The 74th International Communication Association (ICA) Conference

About the ICA Conference

Founded in 1950, the International Communications Association (ICA) is a global organisation of more than 5,000 members across 87 countries, dedicated to advancing communication research and practice across various fields. Each year, it hosts the premier event for scholars and professionals in the global communications sector, bringing a large portion of its membership and community together to share knowledge and foster innovation.

In June 2024, the 74th International Communications Association Conference was held on the Gold Coast, welcoming more than 4,000 leading academics, researchers, and industry professionals from across Australia and the world to discuss the latest trends, research, and advancements in communication.

With its overarching theme of “Communication and Global Human Rights”, the conference explored the role of communication in human rights studies and addressing critical global issues like climate change and food insecurity, while also highlighting future research directions.

Why Australia

Australia was strategically chosen as the location for this year’s conference, marking a significant departure from ICA’s traditionally North American and European locales. Choosing the Gold Coast prioritised accessibility and inclusiveness for ICA’s members and academics from across Asia and Oceania, ensuring a diverse turnout and fostering a truly global dialogue.

Additionally, Australia’s academic prowess, rich culture and high-quality infrastructure positioned it as the ideal choice to hold the 74th ICA Conference.

Home to some of the world’s leading institutions in communication, media, and technology, Australia was the ideal choice for an event that focused on academic discourse and knowledge exchange. The country’s strong academic ecosystem enabled local researchers and institutions to collaborate with global counterparts, resulting in a diverse and enriching experience for attendees.

The appeal of the Gold Coast

With its blend of world-class facilities and natural beauty, the Gold Coast was the ideal location for the conference, offering participants both professional exchanges and an unparalleled leisure experience. Delegates enjoyed the city’s renowned surf beaches, lush hinterland, and various other attractions, with many bringing their partners and families along and extending their stay to explore the region and other parts of Australia.

The conference took place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), conveniently located within proximity to hotels, transport and local attractions, including just a 10-minute walk away from the beach. This allowed attendees to easily navigate between sessions, networking events and the city’s highlights.

Theme’s connection to Australia leads to lasting impact

The location played a role in shaping the event’s discussions around the conference’s theme, with Australia’s rich cultural history, particularly its focus on Indigenous rights, adding depth to discussions on global human rights.

The Gold Coast’s vibrant local culture and rich academic community also offered delegates ample opportunities to engage beyond the conference halls. Pre- and post-conference activities allowed participants to visit local universities and research centres, fostering collaboration between local and international scholars. This cross-pollination of ideas ensures a lasting legacy, with the knowledge shared at the conference continuing to influence research and practice globally.

A collaborative effort

The attraction of the conference to Australia and the Gold Coast was a collaborative bid effort by the Experience Gold Coast and Tourism and Events Queensland with support also provided via the Business Events Bid Fund Program managed by Business Events Australia. Whilst initially winning the event for 2020, the conference in Australia was held virtually due to the global pandemic. In the next Asia Pacific rotation, Team Australia put forward a bid and successfully secured the event for 2024.