This February, thousands of Jewish teens gathered in Denver, Colo. for BBYO’s International Convention (IC) 2025, a transformative event that combined leadership development, cultural celebration, and memorable entertainment experiences.

The convention, which has become one of the largest Jewish youth gatherings globally, offered participants opportunities to connect with peers from different countries while exploring their shared heritage. For many attendees, like Kamea Henderson, the experience of being surrounded by other Jewish youth proved particularly meaningful.

“I’ve never been someplace where everyone is Jewish and that was a cool experience to be surrounded by people where everyone has that in common and was proud of it,” Henderson reflected. “I went not really knowing anyone or anything, but coming back I have learned a lot and made friends from all around the world who I am so excited to see next year!”

The convention featured an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their insights and experiences with the young attendees.  Notable presenters included Samantha Harris, Paralympic athletes Tara and Hunter Davis-Woodhall, and Rabbi Gershom Sizomu, the Chief Rabbi of Uganda, among others. These diverse voices offered unique perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the global Jewish experience.

Entertainment played a significant role in the convention’s programming, with performances by several prominent artists. The musical lineup included pop singer Andy Grammer, Israeli artist Eden Golan, rapper Swae Lee, and electronic dance music duo Galantis, providing attendees with high-energy performances that enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.

Beyond the keynote speeches and concerts, the convention offered workshops and activities designed to help participants explore different Jewish traditions and practices. “I got to try and learn new’ things about how different people celebrate,” Henderson noted, highlighting the educational value of the gathering.

The 2025 convention continued BBYO’s tradition of fostering connections among Jewish youth while providing them with tools for leadership and community engagement. As evidenced by the enthusiastic response from attendees like Henderson, who called it “a life changing experience,” the event succeeded in creating meaningful connections and memories for the next generation of Jewish leaders.

BBYO’s International Convention serves as a testament to the organization’s ongoing mission to provide Jewish teens with opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and cultural connection in an engaging and contemporary context.