WEEKLY UPDATE- March 19, 2026 | | |
Hello All –
We continue to March through the season, and there is much happening across our communities and with our members.
DBA Learns Workshops: We’re continuing our business education series with two practical workshops for those interested in contracting with cities and government agencies:
- Creating a Capability Statement – Wednesday, March 25
Learn how to develop a clear, effective “resume” for your business that helps procurement professionals quickly understand what you offer.
- Contracting with Government Agencies – Wednesday, April 8
Hear directly from city and agency procurement staff about where opportunities are posted, how to respond, and what makes a proposal competitive.
You can learn more and register at www.DesertBusiness.org.
These workshops are designed to help you prepare for the 3rd Annual Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
This free event connects local government procurement teams with businesses interested in providing goods and services. All valley cities will be represented—it’s a great opportunity to meet decision-makers and learn about upcoming contracts. Registration link is below.
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DBA Impact Awards: Our annual Business and Community Awards are coming up on May 4th. Read below for more information and how you can help us make this event a success.
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Featured Member – KREEM: We’re pleased to highlight KREEM, an LGBTQ+ owned business serving hand-crafted, artisanal ice cream -- and great coffee, too. Owners Eric and Juan share their story of why they started the business and how they are engaging with the community. Their journey reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that defines so many of our members here in the Coachella Valley. Take a few minutes to read their story at www.DesertBusiness.org
There is much more happening please keep following us on social media and at our website. And if there is something else needed, just reach out and let’s discuss how we can work together for success.
Thank you for being part of the Desert Business Association. Your engagement and support are what make our community thrive.
Thanks...Dave Powell
Executive Director, Desert Business Association
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DBA Networking and
Learning Opportunities
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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
Free, but Registration Required
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
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2026 DBA Impact Awards – Business & Community Service Awards
DBA Impact Awards: In May, we will honor businesses, community organizations, and individuals for their impact in both our local and LGBTQ+ communities. The DBA Impact Awards is one of our most meaningful events of the year, celebrating leadership, service, and community impact across the valley.
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Silent Auction Donations: We are also seeking donations of items, services, or experiences. This is a great way to showcase your business while supporting DBA’s mission. Donors will be recognized at the event and in follow-up promotions. Proceeds support our work throughout the year, so thank you in advance for your support.
Please reach out to James Lindquist at jwlindquist@hotmail.com or call 504-459-9066.
Thank you for your continued support and generosity—we truly couldn’t do this without you.
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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 $10
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
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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/dbamixer2026-4-6
| | | 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.
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Final Weekend 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.
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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!
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How to Prepare for Utilities and Government Contracts
Date: March 24, 2026 (Tuesday)
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Cost: Free
This workshop will help businesses understand how to navigate the utilities and government contracting landscape. Participants will learn how to prepare proposals, build credibility with agencies and position their companies to successfully compete for contracts.
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Business Innovation Roadmap in the Utility Industry
Date: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
Location: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)
Cost: Free
This session will explore how businesses can innovate and adapt within the utility industry. Participants will gain insight into emerging trends, strategic positioning and ways to align business capabilities with utility sector needs.
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LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION!
Date: April 9-19 2026
Location: DEZART PLAYHOUSE
605 S. Riverside Drive
Cost: $69-$78
Winner of the 1995 Tony Award for Best Play and hailed by many critics as Terrence McNally’s finest play, exploring friendship, betrayal, and the power of community in the face of loss as the men confront and analyze their lives, relationships, and friendships in 90s America.
As infidelity, AIDS, romance, and death infiltrate their friendship group, the men must decide who and what is most important when reality hits home. Treading the boundary between comedy and tragedy with themes anyone can identify with loneliness, jealousy, need and generosity.
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Palm Springs Cultural Center 2026 Spring Gala Fundraiser Concert
Date: April 18, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 6:00 PM Cocktails, 7:00 PM Show
Location:
Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Cost: $110.73
Broadway favorite Sierra Boggess, an Olivier Award–nominated actress and one of Broadway’s most beloved leading ladies. She is best known for her portrayal of Christine in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. Webber himself praised her performance, famously stating, “She’s the best—the best Christine, certainly.”
The evening will feature a special tribute to Dr. Tom Truhe, who is retiring after twenty years of philanthropy (and bringing Broadway’s top talent to the desert).
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