As we look toward November 2025, one of the brightest spots on the calendar is the OLC Accelerate Conference in Orlando. For more than 30 years, this gathering has been a place where educators, leaders, and innovators come together to make sense of the shifting landscape of learning. This year, we—Cody and Allison—are honored to serve as your conference co-chairs.
We’ve been attending OLC Accelerate for years, and every time we walk away with something that stays with us: a new idea, a challenge to our thinking, and—perhaps most importantly—new connections with people who “get it.” That’s the real magic of OLC: the blend of thought leadership and authentic community.
A Steady Light in Uncertain Times
It’s no secret that higher education, K–12, corporate training, and EdTech are all navigating turbulence right now. Questions about funding, access, technology, and the role of AI swirl around us. It can feel overwhelming. But OLC Accelerate has always offered a steady light in that uncertainty. For three decades, this conference has been a place to pause, reflect, and explore what’s next—together.
Whether you’re coming from a university, a K–12 district, a corporation, or a startup, you’ll find that the principles we discuss at OLC transcend sector lines. The problems may look different in your context, but the solutions—and the community—are shared.
Embracing AI—With Intention
It’s impossible to talk about education in 2025 without talking about AI. But at OLC, we won’t just marvel at the technology or get lost in the hype. Instead, we’ll lean into the real questions:
- How do we use AI responsibly?
- How can it empower, rather than replace, educators?
- What ethical guardrails should guide us?
At Accelerate, you’ll find sessions, panels, and informal conversations that don’t shy away from the complexities of AI. You’ll walk away not just with new tools, but with frameworks for using them wisely.
Space to Play, Room to Grow
One thing veterans of OLC Accelerate know: this isn’t a conference where you’re expected to sit quietly in a ballroom, passively taking notes. You’ll be invited to play—to experiment with new tools, test new ideas, and step outside your professional comfort zone.
From our new AI Exploration Zone to hands-on workshops to informal hallway conversations, the conference is designed to give you both time and space to imagine what could be. Many attendees tell us those playful, unexpected moments are the ones that stay with them long after the closing session.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome—Together
We know conferences can be intimidating. Maybe you’re a first-time attendee, unsure if your voice belongs in the conversation. Maybe you’re presenting for the first time and feeling the weight of imposter syndrome. We’ve been there too.
Here’s the truth: at OLC Accelerate, everyone is both a learner and a teacher. Your experiences—whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or the lab—are valuable. And when you share them, others grow. The community is what makes this event so powerful, and it wouldn’t be OLC without you.
Tips from Seasoned OLC Accelerate Attendees
Since we both have been attending for years, here are a few insider tips to make your experience the best it can be:
- Plan, but don’t over-plan. It’s tempting to pack your schedule with back-to-back sessions. Leave some breathing room for serendipity—those impromptu conversations in the hallway often end up being the most meaningful.
- Say yes to something new. Whether it’s a hands-on workshop, a networking lunch, or a tech demo, step into a session that feels a little outside your lane. That’s where growth happens.
- Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. Everyone here is open to connecting. Start with “Is this your first time at OLC?” and you’ll be surprised at how many doors open.
- Bring the questions you’ve been wrestling with. Chances are, someone else is wrestling with the same ones—and together, you’ll get further than you would alone.
- Attend the networking and engagement sessions. Not only are these super fun, but they are a great way to connect with new people. Be sure to get contact information from all your new friends!
Join Us in Orlando
We’re excited to welcome you to Orlando this November. Whether it’s your first OLC Accelerate or your fifteenth, we know you’ll find what we’ve found year after year: inspiration, community, and the courage to keep moving forward in times of uncertainty.
Come ready to learn. Come ready to play. Most importantly, come ready to be part of a community that has been listening, growing, and expanding for 30 years—and is still going strong.
We can’t wait to see you there.
—Cody & Allison, OLC Accelerate 2025 Co-Chairs
