Eastern Communication Association

Happy Winner Wednesday!

This week, we're celebrating Michael R. Kearney (Dordt University) for receiving the Everett Lee Hunt Award at this year's ECA Convention. The Hunt Award reflects the philosophic commitment and scholarly contributions of Everett Lee Hunt, one of the founders of the discipline of communication and the eighth president of ECA (1927-1929).

Congratulations, Michael, on your scholarly achievement!

Winner Wednesday is back 🎉🎉🎉

We're honoring some of our exceptional members of the ECA community each week that were recognized at the 2026 conference.

This week, we are recognizing Theodore F. Sheckels, recipient of both the Richard E. Vatz Agenda-Spin Persuasion Award and the Applied Urban Communication Research Grant.

Congratulations!

Join us in Reston, VA just outside of Washington, D.C. for the 118th Annual Eastern Communication Association Convention from March 30-April 4, 2027!

Submissions are now open for all Interest Groups and Affiliates. Submit your scholarly work by October 9, 2026, 11:59 PST on our Attendee Interactive site: https://ww4.aievolution.com/eca2701/

We can’t wait to see you in Reston!

Congratulations are in order 🎉

A big thank you and congratulations to Dr. Stacy Smulowitz for her service as Executive Director to our organization for the past six years. Stacy has been an essential asset in strengthening ECA and we so are grateful for her expertise and contributions to our organization throughout her tenure.

We also want to congratulate our new Executive Director, Dr. Katherine Thweatt, who has been shadowing Stacy over the past year and officially took the mantle on July 1. We are so excited for Katherine’s leadership in her new role!

ECA is proud to announce Dr. Kati Sudnick, University of North Carolina Wilmington, as the new Director of Social and Digital Media! Dr. Sudnick began her three-year term as Director on the Sunday of ECA 2026. We look forward to the great strides Kati will make in this role! Congratulations!

Good morning, ECA! We can't believe we've already reached the final day of programming at the 117th Eastern Communication Association Convention — what an incredible few days it has been!

Be sure to take advantage of today's panels and paper presentations as you connect with colleagues and engage with the latest work in our field. Here's what else is in store for the day:

8:00–11:30 AM — Start your morning at the Morning Coffee & Snack Cafe
8:00–9:00 AM — Ease into the day with Morning Emergence: Gentle Yoga
12:00–2:30 PM — Recharge at Afternoon Beverages & Bites
1:00–2:15 PM — Take a moment to reset with Mindful Emergence: Guided Meditation
2:30–3:45 PM — Wrap up convention business at the ECA General Business Meeting
4:00–6:30 PM — Celebrate a fantastic convention at the President's Reception

All events are open to all conference registrants, so make the most of every moment! As you enjoy the day, don't forget to share your experiences with !

Good morning, ECA! We hope you had a wonderful first day — and we're excited to keep the momentum going on day two of the 117th Eastern Communication Association Convention!

Here's what's on tap for today:

8:00–11:30 AM — Kick off your morning at the Morning Coffee & Snack Cafe
11:30 AM–1:15 PM — Join us for the highly anticipated Keynote Address & Awards Celebration
6:00–8:00 PM — Wind down at Wine & Spots
8:00–10:30 PM — Cap off the night with ECA Pub Trivia!

As you enjoy another great day of connection, conversation, and discovery, don't forget to complete the scavenger hunt and attend business meetings to win chances for prizes at Saturday afternoon's President's Reception!

Good morning, ECA! Today marks the official start of the 117th Eastern Communication Association Convention! Throughout the day, you'll have plenty of opportunities to connect with both new and returning colleagues in between panel sessions, including morning and afternoon snack breaks in the Admiral Room. This evening, join us for the Newcomers and Welcome Reception in the Reflections Room, where you'll enjoy a stunning view of the Pittsburgh skyline overlooking the Monongahela River — and all conference registrants are welcome to attend.

As you explore the conference and the City of Bridges, don't forget to tag your posts with !

Good morning, ECA! We are officially under one week from the start of the 2026 ECA Conference in Pittsburgh. As we prepare to reconnect in the "City of Bridges", tag a colleague you're excited to see. Let's see how many bridges and networks we can create!

Wrap up your ECA conference experience by joining us for a comedy show + tour of the Burgh!

Hop on the with us as we see the sights and have a few laughs.

🗓️ Saturday, April 11 @ 7:30p
📍 Pick up & drop off right at the Station Square Sheraton

⏩Spaces are filling up fast. Book your spot now!

Link in bio or go to the conference home page!