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07/24/2026

2027 ECA Convention Institute for General Semantics Interest Group (Affiliate Organization) Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions

Institute for General Semantics (IGS) (Affiliate Organization)
The 118th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association
Full Circle
Hyatt Regency, Reston, Virginia
March 30–April 4, 2027
Submission Deadline: October 9, 2026, 11:59 pm PST  

Submit Here.

As an Affiliate Organization of the ECA, the Institute of General Semantics seeks individual papers and panel/roundtable submissions that focus on the study of the intersection of language, thought, and behavior. While we encourage any and all submissions related to general semantics, we especially welcome submissions that speak to the convention theme of “Full Circle.”

In describing the convention theme, the Convention Planner writes that it “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.”

Some guiding questions for papers, panels, and/or roundtables thus include, but are not limited to: How are the ideas implicit and explicit in general semantics cyclical – bringing us back to founding principles while also helping us move such ideas forward? How and why are the foundational theories and ideas of the founder and others so important that we continue to be drawn back to them at the same time we continue the project that is to move them forward? What are the “waves of innovation and consolidation” the general semantics tradition has experienced, and how have these led us to both challenge such tides and sea change and recommit to them? Finally, how is the general semantics tradition not only helpful but essential to the experiment and project that is a democratic society on these shores?

As a further prompt, papers and panels may specifically address general semantics with respect to: (1) our various symbolic environments, emergent or persisting metaphors, and/or current or historical studies of human symbolic use that advance our understanding of symbols, behavior, and culture; and (2) cases or observations of language use and misuse in politics, commerce, relationships, self-talk, etc. that contribute to an understanding of the relationship between language, thought, and behavior.

The Institute of General Semantics invites three types of submissions. The specific requirements for each are as follows. (Please also indicate any audio-visual needs, if necessary, as part of your submission. Requests can include Internet access, laptop audio, and LCD projectors.)

Please note that you may request special scheduling due to special circumstances and needs (cultural or religious, etc.) when submitting papers and panel proposals. Such requests will be forwarded to the Convention Planner.

Submission of Completed Papers: Individual submissions of completed papers through Attendee Interactive will provide the following:

  • Title
  • Author/s (If the paper has multiple authors, please indicate who will be presenting at the convention.)
  • Abstract (5,000 character max.)

Please also indicate if your paper is a “Debut Paper” (written by an author or authors who have not presented previously at a regional or national convention) or a “Student Paper.”

Upload of your Completed Paper:

  • Paper must have no identifying author, school, faculty, or contact information
  • Abstract (one page max., with “The Statement of Professional Responsibility” – see below – included on this page)
  • The word “Debut” marked on a paper written by authors who have not previously presented at a regional or national convention.
  • The word “Student” marked on a paper written by a student.
  • Required file format: MSWord or .pdf
  • Consistent formatting: APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago style
  • Double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font
  • Requests for audio-visual equipment
  • Special requests

Submission of Panel Proposals: Submission of panel proposals should include the following elements submitted through Attendee Interactive:

  • A thematic title for the program.
  • Names of the Chair and Respondent (if any). (Chairs should not be additionally designated as Respondents.)
  • Names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and institutional affiliations for all participants.
  • Titles and abstracts for each paper or presentation.
  • A program copy (no more than 75-words) as it should appear in the final program.
  • A detailed rationale for the panel (10,000 characters max.).
  • Requests for audio-visual equipment
  • Special requests
  • A “Statement of Professional Responsibility.”

Submission of Roundtable Proposals: Submission of roundtable proposals should include the following elements submitted through Attendee Interactive:

  • A thematic title for the program.
  • Name of the Chair.
  • Names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses, and institutional affiliations for all participants.
  • A program copy (no more than a 75-word description) as it should appear in the final program.
  • A detailed rationale for roundtable (10,000 characters max)
  • Target audience (10,000 characters max)
  • Requests for audio-visual equipment
  • Special requests
  • A “Statement of Professional Responsibility”

The following is the “Statement of Professional Responsibility,” which MUST be included in order for submissions to be eligible for review: 

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 or programmed. I/We further recognize that all who attend and present at ECA’s annual meeting must register and pay required fees.

Submit Here.

Convention acceptance notifications: January 2027.

For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit the ECA website: http://www.ecasite.org/.  For additional information about the Institute of General Semantics, please visit the IGS website: https://www.generalsemantics.org

All questions or concerns related to submissions, and to the Institute of General Semantics as an Affiliate Organization of the ECA, can be directed to the program coordinator:  

Thom Gencarelli
Professor Emeritus
Communication, Sound, and Media Arts Department
Manhattan University
Riverdale, NY 10471
thom.gencarelli@manhattan.edu