WSCA
Cultivate Connection at WSCA’s Annual Convention this February 18-21, 2022
By Christina G. Yoshimura, WSCA President-Elect and Primary Program Planner
Our main goal in holding the Western States Communication Association Annual Convention in person in Portland this February is to provide engaging and enriching opportunities that our members missed over the past year.
Social distancing meant an increase in the breadth and frequency of streaming opportunities many people had. However, opportunities to create meaningful professional and interpersonal connections with people were in short supply while we quarantined. While our convention theme of “Cultivate” could be applied in many directions, we invite you to our Annual Convention with the particular promise of many opportunities for cultivating connection.
We will offer:
- A lively, hosted Welcome Reception
- Our new “Cultivate Connections” mentorship program and social event, open to all members at any stage of their career
- A full slate of panels across our 16 interest groups and affiliates (our submission portal is open until September 1 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time and the link and calls are available here)
- The return of the Undergraduate Scholars Research Conference, a first opportunity for many undergraduates to present their work in a professional association setting
- The interactive Graduate Open House recruitment event
- Our annual luncheon with two years of awardees and the provision of Portland’s renowned cuisine
- The Western States Communication Association Forensics Tournament, the only live forensics tournament held in conjunction with a regional convention
- And, of course, our traditional Sock Hop–if you haven’t been out dancing during the pandemic, now could be the time for your triumphant return to the dance floor
We can’t wait to see you in Portland. Please submit your work, make sure that your membership is current to receive our email updates, and keep tabs on our website at https://www.westcomm.org for more information.