Events and Keynotes

A detailed schedule of events, keynotes, and what to expect at the 2025 BOOST Conference. 

*Please note this schedule is subject to change

TUESDAY, APRIL 29

BOOST Conference Orientation

BOOST Conference Orientation will take place LIVE every hour.
9:00AM, 10:00AM, 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:00PM, 3:00PM, 4:00PM
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 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 30, at 7:30AM.

PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES

TBD

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
Mojave Learning Center, Renaissance Hotel

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.  

Poolside Welcome Reception Sponsor

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 $24 per attendee per game throughout the entire week of the BOOST Conference. *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 $24 per game. All games are private so book for the number of people you want to play with. You may add additional players at the door to the capacity of the room you choose. *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.

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.

LGBTQ+ and Allies Mixer

7:00PM-9:00PM
Location TBD

Join us for a fun mixer and the opportunity to meet and hang out with other members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Please wear your BOOST name badge to receive food and drink specials.

In partnership, BOOST Collaborative and Human Rights Campaign are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and welcoming communities.

Lounge events

8:00PM - 9:00PM
Hilton Hotel Bar & Lounge

TBD

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30

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

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.

Blood Drive COVID-19 Guidelines: FAQ's and Information provided by LifeStream

Conference Opening & General Session

8:45AM - 9:45AM
Palm Springs Convention Center 

BOOST BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS & MEET THE AUTHORS

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. See your conference program for the Meet the Authors schedule.

BOOST Coffee Bar
12:00PM-4:00PM

LUNCH & GENERAL SESSION

12:30PM - 1:30PM
Palm Springs Convention Center 

BOOST Break with Exhibitors & Meet the Authors

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. See your conference program for the Meet the Authors schedule. 

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 $24 per attendee per game throughout the entire week of the BOOST Conference. *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 $24 per game. All games are private so book for the number of people you want to play with. You may add additional players at the door to the capacity of the room you choose. *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

7:30PM-8:30PM
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!  

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 Sponsors

TOUR DE BOOST WALK/SCAVENGER HUNT

6:45AM - 8:30AM
Palm Spring Convention Center, 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 willbe 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 2025 Giveback Organization. 

Proceeds to benefit: Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

MORNING RECESS

7:00AM - 8:00AM
Palm Spring Convention Center, 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

BOOST Coffee Bar
11:30AM - 3:30PM

NETWORKING LUNCH & MEET THE AUTHORS

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 and participate in our Meet the Authors series throughout the exhibit hall.

BOOST BREAK WITH EXHIBITORS & MEET THE AUTHORS

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. See your conference program for the Meet the Authors schedule. 

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

TBD

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 $24 per attendee per game throughout the entire week of the BOOST Conference. *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 $24 per game. All games are private so book for the number of people you want to play with. You may add additional players at the door to the capacity of the room you choose. *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 / www.reddresspartysd.com 

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.

www.psmuseum.org

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.

WONKA
Based on the extraordinary character at the center of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the jewel in the Roald Dahl crown and one of the best‐selling children’s books of all time, “Wonka” tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate‐maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. This irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle will introduce audiences to a young Willy Wonka, chock‐full of ideas and determined to change the world one delectable bite at a time—proving that the best things in life begin with a dream, and if you’re lucky enough to meet Willy Wonka, anything is possible.

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 2

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 2024 BOOST Conference)

• Breakfast burrito - $12
• 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. 

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

12:00PM-5:00PM

You have attended workshops, networking events, and met with exhibitors - now what? Take this opportunity to intentionally connect with your colleagues and begin your action planning and next steps. We have complimentary meeting space for you and your team to retreat and begin the process to focus on ideas and setting goals for the end-of-year, summer, and upcoming school year.

Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including all meals and all workshops.