Call for Papers

Bridging Cultures in Media Management

The 2026 International Media Management Academic Association Conference convenes scholars, researchers and practitioners at a historic crossroads of East and West.

Dates

14–17 October 2026

Location

Macau, China

Submit by

15 August 2026

Organized & Hosted by

Supported by

Partner Hotel

About the Conference

A crossroads of East and West

IMMAA invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit paper proposals for the 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.

The conference will facilitate an invigorating exchange of research and thought leadership to expand and mature theory and support development in practice. IMMAA seeks to build lasting bridges between media research traditions in diverse contexts and cultures and encourage university–industry collaboration — with special focus on China and the broader Asian region.

About the Conference

Current transformations in media industries in a global context

01

Digital disruption

02

International corporations and competition

03

Media platformisation and algorithms

04

Analytical and generative artificial intelligence

05

Governance and business models

06

Cultural, political, and regulatory systems

07

East–West and North–South perspectives

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

Topics

Themes for submission

Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes. Dedicated thematic panels on Media Studies in China and Asia will be a featured aspect of the program.

Submission Guidelines

Extended abstracts of 800–1,000 words

Your abstract should clearly explain:

Submissions must be original and unpublished work.

Conference Format

Conference Languages

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

Alternative Submission Method

If you are unable to access or submit through the online form, you may send your submission by email to francisco.belda@immaa.org. Please include the following:

  • Corresponding author’s full name, email address, and affiliation (University, Organization, or Institute)
  • Co-author(s) and affiliation(s), if applicable
  • Corresponding author’s bio/short CV (approximately 100–150 words)
  • Title of the abstract
  • Selected thematic track
  • Two separate files (PDF or Word, max. 10MB each):
    • Full version, including title, full author names, affiliations, email addresses, author bios (max 150 words each), and 3–5 keywords
    • Anonymized version, with all author names, affiliations, and identifying details (including self-referential citations) removed for peer review
  • A confirmation that the work is original and has not been previously published or accepted elsewhere
  • Acknowledgment that at least one author of an accepted abstract must register for the conference

Important Dates

Mark your calendar

Step 1

15 August 2026
Abstract & Panel Proposal Deadline

Step 2

30 August 2026
Notification of Acceptance

Step 3

1 September 2026
Early Registration Deadline

Step 4

15 September 2026
Late Registration Deadline

Registration Fees

Join the conference

Early Bird

€200
RMB 1500 | HKD 1800
Valid until 1 September 2026

Standard / Late

€300
RMB 2250 | HKD 2700
Valid from 2 September 2026 until 15 September 2026

Academic Session Only

€100
RMB750 | HKD 900
Students, no social programs. Valid until 1 September 2026

Spouse / Partner

€150
RMB1125 | HKD 1350
Includes social programs. Until 1 September 2026

Bank Transfer Instructions

Registration & Payment Confirmation

Registration fees for IMMAA Annual Conference 2026 are currently processed via bank transfer. To confirm your registration, please submit the following information:

Prefer to send it by email? You can also send the information above directly to: francisco.belda@immaa.org

Welcome to Macau, China

A landmark event between two worlds

IMMAA warmly welcomes colleagues from around the world to gather in Macau, China SAR, for an enriching conference experience combining scientific excellence with intercultural dialogue.

Macau is a wonderful, fascinating city that blends Portuguese charm and Chinese culture — cobbled lanes, historic churches and colonial-era buildings in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Portuguese egg tarts and Macanese fusion, dim sum, Michelin-starred restaurants, skyline views, and tranquil beaches.

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

Travel & Accommodation Information

Conference Venue

  • October 14 (Conference Opening): Fundação Oriente — Praça Luís de Camões, n.º 13. View on map
  • October 15–16: IPOR – Instituto Português do Oriente — Rua Pedro Nolasco da Silva, n.º 45. View on map

Partner Hotel

Artyzen Grand Lapa Macau
Avenida da Amizade 956-1110. View on mapView Official Website
A dedicated booking link will be provided directly by the hotel.
Link for reservations: https://reservations.travelclick.com/102355?groupID=5400851

October 13, 14, 15

800
Rate (MOP)

October 16 (Friday)

1,000
Rate (MOP)

October 17 (Saturday)

1,500
Rate (MOP)

Breakfast is optional at MOP 120 nett per person, per day, and can be added to any night.

“Nett” means the price is final — the 10% service charge and 5% government tax are already included, with nothing further added at check-out. These rates are specially discounted from standard public rates.

Once the room block is confirmed, a dedicated booking link will be set up for delegates. The booking cut-off is 14 days before arrival, though early confirmation is strongly encouraged.

Other Options

Participants seeking alternative accommodations may also consider Hotel Central and Hotel Royal in Macau. As these are not conference partner hotels, no special rates or booking conditions apply.

Currency & Payment

Local currency: Pataca (MOP). Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 8 MOP. International credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Macau.

Entry Requirements

No visa is required to enter Macau or Hong Kong. A visa is required to enter mainland China for most nationalities. Delegates are advised to check entry requirements in advance based on their nationality.

Reference Contact (for visa applications)

José Manuel Simões, Associate Professor, Universidade São José
jmsimoes@usj.edu.mo
+85368090869

Getting to Macau

Via Hong Kong International Airport: macauhkairportbus.com

Uber is also available in Macau.

Transportation to Conference Venues

Transportation between the hotel and conference venues is currently being arranged, and further details will be shared closer to the event.

Plug Type & Voltage

Macau’s standard voltage is 220V, 50Hz. The main plug type is Type G (British three-pin rectangular standard), though Types D, M, and F outlets are also found in some facilities.

Expected Weather

  • Average high: 28°C–29°C
  • Average low: 22°C–24°C
  • Comfortable during the day, with cooler, breezy evenings

Local Language

Cantonese is the main local language (the second most spoken language in China after Mandarin). English is commonly spoken. Delegates may find it helpful to use a Chinese–English translation app, since written Chinese is shared across all spoken languages in the country.