Call for Submissions
Political Communication 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 Political Communication Interest Group of the Eastern Communication Association is excited to invite our colleagues to submit papers, panels, and roundtables for presentation at the association’s 2027 conference in Reston, Virginia. Paper submissions can include both completed papers and works in progress. Scholars working on research on the 2026 midterm elections in the United States are especially encouraged to take advantage of the latter option as an opportunity to present their cutting-edge research just months after the election.
The interest group welcomes research using all methodologies to study political communication in all contexts, domestically and internationally. Research that engages with the conference theme, Full Circle, in creative ways is especially encouraged. As we reflect on the constantly-changing field of political communication, in what ways can looking back to the past of political communication practice and scholarship help us understand the present and future of the field?
Proposals that take advantage of the conference location’s proximity to Washington, DC, are also welcomed. Examples could include roundtables with practitioners who work in the DC area or panels on the political rhetoric surrounding DC landmarks.
Papers and panel proposals must be submitted electronically by October 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST). ECA uses Attendee Interactive https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2701/ to manage all submissions and blind reviews.
The Political Communication Interest Group invites three types of submissions: Papers (including works in progress), panels, and roundtables.
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 or another recognized citation style. 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 or more 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 Proposals
The Political Communication Interest Group is also inviting roundtable discussions 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 Political Communication Interest Group can be directed to the 2027 planner, Scott Dunn, at swdunn@radford.edu.
Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2027