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Events & Keynotes
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A detailed schedule of events, keynotes, and what to expect at the 2026 BOOST Conference.
*Please note this schedule is subject to change
TUESDAY, APRIL 28
BOOST Conference Orientation
9:00AM, 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, 4:00PM
Palm Springs Convention Center Lobby
BOOST Conference Orientation will take place LIVE every hour.
BOOST Conference Attendee Promising Practices: How to Navigate the Conference and Make the Most of Your Professional Development Experience
Are you new to BOOST? Have you attend BOOST in the past but need a refresher? Stay up-to-date on attendee promising practices during our on-site orientation to help you maximize your time and learning before the conference, during the conference, and how to stay connected post-conference. Topics covered:
- Preparing for the conference
- How to get involved and play a leadership role at BOOST
- Tips on Networking
- Navigating the Exhibit Hall
- Determining the best learning opportunities for your professional development needs
- How to use the conference app to maximize your conference experience and much, much more!
There will be one additional conference orientation on Wednesday, April 29, at 7:30AM.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES
Youth Mental Health First Aid
This Pre-Conference Academy will be held in the SIERRA room.
9:00AM-5:30PM
$85 per person
(includes 30-minute lunch break, all workshop materials/manual, and Certificate of Completion)
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
*This course is mandatory for 8 hours to qualify for the MHFA Certificate.
Presenters: Rita Rasuli, MS, Prevention Coordinator; Erin Harrison, MS, Coordinator Expanded Learning Programs, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Stockton, CA
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth. This training helps adults who work with youth be able to provide initial support to youth ages 12-18 who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and guide them to the appropriate care.
Click here to learn more about our Youth Mental Health First Aid Pre-Conference Academy.
Planning for Impact: Tips and TOOLS TO LAUNCH EVIDENCE-BASED SUMMER LEARNING
This Pre-Conference Academy will be held in the CATALINA room.
10:00AM-3:00PM
$75 per person (includes lunch, all workshop materials, and Certificate of Completion)
E, ULA, MLA
Presenters: Hillary Oravec, MA, Managing Partner, The Learning Agenda, Akron, OH; Patricia “Pat” Lewis, Ed.D., Senior Consultant, The Learning Agenda, Denton, TX; Jared Scheck, MA, Strategic Initiatives Manager, The Learning Agenda, Chicago, IL
Whether you’re launching a new summer program or strengthening an existing one, this energizing, hands-on Pre-conference Academy will equip district summer learning leaders with evidence-based strategies and proven tools to plan and lead high-impact programs. Using The Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and Getting to Work on Summer Learning, 2nd Edition, we’ll explore real-world strategies that boost engagement, improve outcomes, and build lasting demand. Learn from a district leader, apply adaptable tools, and collaborate to solve common challenges. All attendees will receive a free copy of the Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and Getting to Work on Summer Learning, 2nd Edition.
Click here to learn more about our Planning for Impact Pre-Conference Academy.
Heart-Centered Connections: Creating Inclusive Environments for Neurodiverse Children
This Pre-Conference Academy will be held in the MADERA room.
10:00AM-4:30PM
$175 per person (includes lunch, all workshop materials, and Certificate of Completion)
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Presenter: Niki Elliott, Ph.D., Director, Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN), University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
The Heart-Centered Connections model supports teachers, community educators, and caregivers in creating trauma-informed, neuroinclusive learning environments. These environments, rooted in adult social-emotional wellness, promote emotional resilience and academic success for neurodiverse youth. By examining the connections between educational neuroscience, neurodiversity, trauma-informed teaching, and social-emotional learning, participants gain practical tools to engage effectively with youth. This holistic approach helps foster environments where all learners, especially those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health diagnoses, or trauma, can thrive.
Click here to learn more about our Heart-Centered Connections Pre-Conference Academy.
Navigating Grants World: A Practical Guide for Expanded Learning and OST Professionals
This Pre-Conference Academy will be held in the PASADENA room.
1:00PM-5:00PM
$125 per person (includes all workshop materials and Certificate of Completion)
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Presenter: Gabriela B. Delgado, M.A., M.P.A., GPC, Director, Student Services and Programs, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, CA
As our funding environment shifts, building capacity around grant development is essential for sustaining and expanding programs. This session empowers out-of-school time professionals to confidently navigate the changing landscape, strengthening their ability to identify and secure grants that support transformational after-school experiences. Participants will explore ways to discover new funding sources, gain insights into the grant lifecycle, and apply proven best practices for crafting compelling and successful proposals.
Click here to learn more about our Navigating Grants World Pre-Conference Academy.
Click here to learn more about our Pre-Conference Academies.
Meet the AuthorS
1:00PM - 5:00PM
All Meet the Authors events will be held in the Smoketree F room.
Meet the Authors provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live Author read, which will also include a Q&A and an opportunity to meet the author, purchase their book(s), and get them signed.
BOOST Swim Club
1:00PM - 5:00PM
Renaissance Hotel Pool
Not attending a Pre-conference Academy? No problem. Hang out at our Swim Club and catch some good vibes and gear up for the conference. Chill out to the grooves during this pre-conference networking mixer! Sunscreen not included.
BOOST LIVE PODCAST LOUNGE
1:00PM - 8:00PM
The BOOST Live Podcast Lounge will be held in the MOJAVE room.
BOOST Live Podcast Lounge provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live podcast audience. Podcasters will interview thought leaders, facilitate Q&A sessions, and expert panels, all in front of a live audience! Be a part of the conversation, learning, and podcast community, live at BOOST.
Click here to see the BOOST LIVE PODCAST SCHEDULE
WELCOME RECEPTION and HAT CONTEST
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Renaissance Hotel Pool and Rocks Lounge
The BOOST Welcome Reception is truly a day to celebrate in Palm Springs with colleagues from all over the globe. Join us for our early evening reunion and welcome poolside reception. Connect with colleagues and make new friends while the sun sets against the San Jacinto mountains. A perfect way to start the conference!
Everyone is invited to join our fun and creative tradition, our annual Hat Contest, during our annual Welcome Reception. Get ready to celebrate in style and don’t forget to bring a hat! Glamorous headpieces, outrageous-themed headwear, fancy floral arrangements, sports-themed caps, or boost your company/agency flair! Be entered into 1 of 3 different Hat Contest categories: Most Glamorous, Best Theme, and Most Creative. BOOST Leadership Team judges will be wandering around the reception looking for your creativity!
Hat Contest Judging will take place between 5:30-5:50PM
Hat Contest Winners will be announced at 6:00PM
Must be present during judging and announcements to be eligible to win.
Live Music Featuring DJ Walt White
Escape Room Palm Springs
Sunday - Thursday, 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Escape Room Palm Springs
A fun and exciting team-building experience where you and your team will work together to achieve a common goal, and in doing so, bond, strengthen your relationships, and improve communication and teamwork. Each game is 60 minutes in length and includes an orientation and debriefing after each game. Who will escape first?
The Escape Room will be offering a special rate of $21 per attendee per game throughout the entire week of the BOOST Conference - this is 50% off of the original price! *You must be registered for the conference and your account paid in full to register your team for an escape room experience and receive the BOOST Conference price of $21 per game.
All games are private, so you can book for two people initially, and then you can invite others to join you along the way. When you arrive, you can add additional people to your reservation to the capacity of the room you choose and they can pay at the door. *To book an escape room experience, visit http://escapePS.com using the promo code IAMBOOST to book online. Credit card payments are preferred.
*Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room Palm Springs is located at 2500 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite B3, Palm Springs, CA 92262. BOOSTers are responsible for their own transportation.
BOOST Field Trips
5:30pm-10:00pm
Various Locations
BOOST offers several unique opportunities for our attendees to explore Coachella Valley and flexible learning at alternative venues throughout the local Palm Springs area. Choose your own adventure!
Click here to learn more about BOOST Field Trips
POP-UP DINNERS
6:15PM - 8:30PM
Meet in the Renaissance Hotel Lobby
Looking for dinner plans while at the BOOST Conference? Want to meet and network with new, awesome, and like-minded BOOSTers? Join our Pop-Up Dinners for just that purpose! Space is limited, please click the links below to register for a BOOST Pop-Up Dinner. *Please note that you must be registered to attend this year's BOOST Conference with your account paid in full in order to register for a Pop-Up Dinner.
Click the links below to register for your preferred Pop-Up Dinner.
LGBTQ+ and Allies Mixer
7:00PM-9:00PM
V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
Join us for a fun mixer and the chance to meet and socialize with other members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Please wear your BOOST name badge to receive food and drink specials.
In partnership, BOOST Collaborative, Human Rights Campaign (HRC), and the National Education Association (NEA) are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming communities.
V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar is located at 600 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.
Lounge Events
8:00PM-9:00PM
Hilton Hotel Bar & Lounge
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
Breakfast & NETWORKING with Exhibitors
7:30AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Mingle with our exhibitors and enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall. It's a great way to start your day!
BOOST Coffee Bar
7:30AM-11:30AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Mix and mingle with other BOOSTers at the BOOST Coffee Bar. This hosted Coffee Bar will serve up all of your favorite specialty caffeinated drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks. Elevate your day!
BOOST Conference Orientation
7:30AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Lobby
BOOST Conference Attendee Promising Practices: How to Navigate the Conference and Make the Most of Your Professional Development Experience
Are you new to BOOST? Have you attended BOOST in the past but need a refresher? Stay up-to-date on attendee promising practices during our on-site orientation to help you maximize your time and learning before the conference, during the conference, and how to stay connected post-conference. Topics covered:
- Preparing for the conference
- How to get involved and play a leadership role at BOOST
- Tips on Networking
- Navigating the Exhibit Hall
- Determining the best learning opportunities for your professional development needs
- How to use the conference app to maximize your conference experience and much, much more!
Morning Recess
7:30am-8:30am
PSCC East Lawn
Get up! Wake up! Rejuvenate! Bring your friends and meet new friends at our Morning Recess session. Maximize your morning and set the tone for the day.
BOOST Blood Drive
8:00AM - 1:00PM
PSCC East Lawn
Join us at BOOST and donate blood this year for a worthy cause! We are continuing our partnership with LifeStream to bring their donor truck to Palm Springs with one valued mission that we support - to help save lives by connecting donors and patients through the gift of blood.
LifeStream is a non-profit 501(c)(3) blood center founded in 1951 as the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. In 2008, the organization’s name was changed to better reflect the breadth of services offered and its expanding geographical service area. Today, LifeStream provides blood products and services to more than 80 Southern California hospitals and medical facilities in six counties. To fulfill patient need, LifeStream must collect 600 blood donations daily.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO DONATE BLOOD AT BOOST.
Blood Drive COVID-19 Guidelines: FAQ's and Information provided by LifeStream
Conference Opening & General Session
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Palm Springs Convention Center
Keynote Meet & Greet and Book Signing
9:45AM - 10:15AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
BOOST BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS
9:45AM - 10:15AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Join your colleagues in the Exhibit Hall for networking and lots of awesome raffle prizes! Mingle with Exhibitors and have the opportunity to learn about the latest resources, curriculum, and services to enhance your program.
BOOST LIVE PODCAST LOUNGE
10:00AM - 5:15PM
The BOOST Live Podcast Lounge will be held in the MOJAVE room.
BOOST Live Podcast Lounge provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live podcast audience. Podcasters will interview thought leaders, facilitate Q&A sessions, and expert panels, all in front of a live audience! Be a part of the conversation, learning, and podcast community, live at BOOST.
Click here to see the BOOST LIVE PODCAST SCHEDULE
Meet the AuthorS
10:00AM - 5:15PM
All Meet the Authors events will be held in the Smoketree F room.
Meet the Authors provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live Author read which will also include a Q&A and an opportunity to meet the author, purchase their book(s), and get them signed.
Click here to view our Meet the Authors schedule.
LUNCH & GENERAL SESSION
12:30PM - 1:30PM
Palm Springs Convention Center
Created in 2007, the global OSTI Awards honors expanded learning, after school, and in and out-of-school time individuals and programs that are providing innovative approaches to support students, families, and communities. Don’t miss an opportunity to hear first-hand from individuals and programs that are creatively and successfully going above and beyond to Inspire Youth, Inspire Learning, and Inspire Change.
We will celebrate Jodi Grant and the entire Afterschool Alliance team with an OSTI (Out-of-School Time Innovations) Champion Award during the general session/lunch on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 12:30pm.
BOOST Break with Exhibitors
1:30PM - 2:30PM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Join your colleagues in the Exhibit Hall for snacks, networking, and lots of awesome raffle prizes! Mingle with Exhibitors and have the opportunity to learn about the latest resources, curriculum, and services to enhance your program.
BOOST Field Trips
2:30pm-8:30pm
Various Locations
BOOST offers several unique opportunities for our attendees to explore Coachella Valley and flexible learning at alternative venues throughout the local Palm Springs area. Choose your own adventure!
Click here to learn more about BOOST Field Trips
BOOST Live Networking Reception
4:45PM - 6:00PM
Renaissance Hotel Pool
Whether you're relaxing after a long day or ready for a night out, take the time to connect with your team and meet new colleagues at our poolside BOOST Live Networking Reception. Light snacks and a cash bar are available.
LIVE MUSIC FEATURING DJ WALT WHITE
Escape Room Palm Springs
Sunday - Thursday, 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Escape Room Palm Springs
A fun and exciting team-building experience where you and your team will work together to achieve a common goal, and in doing so, bond, strengthen your relationships, and improve communication and teamwork. Each game is 60 minutes in length and includes an orientation and debriefing after each game. Who will escape first?
The Escape Room will be offering a special rate of $21 per attendee per game throughout the entire week of the BOOST Conference - this is 50% off of the original price! *You must be registered for the conference and your account paid in full to register your team for an escape room experience and receive the BOOST Conference price of $21 per game.
All games are private, so you can book for two people initially, and then you can invite others to join you along the way. When you arrive, you can add additional people to your reservation to the capacity of the room you choose and they can pay at the door. *To book an escape room experience, visit http://escapePS.com using the promo code IAMBOOST to book online. Credit card payments are preferred.
*Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room Palm Springs is located at 2500 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite B3, Palm Springs, CA 92262. BOOSTers are responsible for their own transportation.
DUCK DUCK BOOST RELAY RACE
6:00PM
Renaissance Hotel Pool
Oh yes, it’s a new twist on the classic Duck Race! Get your ducks in a row and cheer on our duck racers in the Duck Duck BOOST Relay Race in the pool! Who will be the lucky duck?!
Bid on your favorite Duck Duck BOOST racing team for our 50/50 raffle! Attendees can bid on their favorite duck racing team - 50% of the collected funds go towards the scholarship fund and 50% goes to the winning ticket holder. $5 BUCKS PER DUCK (cash & Venmo only)! The race starts at 6PM at the Renaissance Hotel pool, arrive early to enter the raffle.
Lounge Events
7:00PM-8:00PM
Hilton Hotel Bar & Lounge
BOOST Homecoming Party
8:00PM-11:59PM
Rocks Lounge Terrace, Renaissance Hotel
Join our annual Homecoming celebration to welcome former BOOST attendees and newcomers alike!
Rainbow Unicorn Sparkle
You are invited to a fabulous, whimsical, and colorful celebration featuring the magic of unicorns and the vibrant colors of a rainbow. Show off your unique sparkle and shimmer as you dance the night away to 80s & 90s Hip Hop during our unforgettable, enchanting festivities under the stars. Costumes encouraged!
8:00PM - Bring your VIP ticket to the Rocks Lounge and redeem it for a free beer (while supplies last)
*VIP tickets can be obtained at our Homecoming sponsor booths in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday.
8:00PM-10:00PM - Homecoming Dance Party
9:30PM - Headphone distribution for Silent Disco (license as collateral required)
10:00PM - Silent Disco- The After Party
11:30PM-11:59PM- Return Headphones
Still feel like dancing? Wireless headphones will be available to rent so you can keep your groove going a little bit longer! The music will be silent to everyone except those with headphones. Dance on!
Homecoming Sponsors
Premier Sponsor
Additional Sponsor:
TOUR DE BOOST WALK/SCAVENGER HUNT
6:45AM - 8:30AM
PSCC East Lawn/Downtown Palm Springs
Join fellow BOOSTers on a fun and adventurous Tour de BOOST walk and a scavenger hunt for charity around Palm Springs. This 2-mile hunt through scenic Palm Springs will lead you around the Palm Springs area as you and your teammates search for famous statues, art installations, the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, and notorious landmarks of the rich and famous!
Enjoy a beautiful Palm Springs morning, get some exercise, and best of all, connect with other BOOSTers as you raise money for a local charity.
All Tour de BOOST participants will meet in front of the Palm Springs Convention Center on the East Lawn at 6:45AM. Teams will receive their clues and start the scavenger hunt promptly at 7:00AM. Late arrivals will not be accommodated. Please wear comfortable clothing, and closed-toe shoes, and bring your Smartphone. Complimentary bottled water and snacks will be provided.
To sign up, access your online BOOST registration account, select Tour de BOOST, and make your payment of $40 by April 15. If this event is not sold out, you may visit our On-Site Registration booth at the conference in the PSCC Lobby on Tuesday and Wednesday to register. Tour de BOOST fees are non-refundable, and all proceeds benefit our Giveback Organization.
Proceeds to benefit: FIND Food Bank
Hunger and food insecurity are widespread and affect a diverse range of people and places in the Coachella Valley desert region. Our organization was created over three decades ago to assist and empower those who face challenges in meeting their basic nutritional needs. FIND is a healthy food bank that delivers fresh and non-perishable food to a vast network of community agency partners and directly to people in our communities. FIND provides 75-100% of the total food supply for 90% of the region’s major soup kitchens, food pantries, religious organizations, and nonprofits. FIND also has a robust Mobile Market system at an additional 30 distribution sites. We help feed, on average, 120,000 people per month.
FIND Food Bank is the expert on food insecurity and its root causes in our desert region. We are the emergency disaster response regional food bank recognized by the state and county as the first line of defense against hunger. We serve as the state and federal food deployment hub for all food pantries and people in our service area. Our approach is holistic and dedicated to educating the community, raising awareness, and mobilizing resources to fight hunger and end the cycle of poverty. Our goal is to end hunger today, tomorrow, and for a lifetime.
MORNING RECESS
7:00AM - 8:00AM
PSCC East Lawn
Get up! Wake up! Rejuvenate! Bring your friends (and meet new friends) at the Morning Recess session. Maximize your morning and set the tone for the day.
BREAKFAST & Networking WITH EXHIBITORS
8:00AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Mingle with our exhibitors and enjoy a healthy breakfast in the Exhibit Hall. It’s a great way to start your day!
Opening & General Session
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Palm Springs Convention Center
Keynote Meet & Greet and Book Signing
9:45AM - 10:15AM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
BOOST LIVE PODCAST LOUNGE
10:00AM - 8:30PM
The BOOST Live Podcast Lounge will be held in the MOJAVE room.
BOOST Live Podcast Lounge provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live podcast audience. Podcasters will interview thought leaders, facilitate Q&A sessions, and expert panels, all in front of a live audience! Be a part of the conversation, learning, and podcast community, live at BOOST.
Click here to see the BOOST LIVE PODCAST SCHEDULE
Meet the AuthorS
10:00AM - 4:45PM
All Meet the Authors events will be held in the Smoketree F room.
Meet the Authors provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live Author read, which will also include a Q&A and an opportunity to meet the author, purchase their book(s), and get them signed.
Click here to view our Meet the Authors schedule.
BOOST Field Trips
10:00am-8:30pm
Various Locations
BOOST offers several unique opportunities for our attendees to explore Coachella Valley and flexible learning at alternative venues throughout the local Palm Springs area. Choose your own adventure!
Click here to learn more about BOOST Field Trips
NETWORKING LUNCH
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Lunch will be served in the exhibit hall. Grab your lunch and take this opportunity to mix and mingle with exhibitors throughout the exhibit hall.
BOOST BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS
2:30PM - 3:30PM
Palm Springs Convention Center Exhibit Hall
Join your colleagues in the Exhibit Hall for snacks, networking, and lots of awesome raffle prizes! Mingle with Exhibitors and have the opportunity to learn about the latest resources, curriculum, and services to enhance your program.
Enjoy an hour of exclusive promotions and discounts from selected vendors in our Exhibit Hall. Shop 'Til You BOOST!
BOOST Social Hour
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Rocks Lounge, Renaissance Hotel
Wind down and join us for Social Hour at 5:30PM in the Renaissance Hotel Rocks Lounge! Network with BOOST attendees and take advantage of food and drink specials.
LOUNGE EVENTS
5:30PM - 6:30PM
Hilton Hotel Bar & Lounge
Escape Room Palm Springs
Sunday - Thursday, 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Escape Room Palm Springs
A fun and exciting team-building experience where you and your team will work together to achieve a common goal, and in doing so, bond, strengthen your relationships, and improve communication and teamwork. Each game is 60 minutes in length and includes an orientation and debriefing after each game. Who will escape first?
The Escape Room will be offering a special rate of $21 per attendee per game throughout the entire week of the BOOST Conference - this is 50% off of the original price! *You must be registered for the conference and your account paid in full to register your team for an escape room experience and receive the BOOST Conference price of $21 per game.
All games are private, so you can book for two people initially, and then you can invite others to join you along the way. When you arrive, you can add additional people to your reservation to the capacity of the room you choose and they can pay at the door. *To book an escape room experience, visit http://escapePS.com using the promo code IAMBOOST to book online. Credit card payments are preferred.
*Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Room Palm Springs is located at 2500 North Palm Canyon Drive, Suite B3, Palm Springs, CA 92262. BOOSTers are responsible for their own transportation.
THINK RED INSPIRE & PAINT
6:00PM - 8:00PM
Date Terrace at the Renaissance Hotel
Please join us for a fun event of painting while raising funds to benefit organizations that serve the San Diego HIV & AIDS community. This fun event will be guided by a professional artist and drag queen (Xrystal), Nathan Mohle from San Diego, CA. We encourage participants attending this event to wear red in solidarity with the Think Red Project mission.
To sign up, access your online BOOST registration account, select Think Red Inspire & Paint, and make your payment. 100% of the proceeds go to the San Diego non-profit Think Red Project.
TICKETS- $45
Ticket includes:
- 2 hours of professional painting instruction
- Use of acrylic paints, paintbrushes, canvas, and easel
- Canvas painting project to paint and take home
Drink specials will be available for BOOST attendees participating in this special event.
Think Red Project & Red Dress Party San Diego
VILLAGEFEST STREET FAIR
6:00PM - 10:00PM
Downtown Palm Springs
Locals and tourists happily mingle at the Palm Springs VillageFest held year-round every Thursday evening on Palm Canyon Drive. An open-air street fair with more than 200 booths offering live music, fresh fruit stands, artists, craftsman, unique foods, and street entertainers to charm the crowd is a must for conference-goers. Admission is free and within walking distance from all of the BOOST conference hotels!
The Palm Springs Art Museum offers free public admission every Thursday evening from 5:00PM - 8:00PM during VillageFest! The Art Museum currently has 28 galleries, five art storage vaults, two sculpture gardens, four classrooms/resource centers, a 90-seat lecture hall, the 433-seat Annenberg Theater, a Museum Store, and a Café in an architecturally significant building designed by architect E. Stewart Williams at the base of Mount San Jacinto. An adjacent Administration building contains offices and a 12,000-volume Library.
POOLSIDE DIVE-IN MOVIE (FREE EVENT!)
8:00PM - 10:00PM
Renaissance Hotel Pool
Gather poolside in a chaise lounge or on a raft in the pool and watch the film on the big screen! Drink and appetizer specials will be available. BOOST beach towels will be available for purchase at the BOOST Booth in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday & Thursday only.
boost Karaoke CRAWL
8:00PM
Calling all BOOST superstars! It’s time to get down and get your groove on at the annual BOOST Talent Show during our KARAOKE CRAWL! Take an adventure around downtown Palm Springs with your team, your friends, or come and meet your new crew. Sit back and relax, people-watch, or join in the karaoke party and let your talents shine! Don’t forget to wear your BOOST name badge. Drink specials will be available exclusively for BOOST attendees!
Retro Room Lounge is located at 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #102, Palm Springs, CA
FRIDAY, MAY 1
BREAKFEST
7:30AM
Rocks Lounge Terrace & Poolside, Renaissance
It's a new twist on breakfast! Meet us poolside for a breakfast experience with breakfast burritos, a live DJ, and networking! This is the perfect opportunity to say your farewells and connect before heading to morning workshops, closing & raffle.
Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items available for purchase:
(pricing as of the 2025 BOOST Conference)
- Breakfast burrito - $14
- Assorted Coffee Drinks
Morning Recess
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Renaissance East Pool Deck
Get up! Wake up! Rejuvenate! Bring your friends (and meet new friends) at the Morning Recess session. Maximize your morning and set the tone for the last day.
BOOST LIVE PODCAST LOUNGE
1:00PM - 8:00PM
The BOOST Live Podcast Lounge will be held in the MOJAVE room.
BOOST Live Podcast Lounge provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live podcast audience. Podcasters will interview thought leaders, facilitate Q&A sessions, and expert panels, all in front of a live audience! Be a part of the conversation, learning, and podcast community, live at BOOST.
Click here to see the BOOST LIVE PODCAST SCHEDULE
Meet the AuthorS
9:30AM - 10:30AM
All Meet the Authors events will be held in the Smoketree F room.
Meet the Authors provides an intimate setting where attendees are a part of a live Author read, which will also include a Q&A and an opportunity to meet the author, purchase their book(s), and get them signed.
Click here to view our Meet the Authors schedule.
Closing & Raffle
11:15AM - 12:00PM
Renaissance Hotel
Don't miss our fun and energetic conference closing with thousands of dollars worth of raffle prizes! All attendees will automatically be registered in the closing raffle upon entrance to the closing for a chance to win!
EXTRA CREDIT
1:00PM-3:00PM
This session will be held in the San Jacinto room.
You have attended workshops, networking events, and met with exhibitors - now what? Take this opportunity to intentionally connect with your colleagues and begin planning your next steps.
The goal of this planning retreat is to provide attendees and teams with a chance to engage in a facilitated experience to download all of their learning from the week, share what they are passionate about applying/implementing at their site or in their role supporting sites, and collaborate to identify concrete next steps to ensure the learning is integrated into their continuous quality improvement plans.
Events & Keynotes
Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events, including all meals and all workshops.
Donate to BOOST to help create change
By donating to BOOST Collaborative you are supporting our mission to provide quality professional development to global educators, building community, and cultivating experiences for change. You are supporting our purpose - thank you for your support.
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