MMA Annual Meeting is almost here

In just two weeks, more than 1,000 MMA members will convene in-person for the first time since 2020 for the 44th MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

If you haven’t already done so, there are still a few days to register at the early rate. The largest regular gathering of local officials in Massachusetts returns on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21, under the theme “Connect, Engage, Be Inspired!”

Members will be able to get a sense of the new administration’s priorities for the coming year from newly inaugurated Gov. Maura Healey during the Opening Session, and from Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll during the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon on Friday as well as the MMA Annual Business Meeting on Saturday.

The speaker lineup also 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

Eighteen informative and timely workshops will cover topics such as succession planning, municipal law, regionalization, cybersecurity, housing, labor law, PFAS, communications, energy, policing, recruitment, and transportation funding. There will also be 10 half-hour Learning Labs on the Trade Show floor.

Additional conference 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

Two new features this year:
• A Headshot Station, where municipal members can get a professional photograph taken for free (Details on-site; space is limited)
• A roundtable discussion on Saturday morning, “Taking the Next Step in Your Career”

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.

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

“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.”

The MMA Annual Meeting website has all the details about this dynamic forum for learning and celebration of the innovations and best practices in community governance.

About a week to 10 days before the conference, all registrants will get an email about the comprehensive, and free, MMA Annual Meeting mobile app. The app, optimized for both smartphones and tablets, is the best tool for making the most of the conference experience.

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.)

Registration
Information about online registration is available at www.mma.org/register, and the early rate is $225 for members. The WEMO Luncheon is already sold out, but tickets are still available for 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 made on-site at the rate of $275.

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 the Hilton Boston Back Bay (40 Dalton St.), the Boston Marriott Copley Place (110 Huntington Ave.), the Westin Copley (10 Huntington Ave.), the Colonnade Hotel (120 Huntington Ave.), and the Courtyard by Boston Marriott Copley Place (88 Exeter St.).

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.