Forming a lifelong community

Come to FJMC’s San Francisco convention, July 8-11, 2027

By Norwin Merens

The sights, sounds and feel of San Francisco will serve as the iconic backdrop for FJMC International’s very first convention in the City by the Bay, July 8-11, 2027, at the Westin St. Francis Hotel on Union Square.

As experienced FJMC convention-goers will attest, FJMC’s convention isn’t just about the business; it’s about mentorship across generations, sharing proven strategies with clubs across North America, and forming lifelong friendships. Past attendees routinely share how the guys they met at an FJMC retreat or convention became their closest, most dependable friends for decades.

Convention registration formally began on Nov. 1 and optimism runs high that FJMC attendees will find host city San Francisco and the Westin St. Francis Hotel emblematic of what is shaping up as a first-class travel experience. San Francisco is known for its wildly acclaimed Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars, steep hills and diverse neighborhoods that blend old-world charm with cutting edge-innovation.

Convention Chair Jay Steinmetz reports that new features have been added to streamline the San Francisco convention registration experience. Here’s how it now works: Your FJMC login credentials have now been connected to the online registration page. As you open the login link on FJMC.org and return to the registration link, most of your personal information will already be entered.

Both Steinmetz and convention co-chair Rob Blitzer ask that everyone review registration entries for errors or to update information since FJMC’s July 2025 Chicago convention.

Another new feature being introduced in San Francisco is the “Shabbat Weekend” package, which is intended for convention registrants joining FJMC from Friday to Sunday only. It offers a meal plan from Friday’s Shabbat dinner through Sunday’s breakfast. Scrolling down the registration page, you will have the option to choose this instead of the full convention.

For those seeking single occupancy rooms at the St. Francis Hotel, these rooms are available to those seeking one for $2,009 for the full convention. There is also a drop-down option on the registration site.

How is FJMC addressing the rising costs of air travel on major airlines serving San Francisco and the Bay Area? 

According to Steinmetz, FJMC has tried without success to connect with a travel agency to help with discounted airfares from major hubs, and it’s virtually impossible to facilitate this initiative. In the travel industry, discounted airfares are limited to groups of 10 or more on the same exact flights.

Steinmetz added, “The logistics to get 10 people willing to fly on the same exact date and time, on the same airline and airport city can be daunting. We suggest booking flights early to get the very best rates. Investing in travel insurance is also recommended.”

Upon arriving in San Francisco, there are available ground transportation options. These include Uber and Lyft vehicles available at San Francisco International Airport. Public transportation using Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is situated in the airport with the rail station on Powell Street, just three short blocks from the Westin St. Francis Hotel. BART costs around $13 and the train ride is approximately 35 minutes with local stops. Signs are prominently located in the airport to direct you to the BART system.

What else should FJMC regions and clubs know about convention?

A word to the wise is usually sufficient now that convention registration is available online 24/7.  It’s highly recommended that FJMC’s regional leaders spread the word to their member clubs to take action. Ask your friends to join you in San Francisco to reap the benefits of diverse convention programming and meaningful fellowship.

Make San Francisco a vacation destination and arrive early, or stay late to enjoy must-see places throughout the Bay Area. From music festivals to cultural events, there’s always something new and exciting happening in San Francisco.

And there’s more. Hotel rooms at the Westin St. Francis will be available at convention-discounted prices up to three days before and three days post-convention, July 5 to July 13. These options also appear on a drop-down window on the FJMC registration site. Keep in mind that all outside hotel activities will be available on the Whova website – the convention app we’ll be using during the gathering – not the FJMC convention registration site.

These details will be made available soon. Once excursion sign-ups become known, FJMC will send out the link to all members.

Norwin Merens is a regular Ha D’var contributor and also chairs the FJMC Shomrei Ha’Aretz (Environmental) Committee. He is a past president of FJMC’s Midwest Region, 2015-17.