Every year, the Online Learning Consortium brings together a global community of educators, designers, technologists, and digital learning practitioners to reimagine what’s possible. OLC Innovate 2026, held virtually from March 3–5, invites attendees to explore this year’s theme: Bringing the Future into Focus—a call to collectively clarify our vision for digital learning in a rapidly shifting educational landscape. The official conference theme, “Future in Focus: Vision, Innovation, and Global Impact for a New Era,” underscores the power of gathering as a community to better understand emerging challenges and opportunities.
At its core, OLC Innovate 2026 invites educators, designers, researchers, and digital learning professionals into a space built on collaboration, curiosity, and shared purpose. This year’s fully virtual experience—taking place March 3–5, 2026—continues the conference’s long-standing tradition of fostering participation at every level, encouraging attendees not just to listen but to co-create, design, and imagine together. OLC and MERLOT position Innovate as a gathering where best practices are exchanged, ideas are tested, and communities of practice emerge in real time.
What distinguishes Innovate from other learning and development conferences, though, is engagement. Engagement is not an add-on—it’s the foundation upon which the full program is built. From session formats that prioritize interaction to networking experiences designed to spark unexpected connections, OLC Innovate 2026 creates a learning environment where participation feels natural, supported, and energizing.
The Power of Engagement in the Innovate Community
OLC Innovate 2026 brings together participants across K–12, higher education, and workforce learning, each with unique perspectives and goals. The challenge—and opportunity—is to create spaces where these diverse voices can meaningfully connect. Innovate addresses this by designing sessions that emphasize active involvement, from design sprints and express sessions to deep dive workshops and collaborative activities. These formats are intentionally crafted to encourage contributions, spark discussion, and invite attendees to build on one another’s insights.
This emphasis on engagement isn’t just about interactivity for its own sake—it’s about fostering community. OLC’s mission emphasizes creating collaborative environments where educators can share experiences and collectively strengthen their learning ecosystems. Interactive formats support this mission by ensuring attendees feel seen, connected, and empowered to learn alongside their peers.
Engagement Highlights for Innovate 2026
Although OLC Innovate 2026 is fully virtual, it delivers a robust lineup of opportunities designed to help participants connect, create, and reflect.
Interactive Session Formats
The conference’s session designs remain a defining feature of the Innovate experience. Attendees can expect:
- Design sprints for rapid problem solving and ideation
- Deep-dive workshops emphasizing practical skill development
- Express sessions offering concise, high impact insights
- Featured sessions showcasing experts and innovative approaches to digital learning
Each session emphasizes active participation and applied learning, allowing attendees to engage deeply with relevant educational challenges.
Connection Focused Networking Experiences
OLC Innovate 2026 supplements its formal programming with networking activities including virtual happy hour and yoga sessions that help attendees meet colleagues with shared interests, discuss new ideas, and exchange strategies across disciplines. Even virtually, these social and collaborative spaces are designed to feel organic and welcoming. All sessions are held in Zoom and recorded for flexible review, extending access and supporting continued connection long after the scheduled event.
Engagement, Inclusion, and Virtual Community Building
The fully virtual format of Innovate 2026 enhances its commitment to access and inclusion. Sessions take place in the U.S. Eastern Time Zone and are available on demand for nine months, removing barriers related to geography, cost, and scheduling. This flexibility empowers educators worldwide to participate without sacrificing work life balance or travel budgets.
Virtual engagement tools also play a central role in supporting inclusion. Breakouts, chats, collaborative documents, and interactive design sessions give attendees multiple ways to contribute—whether they prefer speaking up, writing, or participating asynchronously. The result is a learning environment where more voices can be heard and valued.
A Community Experience Designed for Everyone
At OLC Innovate 2026, engagement is also an equity practice. By offering varied session types, collaborative spaces, and flexible access, the conference supports participants at all career stages—from aspiring designers to seasoned leaders. Whether someone is attending their first Innovate or returning for another year, they’ll find opportunities to contribute and be welcomed into the community.
The result is a conference experience that feels both personal and expansive. Connection builds naturally through shared learning journeys, thoughtful conversation, and moments of collective creativity.
Conclusion: Innovate as a Catalyst for Connection
OLC Innovate 2026 demonstrates that engagement is more than a conference feature—it is the engine that drives meaningful connection, impactful learning, and professional renewal. As participants gather this March, they’ll join a vibrant global community actively shaping the future of digital, online, and blended education.
Together, attendees won’t just learn about innovation; they’ll practice it, cocreate it, and carry it forward into the learning environments they serve.
