Call for Submissions
Communication Traits 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
The Eastern Communication Association’s convention theme for 2026 is “Emergence.” This theme invokes investigation and 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, and transformative works.
THEMATIC CALL
The Communication Traits Interest Group (CTIG) encourages submission of papers and panel/program proposals for the 2026 convention. Proposals reflecting the convention theme of EMERGENCE are ESPECIALLY WELCOME. These would include submissions that are forward-looking in exploring trait theory and research, as well as those that reflect re-awakenings of familiar concepts and topics. Proposals that are linked to specific contexts such as education, health, and relationships are also appealing because they present highly visible manifestations of communication trait research. Interdisciplinary collaborations that reflect the conference theme are also encouraged.
GENERAL CALL
CTIG submissions could involve one or more traits, including (but not limited to), argumentativeness, communication apprehension, disclosiveness/conformity, loneliness, receiver apprehensiveness, rhetorical sensitivity, sense of humor, and verbal aggressiveness. These traits may be presented independent of context (e.g., a state-of-the art literature review) or in terms of their contextual impacts in interpersonal, small group, organizational, or public/community settings. Case studies and/or efforts to replicate research and validate measures are also appropriate. CTIG invites all forms of scholarship including, individual papers, workshops, round table discussions, symposia, debates, panel discussions, and open forums.
Submissions are due by Sunday, October 19, 2025: CTIG Chair Alan D. Heisel (E) heisela@umsl.edu, (V) 314-516-6189.
Submissions to CTIG do not require participants from two or more institutions. However, collaborative submissions are strongly encouraged. NOTE: If a proposal has a chair and/or respondent, such individuals should not also be on the same panel in an additional capacity (such as “paper presenter”). Submissions should reflect rigor as well as creativity/originality. Submissions extending systematic and/or programmatic lines of research are especially encouraged.
All submissions must be uploaded and processed through Attendee Interactive (AI), accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/.
When submitting a paper, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:
When submitting a panel, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:
Statement of Professional Responsibility
The following statement MUST be included with every submission of a paper or panel in order for it to be eligible for review. If not attached with a submitted document, the chair is responsible for obtaining a completed copy of this form prior to the paper/panel officially programmed for presentation at the convention.
In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/We recognize that we consider this submission our professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel or paper 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.
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!
If you have any questions, please contact me, ECA2026 CTIG Chair, Alan D. Heisel
(E) heisela@umsl.edu; (V) 314-516-6189.
Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026