Nearly 700 professionals from more than 90 JCCs and JCC Camps across North America, together with partners and sponsors, gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from October 27–29 for ProCon 2025, the JCC Movement’s premier professional conference. Hosted for the first time in six years by JCC Association of North America, attendees focused on strengthening the JCC Movement through connection, exchanging best practices, learning with peers, and building relationships that enrich Jewish life across North America and beyond.
ProCon, the JCCs of North America Professional Conference, is the JCC Movement’s signature gathering for professional development and connection. Designed by and for JCC professionals, the conference brings together staff from across departments, roles, and communities to learn, share ideas and strengthen their work. At ProCon 2025, participants engaged in learning sessions, peer communities, and collaborative experiences that inspired growth and innovation and renewed their commitment to sustaining and enriching Jewish life.
According to a press release, JCC Association is deeply grateful to the host community of the Minnesota JCC for welcoming the Movement to Minneapolis.
ProCon 2025 brought the JCC Movement together for energizing learning and connection: from 75-minute labs packed with real-world tools and takeaways, to immersive half-day intensives designed to deepen expertise, strengthen leadership and amplify impact. With peer-to-peer sessions, inspiring plenaries, and a high-energy block party, the conference reflected a field fueled by collaboration, creativity and purpose.
“ProCon 2025 captured everything that makes our movement so special: the passion of our professionals, the strength of our partnerships, and the power of being together,” said Barak Hermann, the president and CEO of JCC Association, in a press release. “At a time when community is more vital than ever, ProCon reminded us that JCCs are not just centers, they are the beating heart of Jewish life across North America, and its our professionals who keep that heartbeat strong.”
“JCCs, JCC Camps and the professionals who lead them are the heart of Jewish communal life,” said Carrie Darsky, the chief talent officer of JCC Association. “They’ve sustained a sense of normalcy through the most turbulent times — from opening camps and early childhood centers during Covid, to weathering literal storms and acts of antisemitism and violence, to meeting the surge of engagement in Jewish life after October 7. ProCon 2025 was their moment to celebrate that resilience, to connect through shared experiences, and to grow beyond their own expectations. ProCon was an intentional investment in the strength and skill of the people who make Jewish community life possible.”
Highlights from ProCon 2025:
- 600 JCC professionals from 93 JCCs represented 37 states and provinces.
- Over 100 sessions and labs highlighted innovation and excellence across the field.
- 47 sponsors and partners supported professional development and connection.
- 65% of attendees were first-timers.
- One incredible novement moving forward together.
ProCon 2025 featured presenters and speakers from partner organizations including Assembly, Brandeis University, Evolve Giving Group, Hillel International, Jewish Studio Project, Keshet, Leading Edge, M2: Institute for Experiential Jewish Education, PJ Library, Repair the World, Secure Community Network and many others, alongside experts from JCCs across North America. The conference also brought together peer communities — groups of JCC professionals connected by shared roles or goals – to exchange ideas, address common challenges and build what’s next together.
ProCon 2025 was made possible in part through nearly a quarter of a million dollars in financial and in-kind contributions from sponsors whose generosity and expertise elevated the caliber of the conference and strengthened the JCC Movement.
As participants return home to their JCCs, they bring with them renewed energy and ideas to advance their work and strengthen Jewish life across North America.
JCC Association, in partnership with the JCC Movement, dynamically influences efforts to drive stronger Jewish community, vibrant Jewish life, and intentional and measurable Jewish outcomes in local communities and across the continent. JCCs serve more than 1.5 million people weekly — in person and online — and drive an economic engine that totals $1.6 billion annually.
