WEEKLY UPDATE- March 12, 2026

Hello All! 


Once again, we are holding our DBA Impact Awards, our Business and Community Service Awards event, on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.


In anticipation, we are looking for your nominations in the four categories to honor businesses, community organizations, and individuals for their impact in our communities AND the LGBTQ+ community.


To submit a nomination, please go to

https://form.jotform.com/250667147161154

by Monday, March 23rd.


We are looking for specific examples for each nominee with their achievements and contributions that have positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community and the local business environment. All nominations will be considered, and each nominee only needs to be submitted once.

==================


March is Women’s History Month, and the Desert Business Association recognizes and celebrates the many contributions women make to our businesses, communities, and economy. While we should do this every day throughout the year, this month serves as an important reminder to highlight the leadership, creativity, and resilience of women from all backgrounds who are entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders.


Women play a vital role in strengthening our local economy and shaping inclusive workplaces. This month gives us a visible opportunity to celebrate their impact and reaffirm our commitment to supporting opportunity and leadership for women throughout our business community.


I hope to see you at a DBA event soon, and if you have any questions or comments, please reach out.


Thanks...Dave Powell

Executive Director, Desert Business Association

DBA Networking and

Learning Opportunities

Event Details: Creating a Capability Statement Workshop

Date: March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 9:00- 11:00 am

Location: DBA Office

3111 E Tahquitz Canyon Dr.

Palm Springs


This Creating a Capability Statement workshop will help you clearly define what your business does, who you serve, and why you are the right choice. It is designed for businesses wanting to bid on corporate or government contracts to let them know your business capabilities.

 

Do you need a Capability Statement? Yes. It is your business' resume. It turns your experience, services, and strengths into a clear and compelling snapshot of your business. It helps you communicate your value to potential clients, partners, and contracting opportunities. When you can confidently articulate what sets you apart, others take you seriously.

Register Here

https://bit.ly/capability3-25-26

Event Details:

Date: March 30, 2026 (Monday)

Time: 5:30- 7:00 pm

Location: DBA Office

3111 E Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Palm Springs

Cost: DBA Members Free


DBA Members:

We are bringing back Speed Networking: Meet Everyone in the Room. This high-energy event is designed to connect you with everyone—not just the people you know.

 

This structured networking experience lets you practice your elevator speech, and ensures that you’ll meet one-on-one and share about your business with everyone in the room in two-minute segments, each getting one minute. 

You pair, you share, you move on. 


Register Here

https://bit.ly/2026-3-30speednetworking

Event Details:

DBA Networking Mixer at OPT Optometric

Date: April 6, 2026 (Monday)

Time: 5:30- 7:00 pm

Location: OPT Optometric

777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, STE 123

Palm Springs

Cost:

DBA Members Free

Future Members $20


Our March Networking Mixer will be held at OPT Optometric, and co-hosted by CG Events This optical boutique features a beautiful selection of eyewear, with comprehensive services that include eye exams, styling consultations, and dry eye therapy. CG Events brings 30 years of combined experience in event planning, production management, and mission-driven organizational leadership.



Register here

https://bit.ly/dbamixer2026-3-9

2026 DBA Impact Awards – Business & Community Service Awards


Nominations Open.

Submit Them Today!


Each year, DBA honors outstanding businesses, organizations, and leaders whose work strengthens our local economy and uplifts the LGBTQ+ community. Now is the time for the 2026 nominations.


Your nominations are being sought for the following categories:


• Business of the Year

• Business Person of the Year

• Outstanding Community Service Organization

• Outstanding Community Service Leader


Tell us how their work has positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community and our local business environment.


All nominations will be carefully considered. Each nominee only needs to be submitted once.


Note: You do not need to be a DBA member to nominate.


Nomination Deadline: March 23, 2026 (Monday)


Let’s celebrate the leaders and businesses that make our community stronger, more inclusive, and more connected.


Submit your nomination here:

https://form.jotform.com/250667147161154

Look What Else is Happening

Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair

Event Details:

Date: April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)

Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Location: Palm Springs Convention Center

Cost: Free, but please register prior.


Businesses seeking contracts for business with cities and other agencies in the Coachella Valley, here is your opportunity to meet the procurement departments and find out what is available.


Want to prepare for the event? Two workshops to help you:

Register for DBA Learns: Creating a Capabilities Statement workshop on Wednesday, March 25th to help you develop the tool to let agencies know what your business can provide.


The DBA Learns: Contracting with Government Agencies workshop on Wednesday, April 8th will have procurement professionals explain the process for contracts from listing the opportunities to award on contracts.


Click to register for the Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair on April 15th.

Shoe Us the Love


Event Details:

Date: February 26- March 8, 2026

Location: Dezart Performs

605 S. Riverside Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: $69


Friends of the Desert Mountains’ SHOE DRIVE! February-March, they will take your gently used shoes to get them into the reuse economy and out of the landfills! Drop boxes throughout the valley for more information and drop off locations https://www.desertmountains.org/friends-shoe-drive

Dinner with Patsi


Date: March 18, 2026 (Wednesday) 5:00 and 6:30 pm seatings

Location: 

BeeCh, please, 67555 E Palm Canyon Dr, #A-105



Patsi Kocan hosts “pass the hat dinners” supporting local nonprofits and restaurants.


Dinner With Patsi

dinnerwithpatsi.com


CAMP MORNING WOOD at PRISM THEATER


Date: Through March 22, 2026 (Thursday)

Location: 

4707 EVENTS (Prism Theater Temporary Home), 4707 E Sunny Dunes Rd, Palm Springs

Cost: $54.95


When a buttoned-up city boy stumbles into a free-spirited nudist retreat, his life — and his wardrobe — get hilariously transformed. Full of outrageous characters, feel-good spectacle, and a whole lot of liberation, this body-positive musical proves joy comes easiest when you let everything else go.

Trans Pride

Empower & Employ


Date: March 28, 2026 (Saturday)

Location: 

Demuth Community Center, 3601 Mesquite Ave

Palm Springs

Cost: Free


Join the DBA at Trans Pride 2026! Celebrate and support the transgender community with a day filled with empowerment and employment opportunities. Connect with like-minded individuals, discover resources, and learn from inspiring speakers.


Whether you're looking for job opportunities or simply want to show your support, this in-person event is the perfect place to be. Celebrate diversity, and create a more inclusive future. Expect resource booths, live drag performances, food trucks, fashion show, trans rights forum, and the MPJ youth space, See you there!

Desert Business Association | 760-904-4589 |

Info@DesertBusinessAssociation.org | DesertBusiness.org

Follow us on these platforms and stay connected!

Facebook  Instagram  LinkedIn