Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Amherst Recreation Outreach Director Becky Demling (center) chats with colleagues during Connect 351 last January in Boston.
Excitement continues to build for Connect 351, the MMA’s annual conference, and attendee registration will open on Oct. 1.
Connect 351 will return to Boston’s Seaport District, at the Menino Convention and Exhibition Center, on Jan. 21 through 23.
The conference offers a diverse program of events, including timely, information-packed workshops, inspiring speakers, countless networking opportunities, membership business meetings, receptions, awards programs, and other engaging activities.
“Walkability Wizard” Jeff Speck will be the conference’s keynote speaker, discussing the benefits of walkable communities and planning strategies on Friday morning, Jan. 22.
Exhibitors are already filling the rows of the annual Trade Show, where more than 250 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies will be showcasing the latest innovations, technology and services of interest to municipal officials. Sponsorship opportunities are open as well.
Applications for the MMA’s Municipal Innovation, Municipal Website, and Town Report Contest awards are open through Oct. 30, with awards to be presented during Connect 351.
The 2026 conference will open on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 21, with the Trade Show, a block of six workshops, two professional development and career networking sessions, including a Women Leading Government session with Boston Globe reporter Emily Sweeney, a reception on the Trade Show floor, and a Belonging in Municipal Affairs reception (held at the Omni Hotel next door). The Trade Show and Headshot Station for members will open at 2 p.m.
The Trade Show and conference programming continues all day on Friday, with an opening general session, two blocks of informative workshops (six in each), the annual Women Elected Municipal Officials Luncheon, networking opportunities, and other events.
Saturday opens with MIIA’s Annual Business Meeting and Breakfast, member business meetings, and the MMA Annual Business Meeting, with the conference concluding at 12:30 p.m with a networking lunch.
The MMA continues to develop the program, and updates, including hotel information, will be available on www.mma.org in the coming weeks and months.
Trade Show
The Trade Show will be open on Thursday, Jan. 21, from 2 to 5:30 p.m., and on Friday, Jan. 22, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. An opening reception will be held on Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Trade Show will not be open on Saturday, Jan. 23.
More information will be available soon on the series of Learning Labs that will be held on the Trade Show floor.
The Trade Show web page has complete information, including sponsorship opportunities, a contract for exhibit space, a new exhibit hall floor plan, and the list of exhibitors and sponsors from the 2026 event. The MMA will update the online floor plan as exhibit contracts are received, and sponsors and exhibitors will be updated continually on the event website.
If you know of a company that would be interested in sponsoring or exhibiting but is not currently listed, contact the MMA’s event and development specialist, Stacey Compton-Maga, at [email protected] or 617-426-7272, ext. 154.