MMA Annual Meeting planning continues

Planning continues for the 45th MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show, which will be held in person on Jan. 19 and 20, 2024, at the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel in Boston.

The largest conference for municipal officials in the state features:
• A range of informative and timely workshops
• Compelling and inspiring speakers
• Member business meetings and important policy discussions
• A lively Trade Show featuring the latest services and solutions for cities and towns
• Countless networking opportunities

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

The MMA’s Annual Meeting website has the very latest information about this dynamic, timely and engaging conference, which is a forum for learning and a celebration of the innovations and best practices in community governance.

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 speaker lineup includes:
• Opening Keynote Eddie Glaude Jr., a bestselling author, Princeton professor and political commentator who provides a better understanding of race and democracy in America
• Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon speaker Melissa Hoffer, the 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

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, fiscal outlook, happiness in the workplace, labor law, labor relations, managing a disaster, municipal law, solid waste contracts, and unemployment fraud.

Workshop titles, descriptions and panelists will be published later this month. Descriptions of the six Learning Lab sessions, to be held on the Trade Show floor, will also be published in mid-November.

The Trade Show 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. Companies, nonprofits and government agencies interested in exhibiting at the meeting can find details and contract information on the MMA website.

The two-day event will also feature networking receptions, awards programs and other activities.

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 MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show typically attracts well above 1,000 local leaders and more than 200 exhibitors.

Registration
Online registration is available at www.mma.org/register, and the early rate is $240 for members. Reservations will also be accepted for the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon, which will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, 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. 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 Sheraton Boston Hotel, conveniently located next to the Hynes, is the host hotel. The MMA negotiated a reduced room rate of $222 per night. The MMA also has a limited room block available at the nearby Marriott Copley Place (for Thursday and Friday) at the reduced rate of $222 per night.

The reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly, so early reservation is advisable 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 or Marriott Copley Place at 617-236-5800 and mention the Massachusetts Municipal Association, or use the special MMA event link for the Sheraton or the Marriott.

The MMA’s discounted room rate is only guaranteed if you book through the hotel 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.