EMMA 2025 Conference: Empowering Media through Sustainable and Human- Centered Innovations

The European Media Management Association (EMMA) has announced its 2025 annual conference, scheduled for June 3-5, 2025, at the Luiss Business School in Rome. The theme, “Empowering Media through Sustainable and Human-Centered Innovations,” underscores the urgent need for the media industry to embrace responsible and inclusive practices that focus on environmental sustainability and human well-being.

Recent transformations in the media industry, driven by technological advancements, evolving consumer behaviors, and growing societal awareness of ethical and environmental issues, have created a pressing demand for sustainable and human-centered innovations. The EMMA conference aims to explore how media can foster positive change through these innovations, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing human well-being and inclusivity in an industry that profoundly influences societal norms and perceptions.

A central concern of the conference will be the environmental impact of media production, distribution, and consumption. The media sector's carbon footprint—from the energy required for digital infrastructures to the waste produced by hardware—necessitates a shift towards more sustainable practices. The conference will discuss strategies such as energy-efficient content delivery, sustainable materials, and eco-friendly production processes, encouraging media organizations to align with global sustainability efforts and respond to the urgent need to combat climate change.

In addition to sustainability, the conference will focus on human-centered innovation, which ensures that technological advancements prioritize user needs over profit. 

Discussions will center on designing accessible and inclusive media technologies, such as adaptive tools for individuals with disabilities and ethical data privacy practices. By prioritizing these innovations, the media can create a more ethical digital landscape that enhances user engagement and serves diverse populations effectively.

The conference will also address ethical challenges in digital media, including misinformation and declining public trust. Innovations like AI-driven fact-checking and collaborative content creation will be explored as means to rebuild trust and ensure content accuracy and transparency.

Finally, the conference will examine the necessity of rethinking traditional media business models. As these models face scrutiny over their environmental and social implications, discussions will highlight the potential of subscription-based systems and partnerships with social impact organizations. By emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, the conference aims to empower marginalized voices, affirming the media's vital role in promoting social change.

Conference Call for Submissions

EMMA invites researchers and professionals to submit their work for the conference. Submissions should reflect on how media can contribute to a sustainable and inclusive future, focusing on innovative approaches and ethical considerations that propel the media industry forward. Some guiding questions include:

• How can media organizations embed sustainability in their production and distribution strategies to minimize environmental impact?
• How can blockchain technology or emerging technologies like AI, AR, or VR be used responsibly in media?
• How can the media industry evolve ethical journalism practices in an era of widespread disinformation?
• How can media literacy be enhanced to help audiences critically engage with digital content?

Submission Guidelines

Submissions are welcomed in the form of paper proposals with abstracts (500-750 words, excluding references) due by January 31, 2025. Full papers submitted before April 25, 2025, will be eligible for the EMMA Best Paper Award (€300).  

Special Sessions

In addition to individual paper submissions, the conference will also accept proposals for special thematic sessions. These sessions, which must include participants from at least two different universities or institutions, should explore methodological innovations, media management education, international collaboration, and strategic development within the EMMA organization. Proposals for these sessions must be submitted by a designated session chair and should not exceed 1,250 words.

For further info on the call and the conference: https://media-management.eu/emma-conferences/rome-2025/