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Chicago, IL — March 1–4, 2025

 

We can't wait to welcome everyone to Chicago for the PEP-RJ Conference 2025, taking place from Saturday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 4, 2025. 


The conference will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday (3:00 p.m. for new attendees) and conclude at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Programming will take place at congregations Am Shalom and North Shore Congregation Israel in Glencoe and at Catalyst Ranch in downtown Chicago.

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Conference Highlights:

  • A Warm Welcome. Our gathering begins with a warm welcome that includes community-building activities, a welcome dinner, and a Havdalah service.

  • Sharpen Your Skills. Participate in sessions designed to help you deepen your expertise and discover innovative ideas and strategies to elevate your work and make a lasting impact on your congregation.

  • Unconference. The conference concludes on Tuesday morning with our annual Unconference, where attendees can choose and lead discussions on topics that matter most to them. Past participants have told us this is one of their favorite programs—we encourage you to plan your travel to ensure you can attend.

  • Explore Chicago. On Sunday morning, enjoy the chance to explore downtown Chicago and finish the day with a lively evening in the West Loop.

  • PEP-RJ Banquet. Join us on Monday evening for the festive PEP-RJ Banquet and Bowling, where we’ll celebrate with one another and install our new board.

  • *NEW* Pre-Conference Shabbat. Celebrate Shabbat with an optional Friday evening Shabbat gathering, including attending Shabbat services. Details are still being finalized and will be based on participant interest. Let us know your preference when you register.

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Conference Information and Registration

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Registration Details

  • Early Bird Deadline: Friday, January 10

  • Registration Deadline: Friday, February 7
    Registration continues after this date with an additional fee of $50 and on a space-available basis only.

  • Financial Assistance: Available for those who register by January 10 to be eligible

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Registration Fee:

The Conference Registration Fee covers all meals, materials, and inner-conference transportation. It does not include transfers to/from the airport or your hotel stay.

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This year’s conference program reflects our commitment to providing members with a best-in-class professional development experience. The actual cost of the conference is $625 per person, but we are offering subsidized pricing options to reduce financial barriers. If you are able, please consider paying the general or non-subsidized rate.

  • $500: Member Early Bird (through January 10)

  • $550: Member General (January 11 to February 7)

  • $625: Member Unsubsidized

  • $775: Non-Member (includes membership through June 30)

  • $200: Sunday or Monday Only*

 

If you need to apply for financial assistance, please indicate this during your registration. A PEP-RJ board member will contact you about the financial assistance process once your form is received.

 

*Day rates are available for Sunday and Monday for local PEP-RJ members who cannot attend the full conference.

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Hotel Details

The conference hotel is the Sheraton Chicago Northbrook, with a special room rate of $139 per night. This rate begins Thursday, Feb. 27, before the conference and includes daily breakfast. Make sure to update the start date to the one you want. Book your room here.

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Travel Information

  • If you are flying, plan to arrive at either Chicago O'Hare or Midway Airport by 1:00 p.m. on Saturday (noon if it’s your first time). Schedule your departure after 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, to make the most of the final sessions.

  • If you are driving, please arrive at the hotel by 3:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. if you are a first timer). There is free parking at the hotel.

 

Refund and Cancellation Policy

  • On or before January 10, 2025: A full refund will be issued minus a $25 administrative fee.

  • Between January 11 and February 7, 2025: A 75% refund will be issued.

  • Between February 8 and March 1, 2025: A 50% refund will be issued.

 

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances such as illness, emergencies, or scheduling conflicts. We suggest considering Travelex, as recommended by the URJ, for travel insurance options.​

Questions? Contact Us!

If you have any questions about the conference, please email Stephanie Schwartz, RJE, PEP-RJ vice president of professional development and conference chair.​

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