Complete Story
07/21/2026
2027 ECA Convention Organizational Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions
Dear Colleagues,
Please submit to the Organizational Communication Interest Group and join us in Reston, Virginia on March 30-April 4, 2027. The theme of the convention is “full circle,” which speaks to me deeply because I took the first step in my practitioner-to-academia journey after presenting my first ever student paper at ECA in 2008! Since that time, there have been intense cycles of disruption and periods of transformation within organizations and organizing processes that are uncertain and exciting. ECA is a unique time and place that allows us to discuss what has been and what can be regarding these cycles affecting the study of organizations and processes of organizing.
The Organizational Communication Interest Group welcomes proposals, regardless of affiliation, for individual papers, panels, workshops, symposiums, open forums, community programs, or any other creative sessions. A new category has been added for works-in-progress to include papers that are under development. Panels and open forums that include various institutional representatives – including practitioners -- are especially encouraged to help us examine the depth of the study of organizations and to expand the conversation regarding the cycles we experience related to research, problem-solving, organizing, and effective organizational communication.
Stay informed always by following ECA on social media until we can connect in Reston!
ECA on Instagram
ECA on Facebook
Deadline: October 9th.
Maxine Gesualdi, Ph.D.
mgesualdi@wcupa.edu
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
Organizational Communication Interest Group
118th Eastern Communication Association Annual Convention
Theme: Full Circle │ Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA │ March 30–April 4, 2027
Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
For the first time in 16 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the ECA Annual Convention. The 2027 convention will be held at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Fairfax County. The theme, “Full Circle,” invites reflection on cyclical ideas, relationships, and professional journeys.
Ties to the Conference Theme
The Organizational Communication Interest Group encourages submissions that creatively engage with the conference’s theme. Draw on your unique experiences, foundational research, and imaginative design to explore questions that ask questions such as:
- how organizational communication processes can come full circle as institutions cycle through restructuring and culture change;
- how processes of organizing are cycling through parallels to historic crises and social movements;
- how traditional newcomer-to-insider pathways are encountering increased pressures due to the influence of AI on hiring and continued hybrid work arrangements;
- how foundational theories like sensemaking and CCO regain relevance for scholars who revisit power and voice in organizations in a time of technological, political and social upheaval;
- how organizational communication scholars can revisit questions of organizing and of identity in institutions that are themselves in cycles of disruption;
- how teaching of organizational communication can adapt to the latest technological disruptions in the learning process and embrace technological advances in the production of communication for organizational stakeholders.
Types of Submissions
The Organizational Communication Interest Group welcomes proposals, regardless of affiliation, for individual papers, panels, workshops, symposiums, open forums, community programs, or any other creative sessions. A new category has been added for works in progress to include papers under development. Panels and open forums that include various institutional representatives—including practitioners—are especially encouraged to help us examine the depth of the study of organizations and to expand the conversation about the cycles we experience in research, problem-solving, organizing, and effective organizational communication.
When submitting a paper, complete the following Attendee Interactive fields:
- Title
- Author/s
- Abstract
- Categories: Indicate if student and/or debut paper and/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.)
- For works in progress, there is no set page length for these submissions, but they should contain enough detail to show the reader that these projects are fully conceptualized and in the early stages of development.
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.
When submitting a panel, 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.)
- Additional Information — Scheduling & Special Requests: Please identify any accommodations associated with physical or religious needs that may impact scheduling.
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.
When submitting a round table, 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.)
- 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.
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 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 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 note in their submission if they request technology as part of their presentation. Best efforts will be given to ensure those that request technology have access. 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!
How to Submit
All submissions must be uploaded and processed through Attendee Interactive (AI), accessed through https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2701/. For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit ECA’s website http://www.ecasite.org/.
Questions? Contact your Interest Group Planner:
Maxine Gesaualdi, West Chester University, mgesualdi@wcupa.edu
Acceptance Notifications: January 2027
