Call for Papers, Panels, and Proposals
81st PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE via VIRTUAL PLATFORM
“Living Memorials”
Friday, October 8th – Saturday, October 9th, 2021
Hosted by Geneva College, 3200 College Avenue, Beaver Falls, PA 15010

UPDATED SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JUNE 30, 2021

Hannah Arendt wrote in her introduction to the collection of essays entitled Between Past and
Future, “Thus the treasure was lost not because of historical circumstances and the adversity of
reality but because no tradition had foreseen its appearance or its reality, because no testament
had willed it for the future.” Without giving testimony to what we have witnessed we risk the
death of traditions spawned by our vital response to the difficulties and troubles we pass through.
Memorials provide a sign for the coming generation so that they may understand the treasure
they inherit. The Pennsylvania Communication Association (PCA) invites paper and panel
submissions exploring the words and deeds of commemoration as outlined and expanded in the
works of Hannah Arendt. All research methodologies and philosophical perspectives are
welcome. Papers addressing other topics, thinkers and theories of communication are also
welcome.

The PCA Annual Conference will be held October 8th and 9, 2021 hosted by Geneva College.
Proposals should be submitted to specific Interest Council chairs via email. Interest Council chair emails
can be found on the association’s website. Questions about submitting work can be directed to
Joel S. Ward, PCA Vice President and Conference Planner, at jsward@geneva.edu by June 15th, 2021.

SUBMISSION INFORMATION

Proposals should be submitted to specific Interest Council chairs via email. Interest Council chair emails
can be found on the association’s website.

Full Papers—Papers no longer than 25 pages in length are preferred. Abstracts will be
considered. Submissions should include: • A detachable title page with the title of the
paper and the author’s affiliation, mailing address, telephone number, email address, and
institutional affiliation. The word “debut” marked on all papers written by authors who
have not presented previously at any communication convention or conference. The word
“student” for all graduate or undergraduate authored papers. • A one-page abstract on the
second page, with the Statement of Professional Responsibility (see below). • If the paper
has multiple authors, please indicate who will be presenting at the conference.

Panel Proposals—Submissions of panel proposals should include: • A thematic title for the
program. • Names of the panel chair and respondent. • Names, mailing addresses,
telephone numbers, email addresses, and institutional affiliations of all participants. • Titles
and abstracts of no more than 150 words for each paper or presentation. • A detailed
rationale for the program or panel. • A Statement of Professional Responsibility (see below).

Poster Submissions— Please click here to see the call for poster sessions.

Statement of Professional Responsibility—Please include the following Statement of Professional
Responsibility under the paper or panel abstract:

“In submitting the attached paper or proposal, I/We recognize that this submission is considered a professional responsibility. I/We agree to present this panel or paper if it is accepted and programmed. I/We further recognize that all who present at PCA’s annual meeting must register and pay the required fees.”

Audio-Visual Equipment—Each virtual conference room will have the options for screen sharing
to present visual aids.

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
On June 1st, 2021, registration and login information for the virtual platform will be posted on
the PCA website.

CONTACTS

1. Dr. Joel Ward, Pennsylvania Communication Association, Vice-President,
   jsward@geneva.edu
2. Dr. Ronald C. Arnett, Pennsylvania Communication Association, Executive Director
3. Mrs. Rita McCaffrey, Administrative Assistant II, mccaffreyr@duq.edu, 412-396-6446