MCA's 41st Annual Conference

Communication is shaped by generational perspectives, yet it also transcends them. This conference highlights literal and metaphorical voices that carry lessons, traditions, and innovations through time. Our theme, “Voices Through Time: Communicating Across Generations,” aims to examine how ideas are shared, identities are built, and stories are preserved. This theme connects past voices that resonate into the present, while today’s voices are crafted to influence the future. It inspires discussions on media literacy, cultural storytelling, increasing technological influence, and the inherent human desire to connect across the ages.

Join us for this in-person conference at Bowie State University, where communication educators, scholars, and professionals will explore how voices—old and new—shape understanding, foster connection, and create bridges across time and generations. Submissions related to the conference theme are especially encouraged, including those exploring education, digital media, social change, technology, cultural narratives, and intergenerational dialogue.

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Call for Proposals Deadlines

• Friday, January 30, 2026: Faculty & Professionals

• Monday, February 9, 2026: Students

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Proposal Types and Formats

1. MCA Scholarship Presentation (10–15 minutes)

Individual paper presentations are research-based and explore communication scholarship, theories, and concepts. Your study can break new ground or reconsider existing arguments on communication topics. This submission type is for faculty, staff, and graduate students.

To Submit: By January 30, submit online: name, organization affiliation, position title, email address, brief biography (≤100 words), presentation title, and abstract (≤250 words). Complete the online submission form.

 

2. MCA G.I.F.T.S. (Great Ideas for Teaching Students) Presentations (10–15 minutes)

G.I.F.T.S. should be classroom-tested activities, assignments, projects, simulations, or departmental initiatives (competitions, festivals, etc.) that address a communication theory, concept, skill, or learning objective. Open to teachers at all levels.
 

To Submit: By January 30, submit online: name, organization affiliation, position title, email address, brief biography (≤100 words), G.I.F.T.S. title, and project summary (≤250 words). Complete the online submission form.

 

3. MCA Professional Development Panel (5 minutes + Q&A)

Colleagues in any communication-related career area are invited to share insights supporting students, recent alumni, and emerging professionals. Each panelist has five minutes to discuss their career overview and advice before Q&A.
 

To Submit: By January 30, submit online: name, organization affiliation, position title, email address, brief biography (≤100 words), and key career lessons (≤250 words). Complete the online submission form.

 

4. MCA Student 3-Minute Blitz (3 minutes)

Inspired by the international Three Minute Thesis competition, this fast-paced session challenges students to present research ideas clearly and engagingly in just three minutes. Undergraduate and graduate students welcome.

 

To Submit: By February 9, submit online: name, organization affiliation, email address, year in school, major(s)/minor(s), presentation title, and research summary (≤250 words). Complete the online submission form.

 

5. MCA Student Posters (5-8 minutes)

The MCA Student Poster session offers a dynamic and interactive forum for undergraduate and graduate students to share their research with a diverse audience of academics and professionals. This is an excellent opportunity to receive feedback, network, and present your work in a visually engaging format during the Friday evening reception. Posters can feature completed research or projects-in-progress.

 

To Submit: By February 9, submit online: name, organization affiliation, email address, year in school, major(s)/minor(s), presentation title, and summary (≤100 words). Complete the online submission form.

Conference Registration Rates

• Member Early Bird Registration (on or before 1/30/26): $70
• Member Registration (after 1/30/26): $75
• Nonmember Registration: $100
• Student Member Early Bird Registration (on or before 1/30/26): $35
• Student Member Registration (after 1/30/26): $40
• Student Nonmember Registration: $50

Membership Options

Individual Memberships
• $30 Full-time Faculty/Staff
• $20 Part-time Faculty/Staff
• $10 Student

Institutional Memberships
• $125 Institutional Membership (includes membership for five people and institutional logo on conference materials)

Membership Benefits

• Access to the MCA affinity network
• Professional and academic networking across Maryland
• Subscription to the MCA newsletter
• Eligibility for leadership roles and voting rights
• Access to professional development opportunities

 

About Us

The Maryland Communication Association is a collective of communication educators, students, and professionals who are active teachers, trainers, researchers, authors, practitioners, and leaders. Founded in 1973 as the Maryland Communication Cooperative, MCA has played a key role in developing statewide communication competency standards and supporting articulation agreements in Maryland higher education.

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