BledCom is an annual international public relations and communication management symposium held in Bled, Slovenia. Established in 1994, it bridges theory and practice by bringing together scholars, practitioners, and students from around the world to discuss key themes in corporate communication, public affairs, and reputation management.
This year, 2026, BledCom focused on disaster, health and organisational crisis communication. The CIPR Crisis Communications Network was delighted to be represented by our Co-Chair, Katherine Sykes and our Special Advisor, Rod Cartwright. Here are blogs reporting back on the session from both of our representatives and from one of the organisers of the symposium, Dr Jon White.
BledCom 2026: Where next for issues, risk and crisis communication and how can we build it more collaboratively?
Ten days ago, as the world’s marketing strategists and communication creatives were converging on La Croisette – Whispering Angel or Grey Goose in hand – a smaller, somewhat quieter gathering was taking place next to azure waters of Lake Bled in Slovenia.
Founded by Professor Dejan Verčič – Head of the Centre for Marketing and Public Relations at the University of Ljubljana – the BledCom International Public Relations Research Symposium met for the 33rd time, amid a searing, Europe-wide heatwave.
BledCom 2026: Bridging the gap between Crisis communication academics and practitioners
I was delighted to attend the 33rd BledCom International Public Relations Symposium in Slovenia on 26 – 27 June. It was a real privilege to hear from a wide range of speakers on crisis communication, particularly keynote speakers Professors Timothy Coombs and Anne Gregory.
BledCom is primarily an academic conference, with most participants attending to present their latest research. There were, however, some exceptions—including myself. I attended as a practitioner, in my role as co-chair of the CIPR Crisis Communications Network, as well as an expert speaker on communications and board governance.
A world in crisis and opportunities for Public Relations: Conclusion from BledCom 2026
Now in its 33rd year, BledCom – the International Public Relations Research Symposium held annually at Bled in Slovenia – is moving progressively towards the topic of turbulence.
Last year, the conference – which attracts researchers and practitioners from around the world — examined the disruptive impact of AI on practice, and this year it focused on disaster, health, and organisational crisis communication. Next year, the conference addresses turbulence head on, considering the social role for public relations in a turbulent world.
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