Cision PR Newswire successfully hosted the **Communications Forum and Award 2026** in Shanghai on **February 3, 2026**. This marked the 10th edition of the event, themed “Rethink. Reform.” The forum attracted nearly **3,000 participants**, both onsite and online, including professionals from public relations, brand leaders, and media representatives across various industries. Positive feedback highlighted the growing influence of PR Newswire within the communications community in mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
The event featured speakers from notable organizations such as the **China International Public Relations Association**, **Kunlun Tech**, **SANY Group**, **LONGi Green Energy**, and **Hero Esports**. Media representatives from outlets including **Yicai Global**, **FT Chinese**, and **Sina Finance** contributed insights on topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on media, brand localization, and human-centered storytelling.
Opening the forum, **Judy Wang**, Head of Commercial Mainland China at PR Newswire, addressed the fundamental shifts occurring in the industry. She noted the rapid introduction of new technologies and the evolving algorithms of large language models (LLMs), stressing that trust is becoming an increasingly scarce resource. Wang emphasized that PR professionals are now adopting a more strategic role within businesses, and underscored the importance of creating a long-term business strategy to enhance global competitiveness.
**Lynn Liu**, Vice President of Audience Development and Distribution Services for the APAC region at PR Newswire, highlighted the critical role of reliable content in shaping public perception and influencing AI platforms. Research indicates that LLMs source **60%** of their information from authorized news outlets and **20%** from official corporate websites. Liu pointed out that PR Newswire’s function extends beyond content creation; it is essential for providing verified news that serves as a reference for LLMs.
During the forum, **Jia Zhao**, Deputy Chief Editor of **Yicai** and Chief Editor of **Yicai Magazine**, discussed the emergence of an era characterized by “super individuals.” He noted that diverse content formats and channels now complement each other, with video remaining the dominant medium. At the same time, audiences engage through a variety of channels, suggesting a potential resurgence in the value of traditional offline media.
The first panel session featured representatives from PR Newswire, **Sina Finance**, **Financial Times Chinese**, and others, discussing “The Evolution of Communications in the Intelligent Age.” The engaging discussion concluded that while AI technology is advancing rapidly, the role of human creators and media is becoming increasingly vital. The panelists agreed that humans must act as gatekeepers for AI, fostering emotional connections and trust through authentic storytelling that technology alone cannot replicate.
In the afternoon, **Dapeng Lv**, Vice President of the China International Public Relations Association, addressed the challenges faced by Chinese brands in their global expansion efforts. He identified three core elements for effective overseas communications: brand positioning, communications strategies, and brand maintenance. Lv stressed the importance of differentiating between corporate and product brand strategies.
Hui Yao, Marketing and PR Director at **Kunlun Tech**, emphasized the significance of combining technology with storytelling when going global. He argued for the necessity of translating complex branding messages into clear narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.
The second panel discussion featured corporate representatives from the **Energy Foundation**, **LONGi Green Energy Technology**, and others who explored “Strategies and Practices for Brand Globalization.” The focus was on the need for companies to pursue both global and localized narratives simultaneously. As enterprises expand internationally, they must not only emphasize their industry and product content but also communicate their sustainable values, adopting a human-centered approach to foster warmth and humanity in their branding.
The successful conclusion of the **Cision PR Newswire Communications Forum 2026** served as more than just an exchange of ideas; it was a collective call to action for professionals to rethink their strategies, channels, and storytelling methods. Following the forum, the winners of the **Cision PR Newswire Corporate Communications Award 2026** were announced, celebrating excellence across **19** award categories that recognize outstanding achievements in corporate communications throughout **2025**. The full list of winners is available through official channels.
