07/21/2026

2027 ECA Convention Communication Technology Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions

Communication Technology Interest Group

The 118th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association

Conference Theme: Full Circle

Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA 

March 30 – April 4, 2027

Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 pm PST

The Communication and Technology Interest Group is requesting paper and panel submissions for the 118th Annual ECA Convention in Reston, VA. For the first time in 16 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the ECA annual convention. The 2027 conference will be held in Fairfax County off the Capital Beltway – an area where discourse shapes national dialogue, diverse communities converge, and history unfolds. The location embodies the conference theme, “Full Circle,” a return to the roots of democratic communication while embracing the continuous cycles of change that define our discipline, region, and world.

"Full Circle" invites a reflection on the cyclical nature of ideas, relationships, and professional journeys within the digital landscape. In an ever-changing academic, informational, and technological environment, how can we utilize research and pedagogy to deal with contemporary issues? This year, the Communication & Technology division aims to provide a forum for communication scholars to discuss how we balance the foundational questions of our discipline while expanding our horizons through theoretical, philosophical, and/or methodological knowledge. We welcome individual paper, panel, and roundtable submissions that creatively, innovatively, and openly engage with this theme, drawing on your unique experiences. Submissions are encouraged to consider: how our research programs or pedagogical approaches have come full circle; the insights that emerge from completing those arcs; the mentoring relationships and collaborations that sustain our work; and what it means to bring students full circle – from their first communication technology course to their emergence as practitioners, scholars, or engaged digital citizens.

Papers and panel proposals must be submitted electronically by October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST).  The Communication and Technology Interest Group of ECA utilizes Attendee Interactive https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2701/ to manage all submissions and blind reviews.

The Communication and Technology Interest Group invites three types of submissions:

Submission Guidelines for Individual Papers

• Individual Paper: A completed paper or Work-in-Progress, reporting original research, an extensive literature review, or other form of scholarship. Papers should be written in accordance with the APA 7th edition. When submitting a paper, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields: Title, Author (s), Abstract, and Categories. Indicate whether it is a student and/or debut paper, and whether it is a completed paper or a work in progress. 
  
• 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

• Panel: A program in which three to four speakers present individual papers on a specific topic. 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. Alternatively, please submit panel/program proposals in one MS Word file (.doc or .docx). When submitting a panel, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields: Title, Chair/Respondents, Abstracts (add individual presentation titles, descriptions, and presenters), Panel Description, and 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.

Submission Guidelines for Roundtable/Workshop Proposals

The Communication Technology Interest Group is also inviting roundtable discussions or workshops that are unique in composition and format. Consider proposing a workshop led by two or three experts on a particular topic with audience involvement and participation. Similarly, consider submitting a roundtable discussion featuring 5-8 presenters who share their positions on a focused topic moderated by a chair. 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); and 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.

Technology A/V Availability

The 2027 Convention will be equipped with technology capabilities. A projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi will be available in most breakout rooms. Submitters will be asked to request technology, if needed, as part of the submission. 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!

For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit ECA’s website https://www.ecasite.org/. All questions or concerns regarding the Communication and Technology Interest Group can be directed to the 2027 IG Planner, Catie Clark-Gordon (cclarkgordon@setonhill.edu). The Communication and Technology Interest Group is limited in the number of sessions it can program, so prior consultation with the planner about session ideas is recommended.

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2027