1,400 leaders celebrate local government at Connect 351

Collaboration, innovation and commitment to civility carried through as themes of the MMA’s Connect 351 conference on Jan. 22-24 in Boston, where some 1,400 municipal officials from across the state gathered for compelling speakers, timely workshops, countless networking opportunities, and a bustling Trade Show.

Convening at the Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston’s Seaport District for the second year, the event kicked off on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, with the Trade Show and two lively features — a Women Leading Government session called “Burning Questions,” with municipal leaders answering questions while eating progressively spicier wings and hot sauce, and an interactive “Boardroom Breakout” team-building exercise styled after the TV show “The Amazing Race.”

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu gave an energized welcome to attendees to kick off day two of the event on Jan. 23. Keynote speaker Timothy Shriver, CEO and founder of UNITE and co-creator of the Dignity Index, spoke about how vital it is to treat each other with dignity, especially when it comes to speech, regardless of differences or opposing views. Following Shriver were Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, who had announcements about their state budget and Chapter 90 proposals, and the opening of the Community One Stop for Growth portal.

The conference was the third as MMA executive director for Adam Chapdelaine, a veteran of local government who attended many MMA conferences as a member.

“I know that, in these times, the work of local government has never been more important,” Chapdelaine said. “As the residents of the Commonwealth wake up every day to read the news, they are left wondering who they can trust and who they can rely on. And the reality is, they can trust you and your cities and towns.”

At the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon, Tami Pyfer, a former elected official in Utah, chief external affairs officer for UNITE and co-creator of the Dignity Index, discussed her career in public service and modeling civility at the local level.

The MMA presented four legislative awards during the Friday dinner.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey discussed the delegation’s efforts to protect funding for Massachusetts communities, and Lt. Gov. Driscoll returned to address the MMA’s Annual Business Meeting.

The event featured 14 workshops and nine Learning Labs on Friday, and three larger, interactive sessions on Saturday that explored topics ranging from health insurance and collaborative planning to clean energy siting and permitting and artificial intelligence. Presentation materials from the workshops are available on the MMA website.

The Trade Show featured a record 287 exhibitors, including a number of environmental consulting, financial, energy and technology firms — plus the return of “EV Alley,” the debut of “AI Avenue,” and an expansion of Government Row.

The Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, Massachusetts Municipal Management Association, Massachusetts Select Board Association, and Massachusetts Municipal Councillors’ Association held their annual business meetings on Saturday, electing leadership and discussing timely topics.

National League of Cities Executive Director Clarence Anthony, a former mayor, energized the Saturday morning crowd with a conversation that touched on bridging divides, building partnerships, and policy issues facing communities.

For the eighth year, the MMA’s conference had a mobile app to help attendees make the most of their experience. The app features comprehensive information and interactive features, including the ability to access workshop materials, build a personal schedule, connect with fellow attendees, and receive important notifications and updates.

The event brought back two popular features: a Headshot Station that offered MMA members free professional headshots, and a “Why I Serve” activity in the entrance hall, where attendees could take a moment to share why they chose to enter public service.

Awards were announced to recognize the best municipal websites, town reports, and innovative programs.

“Once again, we’re really thrilled with the level of engagement and excitement shown by our members during Connect 351,” Chapdelaine said. “We had record attendance for the event, and a record-breaking Trade Show! It’s so important for our members to be able to reconnect and make new connections, and to learn more about the challenges they’re facing and the solutions and innovations that can move their communities forward.

“Everyone on the MMA team worked very hard, starting many months ago, to create an event that felt lively and fresh, while retaining a comfortable feeling that members look forward to. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we appreciate the support of so many members who came to further enhance their outstanding public service to their communities.”

Next year’s Connect 351 — on Jan. 21-23, 2027 — will return to the Menino Convention and Exhibition Center and the Omni Boston Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District.