The conference will host three special thematic sessions: a book presentation, a thematic session on Artificial intelligence and another one on corporate heritage for internal communication, in collaboration with CERC, Center for Employee Relations and Communication, Università IULM Milan.
 

1. BOOK PRESENTATION: The Handbook of Innovations in Strategic Communication: AI, Futurism, & Directions Edited by Shannon A. Bowen and Elina Erzikova

The Handbook of Innovations in Strategic Communication: AI, Futurism, & Directions is a 34-chapter volume that sparks dialogue and redefines the boundaries of strategic communication.  Featuring contributions from 57 authors—leading academics and practitioners—this handbook is truly global, representing countries such as Australia, China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Nigeria, Portugal, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States. In light of advancements in AI and technologies of many kinds, and the widespread disruptions caused by natural disasters, resource shortages, escalating conflicts, wars, pandemics, political instability, and transformative social movements, the challenges of our time demand innovative strategies. This Handbook addresses these complexities, offering insights that bridge academic inquiry with practical application and ethical insight. One of the world’s top AI researchers offers a foreword, and each chapter addresses both futurism and ethical implications.

 

This book will be exceptionally useful for those researching ethics, AI, or new tech, and theoretical to practical approaches. It would also be suitable for use in graduate courses or upper-level undergraduate courses in strategic communication, public relations, IMC, or integrated marketing and advertising programmes.

Both editors will present this insightful work with a Special Session during our Conference on May 14: stay tuned!

2. Special Session – From buzzword to business: communication impact and AI’s potentials for SMEs

In collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT).

Facilitator:

• Alessandro Lovari (University of Cagliari)
• Francesca Comunello (Sapienza University, Rome)

Presentation of the study “IA impact on Italian small and medium enterprises” -  Enzo Risso (IPSOS)

Discussant:

• Eva Spina (Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy – MIMIT)
• Giulia Agusto (Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy – MIMIT)
• Michael Johann, University of Asburg
• Kerk Kee, Texas Tech University - USA

3. CERC Special session

Fostering employee engagement and sense of belonging: the good of corporate heritage for internal communication

The special session proposed by the CERC aims to present a series of experiences related to the use of corporate heritage by Italian companies to sustain employees’ sense of belonging and engagement through the lever of internal communication. In particular, the session involves professionals of 6 CERC company partners: Campari, Edison, Eni, MM, Sella, and Versace. The special session also involves an academic expert of corporate heritage, to stimulate a multi-perspective debate that gives voice to both professionals and academics.

Chairperson:

• Alfonsa Butera - CERC Senior Researcher and Adjunct Professor of Corporate Communication Università IULM

Panelists:

• Enrico Bocedi  - Head of Global Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Campari Group
• Martina Covino - People Engagement & Internal Communication Senior Manager Versace
• Fabrizia de Vita - Internal Communication Manager Edison
• Maria Lucia Lezzi - Internal Communication, Training and Employer Branding Manager MM
• Valentina Martino  -  Associate Professor  Sapienza Università di Roma
• Stefano Murdaca  - Internal Communication Manager Sella
• Valentina Uboldi  - Head of Global Internal Communications Eni

Discussant:

• Alessandra Mazzei  - CERC Director Università IULM