Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The BOOST Conference is the largest global convening for after school, expanded learning, and in- and out-of-school time professionals. Set in a retreat-like atmosphere, this annual event rejuvenates passion and provides tools and resources to inspire change.
Attendees can expect over 200 workshops, networking opportunities, and a vibrant exhibit hall showcasing innovative products and services. BOOST Conference takes place in Palm Springs, United States.
Venue: Palm Springs Convention Center.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: BOOST Conference runs from April 27-30, 2027 at Palm Springs Convention Center, California.
- 2Scale and Focus: The largest global convening for after school and expanded learning professionals, featuring over 200 workshops.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by BOOST Collaborative, dedicated to supporting youth development professionals.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include educators, administrators, and community leaders focused on youth programming.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is open now with various pricing tiers available.
Why visit
Attending the BOOST Conference offers invaluable networking opportunities with over 3,500 educators and youth development professionals. Participants will gain insights from more than 200 workshops focused on the latest trends and strategies in education. The event also features keynote speakers and sessions designed to inspire and empower attendees.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the BOOST Conference provides access to a targeted audience of educators and decision-makers in the youth development sector. Exhibitors can showcase their innovative products and services, engage directly with attendees, and build valuable relationships that can lead to future collaborations and sales.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Superintendents and district administrators
School principals and teachers
After school program staff and administrators
Community-based organization representatives
Nonprofit organization leaders
Local, state, and federal government officials
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Educational technology providers
Curriculum and academic support organizations
Youth development program consultants
Nonprofit organizations focused on education
Health and wellness program providers
Community engagement and empowerment groups
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Educational resources for after school programs
Technology solutions for classroom engagement
Professional development tools for educators
Curriculum materials for youth programs
Health and wellness initiatives for schools
Community engagement strategies and resources
Location & Facilities
Venue
Palm Springs Convention Center
277 N Avenida Caballeros, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Facilities
Parking
Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Palm Springs Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Super Early-Bird Registration (April 28, 2026 - June 30, 2026)
630General admission
Early-Bird Registration (July 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026)
660General admission
Standard Registration (November 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027)
680General admission
Late-Bird Registration (April 1, 2027 - April 15, 2027)
750General admission
On-Site Registration (April 27-30, 2027)
835
Who runs the show
Organisers
Lead by Learning, Ready, Set, BOOST will take place LIVE every hour
Organiser
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Edition recap
No post-show recap, attendance figure, or exhibitor count for the 2026 BOOST Conference appeared in the supplied web search results. The results contained only Google Search page captures rather than organiser, press, or trade-media recaps.
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Palm Springs, United States
Why it matters
Attending BOOST Conference on 2027-04-27 to 2027-04-30 in Palm Springs lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Palm Springs International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Best Western Inn at Palm Springs
2-star
Palm SpringsBudget-friendly base, guest rating around 3.7, listed among hotels near the Palm Springs Convention Center for the 27-30 April 2027 stay window. Estimate only - confirm the current rate and cancellation terms when booking.
Travelodge by Wyndham Palm Springs
3-star
Palm SpringsFree Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, breakfast and pet-friendly rooms; guest rating around 3.2 from roughly 1.9K reviews. Good value if you are driving to the venue.
Float Palm Springs
3-star boutique
Palm SpringsFree Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly and smoke-free, with a golf option nearby; guest rating around 3.7. Smaller room count, so book early once your dates are fixed.
BelleVue Oasis
boutique
Palm SpringsBoutique property with free Wi-Fi and parking, pool, hot tub, breakfast and kitchen-equipped rooms; the capture showed a promotional rate below the usual price. Quieter alternative to a large conference hotel.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Golf Resort Palm Springs
4-star
Palm SpringsFull-service resort with pool, fitness center, bar, free Wi-Fi and free parking; breakfast is paid. Highest band in this set and the most comfortable stay if you want dining and meeting space on site after sessions.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi / rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 12-20 one way
Best forPalm Springs International (PSP) to Palm Springs Convention Center
A short trip from the airport into downtown. Labeled estimate in USD; confirm the live fare in the app or the taxi meter before departure.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 7-12 one way
Best forDowntown Palm Springs hotels (Palm Canyon Drive / Tahquitz Canyon Way) to the convention center
Useful in the late April heat or for evening returns when you do not want to walk. Surge pricing is possible around opening and closing times.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 1-2 per one-way ride; day passes available
Best forSunLine Transit fixed-route services along Palm Canyon Drive / Highway 111
SunLine Transit Agency operates the Coachella Valley bus network. Frequency is lower than in a large metro, so check the timetable against session start and end times; confirm the current fare on the SunLine site.
walk
Estimated costUSD 0
Best forDowntown Palm Springs hotel district to the convention center
The downtown grid is walkable and several hotels sit within comfortable walking distance of the halls. Carry water and use shaded streets during the midday heat.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day
Best forPalm Springs Convention Center on-site and downtown public structures
Venue and city parking rates are set locally, not by the conference organiser. Labeled estimate only - confirm the current day rate and entry gate before driving in.
private transfer / shuttle
Estimated costApprox. USD 25-45 per vehicle
Best forPSP arrivals to downtown Palm Springs hotels
Pre-booked sedans and shared shuttles are an option for groups or attendees arriving late at night. Estimate only; confirm the operator, meet point and cancellation policy in advance.
Weather
Palm Springs is high desert, so late April means long sunny days with highs typically near 29-33 C (85-92 F) and overnight lows around 14-18 C (57-65 F). Rain is unlikely in April, humidity is low and the sun is strong even when the air feels dry; windy afternoons can pick up dust. Session rooms and the convention center are heavily air conditioned, so plan a light layer for indoors and sun protection for the walk between hotels and halls.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
The US uses 120V power with Type A and Type B plugs, so travellers from Europe, the UK, Australia and most of Asia need a plug adapter (and a voltage converter for high-draw devices). US mobile networks (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) have strong coverage across the Coachella Valley; an eSIM bought before departure is usually cheaper than roaming. Wi-Fi is commonly available in Palm Springs hotels and in convention center public areas - confirm the network and any password at the registration desk rather than assuming coverage in every session room.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Dress code
Business casual is the norm at OST and education conferences: smart trousers or chinos, collared shirts, dresses or blouses, and comfortable shoes. A jacket or scarf helps in heavily air conditioned session rooms, and slightly dressier attire suits keynote or presenting roles.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the US. Restaurant servers usually receive 15-20 percent of the pre-tax bill, bartenders about USD 1-2 per drink, and hotel housekeeping a few dollars per night. Rideshare apps prompt for a tip in the app.
Desert heat and pacing
Palm Springs locals schedule outdoor activity for early morning and evening. Carry water, use sunscreen and do not plan long midday walks between hotels and the convention center in late April.
Local context
Palm Springs is a small desert resort city with a strong mid-century modern architectural heritage and a well-established LGBTQ+ community. English is the working language; Spanish is widely spoken in the service sector. Card payment is accepted almost everywhere, with contactless common.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PSP
Palm Springs International (PSP) is a compact airport with a mix of year-round and seasonal nonstop routes, so East Coast and Midwest attendees often connect through LAX, PHX, DEN, SEA, SFO or DFW. A search for 27 April 2027 departures from New York JFK to PSP returned nine results, including a nonstop of about 6 hr 10 min alongside one-stop routings via SEA, PHX and MSP, with Google Flights labelling the fares as currently typical for the route. Late April is peak desert season, so book once your registration is confirmed and recheck the fare and connection time before paying.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Palm Springs International (PSP). Allow road or rail time to Palm Springs Convention Center; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Palm Springs Convention Center: Palm Springs: Best Western Inn at Palm Springs; Palm Springs: Travelodge by Wyndham Palm Springs; Palm Springs: Float Palm Springs.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate across the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs. At PSP, request the ride from the designated rideshare pickup zone outside baggage claim rather than the taxi curb. Wait times can lengthen in the evening and around large event closing times, so check the app before the final session ends or use the taxi line at the venue as a fallback.
Public transit: SunLine Transit Agency runs the Coachella Valley bus network, with routes along Palm Canyon Drive and Highway 111 through downtown Palm Springs. Buses are inexpensive but run less frequently than in a large metro and are not scheduled around conference sessions, so most attendees use them for a single trip rather than a daily commute. Check the current route map, timetable and fare on the SunLine site before relying on it.
Parking: The Palm Springs Convention Center has parking adjacent to the halls, with additional public structures in the downtown core. Rates are set by the venue and city rather than the conference organiser, so budget roughly USD 10-20 per day and confirm the current day rate, payment method and entry gate before you drive in. Arrive early on the opening morning, when the closest spaces fill first.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April (2027 edition runs 27-30 April)
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 29-33 C (85-92 F), overnight lows around 14-18 C (57-65 F). Desert temperature swings are wide, so evenings and air-conditioned halls feel noticeably cooler than the afternoon.
Seasonality: Palm Springs is high desert and April is one of the driest months of the year - rain is unlikely but not impossible. Expect intense midday sun, low humidity and occasional windy afternoons. Late April also falls in the region's busy visitor season, which affects hotel availability around conference dates.
Packing: Pack light, breathable clothing for daytime heat plus a layer for air-conditioned session rooms. Bring sunglasses, a hat, SPF 30 or higher, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes for a convention center campus. Business casual is the norm, with a slightly sharper outfit if you are presenting, exhibiting or attending an evening reception.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at BOOST Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm your registration tier is paid and correct - Late-Bird closes 15 April 2027, after which only the higher on-site rate (about USD 835) applies.
T-2
Check your passport and, if travelling from outside the US, the status of your ESTA or B-1 visa application before any non-refundable bookings.
T-3
Book or reconfirm the Palm Springs hotel and note the cancellation deadline; late April is peak desert season and downtown inventory tightens close to the dates.
T-4
Lock flights into Palm Springs International (PSP), or confirm the connection and road transfer if you are routing via LAX, PHX or another hub.
T-5
Review the official schedule at boostconference.org/schedule and shortlist sessions, keynotes and any pre-conference options that fit your programme role.
T-6
Decide how you will get from your hotel to the convention center each morning - walk, rideshare or SunLine bus - and check the return option for evening sessions.
T-7
Download the conference app or save the schedule offline, and note the registration desk opening hours for badge pickup on day one.
T-8
Prepare your materials: business cards, a one-page summary of your programme or organisation, and a short list of partners or vendors you want to meet.
T-9
Pack for desert heat with air-conditioned rooms in mind - breathable layers, a light jacket, sunglasses, hat, SPF and comfortable shoes for a convention center campus.
T-10
Charge devices and pack a US plug adapter if you are travelling from Europe, the UK or Asia; US outlets are 120V Type A/B.
T-11
Confirm your transfer to the venue, keep your registration confirmation on your phone, and plan to arrive early on day one for badge pickup and the opening session.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Palm Springs Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2BOOST Conference registration concourse
Palm Springs Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Palm Springs Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 630 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 630 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether BOOST Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the BOOST Conference and who is it designed for?
BOOST is a professional learning conference for the out-of-school time and expanded learning sector, held at the Palm Springs Convention Center. It is built for programme directors, site coordinators, youth development staff, district and county expanded learning leads, non-profit leaders and the suppliers and funders who work with them. Attendance is by paid registration rather than open public admission.
When and where is the 2027 edition?
The conference runs 27-30 April 2027 at the Palm Springs Convention Center in Palm Springs, California. The venue sits in the downtown core, close to the Palm Canyon Drive hotel and restaurant district. Confirm the exact daily start times and any pre-conference programming on the official schedule at boostconference.org/schedule before you fix travel.
How much does registration cost and when do prices rise?
Published tiers run from about USD 630 for Super Early-Bird (28 April 2026 - 30 June 2026) through USD 660 Early-Bird, USD 680 Standard and USD 750 Late-Bird (1-15 April 2027), up to USD 835 for on-site registration on 27-30 April 2027. Prices are per person and the tier in force on the day you pay determines your rate, so registering inside an earlier window is the cheapest route.
What does the registration fee include?
Ticket tiers cover conference registration only as published; the organiser does not list included meals, pre-conference institutes or optional add-ons in the pricing table. Check the registration page for what each tier covers, and keep separate budget for travel, hotel, parking and meals.
Is BOOST only for teachers, or do community organisations attend?
It is not a school-teacher conference in the narrow sense. The audience spans non-profit and community-based organisations, parks and recreation departments, faith-based programmes, library systems, school district expanded learning offices and county agencies, alongside curriculum, staffing and technology suppliers serving those programmes.
How do I get to Palm Springs?
Palm Springs International (PSP) is the closest commercial airport, a short drive from the downtown convention center. Travelers on routes PSP does not serve nonstop usually connect through Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), Seattle (SEA), San Francisco (SFO) or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and then take a connecting flight or a long road transfer. Compare the total door-to-door time before choosing the cheapest fare.
Where should I stay during the conference?
Downtown Palm Springs hotels along Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way put you within walking or short rideshare distance of the convention center. Rates in late April typically sit well above summer lows because it is peak desert season, so reserving early matters more than chasing a last-minute discount.
What is the weather like in Palm Springs in late April?
Expect hot, dry desert days with highs near 29-33 C (85-92 F) and much cooler evenings around 14-18 C (57-65 F). Rain is unlikely in April, but strong midday sun and occasional windy afternoons are normal. Session rooms are air conditioned, so a light layer is worth packing.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside the United States?
Yes for most international attendees. Eligible travellers can use the Visa Waiver Program via ESTA; everyone else typically needs a B-1 business visitor visa obtained before travel. Apply early, because embassy appointment waits vary, and carry your registration confirmation to show the purpose of your trip at entry.
Can I drive and park at the venue?
The Palm Springs Convention Center has parking adjacent to the halls, and downtown public structures are close by. Venue parking rates are set locally rather than by the conference organiser, so budget a daily amount and confirm the current rate and entry point before you drive in. Rideshare and walking are practical alternatives for downtown hotels.
Glossary
- Out-of-school time (OST)
- The hours before and after school, on weekends and during school breaks when children and youth are not in a formal classroom. OST programmes include afterschool clubs, enrichment classes, sports, arts, mentoring, summer camps and school-break learning, and are the core audience of the BOOST Conference.
- Expanded learning
- A policy and funding term used in California and other states for programmes that extend the school day or year with academic support, enrichment and youth development. Expanded learning staff are a large share of BOOST attendees and buy curriculum, staffing and data tools.
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
- A federal US grant programme that funds local afterschool and summer learning centres, usually administered through state education agencies. 21st CCLC sites and their partners attend OST conferences to meet providers and plan programming.
- Social and emotional learning (SEL)
- The set of skills covering self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making. SEL frameworks shape OST curriculum design and are a common theme in the session tracks and resource-hall offerings.
- Programme quality and continuous quality improvement (CQI)
- Structured cycles of observation, assessment and coaching used by OST providers to raise the quality of activities and staff practice. Quality frameworks are the reason many programme directors and site coordinators attend professional learning events.
- Youth development professional
- The frontline and supervisory workforce in OST settings - site coordinators, group leaders, enrichment specialists and programme managers. Their training needs, recruitment and retention dominate workforce conversations at OST conferences.
- Enrichment programming
- Non-core-curriculum activities such as arts, STEM, sports, music, cooking, robotics and civic engagement delivered in OST settings. Enrichment vendors and curriculum publishers use the exhibit floor to reach programme directors.
- Summer learning loss (summer slide)
- The loss of academic skills over long school breaks when students do not have consistent learning opportunities. Summer programme design is a recurring OST topic and drives demand for curriculum, assessment and staffing suppliers.
- Family and community engagement
- Practice and strategy for involving parents, caregivers and neighbourhood partners in programme design and attendance. Strong engagement is linked to attendance and retention in OST programmes and appears in grant expectations.
- Trauma-informed practice
- An approach that recognises the prevalence of trauma and designs safe, predictable and relationship-rich environments for children and staff. Many OST programmes train staff in trauma-informed and restorative practices.
- Attendance and chronic absenteeism
- Chronic absenteeism is missing roughly 10 percent or more of school days; OST providers track participation and dosage as a related measure. Attendance data and the interventions that improve it are frequent topics for district and community partners.
- Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS)
- A school-wide framework that layers universal, targeted and intensive supports for students. OST programmes are often positioned as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 partner within district MTSS plans, which shapes how districts buy outsourced programming.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- BOOST Conference 2027
- BOOST Conference Palm Springs 2027
- BOOST 2027
- BOOST Palm Springs 2027
- Palm Springs United States
- Education Conference Palm Springs 2027
- Education Conference Conference Palm Springs
- Educational resources for after school programs
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.