USDLA 2026 Virtual Conference
Conference Information
"Rocking the world of Distance Learning"
Hello USDLA Family!
While we would love to see everyone in person in Cleveland for our 39th annual conference, we understand that is not an option for everyone. Each year we explore new ways to provide meaningful virtual experiences. This year is no exception, as our virtual conference option provides a combination of virtual webinars, streamed events from the onsite event, and some live interactive and networking opportunities.
Access the 2026 official virtual conference guide by clicking here
Presenter Rates*
- Virtual Presenter fee $100 (if presenting remotely)
*Contact Harriet Watkins for presenter registration code at harriet.watkins@iconnect-na.com)
Virtual Conference USDLA Member Rates**
- Early Bird $149 (Valid until 1/31/2026)
- Standard $199 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/22/2026)
**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 $249 (Valid until 1/31/2026) – EXPIRED
- Standard $299 (Valid 2/1/2026 through 6/22/2026)
The virtual conference will be held Tuesday June 16th and Wednesday June 17th, separately from the physical conference.
All who sign up for the virtual conference will have access to the primary Keynotes during the physical conference the week of June 22nd through a secure Zoom link. This includes:
- Tuesday Opening Keynote
- Tuesday Luncheon Keynote
- Wednesday Morning Keynote
- Wednesday International Awards Luncheon
A reminder email with Zoom link access information for the primary keynotes will be sent to all virtual paid attendees on Friday June 19th.
2025 Virtual Conference Schedule Quick View (All Times ET)
Tuesday June 17, 2025
Day 1 Virtual
Noon-12:30pm
Welcome and Conference Orientation
USDLA Conference Chair
12:30 - 1:15pm
Using Conversation Protocols to Engage All Learners
Natalie Berger
1:30 - 2:15pm
From Reactive to Proactive Accessibility: Practical and Scalable Considerations for Every Organization
Carli Cockrell
2:30 - 3:15pm
Distance and Digital Education Leadership and Best Practices in Instructional Design and Learner Engagement
Emily Mulvihill
Wednesday June 18, 2025
Day 2 Virtual
Noon - 12:30pm
Welcome and Announcements
USDLA Conference Chair
12:30 - 1:15pm
Leveraging Generative AI Tools for Course Materials Accessibility
Mounika Reddy Ragula
1:30-2:15pm
Community, Collaboration & Consistency!
Shahla Hockensmith
2:30 - 3:15pm
Big League Digital Badging: A Home Run Success Strategy
Charlotte Russell Cox and Larrisha McGill-Youngblood
3:30 - 4:15pm
Exploring AI and its Resources for Students with Disabilities in Virtual Learning Environment
Rhonda Wakelyn
Keynote Schedule Quick View (All Times ET)
Tuesday June 23, 2026
Day 1 Live Webcasts
9:45 - 10:00am
Opening Remarks
USDLA Executive Director
10:00 - 10:45am
Commencement – A New Era in Higher Education Update
Joe Sallustio, Vice President, Industry Engagement at Ellucian and Co-Author of Commencement
2:00 - 2:45pm
Personal Branding: How to hit it out of the park!
Dustin York, Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida
5:00 - 6:00pm
How to Produce Engaging Virtual Meetings
John Chen
Wednesday June 24, 2026
Day 2 Live Webcasts
10:00 - 10:45am
The Tools Shaping the World of Artificial Intelligence
Robbie Melton, Associate Vice President – SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategist
Noon - 12:45pm
Fireside Chat - Empowering Adult Learners: Leadership in Higher Education and the Future of Distance Learning for Adult Learners in the Age of AI
Dr. Sedgwick Harris, President of Bristol Community College, facilitated by Dr. Farah Bennani
1:00-2:45pm
A Deeper Look at the 2025 USDLA Award Winners
Wendy Pate, Awards Chair
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 39th 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:
- Instructional Design
- Learner Engagement
- Accessibility
- The Impact of AI on Distance and Digital Learning
- Leadership tracks
- HyFlex Strategies for Success
- Community Collaboration
- Digital Badging
- Student Engagement Techniques
- Professional Development for the Online Staff/Faculty
- Policy, Regulation and Governance in Distance Education
Physical Conference Speaker Lineup (Week of June 22nd 2026)
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
Why SHould I Attend?
Leading speakers, concurrent session, workshops and more - the conference offers something for everyone. Watch below:
Conference Sponsors
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.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Friends & Exhibitors
