Maryland Communication
Association
MCA 42nd Annual Conference
It's Time to Talk: Where Academia and Industry Connect
Pre-Conference March 4, 2027
Online
Conference March 5-6, 2027
Bowie State University
About the Conference
Academic and industry communication professionals have similar interests, yet bridging synergies between each sector is often challenging. This conference highlights the opportunities for members of each group to gather and discuss communication—pedagogy, policies and plans—for all aspects of the profession. Our theme,
“It’s Time to Talk: Where Academia and Industry Connect,” aims to explore collaborative aspects of communication for academics, students and the industry such as curriculum alignment, student workforce preparation and the application of research to industry. Ideal for students, faculty, and media and communication industry professionals, the conference will connect and inspire discussions on academic and industry practices, media literacy, cultural storytelling, increasing technological influence, and the inherent human desire to connect across all segments of society.
Engage Scholarship
Present and explore current research across communication subfields.
Why Attend MCA 2027?
Strengthen Teaching & Practice
Learn strategies you can apply in the classroom and professional contexts.
Build Community
Connect with colleagues, mentors, and students from across Maryland.
Conference Details
-
Dates: Thursday March 4, 2027
-
Location: Online (Pre-Conference)
-
Format: Panel sessions, Workshops, Top Research Paper Awards
-
Audience: Faculty, students, and communication professionals
-
Dates: Friday, March 6-Saturday, March 7, 2026
-
Location: Bowie State University
-
Format: In-person sessions, panels, posters, and networking
-
Audience: Faculty, students, and communication professionals
Register to Attend
Join colleagues from across Maryland for three days of scholarship, conversation, and collaboration. Member, non-member, and student rates are available.
Featured Speakers/Program Highlights
Conference schedule is pending
Thursday March 4, 2027:
Online
Friday, March 5, 2027:
Bowie State University, MLK Center
Saturday, March 6, 2027:
Bowie State University, MLK Center
Venue & Travel
The in-person conference will be held at Bowie State University, located in Bowie, Maryland.
Information about parking and accessibility will be shared closer to the conference date.
Hotels
The following hotels are located within a few miles of Bowie State University and may be convenient options for conference attendees. The Maryland Communication Association does not have an official conference hotel or reserved room blocks. Availability, rates, and amenities vary by property, and attendees are encouraged to make arrangements directly with the hotel of their choice.
Nearby hotels include:
Travel Options
Travel by Car
Bowie State University is easily accessible by car and is located near major highways, including U.S. Route 50 and the Baltimore–Washington Parkway (MD-295). On-campus parking will be available for conference attendees.
Travel by Rail
Bowie State University has a train stop on the Maryland Commuter Rail (MARC) Penn Line that runs between Baltimore's Penn Station and Washington Union Station.
Travel by Bus
Bowie State University also is a stop on three Metrobus lines operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: B21, B22, and B27. These bus lines connect the University with the New Carrollton station of the Washington, D.C., Metro subway system.