07/22/2025

2026 ECA Convention Nonverbal Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 
Nonverbal Communication 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 Nonverbal Communication Interest Group invites submissions for the 117th Annual Eastern Communication Association Convention. Building on the 2026 conference theme, Emergence, we encourage scholars to examine nonverbal communication as a social and behavioral process that reveals how patterns of interaction shift, evolve, and take shape. Submissions should focus on areas such as facial expressions, gestures, vocal cues, posture, use of space, appearance, and related forms of nonverbal behavior. We particularly encourage students to submit original research. We also welcome science-based, method-driven, and pedagogy-focused proposals. Proposals may also include panels or roundtables that explore teaching strategies, research methods, or emerging trends in nonverbal communication.

Here are some guiding questions to consider as you connect your work to the theme of Emergence:

• How do patterns of nonverbal communication shift in response to social, cultural, or technological change?
• What biological or psychological processes contribute to the emergence of new nonverbal behaviors?
• How do evolving norms and identities shape the way individuals express themselves nonverbally?
• What role does nonverbal communication play in adaptation, connection, or conflict during periods of change?
• What new methods or approaches are emerging for studying or teaching nonverbal communication?

We welcome the following submission formats:

 

• Completed Papers
• Panel Proposals
• Roundtable Discussions

 

 

Interdisciplinary work is encouraged. Graduate and undergraduate students are especially welcome to submit. All submissions must be uploaded and processed through Attendee Interactive (AI), accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/.

Submission Guidelines:

When submitting a paper, 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.) 
  • At the bottom of the cover page, please include the following statement of professional responsibility: In submitting the attached paper, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this 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.

When submitting a panel, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:

• 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.   

When submitting a round table, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:

• 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.

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! 

For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit ECA’s website https://ecacomm.org/. All questions or concerns related to the Nonverbal Communication Interest Group can be directed to: Madison Neurohr: mneurohr@buffalo.edu

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026