03/31/2026

2026 CSCA Conference IFCIG Key Details and Election Call

Hello Interpersonal and Family Communication Interest Group Members!

The 2026 convention is right around the corner, and I can’t wait to see many of you in Minneapolis in a few weeks.

Our Business Meeting is on Thursday, April 16 from 2:00pm to 3:15pm in Lakeshore A, followed right after by our Top Papers from 3:30-4:45pm in the same room.

In addition to some fantastic paper panels this year we also have some excellent discussions taking place that I hope you’ll join us for, I’ve noted two below:

Collaborating Across Family Science and Communication: Translating Scholarship for Policy, Practice, and People (Top Panel) 

Thursday April 16, 5:00-6:15pm Lakeshore A

This panel highlights the value of cross-disciplinary collaboration in advancing translational scholarship. Panelists (members of CSCA and the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)) will join this moderated discussion to explore intersections between Communication and Family Studies, emphasizing how cross-association engagement can enhance public impact and improve

translational scholarship. The session will invite audience engagement to consider how CSCA and NCFR members might collaborate to further translate our research into practice, policy, and community engagement, expanding our reach outside of traditional academic audiences. We will end the session with dedicated time for professional networking.

A Roast of Dr. Mike Allen: Honoring the Legacy and Legend of an Academic Juggernaut

Friday April 17, 4:30-5:45pm Lakeshore A

This panel will roast Dr. Mike Allen, humorously celebrating his career as a scholar and teacher. Colleagues, administrators, and former students will share affectionate and witty reflections on how he shaped their professional paths. In this lighthearted, celebrity-style roast, panelists will praise and playfully mock Dr. Allen before he responds in kind. The session will conclude with audience members sharing personal stories of Dr. Allen's influence on their academic and professional journeys.

Finally, we are seeking nominations for the division for the upcoming year for the following roles:

• Vice Chair/Chair (two year term): During the first year, they will assist the Chair, serve as a paper reader, and attend the planning panel at CSCA in 2027.  During the second year, you will serve as chair, planning the 2028 conference, and overseeing the first half of the business meeting for that conference.
• Secretary (two year term): Records minutes of each interest group meeting, distributes meeting minutes to member and officers as requested and at the annual interest group business meeting. Presides at any meeting in the event both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent. Sends out list of all panels/programs at least two weeks before that year’s annual conference (2027 and 2028 conferences).
• Paper Reader (Fall 2026 Commitment): Paper readers serve as reviewers for submissions for the 2027 CSCA conference. Most of the work will be done in October. The more readers, the fewer papers/panels one has to review. Our bylaws state we should elect at least six.

At this time we have one person indicating that they are running for Vice Chair, but we welcome additional nominations if there is interest, and are actively looking for folks interested in serving as secretary or as a paper reader. Please submit nominations, including self-nominations, to this survey link by Friday, April 10 at 12:00 pm CST. If you have any questions you can reach out to the current chair, Natalie Pennington (natalie.pennington@colostate.edu).

Natalie Pennington, Ph.D.
she/her/hers