Panel, Research & Creative Deadlines: JUNE 15, 2026

BEA is proud to partner with Illinois State University staff to bring BEA to Normal, Illinois, in fall 2026.

BEA On-Location is where media educators, students, and creators come together to exchange ideas, showcase work, and build connections. The 2026 conference at Illinois State University, will feature panel and research presentations, workshops, technical demonstrations, peer-reviewed research, and creative scholarship from faculty and students.

Participants are invited to submit proposals related to any area of media or media education, including panels, completed research, research-in-progress, hands-on training sessions, and creative work across audio, documentary, film and video, interactive multimedia, news, sports, and open categories.

BEA On-Location is now accepting panels, research and creative submissions.

On-Location Heads Back to Campus!
BEA is looking forward to heading back to a college campus this fall!  Normal and the greater Bloomington-Normal area makes it easy to turn BEA’s fall conference into a fall getaway. Just steps from Illinois State University, Uptown Normal has a welcoming, walkable feel with restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and gathering spots where attendees can catch up with colleagues or keep the conversation going after sessions wrap for the day.

Beyond campus visitors can take a walk or bike ride on the Constitution Trail, check out art galleries, catch a movie or event at the historic Normal Theater, or spend time enjoying shops and breweries (did we already mention the breweries?) and parks, throughout Bloomington-Normal. Stayed tuned for more information on hotel options and special events we have planned.