www.massconvention.com

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns and oversees the operations of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA and the Boston Common Parking Garage.  In 2006, the MCCA hosted 275 events at the BCEC and the Hynes, which drew in 696,522 attendees and generated 648,862 hotel room nights, as well as $528 million in economic impact for Greater Boston. 

Nov 21, 2007; The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced...

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) welcomes the 51^st Annual New England International Auto Show to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) this week.  MCCA Executive Director James E. Rooney is available to the media to answer any questions regarding building or event specifics. Show:  November 28 – December 2, 2007

The MCCA and the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Association announced in April a three-year deal to bring the Auto Show to the BCEC beginning this year.  The move from the Bayside Expo Center to the BCEC will allow this year’s show to attract nearly 90,000 attendees, expand its exhibition space and add new and exciting features, such as:

·        Nearly 800 automobiles from 43 different manufacturers

·        Daily motorcycle stunt shows

·        Classic car showcase

·        NASCAR & Indy Car racing simulations, and much more

James E. Rooney, Executive Director of the MCCA, welcomes any inquiries about the Auto Show or the BCEC during the five-day event stay in Boston.

 Boston Convention & Exhibition Center  415 Summer Street Boston. 

Ron D’Amico
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
617-954-2168
rdamico@massconvention.com

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Aug 31, 2007; The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced...

Artists for Humanity (AFH) strives to bridge economic, racial and social divisions by giving Boston’s urban young people hands-on experience in creativity, business, teamwork, and self-governance through paid employment in the arts. As part of the MCCA’s Art Program, we are proud to showcase the talents of these individuals at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center from now until the end of December.

“From left to right, AFH program mentor Yhinny Matos, MCCA Executive Director James E. Rooney, AFH program mentor Rob Gibbs, AFH Director Susan Rodgerson, and AFH program mentors Quyen Truong and Jason Talbot pose with one of the AFH exhibits at the BCEC.”

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Sept 26, 2007; The Boston, Massachusetts Hackney Unit commander Lt. Bob Ciccolo, says cabbies now have to use the FAST LANES at toll's.

BOSTON, MA CAB DRIVERS SPECIAL NOTICE HERE

Cabbies forced to live life in Fast Lane

All Boston Cabbies are now required as of Sept 25th, 2007 to use the FAST LANE at all toll area's! If not, be handed a one-day license suspension.

Hackney Unit commander Lt. Bob Ciccolo, says cabbies have known for more than a year that enforcement was coming. Mayor Thomas Menino announced plans to equip all Boston cabs with Fast Lane transponders in late 2005, and hackney rules were amended last September making that a requirement. Menino wants to reduce the time that cab passengers wait in traffic at tollbooths and cut cabs’ idle time.

READ THE FULL STORY BY CLICKING HERE!

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Aug 31, 2007; The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced...

BCEC NAMED CONVENTION CENTER OF THE YEAR

Trade Magazine Announces Spotlight Award on Heels of MCCA’s Most Successful Year!

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) today announced that the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) was honored as the 2007 recipient of “Convention Center of the Year” at the Event Solutions Spotlight Awards, the most prestigious awards given in the events industry. This Spotlight Award is presented to the convention center that provides superior facilities and customer service in the hosting of meeting and events.  More than 500 of the industry’s top professionals attended the black-tie ceremony held at the Olympia Theater in Miami Beach, Florida.

The BCEC beat out two other finalists vying for “Convention Center of the Year,” – the

City of Virginia Beach / the Virginia Beach Convention Center and the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome - to win the coveted award. There are over 300 convention centers in the United States.  Event Solutions magazine has presented the Spotlight Awards to top event industry professionals for the past 10 years. Over 20 award categories honor people and companies in a wide variety of disciplines necessary to produce excellent events. 

“The team at the MCCA works hard to maintain Boston as a leader in the convention center industry and this award demonstrates that Boston does it right,” said James E. Rooney, Executive Director of the MCCA. “I take seriously my responsibility to propel Boston to the forefront of the convention center marketplace through innovative programs and services that distinguish our city and create significant economic impact.”

“This award is evidence that the Commonwealth is more than worthy of being celebrated as a first rate host of some of the nation’s most prestigious and news making events,” said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.  “The events industry is extremely competitive, yet Boston has continued to demonstrate that it is a world class city and therefore a leading conventions, meetings and exhibitions destination.”

“The BCEC’s success during the three years since it opened has transformed Boston into a viable competitor with the country’s top-tier convention cities,” said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino.  “The MCCA has worked endlessly to meet client needs and attract the most prominent industry events, and it is great to see some of that hard work being rewarded.”

The MCCA recently released its 2006 Economic Impact Report, which outlines the effects of direct spending by event attendees on hotel rooms, local transportation, shopping and dining within Calendar Year 2006 in association with events at the BCEC and the Hynes Convention Center. With two facilities and 275 events in the past year generating $528 million in direct spending, Boston continues to be a major player in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry. For the first time in MCCA history, the report is Web-based and can be viewed by visiting: http://www.massconvention.com/economicimpact.

Event Publishing, LLC publishes Event Solutions magazine, a monthly trade publication covering the events, meetings and incentives industry, and produces the annual trade show, the Idea Factory: Events, Education, Expo. The Tempe, Ariz.-based company provides resources for everyone in the events industry by operating a full-service news website, providing professional certificates for planners and producers, and doing primary research to quantify and identify breaking trends in the industry. Event Solutions is a controlled circulation magazine, audited by BPA, and is read by more than 27,000 corporate, independent and association event professionals, as well as service providers for the event industry.

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns and oversees the operations of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA and the Boston Common Parking Garage.   In FY 2006, the BCEC and the Hynes successfully hosted 275 events, bringing 579,370 attendees from across the country and around the world to Boston

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Aug 21, 2007; The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced...

MCCA COORDINATES EVENT DONATIONS TO COMMUNITY

Medical, pharmaceutical supplies, books and toys given to Dorchester charity

Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) Executive Director James E. Rooney today announced that unused products from last month’s McKesson Pharmacy Strategies Conference at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) will be donated to the Federated Dorchester Neighborhood Houses, Inc. (FDNH).

After McKesson’s pharmacy tradeshow was held at the BCEC in July, members of the MCCA and FDNH staff unloaded a truck filled with personal care products, toys, medical supplies and books to be distributed to all of FDNH’s programs and to Kit Clark Senior Services.

“We are delighted to be able to provide these materials to our non-profit neighbors so that they can give essential aid to families in need,” said Rooney.  “Coordinated donations such as this one, is evidence of our commitment to helping our Boston neighborhoods benefit from the success of the wide array of events we host.”

 FDNH serves more than 1,300 children, youth and adults a year in twenty programs focusing on childcare, school-age programming, youth programming, and educational programming including ESOL, Adult Basic Education and GED classes.  The organization also coordinates two food pantries within the community.  FDNH delivers these services from Little House, Log School, Dorchester Place Preschool, Dorchester Place School Age Child Care, Ruth Darling Child Care Center and Bartholomew Family Child Care.

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Aug 17,2007; The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced...

LARGEST LATINO CHRISTMAS GALA RETURNS TO THE MCCA

El Jolgorio Navideño Will Raise Funds for State Latin Literacy Programs

 The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) today announced Boston’s largest annual Latino Christmas Gala, El Jolgorio Navideño hosted by El Jolgorio, will return for its second consecutive year to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC).  The event is occurring December 8, 2007 at 8 p.m. and is expected to draw more than 2,500 attendees.

 “The MCCA is very pleased to be able to promote diversity and help raise Latino cultural awareness and community support by hosting this gala affair,” said James E. Rooney, Executive Director of the MCCA, which owns and operates the BCEC. “El Jolgorio Navideño represents a unique and important custom in Latino culture, and we are committed to providing continued support for the programs that benefit the diverse communities throughout Massachusetts.”

Celebrating its 18th year, El Jolgorio Navideño was created to rescue the cultural values and traditions that accompany the most joyous time of the year, the Christmas season, and to support local community activities.  In Latin American countries, Navidad (Christmas), begins in mid-December and continues well into January: Christmas, New Year’s and Three Kings Day (January 6).  It is customary to hold family gatherings and festivities characterized by the sharing of gifts, food and dancing.  Today, El Jolgorio Navideño preserves the Latino Christmas tradition and takes it a step further to raise funds for literacy and cultural programs, such as  the Hispanic Writers Program and the Celebrating the Décima initiative.

“El Jolgorio de Massachusetts, Inc. is excited once again to host New England's largest Latino gala -- El Jolgorio Navideño 2007 -- at the BCEC,”said Esmirna Soto, President for El Jolgorio de Massachusetts, Inc. “The BCEC, with its exceptional facilities, is the perfect venue to accommodate the thousands of attendees we get every year.  This is a true partnership that benefits important literacy programs for Latino children all over Massachusetts.”

The El Jolgorio de Massachusetts, Inc. (“El Jolgorio”) is a 501 (c)(3), non-profit organization, dedicated to fostering leadership, civic engagement and educational attainment among Latino youth.  El Jolgorio de Massachusetts, Inc. is supported by a broad group of community leaders and corporate organizations who are dedicated to promoting the arts and is committed to advancing educational programs for Latino youth.

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Large upcoming events at the BCEC includes the American Chemical Society brining August 20 – 24, drawing  in 15,000 attendees; AARP Life @ 50+, September 6 – 8, attracting more than on 20,000 attendees; and the Boston Gift Show, September 15 – 18, with 10,000 attendees.

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On July 19, 2007;  The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced...

EAST BOSTON ARTISTS WANTED FOR UPCOMING BCEC ART SHOWCASE...

What:   MCCA is looking for East Boston Artists to showcase their art work at the Boston Convention & Exhibition

Center (BCEC) as part of the  MCCA Art Program.  The MCCA Art Program is dedicated to featuring artists who live and work in Boston neighborhoods.  Be a part of our East Boston Show!

                        Criteria (up to 30 pieces will be selected):

·        Oil, acrylic, or mixed media on canvas or board

·        Large format photography

·        Wired securely, frame not necessary

·        Large scale works preferred

·        Minimum image size not including frame is 18” x 24”

Who:               Open to all artists who have an “East Boston connection,” past or present!

When:              September 2007 – December 2007 (Exact days TBD)

            Deadline to submit: September 15, 2007

Where:            Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

            415 Summer Street

            Boston. 

Selections will be made by MCCA Art Coordinator, Susan Merritt.  You may submit up to six .jpeg photos of your artwork.  Anyone with questions should contact Susan at:    suemerritt@comcast.net

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On July 13, 2007;  The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced that two local Massachusetts students will receive academic scholarships in conjunction with its Community Partnership & Hospitality Scholarship Fund, which was launched in February. Kaley Taylor, a Chelmsford resident and 2006 graduate of Chelmsford High School, was selected to receive a $2,500.00 scholarship to be put toward her hospitality management education at Endicott College in Beverly. Michael McGuire, the second recipient of the inaugural round of scholarships, is a Norwood resident and 2007 graduate of Norwood Senior High School, who will be studying hotel administration at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY beginning in September.

James E. Rooney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, welcomes the two recipients of the MCCA Hospitality Scholarship to the BCEC, presenting them each with an academic reward of $2,500.00. Michael McGuire (left), of Norwood, MA, and Kaley Taylor, of Chelmsford, MA, were selected by an internal committee of the MCCA from more than 90 scholarship applications. McGuire will be studying hotel administration at Cornell University beginning in September, while Taylor is currently studying hospitality management at Endicott College.

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On July 10, 2007;  The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority announced!

AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION COMING TO BOSTON...

Event Will Bring World’s Largest Voluntary Professional Organization to City!

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) today announced The American Bar Association (ABA) will hold its Annual Meeting at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in the summer of 2014, bringing the country’s leading specialized law professionals to the City of Boston.  The event will take place August 7 – 12, 2014 drawing more than 10,000 attendees.     

“The Boston area contains some of the country’s leading law schools and world renowned legal scholars, so it is only appropriate that we host the leading event for legal professionals,” said James E. Rooney, Executive Director of the MCCA. “Association events like the ABA are prime targets for the Hynes and Boston.  We look forward to welcoming this prestigious event.”

The ABA’s Annual Meeting is the premier gathering of legal professionals in the country where attendees learn of recent developments in the law, earn an entire year of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) requirements and visit over 150 exhibits providing a diverse assortment of legal products and services.  The week-long event has booked 32,850 hotel room nights and is expected to generate approximately $17.7 million in economic impact for the City of Boston. 

“The American Bar Association selected Boston because it is one of a handful of great American cities with a robust downtown with dining, shopping and cultural attractions important to our attendees,” said Marty Balogh of the ABA Meetings & Travel Department.

As a major influencer and driving force in the creation of the country’s legal system, Boston is a city of firsts within the industry.  The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court was established in 1692 and is the oldest appellate court in continuous existence in the Western Hemisphere.  Also, the first law library in the U.S., the Social Law Library, was established in Boston in 1804.

With more than 413,000 members, the American Bar Association is the national voice of the legal profession and works to improve the administration of justice, promote programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law in a democratic society. 

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority owns and oversees the operations of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center, the MassMutual Center in Springfield, MA and the Boston Common Parking Garage.  In fiscal year 2006, the MCCA hosted at the BCEC and the Hynes 276 events with 579,370 attendees that generated 513,000 hotel room nights and $435 million in economic impact for Greater Boston. 

Contact: Bridget Perry     617-954-2276

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Large upcoming events at the BCEC includes the National Business Travel Association bringing 5,000 attendees on 7/23/07 through 7/25/07, National Conference of State Legislatures drawing 7,000 attendees 8/6/07 through 8/8/07 and AARP Life @ 50 on 9/6/07 through 9/8/07 attracting over 20,000 attendees.

Ron D'Amico, Public Relations  Massachusetts Convention Center Authority: 415 Summer Street / Boston, MA 02210

Main Phone:  617-954-2168   Fax:  617-954-2299   Email: rdamico@massconvention.com