Stay informed and connected with these significant dates and events in the media, journalism and communication community in 2025. Plan ahead and be part of these exciting global and regional conversations. *To be updated as events are announced

MARCH 

  • Symposium on Media and Women Empowerment in Africa (March 6) 

Location: Online (register here)

While gender inequality remains prevalent in Africa, media attempts to empower women by challenging norms, promoting policy changes and showcasing resilience. However, challenges like stereotypes and underrepresentation persist as social media and citizen journalism offer new avenues for activism. Topics like these and various others will be in focus at the Symposium on Media and Women Empowerment hosted by Pan-Atlantic University’s to commemorate International Women’s Day. Interested participants and presenters are invited submit their abstracts at the event by February 3, find out more.

  • International Women’s Day (March 8)

An annual celebration of the achievements and contributions of women across all sectors globally. Be on the lookout for upcoming events, including panels and discussions focusing on media, journalism education and the communication community.

Location: Masvingo, Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Journalism Educators Network (ZIJEN), an affiliate of the African Journalism Education Network (AJEN), will host a pivotal conference exploring the role of AI in Zimbabwean newsrooms and classrooms. This platform will bring together journalism practitioners, educators, and stakeholders to discuss the ethical integration of AI into journalism practices and curricula. 

APRIL

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

MEDCOM 2025, to be held in Bangkok, Thailand on 8-9 April 2025. seeks to bring together professionals from various sectors of media and mass communication to explore collaborative opportunities and address challenges facing the rapidly evolving media landscape. By fostering dialogue and sharing insights, the conference aims to create synergies that drive innovation, shape future trends, and enhance the overall impact of media and mass communication in society.

Location: Perugia, Italy

The International Journalism Festival returns once again, offering a platform for journalists, media professionals, and enthusiasts to engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations. As in previous years, all festival sessions will be free entry for all attendees, without tickets and need for registration. For those unable or unwilling to travel to Perugia, all festival sessions will be live-streamed with the on-demand video of each session available immediately afterwards.

MAY

  • World Press Freedom Day (May 3)

This global occasion highlights the critical role of a free press in fostering democracy, transparency and informed societies. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges journalists face globally, from censorship to threats to their safety. Keep an eye out for events celebrating this day, including panels, discussions and workshops focusing on media freedom, journalism education and communication practices.

JUNE

Location: University of Alberta, Canada

The Society for Cognitive Studies of the Moving Image (SCSMI) is an interdisciplinary organisation uniting scholars with interests in cognitive, philosophical, aesthetic, historical, psychological, neuroscientific and evolutionary approaches to film and other moving image media. This year’s conference will take place at the University of Alberta’s Humanities Centre, offering a platform for innovative discussions and research presentations.

Location: University of Cape Town, South Africa

The International Association for Media & History (IAMHIST) is set to host its upcoming conference, “Decentering Media Histories and Practices,” at the University of Cape Town. IAMHIST, a global organisation of scholars, filmmakers, broadcasters and archivists, is committed to exploring the historical dimensions of film, radio, television and other media. This conference promises to be a vibrant forum for intellectual exchange, open exclusively to IAMHIST members.

AUGUST

Location: San Francisco, USA

The 7th World Journalism Education Congress will be held in San Francisco, in the United States of America. The congress will be held parallel to and, as far as possible, in conjunction with the annual conference of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), stated the World Journalism Education Council (WJEC). The theme for the 7th WJEC is: “Is it time to reboot journalism education?” The congress with be structured under several sessions including “plenaries, paper presentations, panels and syndicates”.

DECEMBER

Location: CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa

For the first time on African soil, the 2025 World Conference of Science Journalists will “Science Journalism and Social Justice – our role in promoting resilience” through seminars, workshops, and excursions. Attendees will discover South Africa’s scientific landmarks, including the Square Kilometre Array, Cradle of Humankind, and cutting-edge advancements in genomic sequencing and paleontology.