07/22/2025
2026 ECA Convention Theory & Methodology Interest Group Call for Submissions
Call for Submissions
Theory & Methodology 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 Theory and Methodology Interest Group is excited to extend a call for papers and session proposals from a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches, including but not limited to rhetorical, qualitative, quantitative, critical, philosophical hermeneutics, philosophy of communication, communication ethics, etc.
We will be especially looking for submissions addressing the convention theme of Emergence. Submissions might center on emerging theories and methods or on theory and methods that are especially effective for studying emerging communication phenomena. We encourage submissions from established scholars and early career scholars/students. Theory and Methodology welcomes submissions of individual papers, panels, workshops, and round tables.
- Individual Paper: A completed paper reporting original research, an extensive literature review, conceptual theory integration, or other forms of scholarship.
- Panel: three to four speakers presenting coordinated individual papers on a specific topic area.
- Round Table Discussion: a session featuring 5-8 presenters who briefly share a position paper or summary of recent research on a focused topic.
- Workshop Session: a session led by two or three experts on a particular topic that incorporates audience involvement and participation (must be entered in Attendee Interactive as a Round Table)
Submission Details
ECA uses Attendee Interactive to manage submissions and reviews. All submissions must be uploaded through Attendee Interactive https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. You will be prompted to either log in using (1) ECA-specific credentials (you will be unable to use login credentials you may have created for any other association that uses Attendee Interactive) or (2) create a new User ID and Password to submit your work. Please follow the instructions below for each type of submission:
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!
Interest Group Contact
For questions about submissions to the Theory and Methodology Interest Group, or to volunteer to serve as a reviewer, please contact: Doran Tucker, Theory & Methodology Interest Group Chair/Planner: doran.research@gmail.com
Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026