USDLA 2025 National Conference

38th USDLA National Distance Learning Conference, June 23rd – 26th

Conference Information

"Hitting Home Runs in the Digital Age of Distance Learning"

Our USDLA National Conference has long been an event where we 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@usdla.org)

USDLA Member Rates**

Early Bird $495 (Valid until 1/31/2025) – EXPIRED
Standard $550 (Valid 2/1/2025 through 6/20/2025)
On-site $595 (after 6/20/2025)

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

Non-Member Rates (includes annual USDLA membership, a $125 value):

Early Bird $595 (Valid until 1/31/2025) – EXPIRED
Standard $650 (Valid 2/1/2025 through 6/20/2025)
On-site $695 (after 6/20/2025)

Single Day, Award Luncheon and Ballgame Rates

One-Day Pass – $299 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday))
Award Luncheon Pass only – $50 (included with early bird, standard and on-site reg)
Ballgame - $125 (includes single admission and buffet dinner in USDLA party suite)

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

Let's Go!

Ballgame Information

Join us Wednesday June 25th for a 7:00pm evening ballgame as the St. Louis Cardinals host the Chicago Cubs! Network with your colleagues and enjoy the ultimate party experience in a climate-controlled private suite that features an upscale buffet and extended full bar service. Tickets can be purchased at the time of registration and the cost is $125. If you have already purchased a conference pass just select the ballgame only option. Click here to purchase. Note that tickets are limited and will sell out so don't wait!

Hotel Information

"Hitting Home Runs in the Digital Age of Distance Learning"

This year’s event will be held at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark the week of June 23rd, 2025 and reservations are now being accepted.

Room rates are $195 per night and can be extended 3 days prior and after the conference. Be sure to use the link provided for this special rate.

Hotel Guests Parking Passes: there is a discounted USDLA rate of $20 per night for on-site parking. There are also several public parking garages nearby:

Ballpark Village Lot - S 6th and Walnut, St. Louis, MO 63102 (2 min walk)
Stadium East iParkit Garage - 200 S Broadway, St. Louis, MO 6310 (2 min walk)
Stadium West Parking Garage - 215 S 8th St, St. Louis, MO 63102 (5 min walk)
Lot A - 615 S 7th St, St. Louis, MO 63102 (4 min walk)

NOTE: Cutoff date for this rate is 5/26/2025 so be sure to book as soon as possible

Conference Schedule Quick View

June 23, 2025

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 – 7:30pm

Opening Reception (Lite fares and cash bar)

June 24, 2025

Tuesday - Day 2

6:30am – 7:15am

Morning Stretch – Yoga

Alexandra Salas and Hope Gibbs

7:00am – 5:00pm

Registration

USDLA Staff

7:30am – 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

Joe Sallustio

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

Dustin York

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 – 9:00pm

Night on the Town

USDLA Board of Directors

9:30pm – Midnight

Midnight Karaoke in the Ballroom

John Chen and Friends

June 25, 2025

Wednesday - Day 3

6:15am – 7:00am

Bill Jackson Memorial Sunrise Run/Walk

All USDLA Attendees Welcome

7:00am – 5:00pm

Registration

USDLA Staff

7:30am – 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

Robbie Melton

10:00am – 10:45am

Concurrent Session 5 (multiple presentation choices)

11:00am – 11:45am

Fireside Chat with Dr. Harris

USDLA BOD and Dr. Harris

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, Cardinals Ballgame (ticket required, separate purchase)

June 26, 2025

Thursday - Day 4

7:00am – 11:00am

Registration

USDLA Staff

9:00am – 4:00pm

Gamefication Certification

10:00am – 3:00pm

Leadership Workshop

11:30am – 1:00pm

Boxed Lunch

View Full Schedule

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View Activities

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 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

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

As one of our nation’s foremost higher-education experts, Dr. Joe Sallustio has led a broad range of educational institutions in various sectors of higher education.

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.

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?

Are their 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:

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. Join us on Wednesday June 25th for a complimentary festive banquet luncheon to celebrate this years prestigious winners.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE

Other/Misc. Information

Photo Booth!

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.

Conference Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Conference Sponsor FAQs

The dramatic growth of the distance learning industry makes our market attractive to a host of technology, content, and service providers. Many of those providers are giving something back to the distance education community by stepping up to sponsor the Association. Their generosity is vital to supporting the work of USDLA. Please visit them during the conference:

Exhibitor List and Booth Numbers

Booth 1: VDO360

Booth 2: Revolution Lightboards

Booth 3: Carolina Distance Learning

Booth 4:

Booth 5: Visla

Booth 6:

Booth 7: Inscribe

Booth 8: State Chapters

Booth 9: Atomic Jolt

Booth 10: Presence

Booth 11: