Frequently Asked Questions About the Biennial

What is the Biennial?

The JCCs of North America Biennial is a gathering of JCC leaders and senior professionals from all over North America. The program includes learning, the sharing of trends and ideas, and many opportunities to meet peers and colleagues. Held in a different city every other year, the Biennial is the place for JCC leaders to connect and network with like-minded people, and discover new ideas to bring home to their JCCs. It’s a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new connections.

Who should attend the Biennial?

Each JCC should bring a CORE DELEGATION of at least five leaders:

  • president
  • incoming president
  • immediate past president (advanced leaders)
  • Esther Leah Ritz Next Generation Leadership Awardee(s) (your up-and-coming leadership)
  • executive director

We will have additional specific programming for all these cohorts.

Also, the following leaders will benefit personally and will bring back important knowledge to benefit your JCC:

  • JCC board members, especially committee chairs who can take advantage of in-depth learning tracks in:
    • Operations: membership, marketing, financial resource development
    • Program: fitness and wellness, camp, early childhood, arts and culture, teens, adults, social action, Jewish education
    • Administration: governance, strategic planning

When will the Biennial take place?

Biennial sessions will take place from Sunday, May 2-Wednesday May 5, 2010. If you plan to come to Atlanta early, please join us for an early registration reception at The World of Coke on Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 p.m.

Where will the Biennial take place?

Marriott Marquis
265 Peachtree Center Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303
Information about the Biennial hotel

How do I make hotel reservations?

You can book your room online. If you are a JCC Association Board member and you would like to pay through your Board Fund, please contact Yael Lubofsky at yael@jcca.org or (212)786-5084 to reserve your room.

How much does it cost to register?

Early Bird Rates until January 15, 2010*

After January, 15 Early Bird Rates
US/Canadian/Overseas Delegates $695 $620
Spouses $345 $345
Next Generation Delegates $795 $720
Day Passes $225 N/A
Additional JCC Professional Staff
(after first staff registrant)		 $395 N/A

*Early-bird registrants may choose a three-part payment plan.

Are there any cost-saving opportunities?

Yes! Take advantage of early-bird pricing, which provides a significant savings.

Bring additional staff at reduced rates! Bring as many delegates as you can to cut your executive director registration fee:

JCCs may choose either

  • a) For each eight (8) full paying delegates registered, a JCC will get one staff person at the discounted registration fee of $345

    or
  • b) Increase the size of your 2008 delegation by at least two full paid registrations for 2010 and your executive director’s registration fee will be discounted to $345

The above counts may not include any discounted registrants such as additional staff, spouses, and single day attendees. JCCs may not take both options to receive an additional discount. The discount will be rebated to the JCC following the Biennial.

Also, note that the discounted fee of $395 for each additional staff person who wishes to attend, regardless of fully paid delegate number, applies only after there is a full paid staff person (or a discounted fee based on full paid delegate attendance) registered.

What is included in my registration fee?

Convention registration fee includes all plenaries, forums, seminars and learning sessions. Also included are receptions, continental breakfasts on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the host community event at the Marcus JCC on Sunday night, and lunch on Monday and Tuesday. Programs and meals take place at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis unless otherwise noted. Registered spouses/partners are invited to participate in all convention events.

What is the Biennial cancellation policy?

Our policy on refunding your registration fee is based on the costs incurred. Refunds on registration fees will be made if submitted in writing to JCC Association. Cancellations will include the following administrative fees:
$75* fee if cancellation is postmarked prior to Friday, March 5, 2010;
$100* fee if cancellation is postmarked prior to Friday, March 19, 2010;
$150* fee if cancellation is postmarked prior to Sunday, April 2, 2010.
Cancellations postmarked after April 2, 2010 will be subject to a $250* fee. In addition, the hotel room reservation is subject to what the hotel calls a “pick-up penalty” cancellation fee, and is on a sliding scale based on the date and time of cancellation. Because this is a convention booking, JCC Association is assessed the fee, not the guest. If we are able to fill the room, we will not be penalized. If we are not able to fill the room, we will be penalized for your cancellation. In that case, we will retain a maximum of one night’s room fee, which we will be charged for your last minute cancellation.
*Cancellation fee will be in US dollars for delegates. All refunds for cancellations after Sunday, April 2, 2010 will be processed after the Biennial.

How do I register?

You can register on-line (the preferred method) and on paper, either by mail to JCCs of North America Biennial, 520 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 (download pdf) or fax to (212)481-4174 attn: Biennial registration.

What should I expect to learn?

The Biennial offers many learning opportunities for everyone. This is the time to learn how the economy is impacting the whole JCC Movement, and how you can achieve success in your local community. In addition to attending learning sessions that interest you, you can also participate in our JCC Association Program and Services Showcase, and you can talk to specialists and consultants. We hope that you will share your knowledge with others in your delegation and make learning an interactive experience. It is important to coordinate with delegates from your JCC to make sure you participate in as many different sessions as possible, so your delegation brings back a broad array of knowledge and resources.

What is there to do?

There are activities and events planned for every day of the Biennial. In addition to the various learning sessions listed below, we will have a wonderful event at the Marcus JCC of Atlanta and a welcome/registration reception at the World of Coke.

Learning sessions include:

“Hot Topic” Forums: These sessions will address the four or five major topics of concern for JCCs. We are waiting until later this year to make the final choices, so you can be certain that they will tackle the most important issues you are facing.

Seminar Tracks: Three 90-minute learning sessions led by outside experts or professionals from the JCC field and designed for JCC officers, advanced leaders, committee chairs and JCC board members. Topics will include How to Build Your JCC’s _____________ (governance, FRD capability, Jewish signature, marketing approach, competitive advantage, social responsibility, etc.) Most tracks will have sessions that build upon each other, and a few will have individual stand-alone “elective” sessions. Delegates can attend complete tracks or individual seminars.

Size-of-City Sessions: This Tuesday afternoon session will focus on best practices in three areas: marshaling human, financial, and creative resources. Breakout groups will follow to discuss examples.

Cohort Learning Groups: Specially designed sessions for your core delegates: current presidents and executives, incoming presidents, advanced leaders (past presidents), Next Generation, to learn with each other and from each other.

JCC Association Program & Services Showcase: You’ve heard of speed-dating, haven’t you? Well, now you’ll be able to get to know a variety of proven JCC Association signature programs and understand all that JCC Association provides in a unique and creative venue. Come and learn how you can take advantage of the many benefits of affiliation.

Jewish Learning: Excellent teachers and scholars provide a variety of Jewish learning experiences throughout the Biennial.

Exercise (of course!) may include a run, Pilates, the gym, a swim, or something else to keep you energized. Or visit the spa at the hotel to relax.

What should I bring?

Feel free to bring resources and materials from your JCC to share with others. Also bring lots of questions and an appetite for learning. What should I wear?

Any Biennial veteran will recommend a nice comfortable pair of shoes. Dress is business casual. It is also a good idea to have a sweater or light jacket in case you get cold while in the sessions. Hotel meeting rooms are often chilly.

What if I want to stay in Atlanta past the Biennial?

You are welcome to stay in Atlanta beyond the Biennial and explore all the sights. Please visit local Atlanta websites for great ideas or speak with our host community volunteers at the hotel. We have arranged for discounted hotel rates for three days before and three days after the convention, based on availability.

How can I bring a guest?

Register your spouse or partner when you register yourself. You can register guests for specific events. For security reasons, only registered attendees or registered guests will be allowed into Convention events.

Can I get a virtual idea of what the Biennial experience is about?

Take a look at the highlights video from our 2008 Biennial.

What if I have further questions?

Please email robin@jcca.org or telephone the Biennial Hotline at 212.786-5112. Registration matters can be addressed directly to the registrar tory@jcca.org or 212.786-5086.