NCA Annual Convention

Thank You from the First Vice President

After a tremendously challenging year filled with isolation, concern, and the unknown, we were finally able to meet as a community for our first-ever completely virtual convention. It was not a normal convention by any means, but it was such an incredible experience and a tremendous opportunity to illustrate the strength and resilience of both the Communication discipline and the membership of this association. Gathering with you all was reinvigorating, and I hope you were equally strengthened and encouraged for the future.

Thank you to all attendees and submitters who made the outstanding, challenging, and engaging, paper sessions, panel discussions, G.I.F.T.S sessions, Short Courses, Preconferences, and other sessions this year possible.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Communication at the Crossroads sessions and to everyone who took part in this year’s Opening Session. Thank you to this year’s Carroll C. Arnold Distinguished Lecturer, Dr. Thomas K. Nakayama, for a phenomenal presentation. And, thank you to Dr. Kent A. Ono for an inspiring Presidential Address.

A special thank you to our convention sponsors for their generosity and vision: Routledge, Taylor & Francis and the Waterhouse Family Institute for the Study of Communication and Society.

Finally, a sincere thank you to all those involved in convention planning, which includes the National Communication Association officers, the Executive Committee, the Diversity Council, the Publications Council, the Research Council, the Teaching and Learning Council, the National Office staff, and unit leaders including division, caucus, and section officers.

Thank you all for your commitment and dedication to Communication teaching, scholarship, and service. I am looking forward to gathering again with you all for the NCA 107th Annual Convention in Seattle!

—David T. McMahan, NCA First Vice President, Missouri Western State University