MMA opens Annual Meeting registration

Registration is now open 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’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, “Turning Passion Into Action,” recognizes the dedication that local leaders bring to their work and their problem-solving approach to myriad challenges.

The speaker lineup includes:
• Opening keynote speaker Eddie Glaude Jr., a New York Times bestselling author, Princeton University professor and political commentator, who will discuss the dynamics of race and democracy in America.
• Saturday keynote Gina McCarthy, the White House’s first-ever climate advisor and a former administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who will discuss climate action strategies to bolster the economy and build healthier, equitable communities.
• Women Elected Municipal Officials speaker Melissa Hoffer, who is the state’s first-ever climate chief and the first person to hold such a state-level position anywhere in the nation.

Over two days, 21 workshops will cover key municipal issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion, community outreach, climate change, cybersecurity, fiscal outlook, labor relations, municipal law, affordable housing, education funding, labor law, disaster management, solid waste, artificial intelligence, economic development, federal funds, and happiness in the workplace.

Workshop titles, descriptions and panelists will be published next month. Descriptions of Learning Lab sessions, to be held on the Trade Show floor, will also be published in 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.

Last year’s MMA Annual Meeting & Trade Show attracted more than 1,200 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 light 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.

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 reduced-rate rooms are expected to sell out quickly. Hotel reservations must be made directly with the Sheraton by calling 800-325-3535 and mentioning the Massachusetts Municipal Association or registering online using a special MMA link.

Rooms may also be booked at the same rate at the nearby Marriott Copley Place by calling 617-236-5800 and mentioning the MMA or using a special MMA link.

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.