Welcome to Louisville
InstructureCon 2026 is almost here, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Louisville, Kentucky.
Whether you’re coming for the sessions, the speakers, the networking, or simply the chance to explore what’s next in teaching, learning, and technology, this guide will help you get ready for a great week.
Think of it as your go-to prep resource for planning your schedule, navigating the conference, and making the most of your time at InstructureCon.
Download the app
The Instructure Events app is your home base for everything happening at InstructureCon. To get started:
- Download Instructure Events from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (or search “Instructure Events” in your app store).
- Log in using the email address you used to register and select Send email link.
- Set up your profile with your name, title, organization, and photo.
- Add your LinkedIn profile so other attendees can connect with you.
- Use the Networking tab for 1:1 messaging and networking.
- If you don’t already have a Networking account, the app will prompt you to join.
Not seeing InstructureCon 2026 in the app? Double check that you’re using the email address you registered with, then uninstall and reinstall the app.
Local logistics
Prepare for summer weather
Louisville in July is warm, sunny, and humid. Expect temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s throughout the week.
A few recommendations:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
- Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated.
- Consider bringing a light layer for air-conditioned session rooms and meeting spaces.
Downtown travel
The ongoing I-65 Central Corridor Project may impact travel times around downtown Louisville, especially during peak hours. Build in a little extra time if you’re driving or using rideshare services.
Here’s the specific information:
Closure Location: Interstate 65 between Jefferson Street and Interstate 264 (Watterson Expressway)—this is the heavily used interstate for guests traveling to the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Closure date: June 1–July 31, 2026
Detours: I-65 traffic will be detoured using I-264 (Watterson Expressway) and Interstate 64, while on-ramps at Jefferson Street and Liberty Street/Muhammad Ali Boulevard will remain open.
Get to know Louisville
Before you arrive, take a look at our Louisville guide for local recommendations, transportation tips, and everything you need to know about Bourbon City.
Filter the agenda
There are hundreds of sessions at InstructureCon, so filters are your friend. To find content:
- Open the Agenda page on the web or in the app.
- Select the Filter button.
- Choose the Segment filter.
- Select your segment.
While you’re there, you can also filter by:
- Session format
- Instructure product
- Skill level
Once you’ve found sessions you’re interested in, log in and star them to build your personal schedule.
Meals and guest passes
Your conference meals are covered throughout the week.
Guest passes include access to all conference meals listed above, plus:
- Tuesday opening reception
- Wednesday evening at Fourth Street Live!
- Thursday closing party at Churchill Downs
- The Partner Hall
Parties and dress code
Shuttle information
Shuttles will pick up attendees on 3rd Street between Market and Jefferson Streets, beneath the convention center skybridge on the Main Concourse level.
First shuttle departs the convention center at 5:30 pm.
First return shuttle departs Churchill Downs at 7:30 pm.
Find your way
Between the convention center, hotels, evening events, and partner experiences, there’s a lot to explore. Be sure to check the venue and hotel maps before you arrive so you know where to go and how to get there.
Business & Government spotlight
Need to connect with your account team? We’ve made it easy.
Scheduled meetings with your Instructure team will take place in rooms L019 and L020 at the Kentucky International Convention Center.
Need assistance while you’re onsite? Your Customer Success team is just a call or text away
And don’t miss the Business and Government Happy Hour
When: July 22, 5:30–6:30 PM
Where: PBR Louisville Patio - 432 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Register hereCome connect with peers, swap ideas, and continue the conversation outside the session rooms.
K–12 spotlight
Looking for your people? We’ve got you covered.
The Hyatt is your K–12 home base at InstructureCon, with a dedicated lounge and session space just for you and your peers. Stop by to connect with other K–12 attendees, take a breather between sessions, and find conversations that speak directly to the work happening in schools and districts.
Also, don’t miss the K–12 Happy Hour
When: July 22, 5:30–6:30 PM
Where: Tavern on Fourth, second floor at Sports & Social
Register hereCome grab a drink, meet fellow K–12 attendees, swap ideas, and make a few new connections before the evening festivities begin.
See Canvas Career in action
Canvas Career is a skills-based learning platform built for professional learners. It’s designed for organizations that need training tied to real job skills, not just compliance requirements.
Here’s where to find it at InstructureCon
- Demo booth: Open all three days, July 21–23, with walkthroughs of Skillspace, the IgniteAI Agent, and the Admin Dashboard
- Customer sessions: Teams using Canvas Career today, including USA Swimming and White’s Chapel Methodist Church, will share how they’re using it
- Pre-con workshops: A hands-on introduction to the platform ahead of the main conference
Check the agenda for exact times and locations.
Get involved
Some of the best InstructureCon experiences happen outside of sessions. Make time for:
- Learnerville Loot and the Vendor Marketplace
- Community activities and networking opportunities
- Louisville Visual Art experiences happening throughout the event
- Opportunities to engage with local artists and organizations
Want more ways to participate?
Check out the Get Involved page for the latest experiences and activities happening throughout the week.
Get hands-on with IgniteAI
Some of the best sessions at InstructureCon aren’t just presentations. They’re workshops where you can actually get in and play.
We’ve extended free access to four premium IgniteAI features through July 31 so attendees can participate in hands-on IgniteAI workshops. If you’re a Canvas admin, turn on these feature options now so you don’t waste a second of in-person connection time.
Head into your Canvas admin settings to enable these features before the conference. If you’re not sure how, check the IgniteAI Community page for feature-by-feature guidance.
Join the Community Hub
InstructureCon may last a few days, but the conversation doesn’t end with the closing night party.
Think of the InstructureCon Community Hub as the digital campus of the conference—a place to meet people before you arrive, find your people while you’re here, and keep the conversations going long after you head home.
Need a restaurant recommendation? Looking for someone to grab coffee with before a session? Wondering whether Hack Night is for beginners? The Community (and our Community Coaches) have your back.
Inside the Hub, you’ll find
- Light Up the Map: See where attendees are traveling from
- Details on Unconference, Hack Night, Game Night, and the Solo Pandas Meet Up
- Session previews, presenter tips, and attendee recommendations
- Packing lists and practical conference advice
- The official InstructureCon Spotify playlist
- Instructions for claiming your digital attendee badge
- Community session blogs and highlights
- FAQs, updates, and event support resources
Whether you’re planning your week, looking for your next session, or reliving your favorite moments after the event, the Community Hub is the place to be.
Before you arrive
Pack your comfy shoes, star your sessions, and make sure the app is downloaded—we’ll take care of the rest. See you in Louisville for a week of big ideas, new connections, and maybe a little bit of magic.
A few things to do before you head to Louisville:
- Download the app
- Star your sessions
- Enable your IgniteAI features
- Join the Community Hub
- Start connecting with other attendees
- Register for the Business and Government Happy Hour at PBR Louisville
— The Instructure Team