The National Association of Communication Centers (NACC) Excellence at the Center Conference 2026

Rochester Institute of Technology’s Expressive Communication Center is proud to host the 25th annual meeting of NACC’s Excellence at the Center Conference on April 9-11, 2026.

The theme for this year’s conference is Rising to the Moment: Communication Centers Leading Through Change.

This theme recognizes communication centers as thoughtful leaders who actively shape their response to transformation. In an era of evolving technology and shifting educational priorities, communication centers demonstrate how student-centered approaches can inform innovation and how inclusive practices can guide institutional decision-making.

We invite submissions that highlight communication centers as positive forces for change: developing effective pedagogical approaches, promoting equity in new technologies, supporting community resilience, and creating connections between innovation and accessibility. Whether integrating AI tools thoughtfully, maintaining welcoming spaces for diverse voices, or helping students develop skills for a changing world, communication centers are taking initiative to define what meaningful progress looks like in their contexts.

This theme acknowledges the active role communication centers play in turning emerging challenges into opportunities for growth, connection, and positive impact.

Hybrid Conference Format

This year’s conference will be held in a hybrid format. Participants can choose to attend in person for the full traditional conference experience or join online with live sessions and interactive participation via Zoom.

Those who register for the online conference will have access to live proceedings and the ability to engage with sessions and fellow participants through Zoom-connected classrooms, ensuring an interactive and inclusive experience regardless of location.

Submission Information

We invite all who are interested in participating and attending to submit a proposal for NACC’s Excellence at the Center Conference by Monday, February 23, 2026.

For Competitive Submissions, visit this page for more information

  • The conference welcomes proposals for presentation of original research papers that investigate a problem from an empirical or theoretical perspective (not intended for competition). Submissions can be written by individuals or groups. Chosen papers must be finalized and ready for presentation in April.
  • Proposals must include:
    • Title of Paper for Presentation
    • Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Abstract (no more than 300 words)
    • Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face paper presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: Non-Competitive Paper Proposal by February 23, 2026.

  • Panels include a discussion led by up to six participants on specific themes or issues relevant to communication centers. Panel proposals should include a description of how attendees will be invited to participate.
  • Proposals must include:
    • Title
    • Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Brief description of the panel
    • Brief rationale which connects panel to the conference theme
    • Intended NACC audience (student tutors, directors, those in the start-up planning stage, or some combination)
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: Discussion Panel Proposal by February 23, 2026.

  • Special slot(s) for GIFT presentations will be included based on interest. Individuals and small groups are encouraged to share unique, novel and/or effective approaches to teaching students, consulting with students, and/or communication center work. Please submit a title for the GIFT with a 150-word abstract.
  • Proposals must include:
    • Title
    • Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Brief description of the panel
    • 150-word GIFT abstract
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: GIFT Proposal by February 23, 2026.

  • Proposals from individuals or groups for 50-minute, face-to-face interactive teaching and learning workshops that speak to the conference theme are welcome. 
  • Workshops that offer creative strategies and materials that can be adapted for use at other centers are especially encouraged.
  • Workshop proposals must include:
    • Title
    • Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Brief description of the content to be covered
    • Brief rationale which connects workshop to the conference theme
    • Brief description of planned activities
    • Intended NACC audience (student tutors, directors, those in the start-up planning stage, or some combination)
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: Interactive Workshop Proposal by February 23, 2026.

  • Student staff members (tutors, consultants, peer educators, coaches) working in communication centers are invited to submit an Excellence at the Center essay.
  • Manuscript submissions for these single-authored essays should be 800-1000 words and should build on arguments rooted in literature while offering new approaches, interpretations, or extensions of communication center consulting practices. 
  • Student essay proposals must include:
    • Title
    • Student presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Abstract (no more than 300 words)
    • Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face paper presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: Student Essay by February 23, 2026.

  • We seek student authors to present their original communication center case studies and facilitate their case study discussion at the conference. 
  • Submissions can be written by individuals or groups. Penn State’s Case Writing Guide is encouraged to ensure continuity.
  • Student case studies proposals must include:
    • Title
    • Student presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Abstract (no more than 300 words)
    • Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: Student Case Study by February 23, 2026.

  • We seek faculty and administrators to present their original communication center case studies in administration and facilitate their case study discussion at the conference.  
  • Submissions can be written by individuals or groups.  
  • Penn State’s Case Writing Guide is encouraged to ensure continuity.
  • Proposals must include:
    • Title
    • Presenter’s name(s) & affiliation(s)
    • Abstract (no more than 300 words)
    • Indicate if the proposal is for a face-to-face presentation or if you will connect via Zoom.
  • If a proposal is accepted, registration will be required.
  • Email submissions to ritnacc@rit.edu with the subject line: Center Administration Case Study by February 23, 2026.

For Competitive Submissions, Read More > 

Registration Information

In-person registration will include lunch on Thursday and Friday and dinner on Friday.

Registration Deadline: Friday, March 27, 2026

  • Faculty In-Person: $175
  • Student In-Person: $85
  • Faculty Virtual : $100
  • Student Virtual: $50

Register Here

Travel and Accommodations

Rochester, known as the "Flower City" for its rich history in horticulture and innovation, sits on the southern shore of Lake Ontario and serves as a transportation hub in western New York. It is easily accessible via Interstate 90 (the New York State Thruway) and highways I-390 and I-490.

Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is approximately 5 miles from RIT, about a 10-minute drive, making it a convenient arrival point for conference attendees traveling by air.

More travel information

Parking. Check back in late March 2026 for details on where to park at the RIT campus. 

Hotel Accommodations at the DoubleTree by Hilton Rochester – Jefferson about 4 miles from RIT, approximately an 8-minute drive. Conference attendees can book rooms at the special rate of $145 per night. To book, mention the group code RIT NACC when making your reservation.

Make reservations now

Local Food, Attractions, and Discounts

Rochester is a vibrant city rich with history, culture, and plenty to explore, eat, and enjoy. For a full list of local shops, attractions, restaurants, and entertainment options, Visit Rochester has created a special page just for conference attendees, including exclusive discount offers to many popular spots.

Check out the Visit Rochester page to plan your visit and make the most of your time in the Flower City.

Conference Program

Follow us on Instagram for ongoing conference updates @natcommcenters.

Check back in late March 2026 for a full view of the conference program.

Contact

Elizabeth Reeves O'Connor headshot

Elizabeth Reeves O'Connor

Principal Lecturer
eargpt@rit.edu
585-475-6016

Director, Expressive Communication Center