07/21/2026

2027 ECA Convention Kenneth Burke Interest Group Call for Papers

The 118th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association

Full Circle

Hyatt Regency Reston, Reston, VA

March 30 – April 4, 2027

Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 P.M. PST

Call for Papers: Kenneth Burke Interest Group

The Kenneth Burke Interest Group invites submissions for the 118th Eastern Communication Association Annual Conference (March 30 – April 4, 2027, Reston, VA). While all papers and panel proposals shall be considered, those that address the conference theme will be particularly welcome. Submissions may include competitive papers or panels. The 2025 convention theme, Full Circle, invites reflection on the cyclical nature of ideas, relationships, and professional journeys. As a profession, we cycle through waves of innovation and consolidation, of challenge and recommitment to core values. As scholars, we return to foundational theories, to formative mentors, to the first questions that drew us to the discipline.

Please encourage your undergraduate and graduate students to submit papers and panels to the Kenneth Burke Interest Group. In this interest group specifically, and in Burke studies in general, it has been our tradition to honor and promote student scholarship and scholarly work. We recognize that they are the future of the discipline. You can also request co-sponsored panels when appropriate, since Burke studies often involve multidisciplinary approaches.

ECA uses Attendee Interactive to manage submissions and reviews. The deadline for submissions is October 9, 2026, 11:59 pm PST. If you have not used it before, you will be prompted to create a new User ID and Password to submit your work. https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2701/ 

The Interest Group invites two types of submissions. The specific requirements for each type are as follows (Also, please indicate any audio-video needs, when necessary, in your submission for accommodation).

Submission Guidelines for Completed Papers

Individual submissions of complete papers should include the following elements:

1. The word “Debut” is marked on all papers written by authors who have not previously presented at a regional or national convention.
2. An abstract on the second page.
3. A statement of professional responsibility.

** If the paper has multiple authors, please indicate who will be presenting at the convention.

Submission Guidelines for Panel/Program Proposals 

Submission of program/panel proposals should include the following elements:

1. A thematic title for the program.
2. Names of the chair and respondents (if any). Chairs should also not be designated as respondents.
3. Names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, and institutional affiliations of all participants.
4. Titles and abstracts for each paper or presentation.
5. A program copy (no more than a 75-word description) as it should appear in the final program.
6. A detailed rationale for the program/panel.
7. A statement of professional responsibility.

Statement of Professional Responsibility

Include the following statement with submissions.

In submitting the attached paper/panel, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this paper/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.

***

Please note that you can also request special scheduling due to special circumstances and needs (cultural or religious, etc.) when submitting papers, panel proposals, etc. The special requests will then be forwarded to the primary program planner.

All questions or concerns related to the Kenneth Burke Interest Group can be directed to Dr. Robin Zwier (Community College of Baltimore County) at rzwier@ccbcmd.edu.