The MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show has many popular features:

  • A range of informative and timely workshops
  • Compelling and inspiring speakers
  • A general business meeting and important policy discussions
  • A robust Trade Show featuring the latest services and solutions for cities and towns
  • Countless networking opportunities – and fun!

– 45th MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show will be held on January 19 and 20, 2024 –
Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel

The MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show is held each January at the Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Boston Hotel.

All event information is posted here as the program is being developed. For reference, most of the information here is from the 2023 event. Please check this web area regularly for updates related to speakers, workshops, business meetings, etc. Annual Meeting registration will open on Oct. 2.

2023 Opening Session: Gov. Maura Healey

2023 MMA Annual Business Meeting: Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll

What members are saying
about the MMA Annual Meeting…

Jamie Hellen

It’s in the name — you get to connect with all of your colleagues from around the Commonwealth. It’s a great spiritual event.

Jamie Hellen
Town Administrator / Franklin

John McLaughlin

The MMA conference helps me to recharge my batteries and helps me stay informed about what’s happening on Beacon Hill. It also connects me with other councillors and municipal officials who help me to understand some of the issues that I may not be an expert on.

John McLaughlin
Councillor / Waltham

Marie Ryan

This conference enables professionals to network with fellow colleagues, attend relevant classes, and learn about time- and money-saving technology and services available through vendor visits.

Marie Ryan
Town Manager / West Stockbridge

Kassandra Gove

The conference that the MMA hosts for us to kick off the year is a place where you can interact with so many different professionals from all different communities of all different sizes and folks with different experiences. To bring that together and bring it back to our community is such an incredible resource.

Kassandra Gove
Mayor / Amesbury

Christine Hoyt

At first, it was a little overwhelming — 351 communities coming together in the city of Boston — but probably within the first hour, connections were made and people certainly made me feel very comfortable, especially the staff. They make sure that you get to know a few of them, and they make some introductions, and you go from there.

Christine Hoyt
Selectman / Adams

Stephanie Lahtinen

Connect 351 perfectly captures the spirit of the conference. It’s about bringing all 351 cities and towns together under one roof. Whether you’re a seasoned municipal pro or new to the field, the MMA conference is the best place to swap stories, share a laugh, and learn from colleagues who know all the same highs and can empathize with our similar woes. Each year, there are new things to learn and apply in our communities.

Stephanie Lahtinen
Town Manager / Westminster

Nicole LaChapelle

The timing of Connect 351 is perfect, right before you really get into your budget season. There are folks from all facets of municipal government in one place. The workshops and speakers, the energy, the networking really gives you that energy to go back home and dig into your budget with some really great information.

Nicole LaChapelle
Mayor / Easthampton

Carly Antonellis

I’m very much looking forward to attending Connect 351 and the opportunity to meet with colleagues from across Massachusetts! Attending MMA events has allowed me to connect with so many municipal leaders, who are all an invaluable source of guidance and support.

Carly Antonellis
Assistant Town Manager / Ayer

Brendan Sweeney

Connect 351 is a must-attend event for municipal officials in Massachusetts. Not only will you have a chance to hear from experts on a variety of policy areas that directly impact cities and towns, you’ll also have the opportunity to network with other elected and appointed municipal officials — sharing strategies for dealing with common issues and making connections that will benefit you and your community for years to come.

Brendan Sweeney
Beverly City Councillor / Boxford Assistant Town Administrator

Breanna Lungo-Koehn

The Connect 351 conference is a wonderful opportunity to speak with my colleagues and learn from industry professionals in seminars about challenges our region is facing — and work together to develop solutions for our communities.

Breanna Lungo-Koehn
Mayor / Medford

Jennifer Glass

Attending the MMA conference is a wonderful way to see how each city and town is part of the larger fabric of the Commonwealth. Whether it’s the motivational energy of a guest speaker, the wisdom of a panel of your peers, or a chance conversation with a colleague, Connect 351 will leave you informed and energized!

Jennifer Glass
Select Board Member / Lincoln

Vanessa Hale

I’m stunned that Connect 351 will be my 30th MMA annual conference! As much as this event is about professional development, it’s also a marvelous way to make connections with peers who are facing the same issues as I am in my community. It will be thrilling to see how this conference continues to enhance my professional and personal life.

Vanessa Hale
Assistant Town Administrator / Southborough

Michael Taylor

Connect 351 consistently delivers exceptional value for HR professionals in municipal government. It’s a place to share challenges, explore practical solutions, gain fresh perspectives from expert-led workshops and peer discussions, and make meaningful connections. I always leave this conference feeling inspired and recharged!

Michael Taylor
Human Resources Director / Pittsfield

Afroz Khan

The rebranding emphasizes that we are all in this together. There are many critical issues we all face, and having a shared space to discuss solutions and strive for best practices is essential to supporting those we serve.

Afroz Khan
Councillor / Newburyport

Ruthanne Fuller

Connect 351 is a ‘must-go’ conference. Network, learn, commiserate, discover, and connect.

Ruthanne Fuller
Mayor / Newton

John Mangiaratti

Learning about new and interesting solutions from colleagues across the state motivates me and reinvigorates me every year. Networking with municipal and state officials and meeting with vendors in person leads to new collaborations and connections that benefit my community throughout the year.

John Mangiaratti
Town Manager / Acton
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Hear what our members are gaining
from the Annual Meeting and Trade Show:

The MMA’s Annual Meeting is a great opportunity for local officials to:

  • Learn about solutions to problems facing your community
  • Meet people who can assist you with resources and ideas
  • Learn about valuable products and services for cities and towns
  • Attend programs that will strengthen your ability to lead and serve your community
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