USDLA 2023 National Conference is less than 3 weeks away: July 17-20! We know you won’t want to miss this year’s national conference at the gorgeous Wyndham Orlando Resort, where you’ll have the opportunity to participate in more than just amazing sessions. Scroll down for details.
- Check out all of the planned activities: https://usdla.org/2023-event-activities/
- Last call for Hotel reservations at $129 per night: https://usdla.org/2023-hotel-registration/
- View the entire conference schedule: https://usdla.org/2023-schedule/
- If you haven’t already registered, click here to join us in Orlando: https://usdla.org/2023-registration/
We’ll see you soon! — The USDLA Communications team
Monday, July 17: Opening Reception
Join us Monday evening for some social interaction!
Continuing with our conference kickoff tradition, we will welcome conference attendees from around the world and have musical entertainment by Christina Vukel to provide some food for the soul. Join us for some networking, snacks and beverages.
Tuesday, July 18, 7-8 AM: Morning Stretch with Alexandra Salas and Hope Katz Gibbs
Meet us for some morning Yoga poolside starting at 7 AM. If you are a virtual attendee, join us online by clicking here to join our Yoga Zoom room.
About yoga: Physical training has been present in human societies throughout history. Usually, it was performed to prepare for a physical competition or display, improve physical, emotional, and mental health, and look attractive. Yoga aims to build strength, awareness, and harmony in the mind and body. While there are more than 100 different types, or schools, of yoga, most sessions typically include breathing exercises, meditation, and assuming postures (sometimes called asana or poses) that stretch and flex various muscle groups. Join us for a morning class to prepare yourself for an amazing day of learning.
About Alexandra: A USDLA Board Member and Vice President for Digital Learning & Innovation at Neumann University, Aston, PA, Alex says that yoga has been a longstanding part of her past and present. “It’s a creative space that provides a constant source of freedom and bliss,” she says, noting the practice is central to her edupreneurial pursuits. A Registered Yoga Teacher (200-RYT) and Aerial Yoga instructor dedicated to the intersectionality of education and wellness, Alex’s practice embodies various yoga traditions that inspire her holistic approach in life, on the mat and aerial. “Practicing yoga is a work in progress that allows me to connect, learn and share with others,” she adds. “During savasana, I always remind the class to breathe and enjoy the marvel of each moment is the forever goal.”
About Hope: In addition to being USDLA’s communications director, Hope has been a Kundalini and Yin yoga teacher since 2016, Hope has been practicing yoga since she was a teen. She is also a Reiki Master and, in 2022, became a Licensed Massage Therapist in New Mexico. She currently works at spas and teaches yoga in Rehoboth Beach, DE. “I am so excited to practice in Orlando with the USDLA community,” says Hope. Learn more at MassagebyHope.com.
Tuesday, July 18, 6 pm: Dinner on the Town at ICON Park
If you haven’t been to Orlando’s ICON Park, you are in for a treat! With more than 50 shops and restaurants, there are fabulous stops for cocktails and dinner, including our favorites — Sloppy Joe’s Orlando and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red. Plus:
- Tin Roof: A Live Music Joint
- Blake Shelton’s Ole Red
- Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips
- Sloppy Joe’s Orlando
- Sugar Factory
- Buffalo Wild Wings
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Haagen-Dazs
- iCafe de Paris
- iLounge Istanbul
- Outback Steakhouse
- Shake Shack
- Tapa Toro Spanish Restaurant
- The Wheelhouse Market
- Uncle Julio’s Mexican
- ICON Park Sky Bar, Lawn Bar, Wheelhouse Bar
USDLA board members will be at several locations for those interested in some one-on-one time conversations around today’s most important topics.
Wednesday, July 19, 7 am: Bill Jackson Memorial Sunrise Walk/Run
Perhaps you’ve heard that USDLA is a tight-knit family. That is especially true of our annual national conference. We will carry on a tradition near and dear to our hearts to help remember a past USDLA President who was taken away from us in 2011.
Join us for a morning walk, jog, or run to help us celebrate a life lost far too early.
Wednesday, July 19, 6:30 pm: International Awards Dinner
Join us for a premiere networking and recognition event. Enjoy a fantastic dinner while we recognize some of the most respected world leaders in the distance/digital learning industry for 2023.
For those who are virtual attendees, we will be streaming the awards!