Join the Global Community of Media Management and Economics Scholars in Macau, China

IMMAA Annual Conference, 14–17 October 2026

We are delighted to invite you to the 2026 International Media Management Academic Association (IMMAA) Conference, hosted by the University of Saint Joseph and the Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) from 14–17 October in the vibrant city of Macau, China. Set at a historic crossroads of East and West, this year’s conference offers a premier platform to explore the shifting dynamics of digital disruption, AI, and platformisation within the global media landscape. Whether you are an established scholar or an emerging researcher, we encourage you to submit your proposals by May 31st and join our diverse academic community for an invigorating exchange of thought leadership and intercultural dialogue.

Bridging Cultures in Media Management

Call for Papers

Organized and Hosted by:

The University of Saint Joseph  and the Macau Portuguese and English Press Association (AIPIM) 

IMMAA is pleased to invite scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit paper proposals for an exciting 2026 International Conference in Macau. Situated at the crossroads of Eastern and Western cultures, with historical and contemporary influences from the global North and South, Macau offers a unique setting for scholarly dialogue on media management and economics from a cross-cultural perspective focused on connections, differences, and dynamics. This conference will facilitate an invigorating exchange of research and thought leadership to expand and mature theory and support development in practice. As always, IMMAA seeks to build lasting bridges between media research traditions in diverse contexts and cultures and encourage university-industry collaboration. This year’s conference provides a uniquely valuable opportunity to learn and share research about one of the world’s most vibrant media environments in China and the broader Asian region.

Conference Scope and Objectives

The IMMAA 2026 Conference will explore current transformations in media industries and the management of media companies in a global context characterized by:

  • Digital disruption
  • International corporations and competition
  • Media platformisation and algorithms
  • Analytical and generative artificial intelligence
  • Governance and business models
  • Clarification and comparisons of cultural, political, and regulatory systems
  • East–West and North-South perspectives and experiences

Special emphasis will be placed on media management and economics research related to China and Asian contexts, encouraging comparative, contextual, and interdisciplinary approaches.

Conference Topics

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

  • Media management and leadership in global and regional contexts
  • Media economics, business models, and sustainability
  • Public service and state media
  • Media policy, regulation, and governance
  • Digital transformation, AI, and innovation in media industries
  • Platform economies, streaming services, and content strategies
  • Developments in the cultural and creative industries
  • Media audiences, consumption, and engagement
  • Journalism, news organisations, and issues related to trust
  • Media ethics, accountability, and social responsibility
  • Media studies in China: structures, policies, industries, and practices
  • Media systems and industries in Asia: specificities, challenges, and opportunities
  • Comparative media research across regional and national contexts
  • Cross-cultural dialogues in media management theory and research

Dedicated thematic panels on Media Studies in China and Asia will be a featured aspect of the conference program.

Submission Guidelines

  • Extended abstracts of approximately 800–1,000 words are requested that clearly explain the following:
    • Research objectives and questions for reporting empirical work
    • Key issues and implications for primarily conceptual work
    • Theoretical frameworks and novel approaches
    • Methodology
    • Expected or already realized results
    • How the paper will contribute to the conference theme
  • Submissions must be original and unpublished work.
  • Abstracts should be submitted through this online form at the IMMAA website:
    🌐 www.immaa.org

Important Dates

  • Abstract & Panel Proposal Deadline: 31 May 2026
  • Notification of Acceptance: 15 June 2026
  • Early Registration Deadline: 30 June 2026
  • Late Registration Deadline: 31 July 2026

Conference Languages

The official languages of presentation are:

  • English is the typical language
  • Chinese for select panels focusing on Chinese and Asian media studies.

Conference Format

The conference will include:

  • Thematic and special panels
  • Paper presentation parallel sessions
  • Keynote lectures by internationally influential scholars
  • Sessions supporting doctoral candidates and early-career researchers
  • Academic and professional networking events

Welcome to Macau, China

IMMAA warmly welcomes colleagues from around the world to gather in Macau, China SAR (Special Administrative Region), for an enriching conference experience. IMMAA conferences provide intellectual enrichment and encourage professional networking. The 2026 conference aspires to be a landmark event, combining scientific excellence with intercultural dialogue to strengthen connections between Western and Eastern academic communities and traditions. 

Macau is a wonderful, fascinating city that blends Portuguese charm and Chinese culture. You will stroll the city’s cobbled lanes and see historic churches and colonial-era buildings in the bustling Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can dine at local restaurants and street food vendors, and in Michelin-starred restaurants. Indulge in Portuguese egg tarts and Macanese fusion, dim sum, and a broad range of regional and global cuisines. Take in amazing skyline views in the evenings, test your luck in lively casinos, relax on tranquil beaches, and if you have an extra day or two, take a fast ferry to visit Hong Kong.  Macau is a unique and lovely city that should be on every traveler’s bucket list!

Further information regarding the scientific programme, keynote speakers, and social events will be announced on the IMMAA website: https://immaa.org/

(Image: Southwest View Macau Peninsula 2021/Charlie Fong/Wikimedia Commons)