2026 Conclave
Invitations for Abstracts have been issued to members (member only paper call)
Dates: March 8-10, 2026
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Theme: The Future of Strategic Communication in Public Policy
Members who have questions or sponsors and potential industry partners should email Dr. Elina Erzikova for more information and the complete call for abstracts at: Elina Erzikova erzik1e@cmich.edu
Invitation for Abstracts to GSCC Members
The 2026 Global Strategic Communication Conclave will explore the evolving role of strategic communication in shaping public policy. In today’s world, public policy is not just a matter of governmental decision-making — it is a dynamic, multi-stakeholder process. Effective policy formation increasingly requires collaboration across sectors, involving researchers, civil society, media, local communities, and the private sector. Communication professionals are at the heart of facilitating these complex dialogues, aligning diverse objectives and responding to change with ethical awareness and acumen.
To facilitate program preparation, we invite you to submit a competitive abstract to one of the three categories:
- Completed Research Paper. For those who have finalized their research endeavors and wish to present their findings comprehensively.
- Research in Progress. For researchers in the midst of ongoing investigations, this offers an opportunity to share the work, receive valuable input, and establish connections.
- Concept Talk. This innovative format serves as focused discussions aimed at collectively exploring challenging ideas. Those leading Concept Talks should submit an abstract rooted in secondary research, serving as an introduction to pertinent concepts, prior research outcomes, future research directions, and the critical questions surrounding a specific topic. Conclave participants will contribute thought-provoking perspectives to address these issues. Through this approach, we aspire to encourage strategic communication professionals to proactively contemplate future challenges rather than merely responding reactively to them. This innovative format embodies our commitment to fostering collaborative thinking and advancing the field.
- Abstract Length: Abstracts in all three submission categories should not exceed 350 words, including references.
- Important Requirements: Paper category should be identified on the cover sheet (completed research/in progress/concept talk). The abstracts cannot be submitted to or presented at another conference. No more than two submissions (co-author or independent) per author.
- Presentation Format: At the Conclave, we eschew PowerPoint, preferring to rely predominantly on verbal presentation and group discussion in a small think tank environment. Participants should actively engage in listening and discussion, offering feedback on presentations/talks.
- Authors: At the Conclave space is limited, so multiple-author papers will normally be presented by our affiliate member for group discussion. Our small-group, invitation format allows a high level of feedback and maximizes interaction.
- Competition and Waitlist: Conclave abstracts will be judged competitively and once slots are full we may offer a waitlist in which you would be offered presentation at a later date on a rolling basis during planning.
- Style: Follow the 7th edition APA style. Changes to APA 7th edition can be found here: APA Changes 7th Edition
Papers presented at the GSCC can be submitted for special consideration in the journal special issue(s) and publications to be announced at the Conclave.
Registration Information
Conclave registration is open to invited participants and accepted abstracts during the month of November.
We thank our event sponsors for once again allowing us to have a nominal registration fee -- the lowest in the discipline!
Hotel Information
Submitters should plan on attending the entire Conclave, as we will have a location change to another island included in our Conclave program. Arrival on Sardinia May 10 is encouraged.
Accepted presenters will be provided hotel information by email.
For the latest updates, please visit bit.ly/cic-gscc and follow us on X: @GlobalStratComm.