Mobile Studies Congress 2023

Go Mobile, Stay Smart

Mobile Studies Congress 2024

November 16-17, Ningbo, China

Online Venue: MS Teams

(Link to be emailed to the registered participants)

On-Site Venue

Campus Hotel, Zhejiang Wanli University

Organizers

Mobile Studies International

Mobile Innovation Network and Association

Sino-German Faculty of Branding, Zhejiang Wanli University

In collaboration with

Centre for Transformative Media Technologies and Australian Environments on Screen,

Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

Sino-German Faculty of Branding, Zhejiang Wanli University, China

ERS e-Research & Solutions and uMax Data, Macau, China

Asia-Pacific Communication Exchange Association, Macau, China

School of Communications, Soochow University, Suzhou, China

School of Journalism, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China

Xiangshan College of Television and Film, Ningbo University of Finance and Economics, China

The Mobile Studies Congress (MSC), a renowned annual international event, is excited to announce its fifth edition, scheduled for November 16-17, 2024, in Ningbo, China. This year's congress operates under the theme "Go Mobile, Stay Smart," focusing on the transformative intersection of mobile technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). We cordially invite professionals, researchers, creatives, enthusiasts, faculty members, and students to submit paper, panel, and workshop proposals that delve into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities within the mobile creative practice, mobile communication, media, and AI industries.

Host and Organizers

The Fifth Mobile Studies Congress is proudly hosted by the Sino-German Faculty of Branding at Zhejiang Wanli University. Known for its branding and applied sciences expertise, the host is uniquely positioned to drive the discussion on leveraging AI in the mobile era.

Mobile Studies International (www.msi.wiki) and the Mobile Innovation Network & Association (www.mina.pro) co-design and co-organize the event. These organizations have a wealth of experience facilitating impactful discussions and collaborations across the mobile industry, creative sectors, community, and research organizations for over a decade each, making them ideal partners for this congress.

MSC Theme and Focus

The theme "Go Mobile, Stay Smart" encapsulates the congress's core objective: exploring how AI can enhance the mobile experience and ignite innovation within the sector. We invite paper, panel, or workshop submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Brand Communication in the Mobile AI Age
Mobile AI and Sustainability
Mobile AI and Consumer Behaviour
AI-Powered Mobile Storytelling
AI-Assisted Mobile Journalism
AI and Mobile Media
AI-Empowered Mobile Communication
Ethical Implications of AI in Mobile Contexts
Mobile Creative Applications in the AI Age
Mobile Photography, Smartphone Filmmaking, and AI
AI Impact on Advertising, Marketing, and Branding
Mobile Learning and AI
AI and Mobile Health Communication
Mobility Patterns and AI Analysis
AI-Enhanced Mobile Experiences in Tourism, Hospitality, and Entertainment
AI, Remote Work, and Mobile Workforce
AI in Mobile Gaming
Mobile Communication and AI for Emergent Responses
AI, Mobile Technologies, and the Elderly

Submission Guidelines

We seek original research, case studies, showcases, project presentations, and theoretical papers that provide valuable insights and foster discussions on "Go Mobile, Stay Smart." We also invite interested parties to submit proposals for workshops, roundtables, and panel discussions that align with the congress's theme. We encourage participation from various stakeholders, including researchers, developers, designers, filmmakers, marketers, policymakers, and educators.

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2024
Notification of Acceptance: September 15, 2024
Presentation Slides Submission Deadline: November 13, 2024

We eagerly anticipate your contributions and look forward to fostering an enriching dialogue on the future of AI in the mobile industry. Click the following link to register your participation and submit your proposal (a 250-word abstract with a 150-word biographical note)

MSC2024 Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/zBUnVsLkjH

Alternatively, you can scan the following QR code to register:

For any queries regarding paper submissions, please get in touch with the organizing committee via xuxiaoge@zwu.edu.cn.

Congress Highlights

Keynote Presentations: Featuring thought leaders and industry experts.
Panel and Roundtable Discussions: Engaging in critical conversations on key themes.
International Symposium of Brand Communication (ISBC): A unique integration into the congress.
International Festival of Smartphone Films (IFSF): 13th MINA Smartphone Film Festival, showcasing mobile film innovations (www.mina.pro).
International Symposium of Mobile Storytelling (ISMS): Celebrating creativity in mobile media.
Workshops and Networking Opportunities: Facilitating hands-on learning and professional connections.

Main Venue

The congress will be held at Zhejiang Wanli University, which offers state-of-the-art facilities and excellent accessibility for international participants. Ningbo, a dynamic city known for its vibrant technology sector, provides an inspiring backdrop for this landmark event.

Satellite Venues

Brand University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany

Department of Mass Communication & Journalism, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh

Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre, New Delhi, India

Department of Media and Communication Studies, University of Malaya, KL, Malaysia

School of Communications, Soochow University, Suzhou, China

School of Journalism and Communication, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China

Xiangshan College of Television and Film, Xiangshan, China

Expected Outcomes

By bringing together leading experts and practitioners from the mobile and AI industries, the Mobile Studies Congress 2024 aims to:

Facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices in AI-powered branding, marketing, advertising, storytelling, filmmaking, and other creative and innovative communications.
Foster collaborations and partnerships between industry players, researchers, and academics in leveraging AI to enhance intelligent mobile communications.
Raise awareness of the ethical and creative considerations surrounding AI.
Publish the best papers presented at the congress as an edited book.
A platform for community, industry, and research partners to discuss contemporary developments of mobile media, smart storytelling (Schleser 2022), and mobile creative arts.

In brief, the Mobile Studies Congress 2024 promises to be a pivotal event in the mobile industry's calendar. By leveraging the expertise of its host, organizers, and participants, the congress is poised to make significant contributions to mobile studies and beyond. We invite you to participate in this exciting and transformative event.

The academic publications from the past Mobile Studies Congress include Mobile Story in An Age of Smartphones (Schleser and Xu 2021), Coping with COVID-19, the Mobile Way: Experience and Expertise from China (Xu, 2022), and COVID-19 News Reporting and Engaging in the Age of Social Media: Comparing ‘Xinhua News Agency’ and ‘The Paper’ (Chen and Xu, 2021) as well as Sightlines Special Issue Smartphone Filmmaking – Past, Present and Future https://www.aspera.org.au/issue-5.

Congress Events

International Symposium on Brand Communication (ISBC)

The International Symposium on Brand Communication (ISBC) focuses on “International Communication of National Brands in the AI Age.” Set against the vibrant backdrop of Ningbo, China, this symposium is poised to be a groundbreaking event, bringing together leading scholars, industry practitioners, and experts to explore how artificial intelligence is fundamentally transforming the communication and perception of national brands on a global scale.

Artificial intelligence represents more than a technological advancement—it catalyzes profound change in marketing and branding. This symposium aims to delve into AI's multifaceted challenges and unparalleled opportunities in the context of national branding on the international stage.

Key topics of discussion will include:

AI-Driven Marketing Strategies: Insights into how AI reshapes marketing tactics and national brand campaigns.
Cultural Adaptation and Brand Localization: Examining how AI enables brands to adapt and localize their messaging effectively and culturally.
Innovative Communication Technologies: Exploring cutting-edge technologies that enhance brand communication and engagement.
Successful AI Case Studies: Analyzing real-world examples of national brands leveraging AI to achieve remarkable results.
Ethical Implications: Addressing the ethical considerations and responsibilities associated with AI in branding.
Future of Brand Management: Predicting the future trajectory of brand management in the AI era.

Join us for an immersive experience filled with insightful presentations, dynamic panel discussions, and networking opportunities as we navigate the intersection of AI and national brand communication. This symposium is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about the future of branding in the digital age.

International Festival of Smartphone Films (IFSF)

In its 13th edition, MINA (Mobile Innovation Network and Association) will present a public smartphone, mobile, and pocket film screening in November 2024. MINA is the longest-running film festival celebrating mobile and smartphone filmmaking in the Southern Hemisphere. MINA creates connections between filmmakers, communities, and the creative industries. The #MINA2024 International Mobile Innovation Screening will showcase short films produced on and with smartphones and mobile and pocket cameras.

At the congress, MINA will present the following new categories:

1. An open call for mobile, smartphone, and pocket films;

2. New Voices: Next Generation smartphone filmmakers – a category for young and emerging filmmakers (including students);

3. Mobile Cinematic VR & 360° Video Production: The Future is Now – a category for Cinematic VR and 360° Video Production;

4. Innovation category: Mobile AI, Mobile AR, Mobile XR, MoJo, drone videos, AR, Mobile Storytelling, micro-movies & micro-formats – a category for live streaming, mobile social media apps, drones and other pocket cameras (such as GoPro) & mobile devices;

5. #EcoSmartphoneFilms – a new category for stories and creative solutions for all kinds of environmental issues in the form of eco-centered short documentaries, narrative movies, experimental or animation short films, all shot on mobile.

International Symposium on Mobile Storytelling (ISMS)

After the inaugural International Mobile Storytelling Congress (2020), which was merged into the Mobile Studies Congress in the same year, mobile storytelling has been one of the key focuses of the annual event. For the next congress, MSC2024 will continue running a mobile storytelling symposium, inviting global mobile storytellers to present their latest mobile stories and findings on mobile storytelling.

MINA and MSI run mobile filmmaking, journalism, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Storytelling workshops for industry professionals, community groups, and organizations. Smartphones and pocket cameras are ubiquitous nowadays and provide new opportunities for content production. The workshops aim to experiment with smartphones as creative tools and discover the capabilities of this innovative form of visual storytelling.

PhD Student Symposium on AI and Mobile Studies

Join us for the inaugural PhD Student Symposium on AI and Mobile Studies, a dynamic gathering of emerging scholars exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and studies of mobile media, mobilities, and mobile communications. This symposium aims to provide a platform for PhD students to share their groundbreaking research, foster collaboration, and engage in stimulating discussions about the future of AI in the context of mobile studies.

Workshop on International Communication of Chinese Brands

Discover the art of global storytelling and enhance your brand's international presence in our exclusive one-day, hands-on workshop. This by-invitation-only event is designed for 30 industry professionals, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate learning environment.

AI and SDG Storytelling Workshop

Step into the future of storytelling with "AI for Impact: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for SDG Storytelling," an innovative one-day hands-on workshop that combines the power of artificial intelligence (AI) with the urgency of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This exclusive event is designed for 30 forward-thinking participants and fosters an environment of deep learning and collaboration.

AI and Mobile Filmmaking Workshop

Unleash the full potential of your mobile device for cinematic storytelling with "AI-Enhanced Visions: AI and Mobile Filmmaking Workshop." This one-day, hands-on experience is designed for 30 participants eager to push the boundaries of mobile filmmaking with the innovative use of artificial intelligence.

AI and Mobile Studies Workshop

Embark on an intellectual journey through the rapidly evolving landscape of mobile studies with our two-day workshop during the 5th Mobile Studies Congress. This exclusive, by-invitation-only event is designed for a select group of 30 interdisciplinary researchers and professionals eager to explore the impact of artificial intelligence on mobile media, human mobility, information mobility, and mobile communications. After completing this workshop, the participants will be invited to become members of Mobile Studies International, a non-profit international institution for mobile studies scholars, founded in 2012.

Chairs of Mobile Studies Congress 2024

Dr. Xiaoge Xu, Professor, Sino-German Faculty of Branding, Zhejiang Wanli University, China
Dr. Max Schleser, Associate Professor, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia

Congress partners:

Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia

Department of Media and Communication Studies, University of Malaya, Malaysia

Anwar Jamal Kidwai Mass Communication Research Centre, India

Sino-German Faculty of Branding, Zhejiang Wanli University, China

ERS e-Research & Solutions and uMax Data, Macau, China

Asia-Pacific Communication Exchange Association, Macau, China

School of Communications, Soochow University, Suzhou, China

School of Journalism and Communication, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China

Ningbo City Image Building and Communication Base, Ningbo, China

Xiangshan College of Television and Film, Ningbo, China