MMA Annual Meeting approaching quickly

In just a week, well more than 1,200 municipal officials from across the state will gather in Boston for the 45th MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show on Jan. 19 and 20.

If you haven’t registered yet to join them, you can do so now online — it only takes a couple minutes! (The discounted early registration deadline is Jan. 10, but members can still register at the full rate after Jan. 10.)

Here are some of the great features this dynamic, timely and engaging conference, which is a forum for learning and a celebration of the innovations and best practices in community governance:
• Compelling and inspiring speakers
• A range of informative and timely workshops
• A lively Trade Show with more than 230 exhibitors featuring the latest services and solutions for cities and towns
• Member business meetings and important policy discussions
• Countless networking opportunities

The MMA’s Annual Meeting website has the very latest information about the largest conference for municipal officials in the state.

The 2024 MMA Annual Meeting theme is “Turning Passion Into Action,” recognizing the dedication that local leaders bring to their work and their problem-solving approach to myriad challenges.

“The MMA Annual Meeting fosters an atmosphere of collegiality and encourages a growth mindset,” said Sudbury Select Board Member Lisa Kouchakdjian, who was the first registrant for the 2024 conference. “To put it simply, attending the MMA conference will make me a better public servant!”

Speakers
The speaker lineup includes:
• Opening Keynote: Eddie Glaude Jr. — bestselling author, Princeton professor and political commentator who provides a better understanding of race and democracy in America
• Opening Session: Gov. Maura Healey — just days before she files her state budget plan for fiscal 2025
• Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon: Melissa Hoffer — first-ever cabinet-level climate chief in the nation
• Saturday Keynote: Gina McCarthy — the White House’s first-ever climate advisor, a former EPA administrator, and one of the country’s most prominent voices on climate change and the environment
• Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll — during the Annual Business Meeting
• U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey — during the MMA Annual Business Meeting

Workshops
Over two days, 21 workshops will cover key municipal issues such as artificial intelligence, boosting local business districts, building affordable housing, community outreach, climate change and property coverage, cybersecurity, data-driven decision making, decarbonization, diversity, equity and inclusion, education funding, federal funds, state and local finances, happiness in the workplace, labor law, labor relations, managing a disaster, municipal law, solid waste contracts, and unemployment fraud. (See website for details.)

Trade Show
The Annual Meeting website has the full list of exhibitors for the sold-out Trade Show, which will be open on Friday, Jan. 19, from 11:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Trade Show will also feature six Learning Lab sessions on Friday, Jan. 19.

Other features
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.

A special session on Saturday morning, “Polishing Your Interview Skills,” will feature a panel of executive recruiters offering advice.

The two-day event also features networking receptions, awards programs and other activities. Attendees can use the event’s free mobile app to make the most of their conference experience. A guide to accessing the app will be emailed to registrants in the weeks leading up to the Annual Meeting.

Registration
Online registration is available at www.mma.org/register. Reservations are no longer being accepted for the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon or the Friday evening dinner, both of which are sold out.

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. Partners must be in good standing as of Dec. 30, 2023, to be eligible to register and attend the MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show. New MMA Partner Program applications will not be accepted after Nov. 30. Partnership Program renewals or applications will not be accepted during the Annual Meeting.

After the early registration deadline of Jan. 10, all registrations will be at the on-site rate of $290.

Hotel information
The MMA’s discounted room block has sold out at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, located adjacent to the Hynes, but rooms can still be booked at the regular rate by contacting the Sheraton Boston directly at 888-627-7054.

Other hotel options in the area include:
• Hilton Boston Back Bay (40 Dalton St., Boston)
• Boston Marriott Copley Place (110 Huntington Ave., Boston)
• Westin Copley (10 Huntington Ave., Boston)
• The Colonnade Hotel (120 Huntington Ave., Boston)
• Courtyard by Boston Marriott Copley Place (88 Exeter St., Boston)

Questions?
Visit the MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show website for all program details. For more information on Annual Meeting logistics, 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.