Massachusetts Municipal Management Association Fall Conference

Thursday, November 19, 2026 – 8:45am to
Friday, November 20, 2026 – 12:00pm

Hotel Rooms
$149.99 per night for an overnight room at the Hotel Northampton. Please call the hotel directly at 800-547-3529 before Nov. 1 to book your room.

Agenda

Thursday, November 19

8:45-9:45 a.m.
Full Breakfast, Registration

9:45-10 a.m.
Conference Welcome and Introductions
Denise Casey, Wakefield Town Administrator and MMMA President

10-10:30 a.m.
The ICMA Code of Ethics and What It Means for Every Member
Heather Harper, Ethics Committee Chair

10:30 a.m.-noon
What Do Town Managers Need to Know About Public Works
Dan Nason, Public Works Director, Hudson
Keith Baldiner, Assistant Town Manager for Public Works, Shrewsbury

12-1 p.m.
Lunch

1-2:15 p.m.
DPW-Specific Labor Law Principles
Melissa Murray, Partner, Norris, Murray & Peloquin
Antoine Fares, Associate, Norris, Murray & Peloquin

2:15-3:30 p.m.
Capital Project Management
Carys Lustig, Public Works Director, Needham

3:45-5 p.m.
Reception
An opportunity to gather post-sessions and before heading out to dinner on your own in Northampton.

Friday, November 20

8-9:15 a.m.
Registration, Breakfast

9:15-9:45 a.m.
MMA Update
Adrienne Nunez, Senior Legislative Analyst, MMA

9:45-10:45 a.m.
Big Partners, Big Possibilities
Paul Bockelman, Town Manager, Amherst
Paige Duncan, Town Manager, Foxborough
Paul Bockelman will discuss town-gown relations with the state’s flagship campus of the University of Massachusetts. And Paige Duncan will share her experience with hosting the World Cup at Gillette Stadium this past summer.

10:45-11:45 a.m.
Town Manager Contracts
John Clifford, Partner, Clifford & Kenny
John Clifford will share best practices and trending developments in manager contracts. Bring your questions!

11:45 a.m.
Lunch and Departure

Location
36 King St, Northampton

Contact
MMA Member Program Manager Denise Baker, [email protected]

Registration
Register