"A Family Reunion": Participants ready to reunite in California with press team on board

By Abbey Niezgoda

It's the oldest of its kind. It's the largest of its kind. The National Communication Association Convention is a place where the forces of the field come together to share and to listen. In the days leading up to California, active members like Emerson College Communication Studies Chair Richard West wait in anticipation for this weekend's events.

"This is going to be both an invigorating and exhausting convention. I'm hoping that aside from the usual connections, that I get a chance to attend programs and presentations," West said.

As the long time members prepare for the journey, a new team along for the ride this year prepares as well. The NCA Press, based out of Emerson College, brings students studying communication to California to cover the conference. Dr. Gregory Payne saw a need to increase the flow of information and communication at a convention on the very discipline; therefore creating NCA Press.

"This is a real project with tangible results involving students with specialties that are characteristic of any press effort in the business of politics," Payne said.

The idea that originated at NCA Boston in 2006 will now come to California in 2008. An array of podcasts, photographs, blogs and up-to-date reports will keep attendees informed and the press team busy.

While some present research and experience through their papers, others will listen as press team covers it all. For some this is a place to network, for others it's a place to share thoughts, and for Emerson Dean of Comunication Janis Andersen, it's a time for old friends and new ideas.

"NCA is a time to connect with and catch up with lifelong friends, to meet new colleagues, to hear the latest research and to be inspired by the discipline's leaders. For me, NCA is a family reunion," Andersen said.

For all it's a place be immersed in the field of communication for one eventful weekend. This year, for the first time, the press team will be there to update you as it happens.