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Helping Hands Day at Cradles to Crayons in Boston

PCMA Convening Leaders is finally here! We kicked off the event as in year's past, with the annual Hospitality Helping Hands day. This year, the event was held at Cradles to Crayons, an organization that provides Massachusetts children in need with the essentials they need to feel safe, warm, ready to learn and valued. 

Nearly 150 PCMA CL attendees boarded buses early this morning to donate two hours at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factory. The warehouse was incredible. Filled from floor to ceiling with donations ranging from coats, boots and gloves to toys to art supplies and more. 

Before we started sorting and cleaning, we learned that Cradles to Crayons believes that "quality = dignity." They believe that families and children receiving donations deserve to have the same quality in their clothing, toys and supplies as any other child does and that Cradles to Crayons donations should enable every child in need to live with dignity. To meet this standard, every single donation goes through at least three inspections before being donated. They look to make sure all items are clean, have all the pieces necessary to work (including batteries), and are free of rips and tears.

We were quickly put into groups, and the Giving Factory became close to what I can only describe as Santa's Workshop. People were putting together puzzles, testing toy trains, hula-hooping and folding and sorting shirts. Others were filling actual orders placed by homeless shelters and social workers, creating giving kits that will be delivered to children as soon as next week.

  We learned that Cradles to Crayons delivers over 17,000 coats per winter to Massachusetts children, and more than 13,000 pairs of hats and gloves. This is their busiest time of year.

Today, PCMA volunteers triaged donation items for 168 kids, created 215 outfit packs (each pack contains a week's worth of clothing for one child), cleaned and sorted toys for 290 children, cleaned and sorted books for 275 children, paired and cleaned 209 pairs of shoes, cleaned and sorted 235 coats and filled orders for 80 kid packs. I'd say it was a productive morning!

At the end of our session, we presented Cradles to Crayons with a check for more than $6,600. It was a terrific and moving morning and we thank PCMA for organizing Helping Hands day every year.

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PCMA New England education meeting doubles as pep rally for Convening Leaders!

Although many of us are just getting around to wishing our friends and colleagues a Happy New Year, PCMA New England got a jump start when we said our goodbyes to our 2013 Chapter year and a gave a big hello and welcome to 2014!

A fresh start and turning a new page is always an exciting moment to celebrate, but in the case of New England, we’re now days away from welcoming PCMA Members and participants from all around, to our great city of Boston as the host city for this year’s Convening Leaders!  The December Annual Meeting at the BCEC was alive all night long with the electricity of everyone’s anticipation for the big event that is now just a week away!

With the illuminated city scape of Boston on one side and the seaport in view out another, over 100 attendees arrived at the largest building in New England, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center to get registered and start saying hello to friends new and old. 

Deborah Sexton and Johnnie White were in attendance and gave us all updates on the status of PCMA, what to expect at Convening Leaders, and what the event would mean for Boston and our surrounding cities and neighboring New England states.  Next up was a sneak peek – Dahlia El Gazzar took to the stage.  Her presentation was as fun as her personality as she took us through all the best event apps and programs that would reenergize and transform anyone’s event planning or producing universe.  There were also some universally helpful apps like “Snagit”, the online or on the go app that allows you to easily grab logos and images embedded in any site, or “Card Munch” a great LinkedIn-friendly app that quickly imports business card information and connects you on LinkedIn; were two of many suggestions that fingers busy as people rushed to download the apps or write them down to remember and do it later.  For those who missed this part of the event, or didn’t get a chance to take notes, come see Dahlia next week at Convening Leaders where she’ll have even more time to change our worlds with other helpful apps and ideas!

At the conclusion of the meeting portion, attendees left the meeting room and were greeted by confetti cannon explosions, raining down and swirling through the hallway as attendees made their way to the Boston skyline flanked reception, a gleaming Convening Leaders logo projected on the building across the street.  The party had begun!

Auction tables, bars, and various food stations speckled the event space as people mingled through highboys sampling the fare, chatting about the meeting, and putting in their best bids for Red Sox tickets, hotel stays, and trips with all the trimmings.  There wasn’t much that could quiet the crowd, that is until Billy Costa grabbed the mic and rallied the troops for the live Auction.  A word from Jim Rooney, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority- our gracious host and sponsor- followed on stage and officially kicked off the countdown to Convening Leaders!

It was an exciting and fun-filled evening with great energy and enthusiasm.  The perfect forecast for what’s in store in 2014 and at Convening Leaders in Boston!

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Announcing a #PCMACL Boston Instagram Scavenger Hunt!

Attention PCMA Convening Leaders 2014 attendees: We want your Instagrams!

All you need to do is download the Instagram Application to your phone, and then while you’re in town, join us for a fun scavenger hunt designed to help you experience the best of Boston and get you some equally awesome prizes.

We’ve created a list of pictures we want you to take around Boston. 

Using Instagram, tag your photos with the hashtag #PCMACLHunt and include our username @PCMABos14. 

We will be regramming images and awarding prizes to attendees for getting as many photos on the list as possible. We’ll also be looking for funny hashtags and other creative picture taking while you’re on the hunt.

We will be giving out fun and Boston-themed prizes every day, and one grand prize winner will get a gift certificate for a Legal Sea Foods Lobster Bake that can be shipped right to your house! We will announce the winners on Instagram and Twitter each day.

Here’s a list of what we’re looking for!

Tag a picture:

Checking into your hotel Riding on a Boston trolley Taking a ride on the T The BCEC Media Tower At the Marathon finish line Enjoying something from Dunkin Donuts The Citgo sign With a historical character or living statue Standing on cobblestone The Freedom Trail The Boston skyline Showing your Boston pride Spelling out PCMA View of Boston’s Back Bay from the Hynes third floor windows From the Skybridge at BCEC With a Boston tourist from another country Exchanging business cards with a PCMA attendee you don’t already know Of Fenway Park Eating clam chowder High-fiving a PCMA Member Holding a lobster With a Boston volunteer Eating baked beans Participating at the Helping Hands event View from the top of the Prudential Center Ice skating at Frog Pond on the Boston Common Of the entertainment at the House of Blues

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Your Hotel Choices for Convening Leaders Boston!

Welcome to Boston! From the time you arrive at the airport, it’s only a 10-minute ride to the Hynes Convention Center and to all the convention hotels.

All the convention hotels of the PCMA housing block are within a 5-minute walk to the Hynes Convention Center. They are located in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay neighborhood, surrounded by world-class shopping, dining, attractions, public transportation and other amenities, giving you the ultimate in flexibility and convenience.

Save $200 USD on your registration fee by staying within the 6 official PCMA housing block. The deadline to book a hotel reservation is Thursday, December 12, 2013 12:00 p.m. CST. Book your hotel room on the PCMA Convening Leaders website >>

Here are your 6 exciting choices:

Sheraton Boston Hotel

Directly connected to the Hynes Convention Center, the Sheraton Boston Hotel has experienced $55 million in renovations. The property features state-of-the-art facilities and 1220 guest rooms right in the heart of the city. The hotel offers 1,220 guestrooms. Updated, upbeat and refreshingly designed, the new Sheraton Boston guestrooms attractively reflect modern lifestyles. Visit the hotel’s website >>

Boston Marriott Copley Place

The award-winning Boston Marriott Copley Place hotel provides for all the needs of business and leisure travelers. Recently renovated guestrooms boast numerous amenities. World-class shopping is steps away via enclosed skyways connecting the hotel to the Copley Place and Prudential Center malls. The hotel is also connected to the Hynes Convention Center via skyways. Visit the hotel’s website >>

Westin Copley Place

Rejuvenate at The Westin Copley Place which has an indoor connection to the Hynes Convention Center and features amenities like the invigorating Heavenly Bath®, the plush Westin Heavenly Bed®, high-speed Internet access, and views of the Back Bay neighborhood. The hotel is set in the center of one of historic Back Bay and offers skywalk access to more than 100 shops. Visit the hotel’s website >>

Hilton Boston Back Bay

Enjoy New England-style charm and sophistication at the Hilton Boston Back Bay. The Hilton Back Bay hotel has 390 modern guest rooms on 26 floors of a unique glass-front building. Relax in a guest room that has comforting modern amenities such as an LCD HDTV and work desk. Ideally located in the heart of historic Back Bay neighborhood, directly across the street from the Hynes Convention Center. Visit the hotel’s website >>

Colonnade Boston Hotel

Following a sweeping $25-million renovation, The Colonnade Boston Hotel has re-emerged as one of the most dynamic Boston boutique hotels. Discover exquisitely appointed accommodations at this Four Diamond hotel in the heart of everything. All guest rooms were re-engineered to provide a sophisticated, residential feel with state-of-the-art features. The hotel is directly across the street from indoor walking access to the Hynes. Visit the hotel’s website >>

Fairmont Copley Plaza

The Fairmont Copley Plaza has been a symbol of Boston’s rich history and elegance since its gala opening in 1912. The hotel has completed a $20 million plus renovation and restoration project, including remodeling of all 383 lavish guestrooms and suites, enhancements to meeting rooms and public spaces, a new restaurant, and the addition of a 3,000 square foot rooftop health club. The hotel is directly across the street from indoor walking access to the Hynes. Visit the hotel’s website >>

Visit our PCMA Boston website to find useful information while you are planning your trip >>

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Look Who’s Talking at PCMA 2014!

As the holiday season quickly approaches, and the two-month countdown for PCMA Boston has begun, take some time to cozy up by the fire with your spiced apple cider and take a look at the nearly 150 speakers and panelists you have to look forward to when you get here!  These industry professionals are bringing a gamut of expertise and information to the table and will really open your eyes to the innovative advances of the industry and how to stay on your toes in an ever-changing technological world.  With so many topics covered at this year’s conference, it will be hard not to leave inspired. 

From taking data and transforming it to decisions, to improving leadership skills, to using today’s social media to move yourself and your business forward in the industry, the topics of this year’s speakers and panelists will certainly equip you with some powerful skills when you leave.  Hear their stories, listen to their guidance, ask questions and really get the most of your PCMA Boston experience.  

Check out a list of featured PCMA 2014 speakers and a full schedule of events on ConveningLeaders.PCMA.org!

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Five questions with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's CIO

We sat down with our Chief Information Officer, Steve Snyder, and here's what he had to say about event technology in Boston.

Q. How do the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center stand out when it comes to event technology?

A. I believe that one of the most important aspects of technology deployment isn’t necessarily to have the latest technology itself, but rather the organization's ability to make decisions about and implement new technologies that make sense for the business and its customers.  At the MCCA, we spend a lot of time making sure that the technology we are using matches the ever changing needs of our clients and attendees.  

Moreover, we've invested significantly in our IT team to support all aspects of development and implementation. I believe that our IT operation is second to none in the meetins and conventions industry.  

 Q. What is the one thing meeting planners should know about our facilities other than we have complimentary wireless connectivity?

A. Our clients should know that we have staff looking forward to planning their IT needs long before their event is scheduled to arrive. We encourage clients to actively work with us so that we can help leverage our technology infrastructure to both save them money and let our world-class technology infastructure get to work for them!  

Q. What is it like being a CIO in Boston, in an incredibly hi-tech environment, surrounded by groundbreaking innovators, entrepreneurs?

 A. What a great environment to work in! I am motivated every day by Boston's culture of innovation and take every opportunity to push the envelope when it comes to implementing new and exciting technologies. I also enjoy that New England has a very collaborative group of like-minded CIOs.  We get together regularly to discuss our initiatives, vendors, successes and failures very candidly for the betterment of the whole tech community. 

 Q. What technology initiative are you most looking forward to showing off when PCMA Convening Leaders comes to town?

A. Well first I'm looking forward to showing that in Boston, the most important aspect of our technology platform  is our ability to say yes when client's ask if we can do something out of the ordinary for them.

We pride ourselves on state-of-the-art event technology, but we're also proud of our flexibility at both the Hynes and BCEC. We aren't afraid to try new things because we know we have the bandwidth and systems to support them! 

And the most important question...

Q. Where is your favorite place to get a cup of chowder in Boston?

A. I don’t think you can go wrong by popping over to a Legal Seafood, just a short walk from both our Hynes and the BCEC. And as strange as it sounds, I also really enjoy the chowdah at one of our stellar steak houses, Abe and Louie’s, also a short walk from the Hynes! 

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The Boston Wi-Fi Experience (Pt. 2)

Here's Part Two of Advantage Boston's blog post related to Boston's Wi-Fi experience. Need a reminder?

This post is in response to an article by event technology expert Corbin Ball, who recommended 20 questions that event planners should ask their host venue to determine if they will be able to provide a proper Wi-Fi for their events’ needs. In a two part post, the Boston Convention Marketing Center had the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's technical team answer the questions and we're posting their answers here for you. 

11. What is the backup plan in case things go wrong? The MCCA is fortunate to have two facilities, the BCEC and Hynes, which provide back-up to one another. Each building has a redundant network with SONET connection to a 3rd circuit. 12. How will they deal with any outages? The MCCA’s network servers are run on their own dedicated power supply, separate of the house power. The MDF, which is the central command for network services, is also connected to a back-up generator. An example of our back-up system’s reliability occurred in March 2012 when an electrical malfunction caused Boston’s entire Back Bay neighborhood—home to the Hynes Convention Center—to go completely dark. Due to the backup generator at the Hynes and a redundant network at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the Hynes never lost its Wi-Fi and network connections. 13. Where are the access points? Opened in 2004, the BCEC was built for Wi-Fi coverage with 113 active access points and 7 additional monitoring points spread throughout the facility.  As part of the recent updates to the Hynes Convention Center, the building’s coverage was also expanded with 47 active access points and 7-8 monitoring points throughout. 14. Is the Wi-Fi coverage consistent in all areas or are there weak areas of connectivity? Wi-Fi coverage is consistent throughout the BCEC and Hynes. Both buildings have ample access points. The MCCA is now focused on increasing the capacity of our Wi-Fi network to accommodate 10,000 devices connected simultaneously. 15. Can you provide hard lines for each of the meeting rooms for speaker needs? Yes, hard lines are available in the meeting rooms in both the BCEC and Hynes. 16. Can you separate Wi-Fi for rooms or for different groups? Currently, you cannot separate the Wi-Fi for different groups; however, this is in the plans for future network updates. 17. Can we bring in a tech from an outside AV company as an additional resource? Yes, the MCCA provides a Guest Network Operations Center (GNOC) for clients to bring in their own technology resources and connect into the MCCA network, though they must provide their own hardware. 18. Will we be allowed to have access to the site prior to our event? Yes, arrangements can be made to have access to the site prior to your event through your assigned MCCA Event Manager. 19. What type of Wi-Fi security is in place? The MCCA Wi-Fi network is free and open to the public. The network is monitored continuously for suspicious activity. Anything unusual is immediately brought to the attention of the MCCA Event Manager assigned to your event. Your Event Manager will alert you to any suspicious activity, and should it be necessary, consult with you on a course of action to address the situation. 20. Does the bandwidth provide the same uploading and downloading speed? Yes. Upload and download speeds are consistent.

Read Advantage Boston's original post.

Read the answers to the first 10 questions.

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City of History: Background information on PCMA event locations

If you've ever attended a meeting in Boston, chances are your event materials had a giant picture of the Paul Revere statue on the front page. It's no secret that Boston's role in American history is a huge draw for meeting planners and tourists alike. We're proud of our city's place in history and want to tell you more about the history you'll experience just by attending events at PCMA Convening Leaders in Boston in January 2014.

The John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center

Home to PCMA Convening Leaders, the Hynes could not offer a better convention experience! It is in the heart of Boston's historic Back Bay neighborhood, surrounded by world-class shopping and dining and the best part is you don't even have to walk outside to experience it all. Connected to the Prudential Shops, Copley Place and all of the PCMA block hotels, it will be January outside, but clear and warm in! 

Construction for the "War Memorial Auditorium" began in 1958, and in 1965 city officials renamed the building the John B. Hynes Memorial Auditorium in honor of Mayor John B. Hynes who had been a prominent advocate for the facility. In 1982 the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority took over and established what we now know as the Hynes Convention Center and today, the building continues to make history hosting notable events and figures from President Obama to Bill Gates and everyone in between!

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market, is where the PCMA Convening Leaders Networking Reception will take place. Boston Colony’s first wholesale market place was born in 1742. In 1826 Quincy Market was built to add to the market place. Quincy Market was named in honor of Mayor Josiah Quincy, who organized its construction without any tax or debt. Quincy Market is two stories tall and about 27,000 square feet. The building is built with granite, is 535 feet long and has red brick interior walls. The structure was the most innovative structure of its time, using such a great amounts of steel beams, and glass during construction. in 1826, Faneuil Hall was Boston’s central meeting place, a place of history, culture, and innovation. It was the place George Washington toasted Americas first birthday, where colonists first protested the Sugar Act in 1764 and established the doctrine of "no taxation without representation.”

Over the years Faneuil Hall and most specifically, Quincy Market, has had some face lifts. In the 1970’s renovations to the Market Place were conducted, to keep the historic landmark alive.  To this day the market place is a place for congregating, shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is a place where tourists, Bostonians, street performers, historical tours, and much more come together.  It is Boston culture. There are 14 Restaurants and 36 international food vendors inside QUINCY MARKET, the largest food hall in New England.  From Samuel Adams, to Bill Clinton, and Ted Kennedy speeches, the market place has been made history and will continue to reinvent itself in many more to come. 

Info from: www.faneuilhallmarketplace.com

The House of Blues

Get ready to PARTY WITH A PURPOSE! 15 Lansdowne Street is a piece of Boston’s history and culture. It began as a garage to hold delivery horses, carriages, and trucks for the founder and owner of The Boston Globe, Eban Jordan. In 1969, 15 Lansdowne Street entered into the entertainment industry, opening the night club The Ark. Soon after, the legendary Boston Tea Party moved into the location. Both the Tea Party and its predecessor The Ark played host to many of rocks most celebrated acts such as Bob Dylan, The Who, Led Zeppelin and The Grateful Dead. From then on, 15 Lansdowne would stay one of the biggest pieces of music and culture in Boston, renaming the venue Boston-Boston, Metro, and CITI. In 1992 the Venue was reinvented as the nightclub Avalon. In 2009 the House of Blues opened its doors at 15 Lansdowne Street.

The original House of Blues was founded by Isaac Tigrett in historical Cambridge, Ma in 1992. A Tennessee native, Tigrett's love for unique American art, the rural south, and rhythm and blues, gospel, and rock and roll was magnified with the Southern Culture, and delta-inspired food was the forte to the venue. The House of Blues' mission has always been the same: A profitable, principled global entertainment company, and to celebrate the diversity and brotherhood of world culture, and to promote racial and spiritual harmony through love, peace, truth, righteousness, and non-violence. For over 40 years, 15 Lansdowne Street has been the anchor of this historic town musically. The House of Blues was founded just down the street from 15 Lansdowne.  It was a match made in heaven for these venues to evolve into one, and will continue to add to Boston’s culture with great music, art, cuisine and history in Boston years to come. 

Info from: www.houseofblues.com

The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The youngest of all locations,the BCEC is making history. The BCEC opened its doors in June 2004 and was one of the first public projects in Boston to be built on time and on budget. It is the largest convention center in the Northeast with 2.1 million square feet of flexible meeting space. It is located in the booming South Boston Waterfront, also known as the Innovation District, home to many start-ups, life sciences and financial organizations. The BCEC will host the PCMA Convening Leader's Opening Reception. Make sure to check out the amazing view of the Boston Harbor and skyline from the third floor ballroom.

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The Boston Wi-Fi experience

The Boston Convention Marketing Center (BCMC) recently blogged about the wireless Internet service at both the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center, home to 2014 PCMA Convening Leaders in January. 

Their post was in response to an article by event technology expert Corbin Ball, who recommended 20 questions that event planners should ask their host venue to determine if they will be able to provide a proper Wi-Fi for their events' needs. In a two part post, the BCMC had the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority's technical team answer the first 10 questions last week and we thought we'd post them here for you. Stay tuned for part two!

1. Have they done similar events? Boston hosts events representing a wide range of industries. Click here to see a sample list of Boston customers whose events have achieved record-breaking attendance with their Boston-based events. 2. How many people attended those events? Boston hosts events of varying sizes, from small meetings to large-scale citywide conventions requiring 10,000+ rooms on peak. 3. Were attendees using multiple devices? The MCCA has determined that on average, attendees utilize 2.5 devices per person when on-site for an event. This varies depending upon the nature of the event and event limitations placed by the show organizer. 4. How much dedicated bandwidth will be available to your group? The MCCA is in the process of installing a 10-gig fiber network and high-density Wi-Fi to service both the BCEC and Hynes, and can dedicate as much bandwidth as our clients need to their events. The default for an event is set at 100-mbps. PAX East, one of our largest technology clients, requires 300-mbps for their show. 5. Will Wi-Fi be available 24/7? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available 24/7 at the BCEC and the Hynes in all areas of both facilities. 6. Will there be a qualified technician on site, who you can easily reach, during the entire event? Our MCCA team of certified network professionals will remain onsite as long as you need someone to service your event. Each show is assigned a dedicated engineer to support your event during the times that you need them to be available. 7. Will Wi-Fi be available in meeting rooms? Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout our facilities, including the meeting rooms. 8. What is the capacity in each of the rooms? The Wi-Fi capacity for each room is set according to the room capacity. Wi-Fi capacity is calculated by device and an evaluation of the expected Wi-Fi activity in a room, rather than by people. For example, if a maximum room capacity is 500 people and each person is expected to be using 2 devices, the Wi-Fi capacity would be set to cover 1,000 devices. The planner can work with our IT team to adjust the capacity up or down depending upon the expected usage in the room. Adjustments can be made on-site and in real time. 9. What is the minimum signal in each room? All meeting rooms have full Wi-Fi coverage. See #8 for how the capacity for a room is calculated. 10. Will the network be actively managed during the event Yes, the network is monitored by the MCCA IT team 24/7 during events at our facilities. Your event will be assigned a dedicated engineer to monitor the network during your event and provide on-site assistance.

Read Corbin Ball's blog post.

Read the original post on the Advantage Boston blog.

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Festive Fall Outings In and Around Boston

Some of us here in Boston may not be ready for the changing weather, but the changing leaves have started to tell us that summer is definitely over. Once we get over the initial cold mornings, I think every Bostonian has a deep appreciation for the beautiful fall atmosphere in New England. So grab a sweater and join us for some of our favorite regional fall festivities!

September:

ArtWeek Boston:

This new Boston venture kicks off on September 27th and runs the full week.  Attendees can experience art and entertainment from every end of the definition all across Boston’s neighborhoods.  Set up like a quasi-Restaurant Week, experiences are priced prix-fixe with prices starting at FREE!

Beantown Jazz Fest:

An annual event hosted by Berklee College of Music, is Boston’s biggest block party!  A completely free, completely outdoor festival – Bostonians and visitors alike, look forward to this musical event.  This year’s festival is on Saturday 9/28 and the theme is : ‘Jazz: The Next Generation’, featuring some acclaimed, up and coming artists!

October:                       

Food Truck Festival:

Boston has come to love our Food Trucks, and Food Trucks love Boston!  Come celebrate the fabulousness of gourmet food from a truck!  Remaining dates are Saturdays 9/21, 10/5, and 10/26 in Brighton, Barnstable, and Providence, RI.

Apple Days:

The Boston area is bursting with Apple Orchards and ‘U-Pick’ opportunities, but on the weekend of 10/5 and 10/6, head out west (Western Massachusetts that is) to Old Sturbridge Village where you can take in the sites of this classic, small New England town, and take part in Apple Days!  A weekend of everything apple; from apple cider, to apple picking, to apple pressing, and even a beehive exhibit.  There is no better way to welcome Fall!

Haunted Happenings:

October means a month of festivities for our history-packed Salem Massachusetts.  Not far out of Boston, this little town was the site of the Salem Witch trials in 1692 and the location of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.  So dawn a costume (or not) and take the short ride out to Salem to check out their witch museums, new-age Wiccan shops, and all sorts of scary fun!  Something new every weekend in October

Oktoberfest in Harvard Square:

Cambridge is our sister-city of eclectic restaurants, residents, and a few renowned universities (you may have heard of Harvard?).  Every year, Harvard Square, one of the most entertaining sections of Cambridge, puts on an Oktoberfest Celebration like only Harvard Square can do!  So on October 12th, Grab your lederhosen and head over for the parade, some vintage shopping, bratwurst, and brews!

Opening our Doors, Fenway Culture District:

The Red Sox have made Fenway a famous name to many, but the area of Fenway has many other things to offer as well!  On Monday the 14th you can witness first-hand what those things are as 22 institutions of rhe Fenway Alliance work to put on the largest single day of FREE cultural experiences in Greater Boston!  Over 60 activities across 17 indoor and outdoor venues, you won’t be bored, or sorry you came!  The day begins at 10am on the Mass Ave side of the Christian Science Plaza.

Head of the Charles Regatta:

Image from Boston Magazine

A very famous annual Boston event, come join the masses on the 19th and 20th to view the 49th race of the world’s best Crew Teams as they power themselves along the Charles River.  The event attracts over 9,000 athletes each year, and there, is much in addition to the competition, to keep the 300,000 spectators entertained.  Check out Reunion Village at the center of the course to grab some eats and refreshments, or the Rowing and Fitness Expo at the finish line.  There is also the Weld Exhibition all along the banks with official vendors with everything from merchandise to food.

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Light up your event

Envision this: you’re in the Atlantic Ocean off the shores of Boston and an 80-foot blue whale swims right by. Imagine the way you feel: you’re a tiny spec swimming alongside one of the world’s largest creatures.

Now picture this: you’re in the heart of Boston’s Innovation District, walking up to the front entrance of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. That 80-foot blue whale is back, but this time it is swimming next to you on an architecturally beautiful digital display with your company's logo on it!  You walk through the revolving doors into the North Lobby and there is another, even bigger 120-foot-long Video Wall drawing you into the conference with its engaging and powerful visuals.

The BCEC offers these first-of-their-kind displays to meeting planners so conference attendees can get an experience unlike any other here in Boston. Attendees become tourists, snapping photos of the displays.  Third-party advertisers and exhibitors’ faces light up at the site of their branding and logo moving across the digital space. Meeting planners are now offered a more dynamic way of branding their show and selling to exhibitors, moving away from the static banners of the past. 

Now you’re probably thinking one of two things: “I want that!  How can I get take advantage of it?” or “Why do I care about digital signage?” We have answers to both.  If you’re already sold and want your show name in lights, the BCEC has a team ready to make your visions a reality.  If you’re on the flip side and need some convincing, here are 5 reasons why digital signage will bump your show in Boston above the rest.

Wow-Factor: These displays make a statement.  They are unlike anything you’ve seen before with their architectural uniqueness and bold presence: they are sure to drop some jaws at first sight.

Connectivity: Digital signage has an engaging way of connecting a person or organization displaying a message and the viewer of that message. Promote conference events, include conference-related trivia, have a social media feed, show a live feed of the keynote speaker to keep your attendees engaged.  You can’t do that with a static banner!   

Return on investment: Beyond the opportunity to promote the show branding and messaging, show managers can also sell to exhibitors and get back the money they put in.  Not sure you want to take on a sales role? The BCEC has a team who can help you do that! It’s a win, win for everyone!

Dynamic messaging: When it comes to the digital displays, the world is your oyster. Digital displays are the platform to tie the experience together for attendees by taking your branding and making it engaging and exciting.

Broader reach: The BCEC’s marquee can be spotted from up to a mile away from the building, meaning the message is being projected far beyond the front door.

You’ll believe it when you see it in January!  Until then, take a look at this video to get an idea of what you can expect.

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Two mid-priced hotels across from the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center close to groundbreaking

Good news for all Boston-bound conventions and meetings: we're getting more hotels and soon! Yesterday, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) announced the completion of the design and community review of two new mid-price hotels just across the street from the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

The project will add 510 new rooms to Boston's hotel inventory. One of the projects will be a select-service Aloft Hotel, oriented to business travelers with short stays and will include a business center, fitness area and pool. The other will be an extended-stay Element Hotel geared towards guests planning a three to five-day visit to Boston with rooms that include small kitchens. Both hotels will also have ample retail space to liven up D Street, the road that runs parallel to the BCEC.

The MCCA and developers look to break ground later this year or early next!

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It's September and the final countdown to PCMA Convening Leaders 2014 has begun! The PCMA events team was back in Boston in August to continue planning for the January event. They met with our Levy Restaurants experts to brainstorm options for the Outside the Box Luncheon and toured Quincy Market, site of the Networking Reception. We are going to knock your (red) socks off this year in Boston! 

In case you haven't heard, www.pcmaboston.com is up and running - check it out!

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Boston: A Growing International Destination

Many think of Boston as a charming, historic city with a healthy helping of hometown pride. Others may think of it as a city alive with students and world-renowned medical facilities. Any way you experience Boston, there is no denying that it is a popular and accessible international destination!

In 2011, visitors from 65 countries and 25 international events were hosted in our two Boston Convention Centers: The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and the Hynes Convention Center. Boston Logan International Airport, which is just a few minutes from both the BCEC and the Hynes, offers nonstop service to 32 international destinations, including Tokyo, Frankfurt, Munich, Rome, Madrid, and Lisbon. Logan International Airport services over 125 non-stop international flights daily.

Did you know that Boston…

Has been ranked since 2009 as a top US destination for international association meetings (1)

Is the 11th most competitive financial center worldwide (2)

Ranks  #1 as most innovative city out of 325 benchmark cities worldwide (3)

Ranks  10th in overall competitiveness out of 120 of the world’s major cities based on 31 indicators including economic strength, human capital, institutional effectiveness, global appeal, and social and cultural character (4)

In addition to being an industry hub, Boston is home to 12 beaches, 101 miles of waterfront, 1,500 miles of sidewalk, and 7,000 acres of green space!

Conference attendees enjoy wandering around Beacon Hill to time travel back in history, shopping on Newbury streets in the Back Bay, trying a Cannoli in the North End, or attending a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. No matter how you slice it, Boston offers an incomparable mix of history, culture, entertainment, and sports, which has great appeal to an international audience. Learn about our international clients and why they come to Boston >>

(1) icaaworld.com (2) longfinance.net (3) innovation-cities.com (4) Economist Intelligence Unit

Sources: (1) airport-technology.com  (2) bizjournals.com  (3) gibsonsothebysrealty.com

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2014 Helping Hands to be at Boston’s Cradles to Crayons

In our first blog post, we talked about our amazing PCMA “Helping Hands” day experience in Orlando, Florida, where we volunteered with local nonprofits The Coalition for the Homeless and Clean the World. It was an incredible day and we are excited to bring that experience to Boston for PCMA Convening Leaders 2014.

 In January, volunteers will be working with one of Boston’s wonderful non-profit organizations, Cradles to Crayons.  PCMA volunteers from all over the country will begin their four-day adventure here in Boston at the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factorywhere they will inspect, sort, and assemble customized packages of essential children’s items called KidPacks. These KidPacks are individualized with specific items and will be delivered to kids in need around Greater Boston.

Cradles to Crayons was founded in 2002 in Boston, then expanded to Philadelphia in 2006. Their mission is to provide homeless or low-income children, from newborns to age twelve, with the life basics including items such as clothing, school supplies, toys, and more.  Cradles to Crayons partners with social service organizations to connect communities that have surplus resources that are either new or in good condition with other communities that are in need of these resources.  Last year, Cradles to Crayons donated packages of clothes, shoes, books, toys, baby safety equipment and school supplies to 87,000 children in Massachusetts and the Philadelphia area.

Cradles to Crayons recently received a four-star rating – the highest rating – by Charity Navigator for exceeding industry standards and outperforming most charities in its cause.” 

Hats off to the 2014 PCMA volunteers for helping the Boston community while they are in town. If you are interested learning more about or donating to Cradles to Crayons, please visit their website at www.cradlestocrayons.org.  Be sure to register for this Hospitality Helping Hands project when PCMA Convening Leaders registration opens in early September (space is limited).

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In the July 2013 PCMA Convene, Kelly Peacy, Senior Vice President of Education & Meetings, writes about how the 2014 PCMA Convening Leaders program is shaping up.

"We’re poring over our concurrent-session submissions, paring down our list of general-session topics and speakers, and cultivating all the different ideas that have come from members of our meetings community and staff. In other words, we are in the throes of planning the education program for Convening Leaders, Jan. 12-15, 2014, in Boston.

If we’re not careful, we’ll end up with way too much content, or content that’s irrelevant, or not at the appropriate level for our senior-level audience — or all of the above. Which is why we have a sound content strategy to guide us.

The most important aspect of PCMA’s Convening Leaders is to deliver the highest level of education in the most innovative and thought-provoking ways. We’re approaching our content at Convening Leaders as curators, carefully crafting each educational touch point to allow attendees to create their own journey and experience. We’re looking at all the different ways we engage our attendees with our education, poking holes in topics and identifying what might be lacking from our subject-matter experts. And, we’re thinking of ways to provide value long after our participants leave Boston.

Here’s a glimpse of our 2014 Convening Leaders content strategy.

General sessions — Our showcase production, featuring the most thought-provoking and illuminating speakers inside and outside the meetings industry. These large sessions are all about inspiring while educating attendees.

Masters Series — Lectures focusing on a single “big thinker” topic that can be directly applied to our industry, now or in the near future.

Concurrent sessions— Delivered in a variety of formats and room sets, with topics that directly relate to our jobs and offer applicable takeaways.

Business School— Featuring several sessions led by top business school faculty on topics such as branding, finance, strategy, leadership, and more, the Business School embodies our belief that business acumen is critical to our success as meeting professionals. In Boston, we have the unique ability to tap into several renowned institutions of higher learning.

Outside-the-classroom learning— Our goal is to create engaging environments for collaborative discussion, problem solving, information exchange, research, and self-directed learning in innovative and informal formats.

As we take the next step in this process and bring our education to life, there are many questions to answer. How will we create interesting and inviting environments? How will we employ technology throughout the experience? How will we engage attendees before and after Convening Leaders? And in what ways will we continue to carry on crucial conversations that happen in Boston? We have a lot of work ahead of us — fortunately, we’ve got a great framework in place."

As if we weren't excited enough, Kelly! 

You can read the full issue of Convene online here.

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Filmmaker, Sean Collins created this stunning tribute to Boston to capture the city's greatness. We think it offers you a wonderful glimpse of all Boston has to offer and hope it makes you even more excited to experience Boston during the 2014 PCMA Convening Leaders.