WMEMC

The World Media Economics and Management Conference is an academic gathering that brings together scholars from all over the world to discuss contemporary issues in media industries and firms. Formerly known as the World Media Economics Conference, the event was established in 1994 by Robert G. Picard, who acted as conference chair until 2018. The conference was subsequently chaired by Gregory F. Lowe from Northwestern University in Qatar. Both continue to take an active interest in overseeing the event.

The current (2023-25) President of the World Media Economics and Management Conference is Gillian Doyle Professor of Media Economics at the University of Glasgow, supported by Vice-President María Elena Gutiérrez Rentería, Professor in the School of Communication at Universidad Panamericana, campus Guadalajara, México.

The biennial conference aims to enhance knowledge and scholarship in the field of media business. Over the years, the conference has been held in various locations across the globe, including New York, Rio de Janeiro, Thessaloniki, Bogota, Lisbon, Beijing, Montreal, London, Turku, Pamplona, Zurich, Stockholm, Cape Town, Rome and Seoul. In 2025 the conference takes place in Warsaw and focuses on the topic of ‘Reinventing Management for Turbulent Times: Confronting the Next Wave of Digital Disruption’.

Mission

Each conference is unique, as it provides a platform for scholars to share their research findings and engage in stimulating conversations with their peers. These discussions focus on current issues that impact media businesses and industries, such as media ownership, media convergence, digital disruption, the role of media in society, digital transformation and connection. By gathering scholars from different parts of the world, the conference offers a diverse range of perspectives and insights into these issues.

Upcoming event

The upcoming conference will take place in Warsaw, Poland, in 2025 (May 20-24). It aims to bring together media business scholars from around the world to continue their conversations on the economics and management of media industries and firms. The conference will center around the topic of “Reinventing Management for Turbulent Times: Confronting the Next Wave of Digital Disruption”.

Overall, the World Media Economics and Management Conference is a vital gathering for media business scholars globally, as it provides a platform for sharing research and insights into current issues in media industries and firms, thereby enhancing knowledge and scholarship in the field.

University of Warsaw

The University of Warsaw, founded in 1816, is widely regarded as the best university in Poland and one of the leading institutions in this region of Europe. Its mission, although formulated by its founders, remains relevant to this day:

The University should not only maintain in the nation both learning and skills at the level they have already attained in the scholarly world but also further develop and propagate them as well as apply their theory for the public good.

Basic information

The University of Warsaw community consists of:

  • 37 400 students, 
  • 7800 employees, 
  • 2100 doctoral candidates 
  • 3700 international students and doctoral candidates. 

The UW encompasses 25 faculties and over 30 research units. High quality of research and splendid reputation make the University a valuable partner for more than 1000 international and domestic partners. The scholars participate in over 1,300 projects financed by national or international research programmes, such as EU framework programmes, the European Science Foundation, European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technical Research, European Economic Area and Norway Grants, European Molecular Biology Organization.

Confirmed quality

The quality of education at the University of Warsaw is confirmed by the annual appraisals conducted by the University itself which show that the majority of students are satisfied with their selection of the university and the education programme. The University’s strongest points are: its prestige, development opportunities, and the study environment. The alumni include Nobel Prize winners, presidents, prime ministers, scientists, media personalities, and artists. 

Some of the most famous graduates of the University are Menachem Begin, Joseph Rotblat, Olga Tokarczuk, Zygmunt Bauman, Władysław Bartoszewski, Ryszard Kapuściński or Fryderyk Chopin himself.

The University is one of the 11 Polish universities included in the Academic Ranking of World Universities; the growing scale of its internationalization is demonstrated by the fact that it has established partnerships with around 350 foreign entities from more than 70 countries. The scientific partnership is also active within the 4EU+ Alliance, co-founded by the University of Warsaw and seven European research universities from the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, and Switzerland.

Infrastructure

The University has an extensive infrastructure (amounting to a total of approximately 496,300 m²), which is constantly being developed and modernised. Today, it consists of three campuses, located in different parts of the city. The historical and beautifully restored main campus, home to the university authorities and the majority of social faculties are located in the city center. This is where our conference will take place (importantly, there is an underground station and multiple public transport stops located nearby). 

The University is also home to one of the largest libraries in Poland, with stunning ultra-modern architecture and vast gardens. Moreover, the University’s structures include the Botanical Garden, the Open University, the UW Museum, the UW “Warszawianka” Song and Dance Ensemble, the University Choir, the UW Publishing House, the Kampus Academic Radio, Uniwerek.TV, and the University Technology Transfer Center; there are also various special-purpose vehicles, spin-offs, expert centers, laboratories, and business incubators. Besides, the University undertakes a number of pro-equality activities for the whole community of the university.

Attending the conference in such a diverse and vibrant environment is not only an academic adventure but also an opportunity to soak up the unique atmosphere of Warsaw.

The Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies

The Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies at the University of Warsaw (WDIB UW) is the first and only research center in Poland to specialize in the three research areas that constitute modern social communication: media studies, information studies and book studies.

The Faculty is engaged in both research and didactics.

Basic information

The Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies was created by merging the UW Institute of Journalism and the UW Institute of Scientific Information and Book Studies; they were both highly rated, as confirmed by the results of surveys and rankings carried out by accreditation committees and opinion-forming media in the country. The new WDIB UW was the 21st faculty at the University of Warsaw, ready for the challenges of the 21st century. Since 2014, it has always been at the top of Perspektywy magazine’s yearly ranking of study fields in the category of Journalism and Social Communication. 

Education

The Faculty’s main focus is to provide education to students in the fields of media, scientific information, and book studies, preparing them for future work in media and communication institutions. Currently, WDIB UW hosts 2200 students across six fields of study, comprising 16 specialties (including public relations and media marketing, logistics and marketing in the media, and photography for press, advertising, and publishing) and 12 specializations (such as information and knowledge management, cultural heritage, TV specialization, radio specialization, and online journalism). Our classes are taught by distinguished scholars and experienced practitioners from the media industry, with a total of 150 highly qualified research and teaching staff.

Research and academic activity

The Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies also focus on expanding the contribution to research and forming stable, international relations. Several international projects are also currently being implemented in the Faculty’s structures, including grants from Horizon Europe, CHANSE Collaboration of Humanities and Social Sciences in Europe, the National Science Center, or the Ministry of Education and Science.

WDIB UW is known for its dynamic modernity and high organizational skills. This has been proven on more than one occasion with international symposia and conferences organized by the Faculty, such as the Annual Conference of the European Media Management Association (2018) entitled “Media Management in the Age of Big Data and High-tech” or 5th Congress of Polish Social Communication Association “Media Power:  People – Organisations – Technologies” (2019). In 2025 the Faculty will host one of the biggest and most prestigious conferences, “The World Media Economics and Management Conference” (WMEMC, www.wmemc2025.wdib.uw.edu.pl).

Access to technology

The Faculty is equipped with modern facilities, including professional laboratories for computers, photography, and speech technology, as well as television and radio studios (the latter is used by the Kampus Academic Radio). The Faculty’s premises are also home to an innovative Media Analysis Center and Media Studies Research Laboratory (with a fully equipped VR room and biometric research tools), the Television and Film Research Laboratory, and the Big Data Analysis Laboratory with fully professional research instruments. Within the Faculty, there are also the Ryszard Kapuściński Research and Education Center Foundation and the Foundation for the Development of Journalistic Education.

Mission

The Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies carries out its mission throught four primary areas of focus:

  • university – conducting scientific research and modern didactics in the integrated field of studies
  • region – participating in the process of integration and development of the education system in the local area
  • country – the pursuit of maintaining and developing its position as the leading Faculty in Poland in the field of information studies, especially mass media (including books).
  • world – developing an open dialogue with European and non-European scientific and educational institutions operating in the field of communication, book studies and media; promoting student academic exchange, with particular emphasis on leading education centers in Europe and Asia.

City of Warsaw

Warsaw is the country’s largest city and its financial, political and administrative center. Poland’s capital city is unusual, unconventional and unobvious, which makes it attractive to all visitors. It is a symbol of strength, solidarity, rebirth and continuous development – its spirit was not crushed by a painful past, such as World War II or four decades of communism. Quite the opposite: Warsaw has transformed its tragic history into a story of survival, resilience and a bold look to the future. That is why it is now, like no other place in the world, an extraordinary melting pot of creative spaces, technological hubs and start-ups, post-industrial spaces, modern cultural institutions, historic buildings, abundant green areas and glass walls of an increasing number of skyscrapers.

Why is Warsaw unique?

It is therefore not surprising that the city is at the top of the new technological innovation centers in Europe. It has also won prestigious titles (for example, “Polish City of the Future 2019/2020” or “European City and Region of the Future 2017/2019”) and occupies high positions in many development rankings (for example, “LaSalle European Regional Economic Growth Index 2017” and “Bloomberg Innovation 2018”). Recently Warsaw was chosen as 2023’s Best European Destination. For years, the capital of Poland has been regarded as one of the safest cities in Europe. Since February 2022, the city has welcomed more than 200,000 refugees from Ukraine, thus demonstrating tolerance, empathy and openness.

Travel & public transport

Another asset of Warsaw is its convenient tourist infrastructure. Thanks to two international airports, the Polish capital is connected to more than 60 countries and 120 cities. The journey from major European cities takes no longer than 150 minutes. The center of the city can be reached by car from Fryderyk Chopin Airport in no more than 20 minutes (without traffic jams), but the city’s train and bus options are also worth considering. Naturally, Warsaw can be easily reached by other means of transport, including the car (a network of modern motorways and expressways makes the journey comfortable). It is also easy to move around the capital itself as the city has efficient underground lines as well as many bus and tram lines. Last but not least, visitors can use taxis and transportation companies; walking is also a good idea because all the event venues are located in the very center of the city.

Tourist’s destination

The Warsaw Old Town was thoroughly reconstructed, becoming the symbol of the resilience of the city. It is now enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a good starting point for the exploration of the city. Here starts the Royal Route connecting three former royal residences. The first is Royal Castle which dates back to the fourteenth century. Destroyed during World War II, it was not rebuilt until 1974. Next visit Royal Łazienki Park with Palace on the Isle, a beautifully located summer residence of the last king of Poland, Stanisław August Poniatowski. The capstone of the route is the baroque Palace in Wilanów surrounded by flowering gardens. 

If you’re interested in history, various interactive museums, for instance The Warsaw Rising Museum, will help you better understand the history and presence of the city. Another multimedia museum worth visiting is the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Less standard options are Neon Museum with over 200 neon signs, iconic inscriptions and fascinating stories, perfect for street art lovers, and the extraordinary Cosmos Museum where you will take the best selfies in your life.

Warsaw is also known for its green areas. Did you know that there are nearly 100 parks in the city? The total area of green spaces is about 7 150 square meters. Relaxing in such places is an absolutely refreshing experience. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, you may also go down to the banks of the Vistula River and simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere enriched with the numerous, cozy coffee and bistro bars.

For art lovers

Warsaw is where one of the greatest ever composers, Fryderyk Chopin, spent many years of his life. Walking around Warsaw you will see many reminders of the brilliant Polish pianist: the house where he lived, a modern, interactive museum dedicated to his work, the resting place of his heart, and a monument in Łazienki Park, which is one of the symbols of Warsaw. 

There’s always plenty going on to entertain you in Warsaw. If you are an art enthusiast, the National Museum, with the most valuable Polish works of art, is a must-see. For those who prefer contemporary art in Warsaw, there are two museums worth mentioning: Zachęta – National Gallery of Art and Museum on the Vistula. The city is however much more than that. The broad offer includes theatrical and ballet performances, philharmonic orchestra concerts, operas, art exhibitions, or street festivals. 

Shopping

A wide variety of shopping centers, boutiques or flea markets are great places to buy some unordinary souvenirs that will bring back memories. In the city center, you will find regular shopping malls like Złote Tarasy with top global brands. 

On the other side of the Vistula river, in the Praga district (a boheme-like place in Warsaw), there is one of the most famous markets in Poland, Bazar Różyckiego where you can buy vintage clothes, old ceramics or fresh, farm food.

Food

When you think about Polish cuisine, the first thing that comes to your mind is probably pierogi or pork cutlet – schabowy. However, we can assure you that in Warsaw you will find out that Polish dishes are much more diverse. 

If you want a quick, cheap, tasty and traditional meal, visit a milk bar – a special kind of bistro, where you can feel like a time-traveler who visits Poland in the communist 1970s. 

If you are looking for something a bit more modern, go to Koneser, Hala Koszyki, Elektrownia Powiśle, Browary Warszawskie or Fabryka Norblina and try dishes from all over the world, relax over a drink and listen to music. These postindustrial food halls are not only places to eat but also to enjoy art, clubs and beautiful, revitalized interiors. If you are a real foodie, you should be satisfied with a wide range of sophisticated restaurants placed all over the city, serving seafood, fusion or a fresh take on Slavic cooking tradition. 

Warsaw is also mentioned at the top of the list of European vegan-friendly cities (by one of the leading international guides for vegan restaurants). There are many meatless restaurants in the city where you can try amazing dishes. Whatever you like, whatever you fancy, enjoy your meal! 

Education

Warsaw is a leading center for education, with 72% of its inhabitants holding a university degree. The city boasts over 60 public and private universities, attracting around 240,000 students from around the world each year (nearly 20% of all students in Poland, including 30% of foreign students). The University of Warsaw is the most significant research and education center in the city, and it is also the best university in Poland and one of the leading institutions in this region of Europe.

As you can see, centrally located between the East, the West, the North and the South, Warsaw is a frequent host to significant international political, economic, social, cultural and academic events. See you in Warsaw!