by Abbi Berry

Public Relations Manager

Each year the international Jewish youth movement BBYO hosts its International Convention (IC). The five day event takes place annually over the Presidents’ Day Weekend, and boasts thousands of teens from across the world. Politicians, Olympic athletes, and several notable speakers and guests attended the convention. This year, BBYO IC 2018 was in Orlando, Florida.

IC kicked off on Wednesday, Feb. 14 with pre-programming (PreSummits) for different tracks such as the Jewish Enrichment Institute, Sports Leadership Summit, and Execs Conference. With about a third of the full convention body, participants attended programming and had a chance to eat dinner from several local food trucks.

The hotel undergoes intense branding to welcome in the convention.

BBYO members enter convention to see the movement’s slogan “Find Yourself Here.”

Teens pose with their food truck tickets.

Regional presidents attend the February Execs Conference.

Teens gather to check in.

Moving into Thursday, PreSummits finished and the rest of the convention body landed in Orlando. Teens dressed with their best regional pride and got ready for the convention’s favorite tradition: Opening Ceremonies. Several speakers addressed the convention including HQ Host Scott Rogowsky and both the Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley sent video announcements. 

BBYO Songleaders jam out before Opening Ceremonies.

US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, addresses the convention body.

HQ host Scott Rogowsky meets BBYO.

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, addresses the convention body.

Mid-America Region presidents make an entrance.

AJR performs for BBYO.

AJR performs for BBYO.

Greater Atlanta Region gets excited for the guest performers.

On Friday, BBYO IC geared up for Leads Day, a day dedicated to giving back to the community. Speakers included Olympic gymnast and women’s rights advocate Aly Raisman, Lions Write founder Tolu Olubunmi, and Lego fanatic and author Zachary Pamboukas. Following the inspirational morning, participants ventured out to serve the Orlando community. To conclude Friday, the IC body dressed up for Shabbat and celebrated with prayers and dinner.

Participants engage in service in Orlando.

BBYO VP’s of Judaism present Zachary Pamboukas with an award.

Olympian Aly Raisman speaks.

Staff and teen pose with a Leads poster.

Participants organize soap to save lives.

Lions Write founder Tolu Olubunmi speaks to the IC body.

Teens link arms to pray.

The Shabbat and Rituals Administrative Assistants lead prayers.

Saturday at convention, teens spent the day listening to speakers. Attendees included Olympic soccer player Abby Wambach, Co-Founder of Run for Something Amanda Litman, Actor Josh Peck, and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad Tim Ballard. Later in the day, teens gathered to celebrate Havdallah and finished the night at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Operation Underground Railroad CEO Tim Ballard speaks.

Pillow Talk Show hosts interview Triathlete Joe Maloy.

Co-Founder of Run for Something, Amanda Litman speaks to a room of female leaders.

BBYO welcomes actor Josh Peck.

Teen interviews olympian Abby Wambach.

BBYO celebrates Havdallah.

Teens pose in front of Universal Orlando diner.

BBYO celebrates Havdallah.

As teens geared up for the final full day of IC, participants had the opportunity to go site seeing around Orlando or attend elections of the new International Board. Later that night, the convention body gathered for a concert featuring singer Daya, rapper Fetty Wap, and DJ Steve Aoki.

Teens and staff play twister.

Teens play basketball.

Participants visit the Orlando Zoo.

Winners of the Spirit Cup pose with their awards.

Steve Aoki stands on the table as he DJ’s the BBYO IC concert.

Rapper Fetty Wap performs for BBYO.

Teens are excited for the concert.