As we gather for OLC Accelerate 2025, we celebrate more than three decades of innovation, collaboration, and progress in online and digital learning. Now in its 31st year, our flagship conference continues to serve as a cornerstone for educators, leaders, and learning professionals who are shaping the future of education.
This year’s theme, The Next 30 Years, invites us to look forward. Together, we will explore how emerging technologies, effective practices, and visionary leadership can redefine what learning looks like across K–12, higher education, and corporate learning and development.
Why This Matters
For more than three decades, OLC Accelerate has served as a compass for educators, L&D professionals, designers, technologists, and institutional leaders striving to navigate rapid change. The world of learning has evolved dramatically since our first conference, and the pace of change continues to accelerate. What began as a small gathering of innovators exploring the promise of online education has grown into a global movement that continues to shape the way people teach, learn, and lead.
In 2025, we find ourselves at another inflection point. Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and adaptive learning systems are reshaping course design, instruction, and student support. Learners now expect flexibility, personalization, and meaningful engagement across every educational experience. Institutions and organizations are being called upon to rethink strategy, infrastructure, and leadership to meet these expectations in a sustainable way.
OLC Accelerate provides a space to reflect on these challenges and opportunities together. It is a place to share research, test ideas, and engage in honest conversations about what it takes to ensure that learning remains relevant, effective, and human-centered in a rapidly changing digital world. Whether you are focused on advancing teaching practices, supporting faculty development, or leading organizational transformation, this year’s conference will help you connect theory to practice and vision to action.
Highlights You Won't Want to Miss
1. Pre-Conference Immersion and Symposiums
Kick off your conference experience on Monday, November 17, with immersive, hands-on learning and strategic conversations designed to set the tone for the week.
This year’s pre-conference offerings include:
- The K–12 Symposium, bringing together educators and administrators focused on high-quality online, blended, and digital teaching and learning.
- The Leadership Network Symposium, an exclusive opportunity for senior leaders and institutional decision-makers to engage in forward-looking discussions on innovation, strategy, and the future of learning.
- A range of immersive workshops offering practical skills development and collaborative problem-solving experiences.
Whether you are an educator, instructional designer, or senior leader, these sessions are designed to deepen engagement and help you connect with peers who share your goals.
2. Diverse Session Formats Designed for Engagement
This year’s program includes a mix of traditional presentations and innovative formats such as Conversation, Not Presentation, Gamified Sessions, Express Sessions, Discovery Sessions, and Workshops.
Choose the formats that challenge you to think differently and engage actively with your peers.
3. Signature Tracks Aligned to Our Collective Future
Explore sessions across four thematic tracks:
- Innovative and Effective Digital Learning Design
- Leadership, Partnerships, and Organizational Strategy
- Learner Success, Engagement, and Empowerment
- Professional Development, Quality Assurance, and Support
4. The AI Exploration Zone
Experience firsthand how AI is transforming learning through live demos, tools, and ethical frameworks. The AI Exploration Zone is a dedicated space for experimentation and reflection, and it is an essential stop for anyone shaping the next era of education.
5. Community and Connection through the Field Guide Program
If this is your first time at OLC Accelerate, the Field Guide Program is designed to help you make the most of your experience. The program connects newcomers and returning attendees, offering personalized guidance and opportunities to meet others who share your interests and goals.
6. Awards, Reflection, and Inspiration
Join us on Wednesday, November 19 (8:00–9:30 AM ET) for the Awards Breakfast and Fellows Panel, where we celebrate excellence and leadership in digital learning.
Getting the Most from Your Time
- Plan but stay flexible. The best moments often happen between sessions, in hallways, networking lounges, and informal gatherings.
- Set a clear goal. Identify one question or challenge you want to explore throughout the week.
- Engage with intention. Attend sessions that align with your mission, and make time to connect meaningfully with peers.
- Prioritize self-care. Visit the Sanctuary Room for moments of reflection and mindfulness amid the conference activity.
Looking Ahead
The theme The Next 30 Years reflects a shared belief that the work of teaching and learning is both timeless and transformative. As we look to the future, we have an extraordinary opportunity to reimagine how technology, pedagogy, and leadership intersect to support meaningful learning for all.
OLC Accelerate 2025 is more than a celebration of what has been accomplished. It is a gathering designed to explore what comes next, how we can collectively create new pathways, test bold ideas, and build learning experiences that are agile, effective, and future-focused.
Join us in Orlando at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort to be part of these conversations. Registration is now open, and participation ensures your voice is part of shaping the next chapter of digital learning.
