Call for Papers

 117th Annual ECA Convention

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

“Emergence”

Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA

April 9 – April 12, 2026

“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. The collapse of the steel industry in the 70s and 80s devastated the area. Tens of thousands of manufacturing jobs were lost, families left in droves looking for better opportunities, and widespread economic depression took hold. Over recent decades, however, Pittsburgh has emerged anew as a bustling hub for technology, healthcare, and education. Its affordability; robust sports culture; and bustling arts, entertainment, and food scenes have now made it one of the country’s “most livable” cities.  

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 2026 Convention will also feature CONNECT sessions. These sessions will be embedded in the program and are free and open to all members and attendees looking to build or strengthen connections within our association and membership. CONNECT sessions are sponsored by the Community College Interest Group. I am also excited to share that the 2026 Convention will be at a new venue. The Sheraton Station Square is situated on the Monongahela River in the South Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh and offers impressive river and skyline views. Many restaurants and shops are within steps of the front door along with a parking garage, the Duquesne Incline, and the Station Square “T” stop.  

I am honored to serve as your Primary Convention Planner and look forward to working with Interest Group planners, my Conference Planning team, and ECA leadership to offer a meaningful, beneficial, and invigorating convention. I hope to see you there! 
 
Jessica L. Papajcik 
Stark State College 

ECAemergence2026@gmail.com  

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ECA 2026 CONVENTION PLANNERS CONTACT INFORMATION

Thank you to the individuals listed here for their service to ECA and to our discipline.

ECA 2026 Planning Team

First Vice President-Elect & Primary Convention Planner

Jessica Papajcik, Stark State College
ECAemergence2026@gmail.com