2024 National Conference

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Current Conference Details at https://usdla.org/2025-national-conference/

37th USDLA National Distance Learning Conference

“Gateway to the Future of Distance and Digital Learning”

Dates: June 17th-20th 2024

Location: Marriott St. Louis Grand

Registration: Click Here

Our USDLA National Conference has long been an event where we mingle, discuss technology and learn from an audience broader than our own. Nothing can replace those live in-person interactions and conference feedback has always focused on those personal relationships made with one another.

Our 2024 Speaker Lineup

Event Speaker – Don Mann

Retired Navy SEAL

Topic: Overcoming Challenges in the Changing World of Distance and Digital Education

A New York Times bestselling author, since retiring two decades ago from Team SIX, Don has delivered compelling presentations that have inspired business leaders, military and government personnel, and professional athletes. The lessons he shares during his presentations are born from his colorful and action-packed life as a SEAL, his experiences competing in some of the world’s most grueling competitions, and his experience in the business world: usfrogmann.com.

Event Speaker – Joe Sallustio

Senior Vice President, Lindenwood Global and Co-Author of Commencement

Topic: Commencement – A New Era in Higher Education Update

Colleges and universities that provide millions of degree and non-degree credentials each year are a vital backbone of communities and economies. These institutions elevate the critical-thinking capacities of students and learners, and they provide crucial job skills and life skills to emerging workforces. But the skills we need, the ways in which we collaborate, and the very jobs available to graduates are changing. It’s time for higher education to start anew. It’s time for Commencement into a new era. Join us for a detailed insight into Joe’s new book and how you can help to seize the moment to change higher education forever.

Event Speaker – Robbie Melton

Associate Vice President – SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategist

Topic: The Tools Shaping the World of Artificial Intelligence

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, quality standards for the utilization of mobile apps, and her creation of the Mobile App Education and Workforce Resource Center. She is also the winner of numerous awards; the latest being the 2016 Online Learning Consortium Fellow, 2016 WCET Richard Jonsen Educational Technologies top honor for her lifetime work in educational technology, 2015 MERLOT Leadership Visionary Award, CDE Top 30 2014 Technologists, Transformers and Trailblazers, 2013 Apple Distinguished Educator, 2012, Technology WOW Award, 2013 eAfrica Innovator Education Award.

For our 37th anniversary will be focusing on tracks that are in high demand as we continue to navigate both remote and in-person learning strategies. These tracks include:

The Impact of AI on Distance and Digital Learning
Micro-certifications
Leadership tracks
HyFlex Strategies for Success
Student Engagement Techniques
Professional Development for the Online Staff/Faculty
Policy, Regulation and Governance in Distance Education
Distance and Digital Leadership
Ensuring Quality, Flexibility and Access (OER, Hyflex, and more)
Innovative Techniques and Technologies
Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement
Great IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
What’s Next for Distance Education

The conference promises something for everyone:

Multiple Keynote Addresses
Opening Kickoff Party
Pre-Conference Sessions
60+ Concurrent Sessions
Virtual conference pre and post-conference
International Awards Celebration Luncheon
Bill Jackson Memorial Walk/Run
Night on the Town
Public Policy Forum Briefs
Closing Keynote Address

The Conference and Events committee strives 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:

The event will once again be held in a traditional hotel setting to provide more flexibility for you during the day to take a rest, freshen up, network with your colleagues and enjoy the venue
We will be hosting the conference in St. Louis, a familiar location we have used in the past for many successful conferences from 2010 to 2016
Conference registration will take into account dietary needs and there will be plenty of refreshments during the day to keep you energized plus plenty of water, coffee and tea
St. Louis Grand is in a prime downtown location near the St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village, and the Gateway Arch for those looking to see the area after the conference
Better presenter preparation for those requiring virtual assistants as well as more audience interaction
ALL sessions will be end-user led, with clear descriptions that share best practices within the world of distance and digital learning
Enhanced keynote presentation area with over 4500 square feet of space designed for integrated gathering, presentations and networking
Improved poster-session accommodations along with focused “power sessions” that eliminate fluff and get right into the important details on the topic
Pre and post-conference virtual sessions so that they are truly immersive rather than appearing as add-ons

Conference FAQs:

Q: Do I need to register if I’m presenting?

A: Yes, either as an on-site or virtual presenter, both of which have discounted rates.

Q: What meals are included?

A: Complimentary breakfast is provided Monday – Thursday, lunch is provided Monday and Thursday with an Awards Luncheon Wednesday at no additional cost. Dinners are on your own each night.

Q: Can I register on-site?

A: Yes, although you can save $100 with an Early Bird registration prior to March 31st or $45 with Standard registration by June 16th .

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

A: The nearest major airport is Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL / KSTL), 15 miles from the center of Saint Louis, MO.

Q: Are their restaurants within walking distance?

A: Yes, while there is a restaurant on site, there are numerous restaurant within walking distance, with the Washington Avenue Loft & Entertainment District less than a mile away!

Q: Is there on-site dining at the Marriott Grand?

A: Yes, both dining and bar service is available on-site at the 8th Street Pantry, Zenia Bar & Grille, and Starbucks

Q: Can I bring my family to the conference?

A: Family is welcome to enjoy the facilities while you are at the conference, however all conference activities such as keynotes, sessions and meals require attendee registration

Q: 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?

A: Past attendees say it’s the expertise you’ll encounter with like-minded professionals from an audience broader than your own, along with very personal networking. This is nearly always the #1 comment when we poll attendees post-conference. You’ll also find free pre-conference sessions that are very popular as are the concurrent sessions that run through the week.