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A ‘Must Hear’ Keynote!


Blog written By Dean Hoke, Managing Partner of Edu Alliance Group & Member of the USDLA Board of Directors

In November of 2018 I was invited to represent the USDLA as a panelist addressing the question “What is the Future? How do You Make it Happen” at Corporate Learning Week Conference held in Orlando, Florida. Rather than just participate in my panel I wanted to take advantage of the conference and listen to the many fine speakers addressing various training issues. One speaker particularly impressed me. At the USDLA Board Meeting when we were discussing potential keynote speakers for the upcoming Annual Conference on May 20-23 being held in Nashville, Tennessee. I recommended Dr. Trish Holliday. Dr. Holliday is the Chief Learning Officer for the state of Tennessee, and she spoke on “Preparing for the Future – How Learning Can Be a Cultural Divider.” What got my attention about Trish was her passion helping professionals reach their greatest potential.

2019 USDLA Conference
Dr. Trish Holliday
Keynote Speaker

The title of Chief Learning Officer (CLO) is popularly defined as the highest-ranking corporate officer in charge of learning management. The CLO instead of trying to solve individual problems is to take a bigger picture view of their organization. The CLO develops a vision of learning for the entire organization. In 1989 Jack Welch then CEO of General Electric was one of the first major corporations to name a CLO (Steve Kerr). Since then Corporate American has had a number of CLO’s but in higher education, there are very few, and in government there are none.

That changed in April 2012 when the state of Tennessee set a new priority for learning for its approximately 43,500 employees in the three branches of government by naming Dr. Holliday its first Chief Learning Officer. She was not only the first person named CLO for the state of Tennessee but the first CLO for any state government. Trish had been a member of state government working in various positions since 2005. She started as a Training Officer for the Human Resources then named in 2010 the Director of Strategic Learning Solutions in 2010 and in 2012 has appointed to her current post as Assistant Commissioner of Human Resourcesand CLO.

I believe why she was appointed to her post, besides her obvious talent and experience, is Trish brings enthusiasm and passion for training, coaching, and retention. She is a true believer. You can see and hear this when she speaks. Trish has a passion for lifelong learning, and she has been successful in mentoring and coaching many leaders in engagement, goal setting, competency, and strategic development. She puts her heart and soul into educating adults and helping them become the best they can be.

Trish has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Tennessee Tech University, her Masters of Arts from Scarritt Graduate College and her Doctor of Education from Lipscomb University with an Emphasis in Learning Organizations and Strategic Change.

I think attending the USDLA Annual Conference in Nashville is well worth your time and investment. You can learn many new ideas in the field of online learning no matter the industry, get the opportunity to meet new people, network, and while attending I would highly encourage to hear Dr. Holliday as she talks about learning.  I was impressed, and I believe you will be as well.  

Top Ten Reasons to Attend the 2019 USDLA Conference

Blog Written by Elaine Shuck, USDLA Board Member

Nashville, TN

#1 Location, location, location.
This year’s event will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, best known for Nashville, country music and the Grand Ole Opry.  So, come and discover Nashville with your distance learning friends!

#2 Unmatched value.
I don’t know about you, but I go to a lot of conferences touching on education and training.  Well, this conference is different.  We’re the U.S. Distance Learning Association and here you have the entire spectrum of DL professionals learning from and sharing with each other.  Amazing things happen when you can learn from a community that is broader than your own.  You won’t find an event that offers this much content: stellar keynotes, first-rate presenters, an amazing array of distance learning exhibitors, and the best of the best, the winners of the prestigious USDLA Awards.

Take a look at the 2018 WINNERS!

#3 Network and connect.
At our conference, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with professionals spread across the country and around the world.  We are a passionate community of interests focused on distance learning in all its forms.  We work in K-20 education, corporate and government training and telemedicine.  You’ll return home equipped with new plans, tips, and tools to make a difference in your organization.

#4 Thirtysome years in distance learning.
One of the things that makes USDLA helpful and attractive to me is perspective.  Regardless of the constituency I’m engaged with and the media I use, I find I learn amazing lessons from those in other distance learning fields.

#5 Value for the money.
With a 4-day intensive conference schedule, you will access strategic knowledge and expertise that’s worth its weight in gold from an impressive array of recognized professionals.

#6 Be a part of the movement.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join professionals that have the vision, knowledge and experience to help us “Keep in Tune with the Future of Digital/Distance Learning.” Join us at the USDLA 2019 National Conference, May 20th – May 23rd in Nashville.  Learn more and register today.

#7 Mobile/Round Table Dinners.
Join us for a night on the town with your colleagues and board members to learn about the latest hot topics and about the association.

#8 Pre-Conference Workshops.
Join us for one Pre-Conference Workshop on Monday.  Learn more and register today!!

#9 USDLA membership opportunities.
Remember our invitation: “Come learn from a community that is broader than your own. Whatever your learning specialty, welcome home!” Join USDLA today!!

#10 Have FUN!
We understand the importance of social events.  That’s why we planned several to engage in some friendly conversations.  Whether attending the evening events, the annual memorial run/walk, or participating in the morning yoga.

DL Networking Harmony in Nashville: Join us for the 2019 USDLA National Conference

Blog Written by Pat Cassella, President, U.S. Distance Learning Association

This will be the 32nd year of the United States Distance Learning Association and our first conference ever in Music City.

Much like Digital and Distance Learning has been the fabric of our Association, music has long been the common thread in Nashville, connecting people to both the life and soul of the city in cultural, business and social capacity.

I recently visited the Hilton Airport Nashville, the site of our 2019 conference, to get a first hand look at the layout, meet the staff and best understand how to leverage the location for four days in May.

Upon meeting Keith Glad, Hilton Manager, I immediately felt at home and a strong connection. Keith waked me through each of the 6 rooms where we will hold our concurrent sessions, introduced me to supporting staff, explained the history of the hotel (it was an old Holiday Inn just a couple of years ago) and showed me the ballroom where we will have our keynotes and Awards dinner. Once business was finished, we continued the bonding over a great meal at the on-site restaurant, complete with a glass (or two) of wine.  

As I reflect upon the visit, it’s this type of connection that many attendees over the years have told me they felt with their peers upon attending their first (or tenth) USDLA conference. In fact, when we poll attendees after the conference, they indicate that networking is one of the primary reasons for attending and that the intimate, family environment is hard to find in other conferences they attend in the DL space.   

This year we are committed to continuing this trend of quality networking along with some new and exciting topics within the AI (Artificial Intelligence) space and how this is currently (and will continue to) impact the world of digital and distance learning. The three keynote speakers we have signed on will bring significant experience to the conference, yet are all very approachable for small group and personal conversations regarding AI, Mixed Reality, IoT (Internet of Things) and other 21st century learning topics.

To keep your mind and body in balance, we also have a variety of events planned! We kick off Monday night with a nice opening reception, complete with a local musician. Tuesday morning, we will keep you in shape with a Yoga class, courtesy of Hope Gibbs, a very talented Kundalini yoga instructor and entrepreneur while the evening round table dinners will allow you to network with your peers on Broadway with courtesy (free) roundtrip transportation. Wednesday morning, we will meet in the lobby at 6AM for a nice walk/jog/run to celebrate the life of Bill Jackson, past USDLA President and friend who left us all too early followed by an incredible evening of Award presentations to those who have made significant achievements within DL community.

I hope you share my excitement and I’d be honored to have you at the conference this May 21st-24th in Nashville. Visit https://usdla.org/2019-national-conference/ to learn more.