NCA 2027 heads to the Sunshine State
Dear colleagues,
I am excited to announce that the 2027 National Communication Association Annual Convention is moving from Salt Lake City to Orlando, Florida, at the Orlando World Center Marriott Nov. 19 to 22
While we are enthusiastic about the opportunities Orlando presents, we also recognize that Florida’s current political climate raises legitimate concerns among members of our scholarly community, particularly regarding inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA).
The National Office and NCA leadership remain steadfast in our commitment to IDEA and will continue to ensure its guiding principles are central to our planning and execution of the convention.
How did we get here?
Last October, the Salt Palace Convention Center informed NCA of revitalization work in downtown Salt Lake City. In May 2026, we received official notice that the entire convention center will close for three years starting in 2027. That gave our convention team, led by LaShawn Duckett, senior director of convention and strategic operations, four months to find a new home for more than 950 sessions. (Read more about the Salt Palace closure.)
While the convention team worked dutifully to ensure a successful 2026 convention in New Orleans, the team also handled the logistics of issuing a request for proposals, conducting site visits to several possible locations and reviewing materials with the Convention Committee. Likewise, the Executive Committee remained up to date on the progress and held a productive conversation about convention venues at its August meeting.
After reviewing all suggestions and recommendations from the Convention Committee, the Executive Committee and the National Office convention team, I decided to bring NCA’s talents to the Orlando World Center Marriott.
The venue provides convention attendees with ample space to present and discuss the latest research in the communication discipline; share effective teaching practices, experiences and innovations; network and collaborate with colleagues; and support professional development. The venue also reinforces NCA’s commitment to IDEA because of its accessibility throughout the property.
The standard timeline for finding a location is roughly six to seven years. The convention team had about four months to navigate and finalize a 2027 location, which greatly limited the available options. The team did all this while finalizing logistics for this year’s convention in New Orleans. I am grateful for the staff’s dedication and hard work ensuring zero interruptions to the 2026 convention in New Orleans and an easy transition to Orlando in 2027.
A major S.H.I.F.T. for 2027
The biggest shift, aside from the location, will be the convention dates. Because of limited time and venue options, the 2027 convention in Orlando is shifting to a Friday-through-Monday (Nov. 19 to 22) schedule rather than the typical Thursday-through-Sunday schedule.
On a practical note, we negotiated a modified resort fee of $38 a night, a $9 reduction from the standard $47 rate. This modified fee removes the four daily water park passes but maintains enhanced Wi-Fi, complimentary shuttles to Disney Springs and theme parks, and access to all resort amenities. Members can opt in to the full $47 fee at check-in if they prefer to have the water park passes included. We are also committed to keeping convention registration, sessions and core programming accessible and affordable regardless of resort fee choice.
Again, I want to recognize that some members may have concerns about Florida’s current political climate, and I want you to know that we hear and understand those concerns. We will continue to pay close attention to policies and decisions that affect our members and the communication discipline, and we will work through our established governance processes to ensure our actions reflect the values we stand for as an association.
“When I chose ‘S.H.I.F.T.’ as our 2027 convention theme, I never imagined it would mean a literal shift to a new city,” said NCA Second Vice President Srivi Ramasubramanian. “As they say, ‘Shi(f)t happens!’ Finding a new home for a large convention on short notice is no small feat. I am deeply grateful to the NCA staff and leadership for their support in navigating these uncharted waters with care and grace. We are thrilled that the Orlando World Center Marriott has opened its doors to us. We ask for your patience and good humor as we make this transition — and please help us spread the word.”
Special acknowledgments
I would like to thank Maureen Coleman, who is a former NCA staff member and has worked with NCA as a convention consultant through Coleman and Associates for most of this century. Maureen was instrumental in negotiating with several venues across various cities before we decided on Orlando.
I would also like to thank LaShawn Duckett. She is a rock star in the association world, and NCA is lucky to have her.
Special thanks go to the Convention Committee. Chaired by David Rhea, the committee dedicated numerous hours of service work beyond what was expected. Thank you to all its members: Katherine Howell, Shana Kopaczewski, Joy Daggs, Adam Rainear and Stephen Warren.
Thank you to current NCA President Tina Harris for her support during this process and for remaining calm, cool and collected throughout.
Thank you to Srivi Ramasubramanian, who will be NCA’s first vice president in 2027 and the primary program planner for the convention in Orlando. Her grace and positive attitude have been vital during this process. I cannot wait to see how “S.H.I.F.T.” comes to life in the coming months, leading up to a successful convention.
As we look toward the future, NCA remains committed to advancing the priorities of our strategic plan, enhancing member value, fostering an IDEA-driven community and creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth and collaboration. The shift to Orlando reflects not only our ability to adapt to unexpected challenges but also our determination to innovate, strengthen our annual convention and position NCA for long-term success.
Change presents opportunity, and we intend to embrace it. Together, we will continue moving NCA forward as the leading scholarly association in communication. I look forward to seeing you in Orlando in 2027!
All my best,
Justin Danowski
Executive Director
National Communication Association
