First-time NCA Convention Attendees

This webpage serves as a resource for newcomers (people attending the Annual Convention for the first time), especially for first-time student attendees.

Navigating Your First Convention

Events of General Interest: A Guide

The NCA Annual Convention hosts over 1,000 sessions each year. With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed! We recommend starting with the Events of General Interest, listed under the “Info Booth” tab on NCA Convention Central. Below is an overview of key sessions to attend:

Must-Attend Sessions

  • NCA Convention Registration
    Your first stop! Pick up your badge, program book, and other convention materials.
  • NCA Newcomer’s Welcome & Orientation
    For first-time attendees and new NCA members. Association officers provide an overview of the convention and NCA as a whole.
  • NCA Exhibit Hall
    Explore booths from publishers, tech companies, and other organizations. Many offer giveaways and valuable information.
  • NCA Welcome Reception
    All attendees are invited to reconnect and make new friends over light snacks.

General Sessions

  • Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecture
    This plenary session features leading researchers and showcases a wide range of communication research topics.
  • NCA Opening Session
    Focuses on a social justice issue related to the host city.
  • NCA Presidential Address & Awards Presentation
    The NCA President delivers an address, followed by the presentation of NCA Awards. A champagne toast follows the ceremony.

Sessions for Students

  • Graduate School Open House
    Meet representatives from various graduate programs. Be sure to have your convention badge to enter. The list of participating schools will be available online in October.
  • NCA Scholars’ Office Hours
    Get one-on-one advice from senior scholars on research, academic projects, and career paths in an interactive session.

Networking Opportunities

  • NCA Welcome Reception
    Open to all attendees—enjoy snacks and network with colleagues.
  • NCA Intercaucus Reception
    Celebrate with new friends on the last night of the convention. All are welcome, and light refreshments will be served.

Career Advancement

  • NCA Career Center
    Features the Job Fair, CV Consulting, free professional headshots, and PrepTalks on job searches. Be sure to wear your convention badge to enter. A list of participating organizations will be available online in October.
  • NCA Scholars’ Office Hours
    Discuss research, discipline insights, and career advice with experienced scholars in this interactive session.

Get Involved

  • Legislative Assembly (LA)
    The LA oversees NCA’s strategic direction and policymaking. Meetings are open to all members, though only LA members may vote and participate in debates.
  • NCA Second Vice President Candidates Forum
    Meet the candidates, ask questions, and hear their plans for NCA. Candidate names will be shared in the fall.

Especially for Educators

  • Great Ideas for Teaching Students (G.I.F.T.S)
    Discover new activities, projects, and techniques for teaching communication concepts and skills.
  • Teachers on Teaching
    Learn insights from the winners of NCA’s Teaching Awards as they share their experiences.

For Administrators

  • Department Chairs Forum
    Geared toward department chairs, this session addresses relevant topics selected by NCA’s Department of Academic and Professional Affairs.
  • Doctoral Chairs and Graduate Director Forum
    A session designed for doctoral chairs and graduate directors, focusing on current topics selected by the NCA Doctoral Education Committee.

NCA provides a number of opportunities for students who are planning to participate in the NCA Annual Convention. Below are some links to consider.

  • Student volunteer opportunities, which provide free convention registration to a limited number of students in exchange for volunteer work completed during the convention. For more information, visit the Volunteer Information page. *All student members must have a student membership current through December 1. If you have previously registered, and secure a volunteer position, you will receive a refund of your convention registration.
  • NCA’s IDEA Council is offering all students who qualify a NCA Student Caucus Travel Grant up to $300. Grant amount is dependent on the number of applicants. To qualify, a student must be an active NCA student member, signed up for at least once NCA caucus, registered to attend the NCA Annual Convention in Denver.