USDLA 2026 Virtual Conference
April flash sale Special - $99 registration for all!
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**
- April Special - $99 (Valid until 4/30/2026)
- Standard $199 (Valid 5/1/2026 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)
- April Special - $99 (Valid until 4/30/2026)
- Standard $249 (Valid 5/1/2026 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
A reminder email with Zoom link access information for the primary keynotes will be sent to all virtual paid attendees on Friday June 19th.
2026 Virtual Conference Schedule Quick View (All Times ET)
Tuesday June 16, 2026
Day 1 Virtual
Noon - 12:30pm
Welcome and Announcements
12:30 - 1:15pm
A Virtual Field Trip to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
12:30 - 1:15pm
Teach It Like You Stream It: Bring Energy and Engagement to Your Zoom Classes
1:30 - 2:15pm
Composing Compliance: Understanding Layered Obligations in Digital Learning
1:30 - 2:15pm
Dive Into School AI 2.0
2:30 - 3:15pm
Designing Inclusive and Rigorous Online Lessons with AI
2:30 - 3:15pm
Leading the Playground: Leadership Strategies for Positive School Culture
3:30 - 4:15pm
Bridging design prototypes and sustainable microinnovations in flexible learning
3:30 - 4:15pm
From Data to Daily Practice: Designing Literacy Lessons That Stick
Wednesday June 17, 2026
Day 2 Virtual
Noon - 12:30pm
Welcome and Announcements
Harriet Watkins and Valary Oleinik
12:30 - 1:15pm
Say It Now: How Gratitude Strengthens Connection, Leadership, and Learning
12:30-1:15pm
Teaching with Art: Creative Paths in Online Language Learning
1:30 - 2:15pm
AI-Enhanced Assignments for Iterative Learning with a Spiral Design
1:30 - 2:15pm
Brave Online Rooms: How to Build Psychological Safety and Honest Dialogue in Virtual/Hybrid Learning
2:30 - 3:15pm
ADA Compliance for Instructional Designers
2:30 - 3:15pm
Get Ready to Show Up and Lead. Human-Centered Leadership in an AI Driven World.
3:30 - 4:15pm
Instructional Design Unplugged: Rediscovering Its Core Identity
3:30 - 4:15pm
Universal Harmony through Inclusive Course Design
Keynote Schedule Quick View (All Times ET)
Tuesday June 23, 2026
Day 1 Live Webcasts
8:45 - 9:00am
Opening Remarks
USDLA Executive Director, Pat Cassella
9:00 - 10:15am
Opening Keynote
Michael Torrence
11:45 - 12:15am
Featured Speaker
Josh Penzell
4:00 - 4:45pm
How to Produce Engaging Virtual Meetings
John Chen
Wednesday June 24, 2026
Day 2 Live Webcasts
8:45 - 9:00am
Opening Remarks
USDLA Executive Director, Pat Cassella
9:00 - 9:45am
Featured Speaker
Betty Dannewitz
11:30-12:30pm
Awards and Announcements
USDLA Board of Directors
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
