The 85th Pennsylvania Communication Association Conference
“Tracks to Transformation: Communicating in a Changing World”
September 26-27, 2025
Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA
In a world marked by rapid change and unprecedented challenges, the need for thoughtful, innovative communication has never been more critical. From climate change and health crises to technological advancements and social upheaval, the ways in which we communicate are vital to shaping a sustainable, equitable, and connected future. Just as railroads link distant places and connect diverse communities, communication serves as the track upon which we build understanding, collaboration, and progress in an ever-evolving world.
The Pennsylvania Communication Association invites paper and panel submissions for the 85th Annual Conference, themed “Tracks to Transformation: Communicating in a Changing World.” This year’s conference will explore the ways communication practices contribute to societal transformation—across diverse fields such as health, media, education, ethics, politics, and technology. Just as a train journey through varied terrains, communication must navigate complex landscapes to drive social change, foster resilience, and build bridges between communities.
2025 PCA AWARDS CALL (Please review the awards information and criteria)
2025 CONVENTION CALL FOR PAPERS & PROPOSALS
Proposals should be submitted to interest council chairs via the links provided. For further details on submission guidelines and to view the full call for papers, please visit the links below. We look forward to engaging with scholars, educators, and practitioners who are exploring how communication can serve as the driving force on the tracks toward a more inclusive and just world.
The deadline for all submissions is now extended until May 31, 2025.
If you are submitting work to the following interest groups, please use these forms to submit your paper or panel:
- Applied Communication
- Communication Education
- Communication Ethics
- Communication Honor Societies
- Health Communication
- Interpersonal & Organizational Communication
- Intercultural Communication
- Media, Society & Technology
- Performance Studies
- Philosophy of Communication
- Rhetoric & Public Address
- Strategic Communication/IMC
- Undergraduate Student Research
- Poster Session
Questions about the 85th PCA conference at St. Francis University can be directed to Dr. Kimberly Flanders, PCA Vice President and Conference Planner, at kflanders@francis.edu.
Interest Council chair emails can be found on the association’s website.
Please click here to see the 2025 Writing Competition information.
HOTEL INFORMATION
- Comfort Inn Ebensburg, 111 Cook Rd., Ebensburg, PA, 15931 – (814) 472-6100
- Group Name: PA Communication Association – Group Number: DU93N0
CONTACTS
- Dr. Kimberly Flanders, Pennsylvania Communication Association VP President, kflanders@francis.edu.
- Dr. Janie Harden Fritz, Pennsylvania Communication Association Executive Director