Connect 351 is this week

More than 1,300 local leaders from across Massachusetts have already registered for Connect 351, the MMA’s annual conference, which opens this Thursday and runs through Saturday at the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston’s Seaport District.

Online registration will close today at 11:59 p.m., but those who aren’t able to pre-register by the deadline may still come and register on-site.

This year’s event features the return of the same high-quality programming as past years, along with some new programming and more networking opportunities than ever.

High-profile visitors will include Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, and U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey.

Conference highlights include:
• Engaging and inspiring speakers
• Timely, educational workshops
• A lively Trade Show
• Member business meetings and important policy discussions
• Numerous networking opportunities

Visit Connect351.org for complete conference information. The event’s free mobile app will also help attendees make the most of their experience.

Speakers
Connect 351’s speaker lineup includes:
• Friday keynote Timothy Shriver, CEO of UNITE and co-creator of the Dignity Index, who will explore the ways in which people can engage in constructive dialogue and see each other’s humanity
• Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, who will discuss the state-local partnership and their priorities for the year ahead
• Saturday keynote Clarence Anthony, executive director of the National League of Cities, who will discuss building effective partnerships, bridging divides, navigating artificial intelligence, and addressing the housing emergency
• Tami Pyfer, co-creator of the Dignity Index and a former city councillor, who will address the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon
• U.S. Sens. Warren and Markey, who will address members during the MMA’s Annual Business Meeting on Saturday (along with Driscoll)

Workshops
Connect 351 will feature 17 timely and informative workshops during three time slots on Friday and Saturday afternoons, covering timely topics like crisis communications, employee recruitment and retention, artificial intelligence, health costs, strategic leadership, and more. A number of these workshops are eligible for MIIA Rewards. Visit Connect351.org for complete information.

Trade Show
A lively Trade Show will feature 287 exhibitors showcasing the latest in products, services and solutions for Massachusetts municipalities. The Trade Show will be open on Thursday afternoon from 2 to 5:30, which is a great opportunity to meet with exhibitors when the exhibit hall will be less crowded than at peak times. A welcome reception will be held on the Trade Show floor from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The Trade Show will also be open on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, with nine, half-hour Learning Lab sessions on the show floor between 11:45 a.m. and 1:35 p.m.

The Trade Show will not be open on Saturday.

Networking
Connect 351 features numerous opportunities to meet your colleagues, share ideas, and expand your network.

Networking events include general receptions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, a DEI-centered networking reception, affiliate and regional group meetings, affinity group receptions, and an MMA-Suffolk programs reception.

In addition, there are always hallway conversations and numerous seating areas where members can engage with colleagues whenever they’d like.

Additional programming
• Local leaders will take the stage on Thursday afternoon during WLG’s “Burning Questions” event — modeled after the web series “Hot Ones” — in which panelists will offer their perspectives on important issues while facing the heat by eating progressively spicier hot wings.

• In “Boardroom Breakout,” also on Thursday, participants will form teams for an escape-room-style activity, solving a series of puzzles, challenges and critical-thinking tasks before the clock runs out. (Registration is required for Boardroom Breakout; attendees who have already registered for Connect 351 can still register for this session by emailing [email protected].)

• 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 is still available through the end of the day on Jan. 20, at the early registration rate of $289 for MMA members and Partner Program members.

Attendees can also register on-site during the conference at a rate of $329 for MMA and Partner Program members, and $399 for nonmember government entities.

Registration is also open for the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon at a cost of $59, and the Friday evening dinner, at a cost of $69.

The MMA accepts credit cards for all Connect 351 transactions and is able to invoice your municipality after the meeting as well.

Those who need assistance with registration can email [email protected].

Accommodations and parking
Rooms in the MMA’s discounted room blocks at area hotels are sold out, but attendees may still book rooms at regular rates at the following area hotels:
• Omni Boston Hotel (1-800-THE-OMNI)
• The Westin Seaport (617-532-4600)
• Element Boston Seaport District (617-530-1700)
• Aloft Boston Seaport District (617-530-1600)

Other options include the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel (606 Congress St.) and the Seaport Hotel Boston (1 Seaport Lane).

The sites for Connect 351 — the Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (415 Summer St.) and the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport — are located in Boston’s fastest-growing and newest neighborhood. Both are just minutes away from Boston’s major highways, and steps away from the MBTA’s Silver Line World Trade Center stop.

In addition to hotel parking, there are several parking garages located within minutes of the Menino Center and the Omni (view list).

Day attendees will be able to park at the Menino Center in the South Lot, but vehicles cannot be left in this lot overnight.

Complimentary coat check will be available on the exhibit level of the Menino Center, near registration, courtesy of the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, the MMA’s nonprofit insurance service.

For questions, visit Connect351.org or email [email protected].