Note: Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the 2020 APIC Research Conference is postponed until further notice. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility. In the meantime, please wash your hands, physical distance, and wear a mask. Take good care, and we look forward to seeing you at the conference once rescheduled.
What is the APIC Research Conference?
The Advocacy and Public Interest Communication Research Conference is an international gathering of scholars and practitioners who share a passion for using social science for social change. The 2020 conference is the first of what we hope will become a yearly flagship event building this important field through presentation of peer-reviewed research, keynote presentations, and other research and networking sessions.
What is the conference schedule like?
Our general conference schedule is:
October 2, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.: Welcome Cocktail Reception
October 3, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Breakfast Welcome, Posters, Research Panels/Roundtables, Lunch Keynote, Research Panels/Roundtables, Mixer (light refreshments — dinner on own)
October 4, 8:30-noon: Breakfast Keynote, Final Research Panel, Lunch-On-The-Go
The full program will be posted in July.
Should I make specific travel arrangements?
It’s up to you! We will help facilitate ride sharing and carpooling from the Pittsburgh airport to the conference hotel for those who are interested.
West Virginia University is about 75 miles from Pittsburgh and about 200 miles from D.C. There is an airport in Morgantown, but most WVU guests choose to fly in to the Pittsburgh (PIT) airport.
You can also schedule a taxi at any time to accommodate your travel arrangements here.
Additionally, check out West Virginia Airport Shuttle Service here.
Traveling from D.C.? Check out bus information here.
What about hotel information?
Reservations for the conference can be made through the Hilton Garden Inn between October 1 and 5 (in case attendees would like to arrive early or depart late). Attendees of the conference can pay $104 + tax for a king room or $114 + tax for a double queen room. Additionally, attendees can also book their own lodging if preferred.
To reach the hotel, please contact (304) 225-9500 and reference the APIC conference rate or the group code, GAPC. The group name is “WVU Reed College of Media – APIC Conference.” Booking online can be done using the same group code.
A direct booking link can be accessed here.
When is the abstract deadline, and how do I submit?
The Extended Abstract Submission Form deadline is May 26, 2020 by 11:59 p.m. US-Pacific. Use the submission form below to download the fillable abstract in MS Word. Send abstracts for peer review to APIC.Research.Conf@gmail.com using the subject line mentioned on the form.
When do I find out if my abstract was accepted?
Authors of accepted submissions will be notified June 30.
When should I register for the conference?
August 25 is our deadline for Early Bird rates, and September 25 is our regular registration deadline. Anyone is welcome to attend, even if you did not submit an abstract for review! The registration link will go live in May 2020.
Will there be inspirational keynote speakers?
Yes, yes, and yes! There are three keynotes and several other partners and presenters who have valuable expertise and experience in the field. Check back for updates (and sign up for our conference news if you haven’t already!)
Are there prizes offered at the conference?
Yes! Upon the submission of a full paper, due by August 14, 2020, recipients will be notified if they were selected for one of our three cash prizes for top paper awards.
Are there journal publication opportunities?
Yes! Research stemming from the conference will be eligible for submission to a special issue of the Journal of Public Interest Communications, co-edited by Julia Daisy Fraustino and Jasper Fessmann. (JPIC is a peer-reviewed open-access research project of the University of Florida, editor Brigitta R. Brunner)
What is there to do in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia?
Plenty! West Virginia is home to beautiful mountains and scenery, with opportunities for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. From roller coaster rapids, to hiking and biking trails, to Big 12, to Broadway, W. Va. is overflowing with Appalachian activities, art and history. Here are some of our recommendations.
Have other questions? Contact us here – we’re happy to help!
WVU Public Interest Communication Research Laboratory 