07/18/2025

2026 ECA Convention Community College Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 
Community College Interest Group  
The 117th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association
Emergence  
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA  

April 9 – 12, 2026  

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025, 11:59 pm PST  

In recognition of the city of Pittsburgh’s rich history and evolution, “Emergence” has been chosen as the theme for the 2026 ECA Convention. This theme invites reflection on the emergence of new perspectives, enlightenment, or awakening; the rise of cultural or societal trends, movements, or norms; and the emergence of creative ideas, movements, or transformative works. In the spirit of this theme, the Community College Interest Group (CCIG) is now taking submissions! As a Communication Studies scholar, practitioner, or teacher, you are well-positioned to offer theoretical and practical insights into this topic. We are accepting the following submission types: complete papers, panel proposals, and roundtable proposals.  

Submissions that creatively, innovatively, and openly engage with this theme and draw on your unique experience are encouraged, but all submissions are welcome. Potential submission topics include:

• Ideas, transformative works, and best practices currently emerging in teaching, learning, practicing, researching, and theorizing.
• Innovative projects, assignments, and teaching practices coming out of your classrooms.
• How does the emergence of AI affect contemporary students?
• How might our discipline emerge in the context of the current political & educational landscape?
• What does research say about how we can support this generation of college students as they emerge from academia?
• In what ways is our emergence as communication educators, researchers, and practitioners nurtured, encouraged, or strengthened? How can this be celebrated?
• In what ways is our emergence as communication educators, researchers, and practitioners impeded, stifled, or silenced? How should we respond?
• What is not emerging that should, and what should we do about it?
• Etc.

All submissions must be uploaded through Attendee Interactive, accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. Training material is available online for using this site.   

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETED PAPERS  

Papers should be a maximum of 25 double-spaced pages, not including references and appendices, and typed in 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Times New Roman font is preferred. Papers should be written in accordance with the University of Chicago Manual of Style or APA 7th edition. The main document must be blind. DO NOT include any identifying author/s, institution/s, or contact information. Be sure to inspect the document and remove ALL personal information from the document properties - including file names.  

When submitting, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:  

• Title  
• Author/s  
• Abstract  
• Categories: Indicate if student and/or debut paper
• Additional Information
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. 
• Documents: Upload Main Document (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.) 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR PANEL PROPOSALS  

Panel proposals should be written in accordance with the University of Chicago Manual of Style or APA 7th edition. The document/s must be blind. DO NOT include any identifying author/s, institution/s, or contact information. Be sure to inspect the document and remove ALL personal information from the document properties - including file names.  

When submitting, the following Attendee Interactive fields must be completed:  

• Title  
• Chair/Respondents  
• Abstracts: Add individual presentation titles, descriptions, and presenters
• Panel Description  
• Rationale  
• Documents: Upload any relevant documents. (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)  
  • In the document, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
• Additional Information:
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. 

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES FOR ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS  

Round table discussion proposals should be written in accordance with the University of Chicago Manual of Style or APA 7th edition. Upload supporting documents that include the purpose of the Round Table, an agenda for the Round Table, and an invitation for audience participation in the Round Table. The request for audience participation should be included in the 100-word description. The document/s must be blind. DO NOT include any identifying author/s, institution/s, or contact information. Be sure to inspect the document and remove ALL personal information from the document properties - including file names.  

When submitting, the following Attendee Interactive fields must be completed:  

• Title  
• Participants: Enter Chair and Featured Expert/s information  
• Round Table Description (100 words or less)  
• Rationale  
• Documents: Upload any relevant documents. (Must be BLIND. Accepted file types are Word and PDF.)  
  • In the document, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.
• Additional Information:
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.  
  • Target Audience: Describe the intended audience, including who would most benefit from attending

All submissions must include the Statement of Professional Responsibility: 

In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/We recognize that an accepted paper, panel, or poster is considered a professional responsibility. If this submission is accepted and programmed, I/We agree to register for the ECA convention, pay fees, and present the work. I/We understand that presenters with last-minute emergencies should take all possible measures to arrange an alternate presenter and communicate their plans to both the Interest Group Planner and ECA VP.  

Technology A/V Availability
The 2026 Convention will be fully equipped with technology capabilities. A projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi will be available in all breakout rooms. Presenters must supply their own laptop. Google Slides and PowerPoint templates featuring the convention theme and logo are available on the convention tab of the website. We encourage all attendees to take full advantage of these resources to create engaging presentations! 

Please send all questions to the CCIG ECA Planner 2026, Victoria Nabors, vnabors@ccc.edu. 

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026