SBCS CONVENTION 2026 – Registration, Hotel & Schedule

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 grew 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
  – Informal dinner together TBA

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: