Convention News
Congratulations to John Barros, the recently appointed Interim Executive Director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which hosts hundreds of annual conventions and meetings that generate over $1 billion annually in economic impact for Boston and Massachusetts, while also enhancing the civic life of local communities. Formerly the Chief of Economic Development for the City of Boston, John brings 25 years of experience, focusing on initiatives to create jobs, strengthen tourism, train the workforce and revitalize neighborhoods.
In his new role, Barros oversees MCCA’s venue and portfolio operations, including the flagship Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in South Boston Seaport, John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Back Bay, MassMutual Center in Springfield and Lawn on D.
Seafood Ireland booth at the Seafood Expo in Boston
One of the Authority’s most popular conventions takes place on March 15-17, as the Annual Seafood Expo North America returns to the Menino Convention & Exhibition Center. Each year, seafood purveyors from around the world gather in the massive exhibition hall to network and do business, meeting with seafood buyers, importers, exporters, wholesalers, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and other retail and foodservice companies.
The Seafood Expo attracts 18,000 people each year, and many of the exhibitors are from Massachusetts and New England as well as Ireland, Scotland and the Canadian Maritimes. A popular event at the Expo is the annual oyster shucking contest, won in 2025 by Dan Coll of Boston’s famous Union Oyster House.
Community events this spring include the Annual South Boston Citizen’s Association Dinner on March 13, followed by the South Boston Neighborhood House Gala on March 20.
At the Hynes Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay, three popular events in spring include the Anime Boston 2026 on April 3-5, followed by the Boston Marathon Expo on April 17-19 and the New England Cannabis Convention on April 24-25.
In early May, one of Boston’s most popular outdoor event spaces, Lawn on D, opens right alongside the Menino Center in South Boston. Lawn on D is a perfect place for conventioneers and local residents to relax, listen to music, grab some food and drinks and try out lawn games including pickleball, bocce, ping-pong and giant chess sets. It stays open into October.
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