Events and Keynotes
A detailed schedule of events, keynotes, and what to expect at the 2024 BOOST Conference.
*Please note this schedule is subject to change
TUESDAY, APRIL 30
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, May 1, at 7:30AM.
PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES
Developmental Resilience
10:00am-4:30pm (includes a 30-minute lunch break)
$165 (includes lunch and all materials)
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, M, H
Presenters: Gil Noam, Ph.D, Ed.D, Founder and Chair; Jamaal Williams, Assistant Director of Training, Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR), Cambridge, MA
Hardship and adversity are unavoidable parts of life. However, youth can emerge from challenging situations stronger than before, able to navigate future hardships. PEAR's Pre- Conference Academy features up-to-date research on youth mental health and resilience from experts at Harvard and McLean Hospital, where PEAR began.
Developmental Resilience is the building block of DEI. It recognizes everyone's challenges and ability to be resilient in challenging environments.
Click here to learn more about this Pre-Conference Academy.
Supercharge Your STEAM Program with Invention Education and Community Partnerships
10:00am-4:30pm (includes a 30-minute lunch break)
$165 (includes lunch and all materials)
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Presenters: Christine Lawlor-King, Invention Education Consultant, Lemelson-MIT, Manchester, CT; Brenda Payne, Executive Director, California Invention Convention, Santa Cruz, CA
Invention Education appeals to all students! It starts with students identifying problems in their lives rather than being given a problem to solve. This inspires students to design a solution, using empathy and perseverance. Educators will experience design challenges that demonstrate that agency, self-direction, and fun. Invention education is a powerful tool in connecting to your community. The session will include examples from young inventors and community involvement stories.
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 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 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
6:15PM - 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 the 2024 BOOST Conference with your account paid in full in order to register for a Pop-Up Dinner.
Lounge events
8:00PM - 9:00PM
Hilton Hotel Bar & Lounge
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1
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 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!
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 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.
SIGN UP LINK COMING SOON
Blood Drive COVID-19 Guidelines: FAQ's and Information provided by LifeStream
Conference Opening & General Session
8:45AM - 9:45AM
Palm Springs Convention Center
Hamish Brewer
Opening Keynote Address
To Love and to Serve- Student Commitment & Engagement
People just want to be seen, heard, and valued, creating a culture and environment that advocates and amplifies the stakeholder voice, opportunity and ownership of the journey, productivity, and results. Leaders, practices, and processes within the organization can stimulate or suppress the performance, culture, and outcomes for all. Hamish shows how a culture of love and service deeply engages stakeholders on multiple levels emotionally, physically, and intellectually to raise levels in culture, commitment, and performance across the organization.
Click here to learn more about Hamish Brewer
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
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.
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 $375 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, arrive 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! Don't forget to use hashtag #boostconference and #BOOSTselfie to win.
7:00PM - 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.
7:00PM-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
Homecoming Sponsors:
Premier Sponsor:
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 will be provided.
To sign up, access your online BOOST registration account, select Tour de BOOST, and make your payment of $35 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 2024 Giveback Organization.
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
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!
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 $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. 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- $40
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.
Sixteen Candles
Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) is ready to make the most of her Sweet Sixteen birthday…if only someone would remember it. She's your average teen, enduring creepy freshmen, spoiled siblings, confused parents, and the "Big Blonde on Campus" who stands between her and the boy of her dreams. From writer/director John Hughes (The Breakfast Club, Weird Science), Sixteen Candles is a warm-hearted coming of age comedy that helped define a generation.
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, 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, MAY 3
BREAKFEST
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.
Grab-and-Go Breakfast Items available for purchase:
(pricing as of the 2023 conference)
- Seasonal fruit cup - $5
- Berry parfait - $7
- Two danishes - $5
- Breakfast muffin - $5
- Breakfast burrito - $10
- Breakfast croissant - $8
- Hot coffee - $3
- Hot tea - $3
- Orange juice or Cranberry juice - $4
- Milk carton - $3
Morning Recess
7:30AM - 8:30AM
Rocks Lounge Terrace, Renaissance
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, 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.
