Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
In addition to having a new location and a new name — Connect 351 — the MMA’s annual conference in January is also expanding by offering programming on Thursday afternoon, in addition to full days on Friday and Saturday.
Thursday will feature an interactive speed-coaching session for and with municipal officials, and a Women Leading Government session with Needham Town Manager Kate Fitzpatrick in a conversation with Opal Mauldin-Jones, the city manager of Lancaster, Texas. All Connect 351 attendees are invited to these insightful and informative events.
The lively annual Trade Show, which showcases the latest in technology, innovation and services for Massachusetts municipalities, will open on Thursday afternoon, providing another opportunity to meet with exhibitors at a time when the Trade Show floor will be less crowded than at peak times. A welcome reception will be held on the Trade Show floor from 4 to 5:30 p.m. The Trade Show will also be open on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Highlights
Connect 351 will be held Jan. 23-25 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center and Omni Hotel in Boston’s Seaport District.
Connect 351 features include:
• Engaging workshops covering the spectrum of timely municipal issues
• Insightful and inspiring speakers
• Member group meetings and important policy discussions
“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,” said West Stockbridge Town Manager Marie Ryan, the first official registrant for the 2025 conference.
The new name reflects the event’s emphasis on connection among attendees, in addition to MMA’s mission to connect the Commonwealth’s 351 municipalities.
Visit Connect351.org for the latest information on this lively, informative conference.
Speakers
Fitchburg Mayor Samantha Squailia, left, Franklin Town Councillor Melanie Hamblen, center, and Marlborough City Council President Michael Ossing chat during last year’s MMA annual conference.
• Friday Keynote Suneel Gupta, bestselling author and entrepreneur, who studies how leaders succeed and fail, will explore the connection between well-being and performance. Gupta will discuss the “human energy crisis” and how an emphasis on well-being can create a roadmap for success.
• Saturday Keynote Matt Lehrman, co-founder of Social Prosperity Partners, will help local leaders move “from conflict to conversation.” His consulting firm works with municipal, civic and nonprofit organizations to facilitate public engagement and consolidate consensus.
Both speakers preview their talks in video messages created especially for the MMA, which can be found on Connect351.org.
In addition, in the WLG session on Thursday, Mauldin-Jones will reflect on overcoming challenges, balancing personal and professional life, and the value of mentorship.
Workshops
Connect 351 will feature 18 workshops over two days, covering topics such as federal funds, building trust with communications, artificial intelligence, public education, balance in the workplace, resiliency planning, labor law, housing, diversity and inclusion, cybersecurity, succession planning, and inter-generational connection.
Workshop topics are posted on the Connect 351 website, and titles, descriptions and panelists will be published later in November, as will descriptions of the six Learning Lab sessions that will be held on Friday on the Trade Show floor.
Networking
The MMA conference also features receptions, awards presentations, and many opportunities to network with other municipal leaders. Networking opportunities will include lunchtime meetings of Massachusetts Municipal Communicators, Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts, and mayoral chiefs of staff, and an MMA-Suffolk programs reception. On Friday, the Healey-Driscoll administration will lead a session about opportunities to engage with the state in Massachusetts’ 250th anniversary celebration activities.
Event app
Attendees will be able to use the event’s free mobile app to make the most of their conference experience. The app, available for all smartphones and tablet devices, is the primary resource for planning and navigating Connect 351. Users will find schedule details, workshop listings, speaker profiles, exhibitor information, helpful maps, and much more. A guide to accessing the app will be emailed to registrants in the weeks leading up to Connect 351.
Registration
Online registration for Connect 351 opened on Oct. 1 and will be available through Jan. 20.
The early registration rate is $265 for MMA members and Partner Program members. Partners must be in good standing as of Dec. 30, 2024, to be eligible for registration and attendance. New MMA Partner Program applications will not be accepted after Nov. 30, and renewal applications will not be accepted during Connect 351.
Registration is also open for the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 24, at a cost of $55, and the Friday evening dinner, at a cost of $65.
Connect 351 registration is not available by mail or over the phone. The MMA accepts credit cards for all Connect 351 transactions and is able to invoice your municipality after the meeting as well.
Online registration requires a member’s unique username and password. Those who either do not have a username and password or may have forgotten their credentials can email connect351@mma.org for assistance.
Nonmember governmental entities are welcome to attend Connect 351 as well, at a cost of $330.
Registration will be available on-site during the conference at a rate of $300 for MMA and Partner Program members, and $365 for nonmember government entities.
Hotel information
The Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, conveniently located across the street from Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, has a room block available for Connect 351 attendees. The MMA negotiated a reduced room rate of $219 per night in the Artist Tower or $249 per night in the Patron Tower. The reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly and must be booked by Dec. 23.
The Westin Seaport, located next to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, has a small room block available for the nights of Thursday, Jan. 23, and Friday, Jan. 24. The MMA negotiated a reduced room rate of $229 per night. The reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly and must be booked by Dec. 27.
All hotel reservations must be made directly with the hotel. To make or cancel a reservation, use the Omni online form and Westin online form specifically for our event. Members may also call the Omni Boston Hotel at 1-800-THE-OMNI or the Westin Seaport at 617-532-4600 and mention Massachusetts Municipal Association.
Both hotels have a cancellation policy of noon three days before check-in.
For more information on Connect 351, visit Connect351.org or contact Timmery Kuck at 617-426-7272, ext. 106. For Trade Show and Partnership Program information, contact Karen LaPointe at 800-882-1498, ext. 154, or 2025TS@mma.org.
Companies, agencies and nonprofits interested in exhibiting at the Trade Show can learn more on the Connect 351 website.