The Californer - BOOST Conference Announces Keynote Speaker Baratunde Thurston, Learning Opportunities for Educators

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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. - Californer -- SAN DIEGO, CA, NOVEMBER 18, 2025— The BOOST Conference, returning to the Palm Springs Convention Center April 28–May 1, 2026, is set to welcome more than 3,500 educators and youth-serving professionals from across the globe. Participants from Pre-K through Higher Education will gather for dynamic learning sessions, valuable networking, inspiring special events, and a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The annual conference is hosted by BOOST Collaborative and will welcome Keynote Speaker Baratunde Thurston, Emmy-nominated Storyteller, Producer, and Thought Leader, at the conference's Opening General Session. Thurston is a transformative keynote speaker who blends humor, intellect, and practical insight to engage audiences across industries. Centered on the idea of "citizenship as a verb," he challenges participants to consider how they can meaningfully impact their workplaces, communities, and society. Thurston breaks down complex issues—from AI ethics and environmental responsibility to racial equity and inclusive leadership—empowering educators and offering actionable tools that inspire critical thinking, responsible action, and purposeful leadership.

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Baratunde Thurston will deliver his keynote address and participate in our Keynote Meet & Greet and Book Signing immediately following. Additional learning opportunities include Town Hall meetings with national leaders, expert panel sessions, and four Pre-Conference Academies attendees can add to their registration: Youth Mental Health First Aid, Planning for Impact with Tips and Tools to Launch Evidence-Based Summer Learning, Creating Inclusive Environments for Neurodiverse Children with Heart-Centered Connections, and Navigating Grants World for Expanded Learning and OST professionals.

In addition, The California AfterSchool Network, Elevo, LEGO Education, and Think Together will serve as Workshop Strand sponsors, presenting their focused workshops throughout the conference to share inspiring ideas, promising practices, and current trends in the in and out-of-school time fields.

About the BOOST Conference

The BOOST Conference (https://www.boostconference.org/) brings together more than 3,500 attendees and offers 200+ workshops and learning experiences. Participants can engage in Master Classes, a Film Festival, Meet the Authors book signings, Field Trips, Exhibitor Showcases, a Live Podcast Lounge, opportunities to earn college credit, hands-on and outdoor learning activities, special networking events, meet over 170 organizations in a vibrant Exhibit Hall, and much more.

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To learn more about the 2026 BOOST Conference and register your organization, please visit boostconference.org. Standard Registration is open online now through March 31, 2026. Register your team today for the conference at boostconference.org/registration for an unparalleled learning experience you won't find elsewhere.

About BOOST Collaborative

BOOST Collaborative is a purpose-driven organization that highlights quality tools and resources, promising practices, and the latest innovations for educators to provide a leading-edge experience in professional development and serve the field of in and out-of-school time educators while creating a movement to inspire youth, inspire learning, and inspire change.