Members lining up for MMA Annual Meeting

Registrations are rolling in for the 44th MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show, which will be held in person on Jan. 20 and 21, 2023, at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

The agenda has come into sharper focus over the past couple weeks with confirmation that Gov.-elect Maura Healey will be speaking at the Opening Session, and the announcement of the 18 informative and timely workshops and 10 half-hour Learning Labs.

In addition to Healey, the speaker lineup includes:
• Keynote Elizabeth Lombardo, a noted psychologist and author who offers strategies for improving mental and emotional resilience
• Friday dinner speaker Anthony Everett, an Emmy-winning journalist and longtime host of WCVB Channel 5’s “Chronicle”
• Closing speakers Clarence Anthony of the National League of Cities and Marc Ott of the International City/County Management Association, who will discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in local government

The largest conference for municipal officials in the state also features:
• A lively Trade Show featuring the latest services and solutions for cities and towns
• Member business meetings and important policy discussions
• Countless networking opportunities
• Municipal awards programs

A new feature this year will be a Headshot Station, where members can get a professional photograph taken for free. Sign-ups will be done on-site.

The MMA Annual Meeting website has the latest information about this dynamic, timely and engaging conference, including workshop titles, descriptions and panelists, and descriptions of the Learning Lab sessions, which will be held on the Trade Show floor.

The conference is a forum for learning and a celebration of the innovations and best practices in community governance. The theme for 2023 is “Connect, Engage, Be Inspired.”

“Do whatever you can to be part of this fantastic event!” said Westwood Select Board Member Michael Walsh, president of the Massachusetts Select Board Association. “You won’t be disappointed.”

“I encourage everyone to register,” said Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, “as this is an experience you don’t want to miss.”

First-time Annual Meeting attendees will get a special welcome during an event-opening orientation session from 8 to 9 a.m. The session is an opportunity to learn from seasoned MMA members about the best strategies for making the most of the Annual Meeting experience, as well as MMA membership.

The Trade Show will be open on Friday, Jan. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Companies, nonprofits and government agencies interested in exhibiting at the meeting can find details and contract information on the MMA website.

The MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show typically attracts more than 1,000 local leaders and more than 225 exhibitors. The last in-person event, in 2020, was attended by a record 1,300 local leaders.

The MMA will not be checking COVID vaccination status, but is advising attendees to keep up with the latest COVID vaccines for which they are eligible. Attendees are urged to take an at-home COVID test prior to attending, and not attend if they have any COVID symptoms or if a household member has tested positive. Attendees are welcome to wear a mask if they choose. (See the website for more details.)

The MMA will be using larger rooms at the Hynes Convention Center for general sessions and workshops to allow attendees to spread out, and hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the Hynes and Sheraton.

Registration
Information about online registration is available at www.mma.org/register, and the early rate is $225 for members. Reservations will also be accepted for the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon, which will be held on Friday, Jan. 20, and costs $45, and the Friday evening dinner and entertainment, which costs $55.

Only online registrations will be accepted. No registrations can be accepted by mail or over the phone. The MMA accepts credit cards for Annual Meeting transactions, or we will invoice your municipality after the meeting. MMA staff are happy to help anyone who needs assistance. Attendees may use their unique username and password to register. Those who don’t have a username and password, or who have forgotten them, may email amregistrations@mma.org.

MMA Partnership Program members qualify for member rates. All Partnership Program members must renew membership with payment by Jan. 1 in order to register for and attend the MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show. Partnership Program renewals or applications will not be accepted during the Annual Meeting. MMA Partnership Program members who exhibit should not register through the member portal, but should contact Trade Show Manager Karen LaPointe at klapointe@mma.org.

After the early registration deadline of Jan. 11, all registrations will be at the on-site rate of $275.

Hotel information
The Sheraton Boston Hotel, conveniently located next to the Hynes, is the host hotel. The MMA negotiated a reduced room rate of $202 per night for a single or $212 per night for a double. The reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly, and reservations must be made by Dec. 22 to take advantage of the special rates.

Hotel reservations must be made directly with the hotel. To make reservations, call the Sheraton at 888-627-7054 and mention MMA Annual Meeting or register online using a special MMA link.

The MMA’s discounted room rate is only guaranteed if you book through the Sheraton Boston directly. Please note that some third-party companies may offer guest rooms at discounted rates, but you may not be guaranteed a hotel room if you book through them or a third-party website.

For more information on the Annual Meeting, contact Timmery Kuck at 617-426-7272, ext. 106. For Trade Show and Partnership Program information, contact Karen LaPointe at 617-426-7272, ext. 154.