Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group
Call for Papers and Panels
Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
Annual Convention-Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 14th – 19th, 2026
Translate!
The Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA) invites competitive papers, paper panels, and discussion panel submissions for the 95th Annual Convention April 14- 19, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The deadline for submission is Oct. 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CDT. Members are encouraged to reflect on the theme of Translate! In the spirit of this theme, we also encourage submissions that may encourage us to think outside of our conceptions of the area of strategic and applied communication. Research in the fields of public relations, health, organizational, crisis, environmental, sports, political, and risk communication which applies a strategic and applied communication lens are highly encouraged.
The Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group highlights scholarship and pedagogy dealing with issues, strategies, and teaching materials related to strategic and applied communication practices and scholarship. The interest group encourages members to engage students and each other in study, analysis, evaluation, and participation in strategic and applied communication activities. The interest group strongly encourages networking and relationship building among students, faculty, and professionals in strategic and applied communication.
Faculty, students, independent scholars, professionals, and community members are encouraged to submit and attend the convention. Institutional and community partnerships are especially welcome. Submissions inclusive of all methodological perspectives in the communication discipline are expected and embraced. Submissions that foreground the voices of marginalized groups and underrepresented scholars are particularly welcomed.
Competitive Papers: In this category, only completed papers will be accepted. The paper must be submitted electronically using the CSCA online submission system. Author name(s) and identifying information must be removed. Papers should include a title and a brief abstract (required).
Only completed papers conforming to current APA standards will be accepted. Papers may not exceed 25 pages, excluding title, abstract, references, and appendices.
Students should type “STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page. If the paper will be a student debut, please type “DEBUT STUDENT” on the upper right-hand corner of the title page. To be considered a student debut paper:
The Dan Millar Top Student Paper Award will be presented to the highest rated student paper. A cash award comes with this award.
The Top Paper Award will be presented to the highest rated paper submission.
Panels: Preference will be given to panels with individuals representing multiple institutions rather than representing a single institution.
Paper Panels are those including completed papers encompassing a specific topic. These panels must have a chair, but a respondent is not always necessary. Generally, these panels will include at least four but no more than five panelists. Audience questions and reactions usually are reserved until after everyone on the panel has presented their paper.
Discussion Panels are those including four to seven panelists who provide a brief opening statement concerning a topic and then engage in discussion. Panel submissions must include the following: (a) title, (b) description (75 words or less), (c) rationale (75 words or less), and (d) a complete list of participants along with their institutional affiliations, and contact information. These panels must have a chair to introduce the panelists and to moderate the discussion. Audience questions/participation are encouraged. Additionally, no one person should serve more than one role on a panel. For example, a chair should not be a paper presenter or discussant on the same panel.
The Top Panel Award will be designated for the panel (discussion or paper) with the highest rated submission.
Please send submissions electronically through our CSCA online submission system site. All potential presenters must create a profile on the CSCA online submission system site (membership not required). All technology requests must be made at the time of submission. If you cannot deliver a presentation on a specific date, please add a note at the time of submission. Directions for using the online system are available at Online Submission Directions.
Inclusive Scholarship Award
The Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group is happy to take part in the Inclusive Scholarship Award process. If your paper should be considered for this, the paper must clearly articulate, in the abstract and at least one paragraph in the manuscript, how the respective scholarship explicitly addresses equity and inclusion. Additionally, make sure to select the Inclusive Scholarship option in submitting.
Questions about the Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group, please contact:
Questions about the general call or the 2026 conference:
Deadline for submissions: October 10, 2025, 11:59 PM CDT
Information about the technology policy and submission details can be found at https://www.csca-net.org (under the convention tab).
Hotel Information: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 370-1234 || https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/msprm-hyatt-regency-minneapolis
Check us out on social media! Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cscastrategicappliedcomm