SBCS Convention 2026

It is that time of the year when passionate collectors of Souvenir Buildings meet annually, to reconnect & revive their old bonds, find opportunities to add new gems to their collection, trade/swap or part away from their long cherished treasures, tour the city landmarks from the eye of a souvenir building collector, tour the collections of fellow building collectors and above all to have fun.
Please find below the details & registration form of this year’s convention in Philadelphia, PA taking place on Sep 11 -13, 2026, being hosted by our newsletter editor, Don Semler.

REGISTRATION FORM

CONVENTION HOTEL
The Warwick Rittenhouse
220 S 17th Street, Philadelphia PA 19103

Hotel reservations at special convention rate of $194.00 per night (King and Queen beds available, plus tax) starting Wednesday September 9^th thru Sunday September 13^th and must be made by August 10^th or a higher rate will apply.  
Note: Rate includes Free Wi-Fi, Hotel Valet Parking is $55/night; (other less costly neighborhood parking options starting at $34 to be announced)
Use the following website link direct Hotel Booking Website to reserve your room:
Book your group rate for Souvenir Building Collectors Society

More about Hotel & its location:
Our convention home base, the Warwick Hotel is located a block from Rittenhouse Square in Center City. The hotel has recently completed a top-to-bottom renovation and change to the Marriott Bonvoy branding.

“Center City” is Philly-speak for downtown and Rittenhouse Square is in the heart of the 19th . 20th, and 21st century commercial district as the city arew westward from its historical 17th and 18th century roots along the Delaware River. Members will get a taste of modern Philadelphia that has grown beyond familiar Liberty Bell area sightseeing. It’s a particularly vibrant area of restaurants and retail, and very convenient to the afore-mentioned museums and parks.

SCHEDULE

THURSDAY, SEP 10
(EARLY BIRD OPTIONS)

• Afternoon
  • Tour of City Hall Tower
  • Tour of PSFS Tower (recently restored as a posh Loews Hotel)
• Evening
  – Reception and Show & Tell

FRIDAY, SEP 11

• Morning
  • 10 AM: Visit to Jason Lempieri’s South Philly Home’s souvenir building collection and studio. (informal lunch possible in the Italian Market area).
• Afternoon
  • 1 PM: Visit the collection of Jon Merwine at his home in Bethlehem, PA
• Evening
  • 6:30 PM: Reception and Show & Tell with light food/beverage at historic Carpenter’s Hall in Independence Park
    

SATURDAY, SEP 12

• Morning
  • 8 AM: Setup for those with reserved Swap/Sale tables in the hotel ballroom.
  • 9 AM: SBCS Annual Business Meeting.
  • 10 AM: – Noon: Swap/Sale at the hotel (Tables are available on the REGISTRATION FORM ). If-It-Fits-It-Ships” boxes will again be available this year.
• Afternoon
  • 1:30 PM: 2 hour Downtown Walking Tour of Center City hosted by the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. Focus on Center City buildings, featuring buildings with many souvenir replicas. (meeting point TBD after a suggested lunch at Reading Terminal Market) (Limit to first 25 responders.)
  • Late Afternoon: Wine Happy Hour/collection viewing at Anne Kane’s home (two blocks from our hotel)
• Evening
  • 6:30 PM: Banquet, Raffle & Auction

SUNDAY, SEP 13

• Morning
  • 11AM-2PM: Visit the collection of Don Semler at his home in Swarthmore, PA & light brunch at Don’s home.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Special Convention Pricing for First-Timers – $120.00
  • Open to ALL SBCS Members who have NEVER attended a convention)
  • This rate includes all tours, meals and the 2025 commemorative building.
• ½ Day Registration – Business & Swap Meet/Sale – $ 40.00
  • (Includes full table for swap meet and business meeting, but NOT the special commemorative building or Banquet. )
• Take home a unique commemorative building of Philladelphia
• And More Surprises

Payment Instructions are on the REGISTRATION FORM

Please find below the excerpt from the Spring 2026 SBCS Newsletter, about the SBC Conventions, 2026: