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07/24/2025

2026 ECA Convention Media Communication Interest Group Call for Submissions

The Media Communication Interest Group is excited to announce the Call for Papers for the 117th Eastern Communication Association (ECA) Convention, taking place April 9–12, 2026, in Pittsburgh, PA. The convention theme is Emergence. We accept completed competitive papers and panel proposals.

We invite research on all forms of media—traditional and new—covering content, forms, structures, effects, and computer-mediated communication and processes. We welcome a variety of research approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, rhetorical, and critical/interpretive methods, to examine the impact and development of media. Submissions that engage the theme of Emergence in creative and innovative ways are especially encouraged. Upload your submissions via Attendee Interactive: https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. The submission deadline is October 19, 2025, 11:59 PM PST.

Pittsburgh, also known as the “City of Bridges,” offers a dynamic backdrop for reflection on Emergence. With its thriving arts scene, rich cultural history, and transformation from an industrial hub to a center for technology and creativity, the city itself embodies the theme of our 2026 convention.

To help maintain a high-quality, engaging program and supports the broader scholarly community, the Interest Group also invites researchers, colleagues, and advanced students to serve as reviewers for submitted papers and panels.We also encourage you to share this call with others who may be interested. If you would like to serve as a reviewer, please contact the 2026 Media Communication Program Planner, Dr. Yiyi Yang (Communication Studies), University of North Carolina Wilmington, at yangy@uncw.edu.

We look forward to your contributions and to an engaging program in Pittsburgh!

Call for Submissions 
Media Communication Interest Group  
The 117th Annual Convention of the Eastern Communication Association
Emergence  
Sheraton Station Square, Pittsburgh, PA  

April 9 – 12, 2026  

Submission Deadline: October 19, 2025, 11:59 pm PST  

The ECA Media Communication Interest Group welcomes completed competitive papers, panels submissions, and round table submissions for the 117th Eastern Communication Association Convention, which will be held in Pittsburgh  from April 9 to 12, 2026. 

  • Individual Paper: A completed paper reporting original research, an extensive literature review, or other forms of scholarship.
  • Panel: three to four speakers presenting coordinated individual papers on a specific topic area.

The theme for 2026 is Emergence, which invites reflection on the emergence of new perspectives, enlightenment, or awakening; the rise of cultural or societal trends, movements, or norms; and the emergence of creative ideas, movements, or transformative works. Submissions that creatively, innovatively, and openly engage with this theme within the context of Media Studies are encouraged, but all submissions will be considered. Submissions must be uploaded through Attendee Interactive, accessed through the convention page of the ECA website, or this direct link https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2601/. Training material is available on the ECA website for using this platform. 

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.

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.)  
    • 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. 

Technology A/V Availability
The 2026 Convention will be fully equipped with technology capabilities. A projector, screen, sound, wireless mouse and slide advancer, and Wi-Fi will be available in all breakout rooms. 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! 

Interest Group Contact
Send all questions to the Media Communication ECA Planner 2026, Yiyi Yang yangy@uncw.edu.

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026 

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