The Society for Commercial Archeology seeks proposals for its day-long presentations symposium on Friday, May 21, 2027, at the SCA 2027 Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The SCA welcomes proposals from presenters eager to share their investigations into the history and architecture of the American roadside with a diverse audience of preservationists, stewards, academics, writers, photographers, and others.

We invite scholars and enthusiasts to submit one or more proposal abstracts on presentation topics related to roadside architecture and commercial archeology. Topics may relate to any geographic area, but we encourage a focus on roadside architecture and commercial development in Texas and the American south and southwest, and preservation strategies for historic restaurants, auto-related businesses, lodging, and tourism sites. Topics more generally related to the larger field of commercial archeology will also be considered.

Because the SCA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2027, we also invite presentations that may reflect the earlier years of the national movement to document and preserve the all-too-often overlooked roadside resources that we honor and celebrate.

SUBMISSION FORM

To propose a conference presentation (20 minutes) or a 5-minute lightning talk, please complete the form below. The deadline for submission is March 1, 2027.

More than one abstract may be submitted. Please follow the two guiding principles in making a presentation at an SCA conference: make it visual and make it fun!

Any individual interested in commercial archeology may participate in the three-and-a-half-day SCA conference by paying the registration fee ($750), or alternatively, just the day-long presentations symposium ($250). Membership in the SCA ($40-$55) is also required to attend the conference or symposium. However, those who only make a presentation or lightning talk, and do not attend the day-long event, will not be required to pay the registration fee or take out a membership in the SCA.

The SCA is unable to pay stipends or travel expenses of presenters.

Presenters will be notified by late March if their proposal has been accepted.