Georgia Communication Association  

2025 Annual Conference and Film Festival 

February 6-8, 2025 

The University of West Georgia, Carrollton GA 

Submissions are due Fri, Nov 15, 2024 

Deadline extended to Sunday, Nov, 2024

gacomm.org 

Conference 

The Georgia Communication Association, state affiliate to the National Communication Association, is a network of secondary and post-secondary educators, working professionals, graduate and undergraduate students. Since 1931, GCA has served the advancement of communication inquiry and education in the state of Georgia. At our 2025 conference, attendees can expect to learn about new theories and methods in communication research, applications to understand the ways that communication shapes and is shaped by our world, and techniques to impact that world through education and praxis.  

Please plan to join us at The University of West Georgia in Carrollton for a social event Thursday evening, all-day programming and the Film Festival on Friday, and programming through the early afternoon on Saturday. More details to follow regarding accommodation and registration. 

 
Program & Networking Fair 
GCA welcomes any interested institution to participate in a Program & Networking Fair. Each participant will have a space assigned for a time block for meeting with prospective students, job applicants, or for other related networking. To reserve a space, please send an email directly to gacommail@gmail.com with ‘Program and Networking Fair’ in the Subject Line. 

Volunteers 
We welcome anyone willing to serve as reviewers, respondents, moderators, or general volunteers. Whether or not you submit to GCA 2025, please take a moment to indicate if you’re willing to volunteer and in what ways at https://gacomm.org/volunteer/  

Awards 

Reviewers will determine winners for a competitive Top Paper and Top Presentation, with separate categories for students. We are also exploring offering additional Awards at our 2025 event, including some to recognize strong participation from departments and schools! More to come this Fall!

Papers and Session Submissions 
GCA invites paper, panel, and GIFTS (Great Ideas for Teaching Students) proposals from faculty, students, and professionals. 

Both applied and research-based presentations are sought. Adjunct faculty, graduate student, and undergraduate student participation is encouraged. We especially welcome submissions from newcomers to the organization! 

Submissions must be made on our online portal, using a free account, at gacomm.org. Once you are logged in, you will see the “Submission Central” link in the 2025 Conference menu. You do not have to purchase a membership prior to submitting your proposal. Purchases for memberships and conference registration will be available soon. 

Submission Formats 

*Submissions without the appropriate attached materials will not be considered* 
 

Paper Presentation (10-15 min) Similar papers may be grouped in a session. Submit an Author(s), Title, and Category. Submit a 250 Word Abstract into the text box, and attach a synopsis of the complete paper and works cited (1-3 pages). Alternatively, we encourage submission of full papers, which will qualify for the Top Paper award. To submit a qualifying paper, submit a 250 Word Abstract into the text box, and attach a completed paper and bibliography (25 pages max). 

Panel Presentation (45 min) Intended for multiple presenters that may include faculty, students, and/or community partners, ideally with an interactive component. Submit Panelists (minimum 2), Title, and Category. Submit a 250-word abstract into the text box, and attach a document with a biography of panelists (1 paragraph each) and an annotated bibliography of relevant materials (annotation of 1 paragraph or less per source, 3 pages max). 

Roundtable Discussion (45 min) A presenter-facilitated discussion allowing for deeper engagement with an idea, trend, program, or research topic. Submit a Presenter(s), Title, and Category. Submit a 250-word abstract into the text box, and attach a document with a biography of presenters (1 paragraph each) and an annotated bibliography of relevant materials (annotation of 1 paragraph or less per source, 3 pages max). 

Interactive Workshop (45 min) Allows faculty, students, and/or communication practitioners to actively teach models for engaged or community-based learning. Submit a Presenter(s), Title, and Category. Submit a 250-word abstract into the text box, and attach a document with a biography of presenters (1 paragraph each) and an annotated bibliography of relevant materials (annotation of 1 paragraph or less per source, 3 pages max). 

Immersive Experience (90 min) A longer-form interactive workshop allowing for extended time to examine a singular topic or issue in depth. Submit a Presenter(s), Title, and Category. Submit a 250-word abstract into the text box, and attach a document with a biography of presenters (1 paragraph each) and an annotated bibliography of relevant materials (annotation of 1 paragraph or less per source, 3 pages max). 

“Great Ideas for Teaching Students”/GIFTS (5 minute max) Submit an abbreviated classroom idea, assignment, or activity that inspires innovative teaching and learning. Submit an Author(s), Title, and Category. Submit a 250-word abstract into the text box, and attach a document with a biography of presenters (1 paragraph each) and an annotated bibliography of relevant materials (annotation of 1 paragraph or less per source, 3 pages max). 

Submission Categories 
 
Categories have been revised from past years. Please choose your best fit. 

1. Argumentation and Forensics 

2. Communication Theory and Methodology  

3. Gender, Identity, Inclusion, and Justice Studies 

4. Health Communication 

5. Instructional Development, Pedagogy, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning 

6. Interpersonal and Small Group Communication 

7. Intercultural Communication 

8. Language and Social Interaction  

9. Film, Theater, and Performance Studies 

10. Journalism and Mass Communication 

11. Cultural Studies and New Media 

12. Games and Communication 

13. Organization and Business Communication 

14. Public Relations, Advertising, and Strategic Communication 

15. Rhetoric and Politics 
     

Film Festival 
The Georgia Communication Association Film Festival (GCAFF) is an annual student film festival presented by the Georgia Communication Association (GCA). GCA was established in 1931 with the purpose of fostering interest in communication studies, arts, and education. It is the state affiliate of the National Communication Association. GCAFF showcases outstanding films and videos made by college/university students in Georgia. We seek to highlight students’ inspiring work that reflects their creative voices and unique talents. The festival screening will take place on February 7, 2025, at University of West Georgia in Carrollton, GA. 

Online submissions will be accepted until December 31, 2024. Winners will be notified of the results by January 22, 2025. 
 

Submission Categories: Documentary, Narrative, Music video, PSA video 

Submission form: https://forms.gle/syxdppCbN3cd5yWp7