Eastern Communication Association

07/21/2026

2027 ECA Convention Instructional Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions 

Instructional Communication Interest Group

118th Eastern Communication Association Annual Convention

Full Circle

Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA

March 30–April 4, 2027

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

Submit here.

The Instructional Communication Interest Group invites completed papers, panels, round table discussions, and workshop session proposals that focus on the convention theme: Full Circle. For the first time in 16 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the ECA Annual Convention. 

The theme, "Full Circle," invites reflection on the cyclical nature of ideas, relationships, and professional journeys. As scholars, we return — to foundational theories, to formative mentors, to the first questions that drew us to the discipline. As a profession, we cycle through waves of innovation and consolidation, of challenge and recommitment to core values. As an organization, ECA itself comes full circle to Virginia — renewing its connections to the region and communities where communication scholarship meets democratic life.

While all papers, panels, round table discussions, and workshop session proposals shall be considered, those that address the conference theme will be particularly welcome. I encourage submissions that explore the following:

• How does the student-to-teacher journey represent the most personal full circle in the communication discipline?
• In what ways do instructional communication theories — immediacy, credibility, motivation — cycle back to new relevance in post-pandemic classrooms?
• How can instructional communication researchers bring foundational questions about learning and teaching full circle in the age of AI, hybrid, and online education?
• What does it mean to bring students full circle — from their first communication course to professional and civic life — and how do we measure that arc?

The Instructional Communication Interest Group at ECA utilizes Attendee Interactive for all submissions and blind reviews, accessed by this link: https://ecasite.org/aws/ECA/pt/sp/convention_attendee-interactive

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).

Statement of Professional Responsibility

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

Technology & A/V

• Submitters will be asked if they would like a room equipped with projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi
• Presenters must supply their own laptop
• Google Slides and PowerPoint templates with the Full Circle theme available on the ECA convention website

Submit here.

Please send questions to the Instructional Communication Interest Group Chair, Carly Densmore, at carlyrdensmore22@gmail.com. 

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2027