The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) will soon bear a new name: the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center. This significant change is scheduled for a renaming ceremony on July 12, a month from now, as announced by the state’s Convention Center Authority. The decision to rename the center is a result of language included in a large economic development bill that was passed by the Massachusetts State House last fall.
The renaming of the BCEC is a reflection of the remarkable contributions made by Menino during his tenure as mayor of Boston. Serving five consecutive terms, Menino was instrumental in transforming the Seaport district, transitioning it from largely vacant lots and industrial sites to a vibrant area filled with luxury apartments, high-rise offices, and upscale restaurants over a span of less than two decades. The opening of the BCEC in 2004 marked the beginning of this transformation, establishing it as New England’s largest convention center.
State Sen. Nick Collins, who represents the district where the BCEC is located, commended Menino for his ability to unite city and state government with the private sector, facilitating the establishment of the convention center. State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz emphasized that renaming the center is a fitting tribute to Menino’s vision of advancing Boston as a dynamic, healthy, and inviting city.
As the renaming date approaches, officials at the convention center have a series of logistical tasks to manage. Diane DiAntonio, the general manager of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), noted that there are plans underway to update branding materials, which include changing letterhead, website details, and staff uniforms.
In the meantime, the MCCA is focusing on enhancing its convention business, especially following discussions regarding the potential sale of the Hynes Convention Center in Back Bay that were ultimately abandoned. They have announced a five-month project set to begin this summer to upgrade electrical and HVAC systems at the Hynes, which will lead to prolonged closures at the facility.
Discussions about expanding the soon-to-be-renamed convention center have also resurfaced. This topic has been on the table for years and officials believe that now may be the right time to push for expansion.
Overall, the convention business in Massachusetts has shown a strong recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic. The combined attendance figures for the Seaport and Hynes conventions exceeded 830,000 in 2019. As for the years 2023 and 2024, the numbers have remained above 750,000, putting them just under 10% of the pre-pandemic attendance figures. Currently, DiAntonio indicates that this year’s attendance is expected to be just below 700,000, mainly due to the expected closures at the Hynes center.
DiAntonio remarked on the unpredictability of this industry, noting that events are being booked a decade into the future. Once COVID restrictions were lifted and the city began to revive its activities, there was a surge of bookings on the calendar from prior to the pandemic.
On another front, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently conveyed her open-mindedness regarding the possibility of rolling back the state’s 4% surtax on annual incomes exceeding $1 million. During a tech summit hosted by the Boston Globe, Healey was asked if she supported measures to potentially repeal or adjust the millionaire’s tax aimed at attracting businesses back to the state. While she acknowledged the tax’s role in funding essential services like education and transportation, she expressed a desire to evaluate its consequences, particularly in relation to any potential outmigration of residents.
A recent study by a progressive think tank highlighted that the population of millionaires in Massachusetts has actually increased since the tax was implemented. In addition, Healey’s budget chief, Matthew Gorzkowicz, indicated that the state is projected to generate close to $3 billion from the millionaire’s tax during the current fiscal year—more than double what was initially anticipated by budget planners.
In the realm of entertainment, the Blue Man Group has announced the conclusion of its Boston residency after 30 successful years. The comedy trio revealed that their final performance at the Charles Playhouse is slated for July 6. Despite this ending, the group will continue its residency in Las Vegas and has plans for tours across North America and internationally.
In local political news, Democrat Lisa Field has claimed victory in a special election to fill the seat of the late state Rep. Carol Doherty in the Taunton area. However, with unofficial results showing Field ahead by a mere 21 votes, Republican Larry Quintal is demanding a recount. Further details regarding the close race can be found in a report by the Taunton Daily Gazette.
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