The Biennial Conference of the European Writing Centers Association

Back to the Roots of Writing Centers

Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

June 1 – 5, 2026

Call for Papers

The abstract submission deadline has been extended to February 15.

The European Writing Centers Association (EWCA) invites you to submit your abstracts and conference proposals for its biennial conference, hosted by the world-class American University in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria and the Filitsa Sofianou-Mullen Writing Center.

The 2026 conference, “Back to the Roots of Writing Centers,” invites proposals to explore the histories and futures of writing centers, reflecting on core practices, renewing old ideas for a new age, and imagining sustainable structures for the years ahead. This theme invites us to look back at the origins of our programs and the writing center movement, from the transplant of U.S. models into European institutions to the evolving traditions of peer tutoring and professional tutoring. At the same time, we seek to consider what remains vital and worth returning to: Which practices, ideas, or values have shaped our work across generations? How do we continue to justify academic writing as central to our institutions? What goals and missions drive us, especially in times of tightening budgets?

The European Writing Centers Association (EWCA) invites scholars, researchers, and practitioners to submit original research papers, panel proposals, workshops, presentations, posters, and other sessions at the upcoming conference. We welcome contributions that explore critical, innovative, and interdisciplinary perspectives on Writing Center challenges and opportunities related to communication, democracy, technology, culture, and resilience in a rapidly changing world.

In addition, participants will also have included access to the Global Communications Association (GCA) Conference which coincides with the EWCA Conference.

We particularly encourage papers that address the following conference tracks and themes:
Bring your voice to the conversation and help us revisit our roots while shaping the future of writing center work in Europe and beyond.
Possible areas for contributions include but are not limited to:

  • Histories of writing centers, writing programs, and peer tutoring models
  • Writing process and tutoring practices
  • Core ideas, practices, or formats to which we always return
  • Writing center formats: peer-tutor models versus professional models
  • Writing consultations, academic writing, and “help to self-help”
  • Old ideas for a new age: renewing traditions in new contexts
  • Emerging structures, regional connections, and international collaborations
  • Writing center funding and sustainability in times of limited resources
  • Navigating socio-political upheaval and political pressures

ABSTRACT AND PAPER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

  • Abstracts: 400-word abstract of the presentation, panel, or workshop proposal, etc.
  • Format: Please submit two separate attachments in Word format:
  1. Abstract (with title, keywords, and references if applicable).
  2. Author information (name, institutional affiliation, email, and short bio).
  1. Papers should not exceed 6,000–8,000 words including references.
  2. All submissions must follow APA 7th edition (or other specified) citation and formatting guidelines.
  3. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt., double-spaced text, with standard margins.
  4. Figures and tables must be numbered, captioned, and referenced in the text.
  5. File format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or .pdf only.
  • The paper submission link will be sent by email to authors after their abstracts are accepted.
  • A 400-word abstract of the paper or panel proposal may be submitted to Mr. Steven London FRSA [email protected] by February 15, 2026. (If you have difficulties with the EasyChair system)
  • The abstract should include the author(s)’ name, affiliation, areas of research, methodology and significance, followed by keywords.
  • Poster presentations on topics related to the conference theme are also encouraged.
  • Abstracts will be peer-reviewed by two or more reviewers. The authors of the abstracts will be notified of the acceptance of their abstracts by February 15, 2026.

Note: Payment for Conference Fees Can Be Made here.
Payment options will be available after acceptance of abstract.

 

Conference Location

The conference will take place on the beautiful campus of the American University in Bulgaria.

  • There are numerous accommodation options for every budget, including hotels, hostels, and Airbnbs, and even staying in the campus residence halls. Below you can find several accommodation options, some of which are close to the university. The prices, which include VAT, are available on their websites. Please consider checking the latest information on the prices and note that the prices may increase or decrease depending on the currency rate and the facilities’ recent price revisions.

    Participants may reside at the AUBG residence halls or reserve their hotel rooms in Blagoevgrad. Room availability is based on a first-come, first-served concept; therefore, participants are encouraged to register for the conference as soon as possible. The residence halls offer individual rooms with a shared bathroom, without air conditioning. A limited number of hotel rooms and residence hall rooms will be available at a conference rate.

    Hotels and Accommodation near AUBG (list is non-exclusive)

  • Blagoevgrad is a vibrant university city in southwestern Bulgaria, situated along the banks of the Struma River and surrounded by the Rila and Pirin Mountains. Located about 100 km south of Sofia and near the border with North Macedonia and Greece, Blagoevgrad is easily accessible by car, bus, or train. Travel time is typically 1.5–2.5 hours from the capital of Sofia, depending on your chosen method of transportation.

    Life in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria, and Beyond

  • Most international participants will arrive in Bulgaria via Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (SOF), the country’s largest and busiest international gateway. It is served by many major European airlines as well as low-cost carriers, offering direct connections from numerous European capitals and key transit hubs. Vasil Levski Sofia Airport (SOF) https://sofia-airport.eu/en/ Public transport: Metro Line 4 to Serdika station connects the airport with the city center https://www.metropolitan.bg/en/ More options for your travel plans are available here: https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Sofia-Airport-SOF/Central-Bus-Station-Sofia

  • Travel Directions: Sofia → Blagoevgrad

    • By Car

      Route: Take the A3 "Struma" motorway from Sofia toward Kulata/Blagoevgrad.

      Estimated Time: ~1.5 hours (depending on traffic).

      Directions:

      1. Exit Sofia via the Ring Road and join the A3 motorway.
      2. Continue south following signs for Pernik and Blagoevgrad.
      3. Take the exit for Blagoevgrad (North or South, depending on your hotel or conference venue location).

      Notes: - Ensure you have a valid vignette (road tax sticker) for motorway travel in Bulgaria. - Fuel stations and rest stops are available along the route.

    • By Bus from Sofia Central Bus Station (Centralna Avtogara) https://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php. The website offers updated information on directions, departures, schedule and bus tickets Buses to Blagoevgrad run roughly every 30–60 minutes during the day (in workdays, in weekends and holidays number of departures could be reused).

      Travel Time: ~2 hours.

      Ticket Price: Around 10–15 BGN (cash or card accepted).

      How to get there from Vasil Levski Sofia Airport: From Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, take the Metro line.

      1. Arrive at Sofia Central Bus Station at least 20–30 minutes before bus departure.
      2. Purchase a ticket at the counter or online in advance. (Obilet website in English, as an option).
      3. Board the bus indicated on your ticket; the driver or station staff can assist with directions to the correct platform.

      Arrival: Buses arrive at Blagoevgrad Bus Station, a short taxi ride or walk from the central area will take you to AUBG Skaptopara Campus.

    • By Train from Sofia Central Railway Station

      Frequency: Direct trains run several times daily. Travel Time: ~2.5 hours. Ticket Price: Around 7–12 BGN (approximately 3.50 EUR to 6.00 EUR).

      Instructions:

      1. Buy your ticket at the station ticket office or online through the Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) website.
      2. Check the departure board for platform information.
      3. Board the train to Blagoevgrad; enjoy the scenic route through the mountains.

      Arrival: The train station in Blagoevgrad is close to the town center.

    • Language: Most transport staff speak basic English, but having your destination written in Bulgarian (Благоевград) is helpful.
    • Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN); card payments are common, but do carry some cash. Note: Bulgaria is expected to transition to the euro in early 2026. Please keep that in mind.
    • Weather: Check the forecast before travel
    • Emergency Number: 112 for any emergency assistance in Bulgaria.
    • You can also enter Bulgaria by Land: Bulgaria is well-connected by bus and train to neighboring countries, including Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, and Turkey. International bus services to Sofia operate from many Balkan and Central European cities.

  • For information about visa requirements, please visit the following website: Visa for Bulgaria MFA

    Visit the website

Important Dates

An attractive and favorable package will be offered to all participants. Registration link will be announced in the following weeks

  • Abstract Submission Deadline - Jan. 15, 2026
  • Acceptance Notification - Feb. 15, 2026
  • Last Date for Early Bird Registration - March 1, 2026
  • Last Date for Registration - April 1, 2026
  • Full Length Paper Submission - April 1, 2026
  • Conference Opening Reception - June 1, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Conference Panels - June 2 - 3, 2026
  • Conference Closing Reception - June 4, 2026, 6 p.m.
  • Optional Tours (excursions to Rila Monastery and Villa Monte Vino) - June 04, 2026 (Rila Monastery) June 05, 2026 (Villa Monte Vino)

Fees

Early Registration (with Residence Hall Accommodation) Early Registration (without Residence Hall Accommodation)
600 EUR 350 EUR
Regular Registration (with Residence Hall Accommodation) Regular Registration (without Residence Hall Accommodation)
625 EUR 375 EUR
Late Registration (with Residence Hall Accommodation) Late Registration (without Residence Hall Accommodation)
650 EUR 400 EUR

An attractive and favorable package will be offered to all participants. Registration link will be announced in the following weeks.

Questions

Please direct any conference related questions to Mr. Steven London FRSA

Send an email