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 22nd – 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 23rd – 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 23rd – Dinner on the Town in Cleveland – If you’ve never been to downtown Cleveland, you’re in for a culinary treat! East 4th Street and the surrounding district offer a compact stretch of locally owned restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and unique venues — all within walking distance from the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower. The area has become one of Cleveland’s most recognized dining corridors, known for chef-driven concepts, historic architecture, and plenty of places to explore after dinner. Below are several nearby restaurants and local spots for those looking to enjoy an evening out in the city:

• Blue Point Grille
• Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
• Fahrenheit
• Il Venetian
• Taza Lebanese Grill
• Lago East Bank
• District
• Butcher and the Brewer

Tuesday, June 23rd – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Experience (extra cost) – Join us
for an exclusive, private evening of exploring, heavy apps (enough for dinner) and cool beverages. We will kick everything off at 6:30 with shuttles taking attendees to the event from the hotel.  Attendees will be given VIP passes (lanyards) with information on what is on each level of the hall. The R&R HoF staff will be our guides for the evening. Secure your spot by May 31, 2026.

Wednesday June 24th – 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 24th – 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 2025-2026. For those who are virtual attendees we will be streaming the awards live and you can access the webcast via Zoom.

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.

• Goodtime III Sightseeing Cruise (EST cost ~ $35–$40 per adult) – A two hour narrated cruise on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, offering striking views of downtown Cleveland, the Flats, and the harbor. Great way to relax, socialize, and see the city from the water.
• The Cleveland Orchestra (EST cost ~$0-$75+) - It's no secret that The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the best in the world. And, it plays in one of most elegant concert venues, Severance Hall. But, this beloved Cleveland institution is decidedly not elitist or stodgy.
• Cleveland Rocks Tour (Paddle / Harbor Kayak Tour) – Paddle across the harbor and around North Coast Harbor for a waterfront view of Cleveland’s skyline and harbor activity. A fun and active way to network and explore the city from the water.
• Cleveland Museum of Natural History (EST cost ~$20) – Explore fascinating exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to wildlife dioramas, interactive science displays, and a planetarium.  Perfect for families or attendees interested in science, history, and nature.
• Cleveland Botanical Garden (EST cost ~$0-$25) - For more than a generation — since 1930, in fact — the Cleveland Botanical Garden has existed as a lush, beautiful and peaceful urban sanctuary in University Circle. It's filled to the brim — the outside, too — with plants and flowers from around the globe. It's the perfect spot for a little zen.
• West Side Market & Nearby Neighborhoods – Explore this historic market (with fresh produce, baked goods, specialty foods, and more) and the surrounding neighborhoods for a taste of local culture, food, and urban charm.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Day Trip Option) – If you want to venture beyond downtown, the park offers nature, trails, scenic views, and a chance to unwind — ideal for a half-day or full day excursion outside of the conference buzz.
• Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) – For nearly 50 years, The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA, to locals) has been unlike any other cultural institution in Cleveland. It does not feature a permanent collection, changing up its exhibitions three times a year. All that swapping out means MOCA has seen scores of some of the most important names in the contemporary art world — in many cases, through the artists’ first solo shows. By the way, you can see all of this amazing and inspirational art for the low, low price of FREE.