Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Members participate in a coaching session for municipal officials at Connect 351 in 2025. Pictured, left to right, are Taylor Torres, Plainville planning and economic development director; Steven Solbo, Norwood and Sharon energy manager; Medfield Town Administrator Kristine Trierweiler, and MMA President and Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
In just seven weeks, more than 1,000 local leaders will gather in Boston’s Seaport District for the MMA’s Connect 351 conference, an event that brings together municipal officials, experts and exhibitors for learning, networking, and exploring solutions for Massachusetts cities and towns.
Connect 351 will span two-and-a-half-days — Jan. 22-24 — packed with inspiring speakers, timely workshops, countless networking opportunities, a bustling Trade Show, member business meetings, receptions, awards programs, and other engaging activities.
The MMA recently announced the full slate of timely, informative workshops, with full details available online. (See related story in this issue.)
The annual Trade Show will feature more than 250 companies, nonprofits and government agencies showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and services of interest to municipal officials. (See related story in this issue.)
The conference will be held at the Menino Convention and Exhibition Center and Omni Hotel. As always, the latest and most comprehensive information about the conference is available at connect351.org. The event’s free mobile app will help attendees make the most of their experience. (See story, this issue.)
“Whether you’re a seasoned municipal pro or new to the field, the MMA conference is the best place to swap stories, share a laugh, and learn from colleagues who know all the same highs and can empathize with our similar woes,” said Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. “Each year, there are new things to learn and apply in our communities.”
Schedule and features
The 2026 conference will open on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 22, with the Trade Show, a Women Leading Government session, and a new interactive networking and skills activity called Boardroom Breakout. The Trade Show and Headshot Station for members will open at 2 p.m.
Conference programming continues all day on Friday, Jan. 23, with a general session, the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon, two sets of workshop blocks, affinity and regional group receptions, and a dinner with presentations of legislative awards.
Saturday’s schedule includes MIIA’s Annual Business Meeting and Breakfast, member group business meetings, the MMA Annual Business Meeting, and three interactive workshop sessions titled “Ready for Anything.” The conference will conclude at 3:30 p.m with a dessert reception.
Speakers
Friday’s keynote speaker — nonprofit leader and Dignity Index co-creator Timothy Shriver — will explore how bridging the divisions between opposing viewpoints and focusing on one another’s humanity can move conversations forward.
In Saturday’s keynote, National League of Cities Executive Director Clarence Anthony will discuss building partnerships, healing divisions, navigating artificial intelligence, and addressing housing needs.
At the WEMO luncheon on Friday, Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index and a former city councillor and gubernatorial advisor, will share insights gained over her career in public service to restore dignity and lower the level of contempt in public discussions.
Networking
Connect 351 provides countless opportunities to meet and network with colleagues, including receptions, awards ceremonies, and other activities.
Networking opportunities include meetings of Massachusetts Municipal Communicators, Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts, mayoral chiefs of staff, affinity group spaces (see story, this issue), regional meet-ups, and the MMA-Suffolk programs reception. And there are always the hallway conversations and numerous seating areas where members can engage with peers whenever they’d like.
Other features
• A special Women Leading Government session on Thursday, Jan. 22, will be called “Burning Questions” — a panel discussion that takes its cue from the popular web series “Hot Ones.” A panel of local government leaders will discuss impactful “hot topics” that their communities face while eating progressively spicier hot wings.
• Boardroom Breakout, from 3-4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, is an interactive team-building activity in which groups of six to 10 players work together to solve a series of puzzles, challenges and critical-thinking tasks about how to progress through the activity before the clock runs out.
• Attendees can get free, professional photos taken at the Headshot Station, which will be open on Thursday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. and on Friday from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Registration
Online registration for Connect 351 will be available through Jan. 20.
The early registration rate is $289 for MMA members and Partner Program members.
Partners must be in good standing as of Dec. 30, 2025, to be eligible for registration and attendance. New MMA Partner Program applications will not be accepted after Nov. 30, and renewal applications will not be accepted during Connect 351.
Registration is also open for the WEMO luncheon on Friday, Jan. 23, at a cost of $59, and the Friday dinner, at a cost of $69.
Connect 351 registration is not available by mail or over the phone. The MMA accepts credit cards for all Connect 351 transactions and is able to invoice for the event afterwards as well.
Online registration requires a member’s unique username and password. Those who either do not have a username and password or may have forgotten their credentials can email [email protected] for assistance.
Nonmember governmental entities are also welcome to attend Connect 351, at a cost of $359.
Registration will be available on-site during the conference at a rate of $329 for MMA and Partner Program members, and $399 for nonmember government entities.
Hotel information
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, conveniently located across the street from Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, has a room block available for Connect 351 attendees. The MMA negotiated a reduced room rate of $229 per night in the Artist Tower or $259 per night in the Patron Tower. The reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly and must be booked by Dec. 22.
The Westin Seaport, located next to the Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, has a small room block available for the nights of Thursday, Jan. 22, and Friday, Jan. 23. The MMA negotiated a reduced room rate of $239 per night. The reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly and must be booked by Dec. 27.
All hotel reservations must be made directly with the hotel. To make or cancel a reservation, use the Omni online form or the Westin online form specifically for our event. Members may also call the Omni Boston Hotel at 1-800-THE-OMNI or the Westin Seaport at 617-532-4600 and mention Massachusetts Municipal Association.
Both hotels have a cancellation policy of noon three days before check-in.
For more information on Connect 351, visit Connect351.org or contact Timmery Kuck at 617-426-7272, ext. 106. For Trade Show and Partnership Program information, contact Stacey Compton-Maga at 617-426-7272, ext. 154, or [email protected].