Digital learning is a dynamic and exciting field, and there has never been quite as exciting a time as the current hour. Countless new technologies, processes, and paradigms have upended online education in the last decade, and the advent of even newer technology, like generative AI, is looking to continue that trend. If you’re a senior leader or instructor, the future of your institution hinges on how well you can position your university to capitalize on these emerging trends to better student outcomes. In times as fast-paced as these, connection with other leaders in online education is paramount.
Instructional Connections is delighted to be an official exhibitor at the 2025 Summit for Online Leadership and Administration (SOLAR) Conference. The conference will be held July 22-24, 2025, in Portland, Oregon, and we hope to see you there. Connecting with other leaders in digital transformation offers you countless opportunities to learn about emerging trends in online connection and connect with peers from across North America.
Read on to learn about the UPCEA SOLAR conference!
Who
UPCEA’s SOLAR conferences are designed around empowering leaders in online education. Attendees come with various problems they’re looking to better understand, whether that’s refining online education program design, developing an institutional online education strategy, or implementing new student models for better student outcomes. Regardless of the specific use case, attendees at SOLAR can learn more about the future of online education through keynotes, workshops, and social conversations.
This year’s conference will focus on several institutional challenges, including the use of artificial intelligence in future online education, the results of UPCEA’s 2025 Benchmarking Online Enterprises Survey, and a panel on the future of online education.
Schedule
The conference will begin on July 22nd with a conference orientation and the opening general session. July 23rd will host a general session on UPCEA’s 2025 Benchmarking Online Enterprises Survey results, followed by a fireside chat on Chief Online Learning Officer competencies for the modern world. From there, attendees will spend the rest of the day in smaller, concurrent sessions around specific topics, with several networking breaks throughout the event. Depending on the expertise of the faculty member presenting, these sessions will cover everything from digital inclusion and dashboard analytics to organizational digital culture and strategy. The conference will close on the 24th after a general panel on the future of digital education, hosted by attendees from several higher education institutions.
Registration
Registration information can be found here. Registration fees must be submitted by June 24th, although late registration fees could be accepted until July 21st, depending on availability. You also will have the opportunity to purchase The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education during registration. This resource will give you essential strategies and practical ideas as an online education leader, ideas that will help your institution adapt to an ever-changing world. If you’re a Chief Online Learning Officer attending the COLO fireside chat, please note you’ll receive a copy free of charge!
Leisure & Networking
UPCEA’s SOLAR conference will feature several breakout sessions for networking and connection throughout the day. While the content and insights you’ll glean from SOLAR are incredibly valuable, the chance to broaden your professional network and spend quality time with like-minded educators is priceless. We encourage you to take advantage of all the various networking opportunities SOLAR offers.
Additionally, there’s much more to see within Portland if you’re looking for entertainment after hours. The planning committee of UPCEA has linked several options here for your review, among them
- Sporting events
- The Portland Art Museum
- Portland’s amazing public parks
- Several world-class dining options
Register Now
Are you registered for UPCEA’s 2025 conference? Register today and secure your spot! The Instructional Connections team will be an official exhibitor, and we’d love to connect! We hope to see you there and look forward to an informative, engaging, and collaborative session about the future of digital transformation.
