Call for Papers

 118th Annual ECA Convention

118^th Eastern Communication Association Annual Convention

Hyatt Regency, Reston, VA

March 30 - April 4, 2027

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 9, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARS CONFERENCE & GRADUATE POSTER DEADLINE: DECEMBER 18, 2026, 11:59 PM PST

For the first time in 16 years, the Commonwealth of Virginia will host the ECA annual convention. The 2027 conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Reston in Fairfax County off the Capital Beltway – an area where discourse shapes national dialogue, diverse communities converge, and history unfolds. The location embodies the conference theme, “Full Circle,” a return to the roots of democratic communication while embracing the continuous cycles of change that define our discipline, region, and world.

Full Circle invites a reflection on the cyclical nature of ideas, relationships, and professional journeys. Submissions that creatively, innovatively, and openly engage with this theme, drawing on your unique experiences are encouraged, including:

• How are we, as scholars, balancing the foundational questions of the discipline while expanding our horizons? Papers, panels, and roundtables that showcase an expansion of theoretical, philosophical, and/or methodological knowledge are particularly encouraged.
• In an ever-changing academic, informational, and technological landscape, how can we utilize research and pedagogy to deal with present-day issues and future implications?
• In what ways have you come full circle in your career, research program, or pedagogical approach? What insights emerged from completing that arc?
• What relationships, collaborations, or mentorships have come full circle in your professional life? How can we better cultivate and celebrate these connections?
• What does it mean to bring students full circle–from their first communication course to their emergence as practitioners, scholars, or engaged citizens?
• In what ways can ECA, as an organization, come full circle by reconnecting with its mission, values, and the needs of its diverse membership?

The 2027 Convention will feature the biennial Basic Course Conference, providing a dedicated forum for educators teaching foundational communication courses to share pedagogical innovations, research, and best practices.

The Convention Planning team, working alongside Interest Group planners and ECA leadership, is committed to offering a meaningful, beneficial, and invigorating convention. Welcome to Virginia — attendees can look forward to the Commonwealth's rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

See you in 2027! Let’s come Full Circle – together.

Link to Undergraduate Scholars Conference Call for Submissions

Link to Competitive Graduate Posters Call for Submissions

Link to Short Courses Call for Submissions

ECA 2027 CONVENTION PLANNERS CONTACT INFORMATION

Thank you to the individuals listed here for their service to ECA and to our discipline.

ECA 2027 Planning Team
ecafullcircle@gmail.com