07/22/2025

2026 ECA Convention Organizational Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 
Organizational 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 2026 ECA Convention theme, “Emergence” recognizes Pittsburgh’s rich history and evolution. Debut, arrival,  appearance, inception, creation, and initiation are just a few synonyms for “emergence”. Typical of the study and  practice of organizational communication, this theme invites reflection on the emergence of new perspectives, revelations, the response to cultural or societal trends, movements, or norms. Perhaps the convention theme is calling organizational communication scholars to think innovatively about how to stay relevant in 2026 and beyond in  response to this call. The organizational communication interest group encourages submissions that creatively engage with this theme. Draw on your unique experiences, foundational research, and imaginative design to explore questions that ask how can/will/must organizational communication emerge in the context of the current political climate; post-COVID workplace; nonprofits sustainability; educational systems, healthcare; law enforcement;  technology and media within organizations? 

The Organizational Communication Interest Group welcomes proposals, regardless of affiliation, for individual papers, panels, workshops, symposiums, open forums, community programs, or any other creative sessions. Panels and open forums that represent various institutional representations are especially encouraged to examine the depth of emerging ideas and viewpoints regarding problem-solving and effective organizational communication.  

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

• Title  
• Author/s  
• Abstract  
• Categories: Indicate if student and/or debut paper
• Additional Information:
  • Audio Visual Equipment - A projector, screen, and adaptor cables for PC/Mac will be provided. Presentations should be downloaded to laptops in advance, as Internet Access is limited in breakout rooms. Google Slides and PowerPoint templates featuring the convention theme and logo will be available on the convention tab of the website. Requests for Internet Access and Laptop Audio for sound must be indicated in this section.
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. Special requests related to other needs such as weddings, births, etc. will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

• 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:
  • Audio Visual Equipment - A projector, screen, and adaptor cables for PC/Mac will be provided. Presentations should be downloaded to laptops in advance, as Internet Access is limited in breakout rooms. Google Slides and PowerPoint templates featuring the convention theme and logo will be available on the convention tab of the website. Requests for Internet Access and Laptop Audio for sound must be indicated in this section.
• Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. Special requests related to other needs such as weddings, births, etc. will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

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:
  • Audio Visual Equipment - A projector, screen, and adaptor cables for PC/Mac will be provided. Presentations should be downloaded to laptops in advance, as Internet Access is limited in breakout rooms. Google Slides and PowerPoint templates featuring the convention theme and logo will be available on the convention tab of the website. Requests for Internet Access and Laptop Audio for sound must be indicated in this section.
  • Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling. Special requests related to other needs such as weddings, births, etc. will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

• Target Audience: Describe the intended audience, including who would most benefit from attending.

All submissions must be uploaded and processed through Attendee Interactive (AI), accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit ECA’s website http://www.ecasite.org/. 

All  questions related to the Organizational Communication Interest Group can be directed to Robin Smith Mathis, PhD (rmathi18@kennesaw.edu).

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026