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05/15/2024

ECA 2025 Convention Call for Submissions Rhetoric & Public Address Interest Group

Eastern Communication Association 116th Annual Convention 
March 26-30, 2025  
Hyatt Regency
Buffalo, NY  
  
Submission Deadline: October 16, 2024, 11:59PM PST  
“Contemporary Problems, Creative Solutions” 


The Rhetoric & Public Address Interest Group invites submissions in preparation of the annual ECA Convention to be held from March 26-30, 2025. We are seeking proposals (representing an individual paper, panel, roundtable discussion, workshop session, or work in progress) for the 116th convention to be held at the Hyatt Regency located in Buffalo, NY. The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2024. The convention theme, “Contemporary Problems, Creative Solutions,” is uniquely suited to reflect many different aspects of the rhetorical tradition, both historically and contemporarily. Such a theme engenders the following questions that we encourage submitters to reflect on:

  • How has rhetoric shaped and been shaped by texts and contexts around the most pressing contemporary problems of our day?
  • How can the study of rhetoric and public address draw on storied histories and foundations but remain engaged and relevant in these profoundly challenging times?
  • What kind of constructive solutions can be built out of our interest group’s specific strengths in public, democratic deliberation and commitments to social justice?
  • How can we ethically and responsibly support and encourage scholars and students of rhetoric as they engage in the critical study of public problems and innovative pathways towards solutions?

We encourage submitters to consider how these questions intersect with critical issues related to rhetoric and public address.  
  
This year, we are seeking submissions in three categories: competitive papers, program/panel proposals (including roundtables discussions and workshop sessions), and works in progress. Please follow the instructions below for each type of submission: 

Competitive Papers  

Submissions of completed papers should be no more than 25 pages, excluding title page, abstract, references, and appendices. Completed papers should be written in accordance with standards set by the Chicago Manual of Style, the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Modern Language Association (MLA). All submissions of completed papers should be uploaded to Attendee Interactive and include the following: 

  • To appear on the title page of the paper as well as entered separately into Attendee Interactive. 
  • The word “Debut” should be marked on all papers written by authors who have not presented previously at a regional or national convention. Please also note if the submitter is a student. This information should also be entered separately into Attendee Interactive.
  • One-Page Abstract. This will be entered into Attendee Interactive separate from the manuscript. You may also want to include it immediately following the title page in your paper.
  • Statement of Professional Responsibility. Please include the following on the title page for your paper to be considered: "In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/we recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/we agree to present this paper or program/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 the required fees.”   
  • Multiple Authors. If the paper has multiple authors, the submitter should indicate who will be presenting at the convention.
  • Special Requests/Requests for AV. Please enter this information into Attendee Interactive rather than note any special requests on your manuscript. Due to cost, AV will be limited.
  • Blind Review Check: Final papers should have all identifying information removed for blind review. (Microsoft provides instructions for removing personal information from Word documents at https://bit.ly/39HxAZI)  

Program/Panel Proposals  

All program/panel submissions should be uploaded to Attendee Interactive and include the following:

  • Please include a thematic title for the program/panel.
  • Chair/Respondent. Please include the names of the chair and respondent (if any). Please do not have chairs act as respondents.
  • Contact Information. Please include names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and institutional affiliations of all participants.
  • Program Information. The program copy (no more than a 75-word description) should be included as it will appear in the final program.
  • The submitter must offer a detailed rationale for the program/panel. 
  • Special Requests/Requests for AV. Please enter this information into Attendee Interactive rather than note any special requests on your description or rationale. Due to cost, AV will be limited.
  • Statement of Professional Responsibility. Please include the following text with the program rationale: "In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/we recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/we agree to present this paper or program/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 the required fees.” 

Works in Progress  

For a second year in a row, the Rhetoric and Public Address Interest Group is accepting submissions for a special “works in progress” panel. Submitters who are in the process of completing a rhetorical research project but do not yet have a completed paper are encouraged to submit their work as a “work in progress.” Submissions of works in progress should include an extended abstract of up to 2,500 words explaining the details of the project, including a thesis or main argument, rationale for the study, and any initial arguments. References are not included in the word count. Please submit works in progress as an individual paper on Attendee Interactive, but clearly label “Work in Progress” on the first page of the document. If “work in progress” is not listed on the first page of the submission, it will be reviewed as a competitive paper and not as a work in progress. Works in Progress should be written in accordance with standards set by the Chicago Manual of Style, the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Modern Language Association (MLA). All submissions of Works in Progress should be uploaded to Attendee Interactive and include the following:  

  • To appear on the title page of the paper as well as entered separately into Attendee Interactive. 
  • The word “Debut” should be marked on all works in progress written by authors who have not presented previously at a regional or national convention. Please also note if the submitter is a student. This information should also be entered separately into Attendee Interactive.
  • Short Abstract. A shortened version of the longer abstract (see below) should be entered into Attendee Interactive separate from the manuscript and will appear in the program if the work in progress is accepted and programmed.
  • Statement of Professional Responsibility. Please include the following text on the title page for your paper to be considered: "In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/we recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/we agree to present this paper or program/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 the required fees.” 
  • Multiple Authors. If the paper has multiple authors, the submitter should indicate who will be presenting at the convention.
  • Special Requests/Requests for AV. Please enter this information into Attendee Interactive rather than note any special requests on your manuscript. Due to cost, AV will be limited.
  • Extended Abstract. An extended abstract of up to 2,500 words should be included for all “works in progress,” with all identifying information removed for blind review. Be sure to include the phrase “Work in Progress” above the project’s title on the first page of the submission. (Microsoft provides instructions for removing personal information from Word documents at https://bit.ly/39HxAZI)  

All papers, program/panels, and works in progress submissions should be uploaded to and processed through Attendee Interactive (link available through ECAsite.org).

Please contact the Rhetoric & Public Address Interest Group Program Planner, via e-mail, for further information: Tim Barney, University of Richmond, tbarney@richmond.edu

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