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2025 Event Activities

The USDLA national conference always provides plenty of learning, social, and health related activities to keep you fully engaged and energized.

Whether it's morning yoga, a mid-day coffee break or dinner on the town, the conference is designed to maximize networking opportunities even when you're not learning from expert presenters in the field of digital education.

St. Louis is truly a special place to visit with rich history and multiple activities within walking distance. To learn more about the city visit ExploreStLouis.com.

 

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner – Complimentary breakfast is provided Tuesday through Thursday, lunch is provided Tuesday and also at the Awards Luncheon Wednesday at no additional cost. Dinners are on your own each night.

Monday June 23rd – Opening Reception – Join us Monday evening for some social interaction! We will welcome conference attendees from around the world and have music to provide some food for the soul.

Tuesday June 24th – Morning Exercise – Meet us for some morning Yoga starting at 6:30AM in the fitness center. The purpose of yoga is to build strength, awareness and harmony in both the mind and body. While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes called asana or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups. Join us for a morning class to prepare yourself for an amazing day of learning.

Tuesday June 24th – Dinner on the Town in St. Louis – If you’ve never been to St. Louis you are in for a culinary treat! Once known as the Garment District in the early 1900’s, Washington Avenue has transformed into an 8-block avenue of local eateries (no chain restaurants), boutique shopping, nightlife and entertainment – ALL within walking steps from the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark.

  • 360 Rooftop Bar (top floor of the Hilton)
  • Ballpark Pizza (attached to the Hilton)
  • Bullock Rooftop Bar and Lounge
  • Ballpark Village
  • Jazz St. Louis
  • Polite Society
  • Stage Left Grill
  • Southern
  • Bulrush STL
  • Bowood by Niche
  • The Fountain on Locust

USDLA board members will be at several locations for those interested in some one on one time conversations around today’s most important topics.

Wednesday June 25th – Bill Jackson Memorial Sunrise Walk/Run – Join us in the lobby at 6:30am. Perhaps you’ve heard that USDLA is tight knit family.  That is especially true of our annual national conference. We will carry on a tradition that is near and dear to our hearts to help remember a past USDLA President that was taken away from us back in 2011. Join us for a morning walk, jog, or run to help us celebrate a life lost far too early.

The rest of our day will be spent learning from a community that is broader than our own!

Wednesday June 25th – International Awards Luncheon  – Join us for a premiere recognition event. Enjoy a fantastic plated lunch while we recognize some of the most respected world leaders in the distance/digital learning industry for 2024-2025. For those who are virtual attendees we will be streaming the awards live and you can access the webcast via Zoom.

Wednesday June 25th – St. Louis Cardinals Ballgame (extra cost) – a limited number of tickets are available for purchase to the Chicago Cubs versus the St. Louis Cardinals ballgame starting at 7PM. Tickets include access to a buffet dinner and non-alcoholic drinks. To purchase tickets click here.

Surrounding Area Activities

The Events team has identified area excursions to network off-site with other attendees. These are simply suggestions and you must make your own reservations.

  • Gateway Arch Tour & Riverboat Cruise (EST Cost $37) -Approximately 2hr excursion starting with the unique Gateway Arch tram lifting you 630 feet up to the top of the tallest monument in the United States and then a one-hour St. Louis Riverfront Cruise
  • Skyline Dinner Cruise  (EST cost $59)  – A scenic two-hour cruise featuring a chef-inspired menu and captivating views of the St. Louis Skyline.
  • Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour, plus VIP Clydesdale Tour (EST Cost $45) – Explore the Anheuser-Busch brewery, campus, and learn about brewing methods on a Day Fresh Tour, then get up close and personal with the legendary Budweiser Clydesdales
  • City Museum tour (EST Cost $20) – Whether you’re interested in art, history, architecture or Instagram opportunities, the City Museum is not just for kids-grab a drink at 1st floor bar fashioned after a 19th-century cabin, admire art by renowned contemporary artist and fascinating mix of salvaged architectural pieces, take a ride on our Big Eli Ferris Wheel for a whole new view of downtown St. Louis.
  • National Blues Museum (EST Cost $20) Blues, baby, is the root of all American music, here you will see just how deep those roots go through exhibits that’ll take you back to the early days of the blues, where it all began. You’ll see how this beautiful music has touched and influenced every corner of the U.S. and beyond.