Conventional Wisdom

November 9, 2025

The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) hosts large events that create economic impact for Boston and Massachusetts, while also enhancing the civic life of the communities it serves. It operates the flagship Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibit Center in South Boston Seaport, John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Back Bay, MassMutual Center in Springfield and the Boston Common parking garage.

We spoke recently to CEO Marcel Vernon, Sr., who has led MCCA since October 2024, overseeing a staff of 400+ and a $100 million budget, while hosting 350+ conventions and meetings that attract millions of people annually

Having recently surpassed your one-year anniversary, what have you learned about
the Authority that pleases you most?

What impresses me most is the tremendous impact we have on the region as both a global convener of meetings and conventions, and as an economic development engine for the city and state. Each year, our venues generate more than $1 billion in economic impact and support over 11,000 jobs.

When conventions come to our facilities in Boston and Springfield there is significant spending that takes place at hotels and restaurants, on transportation, and at retail and entertainment establishments and we’re incredibly proud of the significant contribution we have on the local economy.

MCCA recently renamed the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center to Thomas Michael Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in honor of Tom Menino, mayor of Boston from 1993 to 2014. How did Menino’s urban vision align with the Authority’s vision today.

Mayor Menino was a strong advocate for the construction of the convention center and he had the vision for redeveloping the Seaport into a vibrant community. Naming the facility in his honor is a fitting tribute to his leadership and vision.

As we look to the future, MCCA is committed to championing the same spirit of innovation and growth that was a hallmark of Mayor Menino. Through our strategic planning efforts, we aim to ensure that the MCEC continues to serve as a world-class destination for meetings and events, while driving economic growth and strengthening connections across our stakeholder communities.

MCCA has a great reputation for community engagement. Tell us about your Community Partnership Program and how it supports worthy Boston-based non-profit groups.

We welcome visitors from across the country and around the world and take seriously our responsibility to give back to the communities and organizations that make this city such a vibrant and attractive destination. Last month, we were proud to award $115,000 in Community Partnership Grants to 23 non-profit organizations across 10 Boston neighborhoods, bringing the program’s impact to over $2 million since its launch in 2007.

2026 is a banner year for Boston, with America 250 celebrations, World Cup Soccer and the Tall Ships returning to Boston Harbor! How will you interact with these events and maximize your own profile to visitors from around the world?

It’s a testament to Boston’s strength as a destination that we’ll have the privilege of hosting such an incredible lineup of events in 2026. As a global leader, my focus is on ensuring these historic events not only showcase Boston on the world stage, but also attract new investment, support thousands of local jobs and create lasting opportunities that strengthen our city and region for years to come.

You’ve seen hundreds of events in your first year on the job. Which one impressed you the most?

We host a broad range of impressive events at our facilities day in and day out, and one that stands out for its high-profile status and logistical complexity is the Massachusetts Conference for Women. This event gives our team the opportunity to showcase what we can accomplish through strong collaboration across departments and with our in-house partners. It’s a true all-hands effort, highlighted by the luncheon served to more than 10,000 attendees in our convention hall.

Thank you, Marcel.