08/25/2025

2026 ECA Convention Kenneth Burke Interest Group Call for Submissions

Call for Submissions
Kenneth Burke 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 Kenneth Burke Interest Group invites submissions for the 117th Eastern Communication Association Annual Conference (April 9-12, 2026, Pittsburgh, PA). While all paper, panel, and roundtable proposals shall be considered, those that address the conference theme will be particularly welcome. The 2026 convention theme is Emergence. This theme 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. Kenneth Burke's work fundamentally concerns how new meanings, perspectives, and social realities emerge through symbolic action. We invite submissions that explore how Burke's rhetorical theory illuminates processes of emergence across culture, consciousness, and creative expression.

Please encourage your undergraduate and graduate students to submit papers and panels to the Kenneth Burke Interest Group. In this interest group specifically and in Burke studies in general, it has been our tradition that we honor and promote student scholarship and scholarly work. We recognize that they are the future of the discipline. You can also request co-sponsored panels, when it is fitting, since Burke studies often involve multidisciplinary approaches.

Submission Guidelines for Individuals Papers

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.

Submission Guidelines for Panel/Program Proposals

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.  

Submission Guidelines for Roundtable/Workshop Proposals

Consider proposing a workshop led by two or three experts on a particular topic with audience involvement and participation. Similarly, consider submitting a roundtable discussion featuring 5-8 presenters who share their positions on a focused topic moderated by a chair. 

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.)  
  • 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.
• 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.

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! 

For additional information about the upcoming convention, please visit ECA’s website http://www.ecacomm.org. All questions or concerns related to the Kenneth Burke Interest Group can be directed to the 2026 IG Planner: Timothy Michaels trm5449@psu.edu

Convention Acceptance Notifications: January 2026