Eastern Communication Association

07/21/2025

2026 ECA Convention Instructional Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 
Instructional Communication Interest Group  
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 Instructional Communication Interest Group invites completed papers, panels, round table discussions, and workshop session proposals that focus on the convention theme: Emergence. We are excited to convene in Pittsburgh, PA: “The Steel City.” “The City of Bridges.” “The City of Champions.” “The Burgh.” “Dionde:gâ.” These phrases all name the place where the three rivers meet. This vibrant metropolis, now known as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania has transformed countless times over thousands of years.

In recognition of the city’s rich history and evolution, "Emergence" has been chosen as the theme for the 2026 ECA Convention. 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. I encourage submissions that creatively, innovatively, and openly engage with this theme, drawing on your unique experiences. I also encourage exploration of the following: 

• 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 should we respond? 
• 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 this be celebrated? Alternatively, in what ways is our emergence as communication educators, researchers, and practitioners impeded, stifled, or silenced? How should we respond? 
• How can we encourage our own emergence within ourselves?
• What is not emerging that should, and what should we do about it?

The Instructional Communication Interest Group at ECA utilizes Attendee Interactive for all submissions and blind reviews, accessed by this link https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/

Submission Guidelines for Completed Papers

Completed papers that report original research, provide an extensive literature review, or showcase some other forms of scholarship are encouraged. Papers should be no more than 25 double-spaced pages (excluding title page, abstract, references, and appendices) and submitted in PDF format. Please comply with the APA 7th edition guidelines.

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.

Submission Guidelines for Panel Proposals, Round Table, and Workshop Sessions

In addition to traditional panel submissions in which three to four speakers present individual papers on a specific topic area, consider round table discussions or workshops that are unique in composition and format. For instance, you might consider proposing a workshop session led by two or three experts on a particular topic with audience involvement and participation. You might also consider submitting a round table discussion featuring 5-8 presenters who share their positions on a focused topic moderated by a chair. Workshop submissions must be entered as round tables within Attendee Interactive.

When submitting panel proposals, 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 roundtable/workshop proposals, 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 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.   
  • Target Audience: Describe the intended audience, including who would most benefit from attending.

Submitters are encouraged to create panels/programs comprised of individuals from different institutions. Chairs and respondents should typically not also serve as panelists.

Additional Guidelines:

• Please note that a paper or panel should be submitted to only one (1) interest group for consideration.
• Submissions must be saved as PDF or Word files.
• ECA utilizes Attendee Interactive to manage submissions and reviews. To submit your work, you will be prompted to login using ECA-specific credentials or prompted to create a new account (NOTE: Your login credentials are unique to ECA – you may not use credentials you may have created for other associations, such as NCA, that uses Attendee Interactive).

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! 

Please send questions to the Instructional Communication Interest Group Chair, Steven Kromka, skromka@ut.edu.

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026