Central States Communication Association (CSCA)
Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group
Call for Papers and Panels
2027 Annual Conference
The Madison Concourse Hotel
Madison, Wisconsin
April 7th – 11th, 2027
Navigate–Finding Inspiration in Uncharted Terrain
Submission Deadline: Oct. 9, 2026, 11:59pm CDT
The Strategic and Applied Communication Interest Group of the Central States Communication Association (CSCA) invites competitive papers and panels for the 2027 CSCA Convention in Madison, WI. The group highlights scholarship and pedagogy at the intersection of strategic communication theory, applied practice, and teaching, welcoming a wide range of topical foci. We especially encourage members to address issues related to the convention theme: Navigate–Finding Inspiration in Uncharted Terrain. In that spirit, we also welcome submissions that push or expand conventional boundaries of the field. Research in public relations, health, organizational, crisis, environmental, sports, political, and risk communication applying a strategic and applied communication lens is highly encouraged.
Submissions from faculty, students, independent scholars, professionals, and community members are welcome; institutional and community partnerships are especially encouraged. We embrace submissions across all methodological perspectives and especially those that foreground the voices of marginalized groups and underrepresented scholars.
Competitive Papers: Only completed papers will be accepted. Author name(s) and identifying information must be removed. Papers should include a title and a brief abstract (required). 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 recognition.
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. These panels must have a chair to introduce the panelists and to moderate the discussion. Audience questions/participation are encouraged.
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[1] (csca-net.org)
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 the Chair: Dr. Rodrigo Soares (rodrigo.soares@uvm.edu)
Questions about the general call or the 2027 conference, please contact the 2027 Primary Program Planner: Dr. Stevie Munz (Smunz@uvu.edu)
Deadline for submissions: October 9, 2026, 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).
Check us out on social media! Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cscastrategicappliedcomm