Events and Keynotes
A detailed schedule of events, keynotes, and what to expect at the 2023 BOOST Conference.
*Please note this schedule is subject to change
TUESDAY, APRIL 25
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 26 at 7:30AM.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIEs
DEMYSTIFYING THE WORLD OF GRANTS
10:00AM-4:00PM
$75 (Includes lunch, resources and materials, and a Certificate of Completion issued by the San Diego County Office of Education)
ULA, MLA, CB, PK, E, M, H, HE
Presenters: Gabriela B. Delgado, Senior Manager; Michelle Houle, Program Specialist, Grant Services, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, CA
Are you curious about grants? Does your school or community-based organization need additional funding for specific projects? Could you use some help getting started? If so, this workshop is for you!
The world of grants can often be complex and confusing. Participants will engage in a “crash course” to help them understand and practice the foundational skills needed to explore the pre-award phase of the grant life cycle. The presenters have over 30 years of experience as grant professionals and secured over $100 million in grant funding for their organization in 2021-22.
This workshop will include a combination of lecture, storytelling, and experiential exercises. We highly encourage you to bring your laptop or tablet to participate in the hands-on activities.
Click here to learn more about this Pre-Conference Academy.
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE
10:00am-4:00pm
$125 (includes lunch, materials, and certificate)
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Presenter: Molly Garcia, Coach & Consultant, FranklinCovey Education, Goodyear, Arizona
“The 7 Habits represent a proven process of personal and interpersonal growth and can have both immediate and lasting impact.” – Stephen R. Covey
Molly will help participants identify what matters most in their work and personal lives. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People will help you navigate very real personal and professional problems in challenging times.
Click here to learn more about this Pre-Conference Academy.
WELCOMING SCHOOLS
10:00AM - 4:45PM
$150 per person (includes lunch, materials, and certificate)
ULA, MLA, DS, PK, E
Presenter: Cheryl Greene, Director, Welcoming Schools, Washington, D.C.
HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklist, and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals.
Participants will participate in two training modules throughout this Pre-Conference Academy, LGBTQ Inclusive Schools module and Gender Inclusive Schools module.
Click here to learn more about this Pre-Conference Academy.
NASEF - 8 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR ESPORTS CLUB STARTED
1:00PM-4:00PM
$99 per person (includes materials and certificate)
M, H, MLA, DS
Presenter: Kevin Brown, Chief Academic Officer, North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), Anaheim, CA
The “8 Steps to Getting Your Esports Club Started” is designed to illustrate the successes, challenges, and best practices in starting a Scholastic Esports community for your school, program, or community-based organization. Kevin Brown, Chief Academic Officer and Global Education Trainer for the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) has experience in supporting thousands of clubs around the world in creating unique programs that intersect esports and education. What we’ll cover in this half-day session will take you from “don’t know” to “let’s go!” carefully walking through each step to success along with an exploration of the various curricula, toolkits, and resources available in the NASEF Community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their mobile devices, laptop (optional)
Click here to learn more about this Pre-Conference Academy.
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
2:00PM - 8:00PM
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 reception poolside. Connect with colleagues and make new friends while the sun sets against the San Jacinto mountains. A perfect way to start the conference!
BOOST is continuing our creative and fun tradition at our Annual Opening Reception so get ready to celebrate in style. Show up at the opening poolside reception on Tuesday evening and show off. 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 during the Welcome Reception.
Mask and Hat Contest Judging will take place between 5:30-5:50PM PDT
Mask and Hat Contest Winners will be announced at 6:00PM PDT
Must be present the entire time during judging and announcements to win.
LIVE DJ SET 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
6:30PM - 9:30PM
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 the 2023 BOOST Conference with your account paid in full in order to register for a Pop-Up Dinner.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26
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 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 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!
BOOST Blood Drive
8:00AM - 1:00PM
Palm Springs Convention Center
Join us at BOOST and donate blood this year for a worthy cause! We are partnering 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.
Sign Up: https://www.lstream.org/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 Address
Principal Wayman
CEO, Principal Wayman Consulting, Founder of CurrentlyTrending, Speaker and Author, Philadelphia, PA
Principal Wayman is a passionate education advocate with an unwavering belief in the potential of all children. She grew up in North Philadelphia, where she experienced firsthand the injustice perpetrated against poor students in their education. She has dedicated her career to ending that injustice and helping students succeed in school and beyond.
Click here to learn more about Principal Wayman.
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.
Lunch & GENERAL SESSION
12:30PM - 1:30PM
Palm Springs Convention Center
OSTI Excellence in Leadership Award Winner
Claudine James (she/her/hers)
NBCT Teacher and Community Liaison, #1 Educator on TikTok
Click here to learn more about our OSTI Awards.
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 cash bar available.
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?!
There are two ways to participate:
1. Duck Duck BOOST racing team fundraiser
Duck Duck BOOST is a fundraiser for the BOOST Conference Scholarship Fund. This fund was developed in order to provide financial assistance for a lucky duck to attend next year's conference. We are looking for 4 teams of 3 people to hop in the pool and splash to the finish. Duck Duck BOOST team members get extra exposure for their organizations and compete for a year’s worth of bragging rights. Each Duck Duck BOOST team will receive (1) social media recognition, including logos from each team member’s organization as well as promotion in (1) Conference Newsletter.
This event costs $350 per team and is held immediately following the BOOST Live Reception at the Renaissance pool. Get your team together and enter the race, we can't wait to watch you win!
2. Bid on your favorite Duck Duck BOOST racing team for our 50/50 raffle
Duck Duck BOOST is also 50/50 fundraiser. 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 only)! The race starts at 6PM at the Renaissance Hotel pool, go early to enter the raffle.
Questions about Duck Duck BOOST? Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
BOOST Homecoming Party
7:00PM - 11:59PM
Rocks Lounge Terrace, Renaissance Hotel
Join our annual Homecoming celebration to welcome former BOOST attendees and newcomers alike!
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! Take photos at the Peachjar photo booth and post your selfies on Instagram to win our social media contest! Don't forget to use hashtag #boostconference and #BOOSTselfie to win.
7:00PM - Bring your VIP ticket and redeem for a free beer (while supplies last)
*VIP tickets can be obtained at our Homecoming sponsor booths in the exhibit hall.
7:00PM-10:00PM - Homecoming Dance Party
9:30PM - Headphone distribution for Silent Disco ($5 for headphones, cash only, and your license as collateral)
10:00PM - Silent Disco- The After Party
11:30PM-11:59PM-Return Headphones
Homecoming Sponsors:
THURSDAY, APRIL 27
TOUR DE BOOST WALK/SCAVENGER HUNT
6:45AM - 8:30AM
Palm Spring Convention Center, East Lawn
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, closed-toe shoes, and bring your Smartphone. Complimentary bottled water and snacks will be provided.
All Tour de BOOST participants must pre-register for this event. To sign up, access your online BOOST registration account, select Tour de BOOST, and make your payment of $30. Tour de BOOST fees are non-refundable and all proceeds benefit our 2023 Giveback Organization, Voices for Children.
Proceeds to benefit: Voices for Children
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.
Mindful Nature Walk
Join Laura Fenn (The Walking Classroom) and Daniel Hatcher (Healthier Generation) for an energizing mindfulness walk to start your day. Participants will have the opportunity to listen to a Walking Classroom podcast and play Nature BINGO while connecting with other conference attendees. All fitness levels are welcome! – we’ll stay on the sidewalk. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera as we’ll make a few selfie stops! One lucky participant will win a WalkKit ($125 value), and all attendees will receive an electronic version of a Walking Classroom Teacher’s Guide PLUS Healthier Generation swag!
Tour de BOOST Sponsor:
BREAKFAST 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 Address - Dee Hankins
Inspirational Speaker, Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Dee Hankins (he/him/his) is on a mission to share one powerful message: Resilience is everything! African American, male, fatherless, motherless, and placed in several different foster homes, statistically Dee shouldn’t be where he is today. Instead of letting the system write his story, Dee took his pen back, focused on his resilience, and started writing his own story. A story he now shares with thousands of people every year.
Click here to learn more about Dee Hankins
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!
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.
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 4:00PM - 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.
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.
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- $35
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
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. Rafts and BOOST beach towels will be available for purchase at the BOOST Booth in the Exhibit Hall on Wednesday & Thursday only.
Dirty Dancing
In the summer of 1963, innocent 17-year-old Baby (Jennifer Grey) vacations with her parents at a Catskills resort. One evening, she is drawn to the staff quarters by stirring music, and there she meets Johnny (Patrick Swayze), the hotel dance instructor, who is as experienced as Baby is naive. She soon becomes Johnny's pupil in dance and love.
boost Karaoke night
8:00PM
Retro Room Lounge Palm Springs
Calling all BOOST superstars! It’s time to get down and get your groove on at the BOOST Talent Show! You can bring your team, your friends, or come and find your new crew. Sit back and relax, people-watch from the sidewalk patio, or join in the karaoke party and let your talent 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, APRIL 28
BREAKFEST
MORNING RECESS
7:30AM - 8:30AM
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.
7:30AM
Rocks Lounge Terrace & Poolside
It's a new twist on breakfast! Meet us poolside for a breakfast festival experience with breakfast foods, a live DJ, live screenprinting, and more! Coffee and breakfast items will be available for purchase. This is the perfect opportunity to say your farewells and connect before heading to morning workshops, closing & raffle.
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, 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.
