84th Annual International Conference
October 23-26, 2019
Detroit, Michigan USA
Stylized photo of Detroit skyline.
Conference Program - downloadable pdf
- Submissions & Sharing Presentation Materials
- Lodging & Venue
- Call for Papers
- Proceedings
- Workshops
- Registration
- Silent Auction
- Schedule
- Travel & Transit Tips with KNOW-BEFORE-YOU-GO
- Conference Forum
- Excursions
- Conference Contacts
If you are using a screen reader and need additional assistance, please contact abcoffice@businesscommunication.org.
Call for Papers
Theme: “Innovations with Business Communication: Companies, Communities, and Classrooms
Submissions & Presentation Materials
Need to edit your submission? Steps
Want to participate in sponsored sessions? (closed)
How Do You Teach Diversity? with Jacqui Lowman Share your files. Find steps.
My Favorite Assignment with D. Joel Whalen Share your materials for My Favorite Assignment. Find steps.
Research Roundtable with Sky Marsen
Business Practices Committee panel
Graduate Studies Panel: Emerging Trends in Business and Professional Communication
Pre-Conference Workshop proposals
Tracks and Focus
Guidelines with submission parameters and review criteria
Sample submission form
Proceedings
Learn about Proceedings. Log in and then submit your full paper now! Find past conference Proceedings on the ABC Publications page.
Registration
Registration Want your university to pay? Complete your registration and follow prompts to pay. Once invoice is generated, you can click to email the invoice to your finance office. Want to pay for guest or excursion separately? Register and pay first, then click this link to follow steps to add option.
Registration ? - Contact abcoffice@businesscommunication.org
Rates
ABC Member - Base Registration
$350 - early bird deadline August 30
$450 - payments received after August 30
$575 - payments received after September 30
Student
$175 (Graduate student registration fee waived if the ABC student member is presenting at the conference and if registered by August 30. Graduate student presenters contact abcoffice@businesscommunication.org for discount code prior to registering.)
$275 - payments received after August 30
$300 - payments received after September 30
Retired Member NEW!
$175 - early bird deadline August 30
$275 - payments received after August 30
$300 - payments received after September 30
Non-member - Base Registration
$450 - early bird deadline August 30
$550 - payments received after August 30
$650 - payments received after September 30
Virtual presentation $175 - deadline August 30
Workshops $40-$75
Bringing a Guest? Wednesday reception $70. Friday Awards Banquet $100
Adding Options (Workshops, Excursions, Donations) after Registering
Want to add an option after you have already registered? This step can be helpful if you want to generate an invoice and payment separate from your university-paid registration. Log in and from your profile page, click Transactions, then click conference registration. Select "My Options" to add your selection. Follow the prompts to pay.
Workshops
Click here to learn more about the pre-conference workshops.
Lunch and Learn with Cengage Learning
Thursday, October 24 1 PM to 2:15 PM FULL
Teaching 21st Century Soft Skills
Dana Loewy, California State University, Fullerton
Enjoy a Cengage-provided lunch while taking in this bonus opportunity to learn more about the skills consistently at the top of employer wish lists. Hear about foundational research that informed award-winning textbook content, best-practices learned as a practitioner, and then engage with your colleagues in guided discussions to learn how others approach this task in their courses.
Sign-ups are limited with conference registration. Want to add this option after you have already registered? Find steps here.
Silent Auction
The C. R. Anderson Foundation Silent Auction held at the ABC annual international conference is a great way to involve our graduate students. Auction proceeds will go towards supporting our graduate students travel grants. Click to tell us what you are bringing to the auction or to donate.
ABC affiliate C. R. Anderson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Your donations and contributions are deductible to the extent allowed by U. S. tax
Online agenda tool (ABC log in required)
Conference Program - downloadable pdf
Wednesday, October 23
Pre-conference workshops - all day; 7 options
Networking and Community Building Reception
Thursday, October 24
Opening Plenary - ABC President and ABC Second Vice President Presidential Address
Sessions begin
Friday, October 25
Sessions continue
Awards Banquet - The evening will have awards presentations by our Executive Director and time for conversation. We'll share some musical innovation and culture of Motown with a DJ and music beginning at 9pm. Bring your dancing shoes!
Saturday, October 26
Sessions conclude by noon
Lodging & Venue
The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Rates: Single/Double $185 (plus 15% tax; subject to change). Includes internet, 2 complimentary bottles of water daily, fitness center and indoor pool. Daily parking: $20 conference special. G
We'll host the conference in this grandly restored 1924 landmark was once the worlds tallest hotel. Enjoy easy access to restaurants, casinos, and nightlife, as well as Comerica Park and Ford Field. Located in Downtown Detroit, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Campus Martius Park (and the Q-Line), Cobo Center, and Detroit Opera House. Fox Theatre and Greektown Casino are also within 15 minutes. Detroit's scenic RiverWalk is nearby. The Michigan Ave. and Fort Cass People Mover stations are within a 5-minute walk.
Book List NEW!
Click for a get-to-know Detroit and Michigan book list, including a selection of Michigan Notable Books from the Library of Michigan. If you have a favorite "Michigan" book to add, let us know.
Excursions
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation $69 Saturday, October 26 noon-5:30 pm
Prepare to be astounded on this “must-do” post-conference excursion. "At The Henry Ford, you’ll discover America—its culture, inventions people and can-do spirit—and hundreds of hands-on ways to explore it, enjoy it and be inspired by it.” Departing near noon Saturday, Oct 26, we’ll return about 5:30pm. Jump on the bus and go with us! Read more.
Walking Tour (rain or shine!) $25 Wednesday, October 23 2:30-4:30 pm FULL
Join friends and colleagues on a cultural and industrial stroll through Detroit's central business district. In this two-hour tour, with easy-to-moderate walking, hear stories about Detroit's architectural and commercial past, and about current restoration and transformation efforts. Read more.
Travel & Transit Tips
Click here for Know-Before-You-Go (including online agenda tool instructions and packing list.)
Detroit Metro Airport is a Delta hub.
Bus from
Arriving via Amtrak from Chicago? It's comfortable and easy. In Detroit, pick up Q-line at Baltimore Street Station for a quick ride to Campus Martius.
Jump on the Q-line at Campus Martius (a couple blocks from hotel) to find shops, attractions, & eateries along this 3.3 mile streetcar circuit. (Jump off at Mack Ave Station for Whole Foods--2 minute walk.) Download the QLINE Detroit app to purchase tickets on your iPhone or Android or purchase at QLINE stations with credit card. Cash purchases can be made on the streetcar.
The PeopleMover's Michigan Avenue Station is within a 5-minute walk and The Rosa Parks Downtown Detroit Transit Center is located directly across the street from this station. Note: PeopleMover uses change only for the .75 fare.
Metro Cars offers travel via fully accessible van (about $69+tip) or by sedan to the conference venue. Book online or dial 800-456-1701. Metro Cars
"O Canada!" Bring your passport if you will slip into Canada. Detroit-Windsor tunnel via $10 roundtrip tunnel bus; U.S. border wait times. Half-marathon Sunday, Oct 20 (prior our conference) is said to be Boston marathon qualifier. Tunnel closed Thursday, Oct 24. Windsor events.
Motor City...Motown...Hockeytown...Detroit's homegrown musicians include Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Eminem, Big Sean, Madonna, Ted Nugent, and Smokey Robinson. Beloved teams include the Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Lions (vs. Giants Oct 27), and Pistons. Game night has fans with a Detroit coney dog in one hand and a craft drink in the other hand
Weather: Expect the mid-50s (10 Celsius) during daytime, with nighttime in the low 40s (4.44 Celsius). Wind off the water/lake will make it feel even cooler.
Conference Forum
Want to share lodging or transportation? Use this member's only forum to connect with others. (The Detroit forum is closed.)
Conference Contacts
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