USDLA 2026 National Conference

39th USDLA National Distance Learning Conference, June 22nd – 25th

2025 Conference Recordings

If you were an attendee of the 38^th Annual USDLA 2025 National Distance/Digital Learning conference, the recordings are now available to all attendees through the membership portal and can be accessed directly at:

2025 National Conference Recordings and Resources

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Scroll down to learn more about 2026 conference registration, hotel reservations, call for proposal submissions, keynote speakers, preliminary schedule, becoming a partner, and more.

2026 Conference Registration

"Rock-n-Roll With AI Innovation in Education"

Join us at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower June 22 - 25th, 2026! Our USDLA National Conference has long been an event where leaders, educators, instructional designers and others mingle, discuss e-learning technology and learn from an audience broader than our own. Past attendees have enjoyed the in-person interactions, hands-on networking and personal relationships made with one another.

Presenter Rates*

On-Site Presenter fee $300 (includes full on-site conference pass)
Virtual Presenter fee $100 (if presenting remotely)

*Contact Harriet Watkins for presenter registration code at harriet.watkins@iconnect-na.com

USDLA Conference Registration Rates

Member** Early Bird $495 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
Member** Standard $550 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/21/2026)
Member** On-site $595 (after 6/21/2026)
Non-Member Early Bird $595 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
Non-Member Standard $650 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/21/2026)
Non-Member On-site $695 (after 6/21/2026)

**Members will need to provide their membership username at time of registration to receive the USDLA Member rate. Please send any questions to membership@usdla.org

Single Day, Award Luncheon and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame event Rates

One-Day Pass – $299 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday)
Award Luncheon Pass only – $50 (normally included with all on-site registrations)
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Event - $TBD (includes private tour and cocktail hour)

Cancellations: The registration cancellation period expires May 8th, 2026, after which time your registration can be applied in full to the 2027 conference.

Can't make it on-site to the national conference?

Let's Go!

2026 Call For Proposals (Opening September 29, 2025)

Interested in being a speaker at the USDLA 2026 National Conference?

This year our theme will be “Universal Harmony: Exploring the Melodic Chords of Distance and Digital Learning.” You will have the option of proposing a session for the onsite event or the virtual component of the conference. Please note that the virtual sessions will be on June 17-18, 2026. The call will remain open until Monday, December 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET.

Click Here to Learn More About Becoming a Speaker

2026 Hotel Information

"Rock-n-Roll With AI Tools For Education"

The 2026 event will be held at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower the week of June 22nd, 2026.

Room rates are $234 per night and can be extended prior to and after the conference, subject to availability.

Hotel Guests Parking: there is a discounted USDLA rate of $25 per night (plus tax) for on-site parking without in/out privileges. There were also several public parking garages nearby:

Huntington Park garage
Willard Park garage
55 Public Square garage

NOTE: Cutoff date for this preferred hotel rate is Saturday 5/30/2026.

2026 Conference Schedule Quick View

June 22, 2026

Monday - Day 1

12:00pm - 7:00pm

Registration

USDLA Staff

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Early Bird Conference Orientation

USDLA Staff

1:00pm - 2:15pm

State Chapters Meeting

Erica Bell, Chapters Chair

1:00pm – 4:00pm

3-Hour Pre-conference Accessibility Compliance Workshop

1:15pm – 2:30pm

Pre-Conference Workshop Sessions #1 (2 concurrent sessions)

2:45pm – 4:00pm

Pre-Conference Workshop Sessions #2 (2 concurrent sessions)

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Opening Reception (Lite fares and cash bar)

June 23, 2026

Tuesday - Day 2

6:30am – 7:15am

Morning Stretch – Yoga

Alexandra Salas and Hope Gibbs

7:00am – 5:00pm

Registration

USDLA Staff

8:00am – 9:00am

Breakfast Served in the Ballroom

8:00am – 5:00pm

Exhibit Hall Open, Partner Visits and Demonstrations

8:45am – 9:00am

Opening Announcements in the Ballroom

Pat Cassella, USDLA Executive Director

9:00am – 9:45am

Featured Session in the Ballroom

Keynote Speaker

10:00am – 10:45am and 11:00am - 11:45am

Concurrent Sessions 1 and 2 (multiple presentation choices)

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Lunch Service, Exhibitor Introductions

1:00pm – 1:45pm

Keynote in the Ballroom

Keynote Speaker

2:00pm – 2:45pm and 3:00pm - 3:45pm

Concurrent Sessions 3 and 4 (multiple presentation choices)

4:00pm – 4:45pm

Networking with John Chen, Coffee Break and Sponsor Activities

John Chen

4:45pm – 5:00pm

Announcements and Daily Drawings in the Ballroom

Valary Oleinik - USDLA President

7:00pm – 10:00pm

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Tour

USDLA Board of Directors

9:30pm – Midnight

Midnight Karaoke in the Ballroom

John Chen and Friends

June 24, 2026

Wednesday - Day 3

6:00am – 7:00am

Bill Jackson Memorial Sunrise Run/Walk

All USDLA Attendees Welcome

7:00am – 5:00pm

Registration

USDLA Staff

8:00am – 9:00am

Breakfast Served in the Ballroom

8:00am – 5:00pm

Exhibit Hall Open, Partner Visits and Demonstrations

9:00am – 9:45am

Featured Session in the Ballroom

Featured Speaker

10:00am – 10:45am

Concurrent Session 5 (multiple presentation choices)

11:00am – 11:45am

Fireside Chat with Dr. Harris

USDLA BOD and Featured Presenter

12:00pm – 1:45pm

Lunch Service in Ballroom with International Awards Ceremony

2:00pm – 3:15pm

Workshop Session 3 (multiple choices)

3:15pm – 4:00pm

Sponsor Wrap-up and Daily Drawings in the Ballroom

4:00pm – 4:45pm

Concurrent Session 6 (multiple presentation choices)

7:00pm – 10:00pm

Evening Activities

June 25, 2026

Thursday - Day 4

7:00am – 11:00am

Registration

USDLA Staff

8:00am – 9:00am

Breakfast Served in Gateway II

9:00am – 4:00pm

Gamefication Certification

10:00am – 3:00pm

Leadership Workshop

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Boxed Lunch in Gateway II

View Full Schedule

Book Your Conference Pass

View Activities

2026 Conference Tracks

The Conference and Events committee strives each year to provide the best experience possible for personalized networking and cutting-edge session tracks. We value past attendee feedback in planning the details for the event.

For our 39th anniversary we focused on tracks that are in high demand as we continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies. These tracks included:

The Digital AI Groove: Exploring Innovative Techniques and Technologies Education
Backstage Pass to Policy: Navigating Governance and Regulation in Distance Education
The Headliners: Distance and Digital Leadership on the Higher Education Mainstage
Open Mic, Open Minds: Ensuring Quality, Flexibility, and Access in Online Learning
The ID Set List: Curating Best Practices in Instructional Design
Amplify Every Voice: Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusivity in Online Education
The K-12 Playground: Curating Best Practices in the K-12 Space

2025 Conference Speaker Lineup

President, Bristol Community College

Dr. Sedgwick Harris

Dr. Harris is an accomplished, academic leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration. Known for enhancing student access and success through strategic, data-informed planning, his strengths include innovative program design, results-driven decision-making and a strong focus on workforce development.

Associate Vice President – SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategist

Robbie Melton

Dr. Melton has published and presented globally on the impact and value of mobile devices for education and the workforce and has acquired a new distinction as an “App-ologist” due to her study of the pedagogy and best teaching practices with mobile devices.

Vice President, Industry Engagement at Ellucian and Co-Author of Commencement

Joe Sallustio

Dr. Joe Sallustio stands out as a leading expert and influential voice in the world of higher
education. In this keynote, Joe will explore expectations and reality and how we can improve experiences for students by turning our technology fears into real-world transformational adoption scenarios. Learn more..

Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida

Dustin York

Beyond his primary passion for teaching, Dr. York is a subject matter expert for CNN, Entrepreneur.com, and Forbes, a contributor for Harvard Business Review, and serves as a national keynote speaker and trainer.

2026 Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to register if I’m presenting?

What meals are included?

Can I register on-site?

What is the best airport to fly into and how far away?

What area attractions are in Cleveland?

Are there restaurants within walking distance?

Can I bring my family to the conference?

I am principal of a new online school based in St. Louis. What would you say would be the benefits of me attending your conference?

Will I receive a Certificate of completion?

Why SHould I Attend?

Leading speakers, concurrent session, workshops and more - the conference offers something for everyone. Watch below:

2026 USDLA Awards

Every year, the USDLA recognizes leaders from around the world for their contributions to the digital/distance education landscape. These standouts are then recognized as a highlight of the USDLA National Conference.

To learn more about 2026 award categories and the submission process, click here

2026 Other/Misc. Information

Photo Booth!

Photo Spot: USDLA is excited to include a photo spot at the national conference.

2025 Conference Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Conference Sponsor FAQs

Are you tired of large shows with limited attendee engagement? You know the venues, where thousands of professionals have free passes to grab free giveaways and have limited interest.

Our national conference is a more intimate environment, where partners are part of the production from the very start with some even demonstrating their gear as part of the conference production.

The dramatic growth of the distance learning industry makes our market attractive to a host of technology, content, and service providers. Conference partners are giving something back to the distance education community by stepping up to sponsor the Association.

Join us for a change of pace at a very interactive conference where you will meet paid attendees that are truly interested in how you can help them improve distance learning.

2025 Exhibitor List

Booth 1: VDO360

Booth 2: Revolution Lightboards

Booth 3: Carolina Distance Learning

Booth 4: Learning Stream

Booth 5: Visla

Booth 6: Symbiosis

Booth 7: Inscribe

Booth 8: State Chapters

Booth 9: Atomic Jolt

Booth 10: Presence

Booth 11: YellowDig