Signature Boston Blog
12 Reasons Why Boston is Ready to Host Your Event

>> See the latest MCCA COVID-19 updates. <<


In 2020, we were met with unique challenges as tourism, business travel, and gatherings of all kinds were shut down due to the pandemic.

COVID-19 temporarily changed the way we use our venues, but what didn’t change is our commitment to customer excellence and service to the public. And now that all pandemic restrictions have been lifted in Boston, we are ready to get back to doing what we do best – hosting world-class events and bringing people together.

Here are some of the reasons why Boston is ready to host your next event:

1. We’ve always been open
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and the Hynes Convention Center (Hynes) have been open throughout the pandemic. The BCEC hosted Boston Hope, a full-service medical facility operated in partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health. The Hynes served as a vaccination center providing up to 7,000 vaccinations per day. We also hosted exams, a school, a movie production company, and more.

2. Large, versatile exhibit and meeting space
The BCEC and Hynes offer flexible space to meet your needs, including space to extend your event outdoors at The Lawn On D.

Our venues have numerous entrances and exits, allowing for clear and distinct social distancing, segmenting of events, and many options for overflow space. For example, at the BCEC, there are eight primary entry and exit points in addition to multiple secondary access points that can be reconfigured to avoid lines and congestion. Most entrances and exits are substantially distant from each other to further minimize “collision” zones.

3. Hospital-grade ventilation systems
The BCEC and the Hynes have the ability to improve airflow through the use of its robust HVAC system capabilities. For example, at the BCEC, there are over 25 dedicated “twin” air handler units that can move millions of cubic feet of air per hour. In addition, the ventilation system at the Hynes was converted to a Merv 13 filtration.

We are committed to following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) for HVAC usage, including:

  • Increasing air exchanges to maximum mechanical capabilities
  • Maximizing outside air supply through units
  • Increasing exhaust air to the atmosphere
  • Utilizing the highest rated Merv Factor Filter
  • Extending hours of operations to garner increased volumes

4. High-quality cleaning services
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and our cleaning services partners are adhering to cleaning guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Throughout the pandemic, our team has worked tirelessly to keep our facilities clean and sanitized. We have the latest in cleaning technology at our disposal, including electrostatic sprayers and EPA-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants that disinfect surfaces in 60 seconds.

During your event, we will provide complimentary cleaning of all common areas, including restrooms. Our cleaning partners are also available for hire should you have additional cleaning requirements.

5. Safe travel into and around Boston
Boston Logan International Airport and the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA, better known as “The T”) have been safely moving passengers in and around the city throughout the pandemic. In 2020, the Airport Council International (ACI) announced that Boston Logan International Airport was the first North American airport to be accredited under the Council’s Airport Health Accreditation program. The program assists airports by assessing new health measures and procedures introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with a new set of recommendations by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Some of the new initiatives that the MBTA has launched to keep passengers safe include:

  • Complimentary face masks distributed at select stations
  • Daily disinfection of all vehicles (buses, trolleys, subway cars, Commuter Rail coaches, ferries, and RIDE vehicles) with buses cleaned multiple times per day
  • Hand sanitizing dispensers, disinfectant wipes, and cleaning sprays deployed at MBTA facilities and stations throughout the system

>> Download our full back-to-business document to see more reasons why Boston is safe and well equipped to host your next event.

Boston is open for business! If you need to change the dates of an event that hasn’t been accommodated by another city or are simply looking for a date in the future, don’t hesitate to reach out at sales@SignatureBoston.com.