The NCA Annual Convention offers several networking and educational opportunities for college and university departments. Learn more about these opportunities below.
We are excited to invite you to the Graduate School Open House (GSOH) during the NCA 2024-110th Annual Convention!
The GSOH offers a valuable opportunity for colleges and universities to connect with prospective students. Each registered department will have a booth where faculty can engage one-on-one with potential students, discuss their programs, and answer questions about admissions and requirements.
NCA thanks LSU Manship School of Mass Communucation for sponsoring the GSOH!
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, November 21
- Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Set-up Time: 12:00 p.m. – 12:50 p.m.
- Location: NCA Exhibit Hall, Acadia Ballroom, New Orleans Marriott
Booth Reservation Information
Reservation Deadline: October 15
To purchase your booth, follow these two steps:
- Complete and pay for the booth using the booth registration form.
- Add booth staff to your purchase.
- Register the booth staff for the convention.
For more details, please refer to our step-by-step instructions.
Rates:
- Member: $250
- Non-member: $400
If you see the non-member price of $400, it may indicate:
- Your department does not have an active membership.
- Your membership is active but not through December 1.
- You are not logged into the department member account.
If you wish to register as a member, please check your department's membership status or contact memberservice@natcom.org for assistance. For all other inquiries, please contact convention@natcom.org.
View Floorplan Purchase Booth Convention Registration
Cancellations:
Refunds will be issued for booth fees (less $50 processing fee) if requested in writing (e-mail convention@natcom.org) by October 15.
GSOH Policies
- Booth availability is on a first-paid, first-served basis.
- NCA Departmental memberships must be current through December 1 to qualify for the discounted rate.
- Each booth representative must register individually for the convention to access the GSOH area.
- All GSOH décor and signage must fit within the 8’ x 8’ booth and cannot extend into aisles or public spaces. NCA will remove any items that obstruct aisles, public areas, or access to other booths.
- Due to high demand, schools are not allowed to purchase additional booths.
- The deadline to apply for booth space and submit payment is October 9. NCA will not reserve space for schools or companies until payment is received.
- Departments may set up their booths between 12:00 p.m. and 12:50 p.m. Any booths that are not set up or staffed by 1:15 p.m. will be forfeited to schools on the waitlist.
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing by October 15 to receive a refund, minus a $50 processing fee.
- For questions about the GSOH, contact convention@natcom.org. For membership assistance, reach out to memberservice@natcom.org.
Compliance Requirements:
NCA requires all participating organizations to adhere to federal laws, including but not limited to the Civil Rights Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act during discussions or interviews with potential students. Additionally, representatives must only ask questions relevant to an individual’s qualifications for graduate study. Violations of these expectations may result in removal from the event without a refund and a ban from future participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. When is the Graduate School Open House? A: The GSOH will be held on Thursday, November 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The hall opens at 12:00 p.m. for participating departments to set up. |
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Q: Where is the Graduate School Open House located? A: The event will take place in the NCA Exhibit Hall, Acadia Ballroom, at the New Orleans Marriott. |
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Q: Does my department need to register for the Graduate School Open House and the annual convention? A: Yes, all departments and their representatives must register. Registration for the GSOH must be completed via a booth registration form. Individuals staffing the booth must also register and pay as convention attendees online. Only annual convention-registered attendees may work in your booth. All attendees must wear their convention badges for access to the exhibit hall. Convention registration opens in July 2024. |
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Q: Is a departmental membership required to participate? A: No, membership is not required. However, departments with membership pay a lower booth registration fee. Membership must be current through December 1 to qualify for the discounted rate. For questions regarding membership, please contact memberservice@natcom.org |
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Q: What is the registration deadline for the Graduate School Open House? A: The registration deadline is October 15, 2024. Booths often sell out before this date, and assignments are confirmed on a first-paid, first-served basis. Both the registration form and payment must be submitted together for confirmation. |
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Q: How are booth assignments determined? A: Assignments are made on a first-paid, first-served basis until all booths are filled. Booths will not be held without payment. |
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Q: Can my department purchase more than one booth? A: No. Given the event’s popularity, schools may not purchase extra booths. |
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Q: What is included with each booth? A: Each booth is 8 feet by 8 feet, including pipe and drape, one 6-foot table, and two chairs. Departments are encouraged to bring signs and promotional materials that fit on the table. Booth contents must not extend into the aisle or adjacent booths. To purchase an electrical outlet, please email convention@natcom.org. |
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Q: What materials should I bring? A: Departments should bring a tabletop sign or poster that clearly identifies their institution and graduate program, along with supplies for displaying signs (e.g., pins, tape, easels). |
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Q: Will there be a flyer/leaflet table? A: No, table surfaces are reserved solely for registered departments. |
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How do I order audio visual and electrical for my booth? A: AV and electrical can be ordered through Encore. |
Questions?
For questions about the GSOH, contact convention@natcom.org. For membership assistance, reach out to memberservice@natcom.org.
We are excited to invite you to the NCA Career Center during the NCA 2024-110th Annual Convention!
The NCA Career Center attracts a diverse group of attendees, including soon-to-be graduates and professionals seeking new career opportunities. The Job Fair, held during the Career Center, is an excellent way for employers to connect with potential employees. Each registered department will have a booth designed for one-on-one interactions with applicants. The Career Center is open to all registered attendees. The Career Center will also feature CV Consulting in addition to the Job Fair.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, November 22
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
- Set-up Time: 8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m.
- Location: NCA Exhibit Hall, Acadia Ballroom, New Orleans Marriott
View Exhibitor List & Job Postings
Booth Reservation Information
Reservation Deadline: October 15
To purchase your booth, follow these two steps:
- Complete and pay for the booth using the booth registration form.
- Add booth staff to your purchase.
- Register the booth staff for the convention.
For more details, please refer to our step-by-step instructions.
Rates:
- Member Rate: $225
- Non-member Rate: $425
If you see the non-member price of $425, it may indicate that:
- Your department does not have an active membership.
- Your membership is active but not through December 1.
- You are not logged into the department member account.
If you wish to register as a member, please check your department's membership status or contact memberservice@natcom.org for assistance. For all other inquiries, please contact us at convention@natcom.org.
View Floorplan Purchase Booth Convention Registration
Cancellations:
Refunds will be issued for booth fees (less $50 processing fee) if requested in writing (e-mail convention@natcom.org) by October 15.
Job Fair Policies
- Booth availability is on a first-paid, first-served basis.
- NCA Departmental memberships must be current through December 1 to qualify for the discounted rate.
- Each booth representative must register individually for the convention to access the Career Center area.
- All décor and signage must fit within the 8’ x 8’ booth and cannot extend into aisles or public spaces. NCA will remove any items that obstruct aisles, public areas, or access to other booths.
- The deadline to apply for booth space and submit payment is October 15. NCA will not reserve space for schools or companies until payment is received.
- Departments may set up their booths between 8:00 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. Any booths that are not set up or staffed by 9:15 a.m. will be forfeited to schools on the waitlist.
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing by October 15 to receive a refund, minus a $50 processing fee.
- For questions about the Job Fair, contact convention@natcom.org. For membership assistance, reach out to memberservice@natcom.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. When is the Job Fair? A: The Job Fair will be held on Friday, November 22, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The hall opens at 8:00 a.m. for participating departments to set up. |
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Q: Where is the Job Fair located? A: The event will take place in the NCA Exhibit Hall, Acadia Ballroom, at the New Orleans Marriott. |
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Q: Does my department need to register for the Job Fair? A: Yes, all departments and their representatives must register. Registration for the Job Fair must be completed via a booth registration form. Individuals staffing the booth MUST also register and pay as convention attendees online. Only annual convention-registered attendees may work in your booth. All attendees must wear their convention badges for access to the exhibit hall. Convention registration opens in July 2024. |
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Q: Is a departmental membership required to participate? A: No, membership is not required. However, departments with membership pay a lower booth registration fee. Membership must be current through December 1 to qualify for the discounted rate. For questions regarding membership, please contact memberservice@natcom.org. |
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Q: What is the registration deadline for the Job Fair? A: The registration deadline is October 15. Both the registration form and payment must be submitted together for confirmation. An email confirmation will be sent once processed. |
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Q: How are booth assignments determined? A: Booths are assigned on a first-paid, first-served basis until all booths are filled. Departments with multiple job openings may purchase an additional booth. |
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Q: What is included with each booth? A: Each booth measures 8 feet by 8 feet and includes pipe and drape, one 6-foot table, and two chairs. Departments are encouraged to bring signs and promotional materials that fit within their assigned space. Additional chairs cannot be accommodated. If you need an electrical outlet, please contact convention@natcom.org. |
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Q: What materials should I bring? A: Departments should bring a tabletop sign or poster that clearly identifies their institution and open positions. Supplies for displaying signs (e.g., pins, tape, easels) should also be provided by the department. |
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Q: Will there be a flyer/leaflet table? A: No, table surfaces are reserved solely for registered departments. |
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Q: I can't attend the Job Fair. How can I advertise my job openings? A: The online NCA Career Center is an excellent option for advertising communication-related job opportunities. It features a searchable database of listings and free access to a resume bank. For more information, visit the NCA Career Center. |
Questions?
For questions about the Job Fair, contact convention@natcom.org. For membership assistance, reach out to memberservice@natcom.org.
Find alumni, former and current colleagues, current students, and future friends together under one roof. NCA offers private areas for departments to host their own reception. NCA will assign a hotel or convention center space and then departments work directly with the hotel catering manager.
Submission Deadline: September 15, 2024
Thank you for your interest in holding a meeting or event “In Conjunction With” (ICW) NCA 2024 – 110th Annual Convention. Schools/companies wishing to hold meetings/events in conjunction with the NCA Annual Convention, must submit the Affiliate Meeting/Event Space Request Form online. Please read the guidelines in its entirety for policy information, deadlines, available dates, and application costs.
Event Locations:
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New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
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Sheraton New Orleans 500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
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To Apply
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Menu and Event Planning Resources Please review the menus. When estimating your event costs, be sure to add the noted service charge and sales tax to your base costs. |
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Questions? Contact convention@natcom.org |
Get the word out about your faculty and department. There is no better way to share your department's latest news and achievements than advertising in the convention program. To learn more about exhibiting and advertising, visit the Sponsor, Exhibitor & Advertiser Information page.