinos, University of the Arts (UK)
DEBATE
-
PANEL SESSION 4
B
Generative Crisis Misinformation? AI
Opportunities and Contradictions in a Crisis
Panel Moderator: Brian G. Smith, University of Mississippi (USA)
Panelists:
- Piotr Wojtas, NATO (Belgium)
- Andrea Hickerson, University of Mississippi (USA)
- Dave Ferris, Cohere AI (USA)
- Staci B. Smith, University of Mississippi (USA)
- Patrick Merle, Florida State University (USA)
13.00 - 14.30
LUNCH
14.30 - 15.30
-
ROUND TABLE
A
ROUND TABLE on How Digitalization of Internal Communication Affects Broader Organizational and Personal Outcomes
Adaptive internal communication: Building resilient organizations and fostering satisfaction with life
Tkalac Verčič, Ana, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Verčič, Dejan, University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)
The Power of Listening: Examining the Impact of Organizational Employee Listening Competency on Engagement, Well-Being, and Mental Readiness
Kang, Minjeong, Indiana University (USA)
Organizational climate for appreciation: Scale development
and validation
Wahl, Ingrid, University of Vienna (Austria)
Huber, Jeannine, University of Vienna (Austria)
Einwiller, Sabine, University of Vienna (Austria)
Preparing internal communication practitioners for the changing AI corporate environment in South Africa
Degenaar, Anette, North-West University (South Africa)
Sutton, Lucinda B, North-West University (South Africa)
15.30 - 16.30
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 8A
Trust, authenticity and artificial intelligence. AI-created content and its consequences for building symmetrical relationships with audience members
Chmiel, Michal, Royal Holloway, University of London (UK)
It’s all about the content: Exploring insights from AI content creators and consumers on trust, ethics, and regulation in the era of AI-generated content
Avidar, Ruth, Yezreel Valley College (Israel)
Mashiah, Itzhak, University of Mississippi (USA)
All AI disclosures are not created equal: Examining the effect of disclosure labels on trust
Merle, Patrick F., Florida State University (USA)
Krueger, Mitch, Florida State University (USA)
Croft, Alyssa, Florida State University (USA)
Decoding Digital Trust: A Multi-dimensional Analysis of Tech Influencer Credibility on YouTube
Floether, Kevin, McMaster University (Canada)
DEBATE
-
PARALLEL PAPER SESSION 8B
AI in Public Relations: Exploring Professional Attitudes, Adoption Intentions, and Internal Communication
Yang, Sung-Un, Boston University (USA)
Yue, Cen April, Boston University (USA)
Krishna, Arunima, Boston University (USA)
Wright, Donald K., Boston University (USA)
AI in Strategic Communication: A Cross-Sector Analysis of Public Relations and Advertising
Bilsel, Hande, Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi (Turkey)
Şimşek, Selcan, Bahçeşehir Üniversitesi (Turkey)
The Future of Work for Public Relations and Advertising Professionals: Replaced by AI or Enhanced by AI?
Laskin, Alexander V., Quinnipiac University (USA)
Russell, Erin, Quinnipiac University (USA)
We are only Human: How Strategic Communicators can lead in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Hung, Olivia, McMaster University (Canada)
DEBATE
16.30 - 17.00
-
SCENARIO PLANNING & CLOSING SESSION
SCENARIO PLANNING
Sessions on scenario planning for public relations in the age of AI
Panel Moderator: Jon White, University of Reading (UK)
Panelists: All participants in the session.
CLOSING SESSION
Dejan Verčič, University of Ljubljana and Herman & partnerji (Slovenia)
Ana Tkalac Verčič, University of Zagreb (Croatia)
Krishnamurthy Sriramesh, University of Colorado (USA)
19.30 - 22.00 (departure at 19.00)
DINNER
Marko Grobelnik
Jožef Stefan Institute
KEYNOTE SPEECH
The keynote speaker for this 32nd International Public Relations Research Symposium will be Marko Grobelnik, a researcher at the AI Lab at the Jožef Stefan Institute and co-founder of the UNESCO International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI).
Grobelnik collaborates extensively with major European academic institutions and leading industry players, including Bloomberg, British Telecom, the European Commission, Microsoft Research, the New York Times, and OECD.
As a co-author of several books and co-founder of multiple startups, Grobelnik has contributed to over 100 EU-funded AI research projects. His keynote speech, titled “The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Its Potential Impact on Public Relations,” will explore key predictions for the future, highlighting shifts that may come sooner than anticipated.