Fusion 2026 is almost here! I’m looking forward to connecting with our amazing community in Phoenix.
Phoenix is a beautiful place. The desert is stunning. The sky is expansive. The horizon seems to stretch forever. And, very importantly, Phoenix also has excellent air conditioning. Which is good, because nothing says “let’s escape the heat” quite like going to a famously hot place.
This year’s theme is Beyond the Horizon, and I love it because it captures the exact moment we are in.
Learning is changing quickly. Artificial intelligence is advancing at remarkable speed. Institutions are facing new pressures. Educators are being asked to do more, often with less time. Students and learners are asking new questions about the value of education and the skills they will need for a future none of us can predict perfectly.
That can feel unsettling. But it is also why this work matters so much.
The horizon is not really a destination. It moves as we move. What matters is not whether we can see every detail of the future. What matters is the direction we choose, the people we partner with, and the determination we bring to the work ahead.
That’s why our theme for this year focusses on what’s ahead – over and beyond the horizon.
What’s in Store at Fusion 2026
Over our time together, we will explore what it means to build learning experiences for the future.
We will talk about AI, of course. But not as a novelty or a shortcut. We will talk about how AI can help educators give better feedback, create more engaging experiences, support learners earlier and spend more time doing the work that drew them into education in the first place.
We will also talk about trust. Privacy by design. Security by design. Accessibility and inclusion by design. Responsible AI by design. These principles matter because learners, educators and institutions deserve technology they can rely on.
And we will hear from organizations that are already moving beyond the horizon. Partners using Brightspace, Creator+ and D2L Lumi to improve engagement, accelerate course development and help more learners succeed. Educators using technology to better see and support students who might otherwise be missed. Institutions rethinking assessment, skills development and the connection between education and work.
These are not just technology stories. They are learning stories. I can’t wait to share them.
Build Your Community
Fusion has always been more than a conference. It is a place where people who care deeply about learning come together to share ideas, challenge assumptions and imagine what comes next.
Whether this is your first Fusion or one of many you’ve attended, I hope you leave Phoenix energized, encouraged and ready to look beyond the horizon.
Because learners are counting on us.
And we do not have to walk toward the future alone.
See you in Phoenix.
Tune into LinkedIn July 8, 2026 at 4:00PM EST to hear John’s keynote live.
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