CFP Description
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One constant in life is change. This observation is especially true in the field of communication. We see the evolution of technology, the shift in the political environment, the complexity in our collective experience, climate variations, and the integration of different cultures. Problems can arise with changes, such as issues associated with the use of social media, political polarization, social and digital inequality, climate extremes, organizational challenges, health disparities, and marginalization, to
name a few. With all the changes and potential problems, ultimately, what matters the most is people’s voices and their lived experiences.
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Engaged communication is communication that transforms and brings about people-centered changes by engaging in conversations that aim to understand, empathize, collaborate, and challenge. Engaged communication is both participatory and transformative. It is for participation and transformation at various levels: personal, group, organizational, communal, societal, and global. Ultimately, engaged communication is about people’s lives.
The 84th annual conference of the New York State Communication Association invites participants to explore the connections between communication as a discipline and people’s experiences. Conference participants are encouraged to engage in research that bridges theory and practice. Conversations to address problems or to promote changes can take place in a classroom, within an organization, or in a community. How to know and how to see are essential. To know and to see from people’s perspectives through the lens of critical inquiry are the tasks of engaged communication. In a classroom, what can communication scholarship contribute to student engagement and student learning? Outside of the higher learning institutions, how can communication theories and research help a community understand and address its challenges? And how can communication, as a discipline, help to better people’s lives? Can we draw lines between communication theories, research, and practice? If so, what connections do we see?
We welcome submissions of completed or work-in-progress papers, extended abstracts, panels, roundtables, fishbowl conversations, student posters, and other innovative and engaging programs. Work related to the conference theme is encouraged, along with a range of communication topics from a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches.
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Submission Guidelines
Completed or work-in-progress paper submissions should be no more than 25 double-spaced pages (not inclusive of title and bibliography pages) and should not include any identifying information. The author, affiliation, and contact information should be provided separately in the body of the submission email. Papers should include a running head with an abbreviated title.
Any standard style is permitted. Completed or work-in-progress paper submissions from undergraduate and graduate students will be considered for student paper awards. Student submissions should indicate “undergraduate” or “graduate,” along with an abbreviated title in the running head. For all other presentation formats, including panel proposals, posters (students only), roundtables, fishbowls, and other innovative programs, please include the title, the lead contact or panel chair, the participants/authors, affiliations, contact information, and a description of the panel, poster, roundtable, etc. For each paper in a panel or roundtable proposal, please include a title, a list of authors, and abstracts of no more than 125 words for each presenter.
Statement of Professional Responsibility
A statement of professional responsibility should be included on the first page of all paper/panel/roundtable submissions, or in the email accompanying video/audio files, and should state the following: “In submitting the attached paper/panel proposal, poster or roundtable, I/ we agree to present at the 2026 NYSCA conference if it is accepted. I/ we further recognize that all who attend and present at NYSCA’s annual meeting must register and pay the required fees.”
Contact Information
Direct inquiries and email submissions to Ann Liao, Associate Professor, Department of Communication, SUNY Buffalo State, at NYSCA2026@buffalostate.edu.
Deadline
All submissions and proposals are due no later than midnight EST on July 1, 2026.
G.I.F.T.S Call​
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The Great Ideas For Teaching Students (GIFTS) session provides an excellent opportunity for faculty members and/or graduate students to share classroom-tested “great ideas” with other educators. All explorations of pedagogy are welcome, including submissions addressing the conference theme. Of interest are approaches exploring communicative engagement through collaboration, perspective taking and incorporating lived experiences.
Submissions may present an activity, assignment, project, game, simulation, etc., for exploring a communication theory, concept, skill, or learning objective.
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The GIFTS Presentation
A GIFTS presentation is a concise depiction of a specific, focused teaching idea that can be explained or demonstrated in 6-8 minutes. Presenters should consider providing a brief, comprehensive handout for interested participants (or a “QR code” if preferred). Submitters are reminded that the most valuable GIFTS are those that include a clear and succinct “how-to” approach. There will be limited, but basic, access to audio/visual equipment.
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Submission Guidelines
Please submit a one-paragraph abstract of your “great idea” as well as a 1-2 page description of the activity itself. This proposal should include your goal, rationale, directions, explanations, and typical results. Submissions should include the submitter’s name, institutional affiliation, email address, and telephone number.
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A statement of professional responsibility should be included with the submission stating the following: “In submitting the attached proposal, I/we agree to present at the 2024 NYSCA conference if it is accepted. I/we further recognize that all who attend and present at NYSCA's annual meeting must register and pay the required fees.”
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The conference policies will adhere to local and state guidelines for health and safety.
G.I.F.T.S. submissions should be emailed as a Word document attachment to: evelyn.plummer@shu.edu no later than July 12, 2026-11:59 pm ET. Selected panelists will be notified via email. Additional information about the full conference can be accessed via nyscanet.org.