07/22/2025

2026 ECA Convention Voices of Diversity Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 
Voices of Diversity 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 Voices of Diversity Interest Group invites submissions for the 2026 Eastern Communication Association (ECA) 117th Annual Conference. Known for its cultural richness, resilience, and transformation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania—once the “Steel City”—will host the 2026 annual convention of the Eastern Communication Association. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Station Square from April 9-12, 2026.

The 2026 convention theme is “Emergence.” This 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. Communication Studies scholars and practitioners are well-positioned to offer theoretical and practical insights to address these evolving dynamics.

In the spirit of Emergence—of forging new insights that impact our lives, relationships, communities, and world—the Voices of Diversity Interest Group invites you to submit communication-related work that explores the emergence of identity, resistance, resilience, and representation. With so many challenges surrounding diversity, inclusivity, and social change, our voices as communication scholars are more imperative than ever. 

Yet, it is not only our voices that matter. Are you addressing issues of inclusivity, diversity, identity, social activism, muted voices, unjust power structures, and/or changes in the current of our discipline? Are you working toward innovative ideas and contributing to a revolution of attitudes and perspectives in your scholarship, teaching, and community? Is your work offering a voice to others? If you answered yes to these questions, we welcome you to submit your work to our interest group.

The Voices of Diversity Interest Group invites completed papers, panels, roundtable discussions, symposiums, and community programs across communication contexts that explore the pivotal role that exchanging ideas plays in creating, maintaining, and transforming how we communicate. We encourage scholarship that embodies innovative ideas and creative solutions within the communication discipline. Submissions that provide opportunities for engagement among scholars, community members, audience members, and the public are strongly encouraged. All submissions will be reviewed through an anonymous, peer-review process.

Types of Potential Submissions: 

• Individual Paper: A completed paper reporting original research, an extensive literature review, or other form of scholarship. Interest group planners thematically group papers to create panels and appoint a chair to introduce each paper and moderate the discussion, and a respondent to provide feedback and expert insight on the papers after they are presented.
• Panel: A program where 3-4 speakers present individual papers on a specific topic area. The individual submitting the panel should identify a chair who has agreed to introduce each paper and moderate the presentation of papers and any discussion. Respondents are optional at the discretion of the panelists.
• Round Table Discussion: a program featuring 5-8 presenters who briefly share a position paper or summary of recent research on a focused topic moderated by a chair with “on-the-spot” interaction and discussion by participants and audience.
• Workshop Session: a program led by 2-3 experts on a particular topic, with audience involvement and participation. (submit as round-table submission type)
• Symposium: a program where 3-5 invited speakers present a predetermined section of specific topic introduced by a chair who initiates audience participation through questions and answers or in an open forum. (submit as round-table submission type)
• Debate: a traditional debate on an announced topic, with pro and con statements and rebuttals. (submit as round-table submission type)
• Open Forum: a semi-structured public discussion of a predetermined topic of interest introduced and moderated by a chair. The goal of such a program is to share information, ideas, concerns, and special interests. (submit as round-table submission type)

All submissions must be uploaded and processed through Attendee Interactive (AI), accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/.

Submission Directions:

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! 

All  questions related to the Voices of Diversity Interest Group can be directed to Carla R. Richards, Ph.D., richardscr@rowan.edu.

Convention Acceptance Notification: January 2026