01/26/2015

CSCA 2015 Convention Announcements and Opportunities

The Central States Communication Association (CSCA) 2015 convention in Madison is less than three months away (April 15-19). If you have not already registered for the conference or booked your hotel room, please do so as soon as you get a chance. You will not want to miss this convention and all of the incredible events and activities that are in store.

Beyond the exceptional scholarship, academic development, and opportunities for personal engagement that you have come to expect from CSCA, the upcoming convention promises even more. The efforts of our talented group of program planners have resulted in an unparalleled lineup of high-quality and expansive panels. If you have not done so already, take a look at the initial convention program draft and prepare to be amazed.

Accompanying the incredible lineup of panels, this year’s short courses and seminars provide participants with the opportunity to experience an exciting array of workshops on methodology, instructional communication, and content areas taught by leading scholars in the discipline. If you have never signed up for a short course or seminar before, this is the year to do so.

Second Vice President Shawn Wahl’s preconference offerings are also sure to excite.   During one preconference, a team of Basic Course Directors from across the nation will lead an interactive experience highlighting the importance of the basic communication course as part of our disciplinary foundation. The second preconference will examine craft beer cultures and includes tours of local breweries.

We are also fortunate to have a superb location for the convention. Madison is home to numerous restaurants, coffeehouses, music venues, bookstores, specialty shops, museums, and outdoor activities. There truly is something for everyone in this incredible city.

The convention hotel is the extraordinary Madison Concourse Hotel and Governors Club, a beautiful and luxurious property dedicated to sustainability and environmental responsibility, located at the heart of Madison. By booking a Governor’s Club room, you can enjoy complimentary breakfast, top-shelf cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and deserts in a private lounge overlooking the State Capital. We expect the hotel to fill early, so make your reservations by calling 1-800-356-8293 before it is too late.

There are also a number of special events and opportunities to experience:

• Throughout the conference, a social media monitoring station will be exhibiting the analysis of social media outlets, blogs, and other online communities. Conference attendees will be able to see the impact of their own online conversations and contributions in addition to tracking other online activities.

• Throughout the conference, an extra number of CSCA Coffee Breaks will occur between sessions.

• Thursday evening of the conference will feature a very special Welcome Reception full of surprises.

• Friday evening of the conference will feature a reception at the Overture Center for the Arts, which will be immediately followed by a performance of The Second City comedy troupe.

• Saturday evening of the conference will feature a reception at the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, where conference attendees will have private access to creative and unique collections and be able to gaze at downtown Madison through the enormous glass facades of the building.

Additional events and activities are scheduled and still being planned, making an already-exciting conference even better.

We are expecting record numbers at the conference and participation in some events is limited, so please be sure to register as soon as possible. This is one convention you will not want to miss.

I look forward to seeing you in Madison!  

David T. McMahan
CSCA First Vice President and Primary Program Planner