EMMA 2026: Advancing Media Research and Democratic Resilience
- IMMAA Communication
- January 28, 2026
- Conferences
- 0 Comments
Conference to Be Held in Lappeenranta, Finland, 27–29 May 2026
The IMMAA community is pleased to support the EMMA 2026 Conference that will be hosted by the LUT Business School in the scenic lakeside city of Lappeenranta, Finland, from 27 to 29 May 2026. This will be the first-ever EMMA annual conference held in Finland, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the European media management research community in a setting that blends technology, business, and social innovation.
Päivi Maijanen‑Kyläheiko, Professor at LUT Business School and organizer of EMMA 2026, notes that LUT University is proud and honored to host the conference and will make it a memorable, meaningful, welcoming—and fun—experience: “Set in the heart of nature by beautiful Lake Saimaa, the venue creates an inspiring setting for lively discussion, connection, and reflection on today’s important topics amid an increasingly turbulent world.”
Under the theme “Media Protecting Democracy and Building Trust in a Divided and Fragmented World,” the conference will explore how media systems and organizations can safeguard democratic values, uphold editorial independence, and remain economically sustainable amid geopolitical tensions, audience fragmentation, and the rise of generative artificial intelligence.
The event will bring together scholars and practitioners to exchange insights on the ethical, strategic, and technological challenges shaping today’s media landscape. Whether through theoretical reflection, empirical research, or industry practice, EMMA 2026 encourages contributions that inspire responsible innovation and strengthen the societal role of media.
The full program and practical details — including travel, accommodation, and submission guidelines — are available on the official conference website: https://www.lut.fi/en/emma2026. The submission deadline is January 30, 2026.
