38th USDLA National Distance Learning Conference
“Hitting Home Runs in the Digital Age of Distance Learning”
Dates: June 23rd – 26th, 2025
Location: Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
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 2025 Speaker Lineup
Event Speaker – Dr. Harris
Vice President – Administration and Government Relations for AI
Topic: Empowering Adult Learners: Leadership in Higher Education and the Future of Distance Learning for Adult Learners in the Age of AI
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, leaders in higher education are faced with the dual challenges of expanding access to distance learning while addressing the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on both learning and the workforce. This keynote presentation will focus on the critical role of leadership in higher education in fostering innovative distance learning solutions for adult learners, while also preparing institutions and policymakers to meet the growing demands related to AI. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting low-income and first-generation students and ensuring that they are not left behind in this technological shift.
Event Speaker – Joe Sallustio
Vice President, Industry Engagement at Ellucian 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. Robbie K. Melton, selected as one of the 2024 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education and the 2024 recipient of the HBCU Lifetime Achievement Faculty Network Award, serves as Interim Provost/Vice President for Tennessee State University Academic Affairs and Vice President of Technology Innovations for the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center, and tenured professor at Tennessee State University. She serves as a global researcher and international consultant for SMART Artificial Intelligence (AI) an Academic eSports for Education and Emerging IOE (“The Internet of Everything”) Smart Mobile Technology of mobile devices, smart phone-tablets, wearables, smart gadgets and tools, and mixed reality of VR and AR. She formerly served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Emerging Technologies for the Tennessee Board of Regents and the primary developer and chief administrator for the system wide Regents Online Degree Programs. Her tributes include: The 2023 Top 50 Women Leaders in Education, 2019 USDLA Hall of Fame, 2018, Distinguished Women of Legend, 2017 OLC Leadership, 2016, WCET Life Time Achievement, 2014 Top 30 Technologists, 2013 Apple Distinguished Educator, 2012 Top Fifty Technology Innovator; and 2012 WOW EdTechnology Awards. She was a featured speaker at the International UNESCO Mobile Learning Symposium. She known as an ‘Appologist, for her extensive research of best practices with mobile devices (smart phone, tablets, wearable, and the creation of a Mobile App Resource Center. Currently advocating for Open Education Resources (OER) for global access to education content. Plus, serving as an Education Technology Trainers for Malawi and various countries in South Africa in promoting worldwide that “Everyone Can Code and Create” and “Academic eSports – Mixed Reality Gamification” for the new innovations of SMART Immersive Teaching and Learning and a passionate advocate for empowering underserved populations, especially Black females, in becoming innovators and entrepreneurs for the digital world.
Event Speaker – Dustin York
Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida
Topic: Personal Branding: How to hit it out of the park!
Dr. Dustin York is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida and will appear at the USDLA conference through the generous support of UF CJC Online. Prior to entering academia, Dr. York worked in branding for the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign and agency clients like Pepsi Co. and Nike. Dr. York’s specialties include digital branding and leadership branding, which he now brings to life in the classroom. 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. Dr. York is an American Marketing Association 4 Under 40 Awardee, an Edtech top 30 Education Tech Influencer, and an Apple Distinguished Educator.
For our 38th 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
- 50+ 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 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:
- Our event will again be held in a traditional (and familiar) hotel setting to provide greater flexibility during the day to take a rest, freshen up, network with your colleagues and enjoy the venue
- We will be hosting the conference at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, 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
- Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark is a downtown location across from Ballpark Village/Busch Stadium, near the St. Louis Zoo, City Museum, and the Gateway Arch for those looking to see the area
- Presenter support 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
- Immersive pre and post-conference virtual sessions
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 Tuesday – Thursday, lunch is provided Tuesday with an Awards Luncheon Wednesday at no additional cost. Dinners are on your own each night.
Q: Can I register on-site?
A: Yes, however you can save $ with an Early Bird registration prior to March 31st
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 beautiful 360 Rooftop restaurant on site, there are numerous restaurant within walking distance, with the Washington Avenue Loft & Entertainment District less than a mile away!
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.
Photo Spot: USDLA is excited to include a photo spot at the national conference provided by Showtime Photo Booth, the best photo booth rental in Indianapolis! Their unique touch will add a fun element to our event.
What are past attendees, partners and members saying about the conference? Listen below: