07/22/2025

2026 ECA Convention Philosophy of Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions

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

April 9 – April 12, 2026

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

The Eastern Communication Association will hold their 117th Annual Convention at Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA from April 9–12, 2026. “Emergence” stands as the convention theme, and the deadline for submissions is October 19, 2025 11:59 P.M. (PST).

The Philosophy of Communication Interest Group seeks individual paper, panel, and roundtable submissions centered on the convention theme of “Emergence.” This convention 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.

The Philosophy of Communication Interest Group welcomes completed papers and panel submissions which focus on themes rooted in philosophy of communication that also intersect with the conference theme “Emergence.” Some guiding questions may include, but are not limited to: How can/will/must our discipline emerge in the context of the current political landscape? What ideas, transformative works, and best practices are emerging in teaching, learning, practicing, researching, and theorizing? How can we best support our students as they emerge from academics? In what ways is our emergence as communication educators, researchers, and practitioners nurtured, encouraged, or strengthened? How can we encourage our own emergence within ourselves? What is not emerging that should, and what should we do about it?

Submission Guidelines 

ECA utilizes Attendee Interactive to manage submissions and review, accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/.To submit your work, you will be prompted to login using ECA-specific credentials (you do not use login credentials you may have created for any other association, such as NCA, that uses Attendee Interactive), or to create an account.  

Please note that A/V (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 speakers for sound must be included in submissions. 

You may only submit a single paper to one interest group or affiliate organization for consideration. Please be sure to submit your papers as BLIND word or PDF documents.

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 http://www.ecasite.org. All questions or concerns related to the Philosophy of Communication Interest Group can be directed to:  

Matthew P. Mancino
Indiana University South Bend
mattmanc@iu.edu

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026