03/02/2026

2026 ECA Critical/Cultural Interest Group Convention Programing

Hi, all,

ECA is almost here! Here are some Critical/Cultural IG items to be aware of. 

First, here are the session times/locations for all Crit/Cult events: 

Thurs. Apr. 9, 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM in Stoops Ferry: "Life Isn't Fair: The Sooner You Realize That, The Happier You'll Be": Communication, Unfairness, and the Emergence of Meaning (panel) 

Thurs. Apr. 9, 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM in Haselton 1: Emerging Identities: Race, Gender, and Culture Across Media (paper session) 

Fri. Apr. 10, 8:30 AM to 9:45 AM in Stoops Ferry: Black Knowledge Traditions and the Rhetoric of Embodiment (panel) 

Fri. Apr. 10, 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM in Haselton 1: Top Papers in the Critical/Cultural Communication Interest Group (paper session)

Fri. Apr. 10, 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM in Woodlawn: Critical/Cultural Communication Business Meeting. This is our first business meeting as Crit/Cult! Jess Papajcik will hand out raffle tickets for prizes to attendees, so don't miss it!

Sat. Apr. 11, 11:30 AM to 12:45 PM in Edenburg: The Emergence of Critical/Cultural Studies at ECA: Promise, Peril, and Precarity (round table discussion) 

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Thanks again to our reviewers for the time they dedicated to carefully reviewing all submissions. And some reminders:

• The convention will have full technology; you're welcome to use the convention themed slides available here. Bring your own laptop to plug into the room tech.
• Register for the convention if you haven't yet!
• Make sure not to miss the Welcome Reception, Convention-wide Keynote & Awards, Pub Trivia, the General Business Meeting, and the President's Reception, which are all chances to connect with your colleagues and learn more about ECA. 
• Book an ECA discount room at the Sheraton Station Square-- the deadline is March 10th and rooms are going quickly!
• ECA 2026 Shirts & Zip Hoodies are available for pre-order at this link. Orders will be available for pickup at convention registration. All proceeds support our students! The order deadline is March 9th.
• This year's program features our first ECA Book Club. The selected book is Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by linguist Amanda Montell. The Club will meet Friday from 4:30-5:45 PM in Elwood I. Be sure to have read the book to participate. 

I'm looking forward to seeing you in Pittsburgh in April! 

Anna E. Lindner

ECA 2026 Critical/Cultural Communication Interest Group Planner