Dear ECA members,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are all staying warm in this chilly weather! As we approach ECA 2026 in Pittsburgh, I want to share important updates and reminders to help you prepare for an exciting conference experience.
ECA 2026 Draft Program
I’m thrilled to share that the first draft of the ECA 2026 program is now LIVE! You can explore the program
using this link. If you notice any errors or items requiring adjustment as you review, please let me know by completing the form
at this link. Kindly submit any feedback or corrections by February 4.
Conference Registration
My goal is to have convention registration open by Monday, February 2. My team is working hard to solidify a few final pieces to ensure you all have the best convention experience!
Hotel Reservations
The Sheraton Station Square, our conference hotel, has provided a direct link for attendees to reserve their rooms. Booking through the
link on our convention page ensures that you receive the exclusive discounted room rate available to ECA members. We encourage you to reserve your hotel room soon to secure your spot at the conference hotel!
ECA Book Club!
In 2026, we will feature our first ECA Book Club! The selected book is
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by linguist Amanda Montell. You can find out more about the book through
this link. Be sure to read it before the convention so you can join the lively discussion.
ECA Sponsorship and Advertising
Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are in limited supply! We still have openings for our Graduate Programs Showcase, half or full-page ads in our printed program book, and full or co-sponsorships of various events and items (i.e. convention tote bag, student pad folio, student poster awards, coffee/snack breaks, etc.). Sponsorship is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your organization's success or offerings while contributing to the success of the conference. For a full list of opportunities, please visit
this link.
ECA Annual Awards
Every year, ECA recognizes those with exceptional contributions in teaching, research, and service. This year, we are offering 12 award categories, and we encourage you to nominate a colleague or yourself for an award! Award winners will be celebrated at our convention wide ECA 2026 Awards and Keynote Celebration. For detailed information on each award, please visit
this link. Please note that some awards have a February 15 deadline, while others are due by March 1. Submit your nominations to:
ecaawardssubs@gmail.com
ECA 2026 Swag
This year, driven by popular demand, we are offering ECA 2026 Swag! You can pre-order your Emergence T-Shirt or Zip-Hoodie at
this link. All orders will be available for pickup at convention registration. Note, all proceeds will support our students!
Social Media & Convention Website
Our convention website is full of useful information about the convention, things to do in the local area, tips for first time attendees, short courses, and more. You can access our convention website by following
this link. Also, be sure to follow the ECA on
Facebook and
Instagram for convention updates and swag giveaway contests!
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to all who submitted to our conference, as well as the reviewers for their timely efforts in evaluating submissions. A special thank you also goes to the Interest Group and Affiliate Organization planners for their dedication in curating such outstanding sessions for ECA 2026. This year’s conference promises to be an exciting experience, filled with endless opportunities for learning and networking. I look forward to seeing you all in Pittsburgh!
With gratitude,
Jessica
Jessica Papajcik
Associate Professor of Communication
Department Coordinator
Stark State College
First Vice President
Eastern Communication Association
