14th Standard Projects COM Meetup & Training on AI and Project Communication
25/01/2026
On 22 January 2026, AcquaGuard participated in the 14th Standard Projects COM Meetup and Training on AI and Project Communication, held in Venice at the Interreg Italy-Croatia Joint Secretariat. The event brought together communication managers from Standard Projects to exchange experiences and strengthen skills related to project visibility, website management and the use of artificial intelligence in communication.
The meetup opened with a networking session based on a “one-sentence project pitch”, allowing participants to briefly introduce their projects and set the scene for peer exchange. The programme also included a presentation of the REGIOSTARS Awards, highlighting opportunities for projects to increase their visibility through strong storytelling and demonstrated impact.
A dedicated session focused on project websites, addressing both compliance and technical quality. Programme representatives shared practical guidance on improving clarity, accessibility and consistency of online content, while also highlighting common issues identified during monitoring. Particular attention was given to the correct use of news and events, the importance of concise and informative abstracts, consistent formatting, complete contact information, and proper organisation of website back offices.
The second part of the day was devoted to a hands-on workshop on artificial intelligence and project communication. The session explored how AI tools can support communication managers in analysing audiences, simplifying complex content, and adapting messages for different channels such as project websites and social media. The training emphasised that effective communication should go beyond listing activities and instead explain what was discussed, what was learned and why it matters. While AI was presented as a useful support tool, responsibility for accuracy, clarity and critical thinking remains firmly with the human communicator.
During the practical exercises, AcquaGuard applied the methods directly to project materials, rewriting technical content on climate risk portfolios for Karlovac County and the Veneto Region into clearer versions for a general audience and policymakers. Risk database narratives were also adapted as part of the exercises, supporting future communication activities.
Participation in the COM Meetup strengthened AcquaGuard’s communication capacity by providing concrete tools to improve website quality, ensure programme compliance and enhance audience-oriented storytelling. The experience will support future project communication through clearer content, more structured online presence and the responsible use of AI to support outreach and visibility.
