The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) stands as a demonstration of Boston’s vision of becoming a global facility for people from all around the world. This month, we reflect on the past, present, and future as the BCEC turns 20 years old! Here is a look at how our convention centers, along with the surrounding Seaport neighborhood, continue to foster our city's mix of history, invention, and hospitality.
The BCEC's early days consisted of ambitious goals and careful planning, mirroring the city’s willpower to create a world-class venue for conventions and exhibitions.
Early rendering of the BCEC, 2002
In the early 2000s, the decision to move forward with the construction of the BCEC was not an easy one. It took leadership on many levels to advocate for this addition in the Seaport District. Former mayor Thomas M. Menino was one of the BCEC’s strongest advocates, as he saw an opportunity to transform the South Boston waterfront from an underdeveloped neighborhood into a thriving hub of innovation.
“In my 20-year tenure as Boston’s Mayor, I saw many changes in this great city. The emergence of the South Boston waterfront as a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood where thousands of visitors and residents gather each year to share ideas and make things happen is one of those changes we should all celebrate," Menino said. "So much of this activity is anchored by the presence of the BCEC, and the MCCA’s ability to attract events that highlight Boston’s significant role in influencing global; leadership in the areas of science, health, education, and technology.”
The Construction of the BCEC was enabled by several pieces of legislation and government initiatives. Chapter 152 of the Acts of 1997 authorized the design and construction of the BCEC. This legislation laid out the important details for obtaining land, financing the project, and establishing the governance for this section. The BCEC officially opened for business in the summer of 2004. It is approximately 2.1 million square feet and is located on a 60-acre site.
BCEC Construction, 2003
The architecture of the BCEC is distinct and efficient. Principal Architect Rafael Viñoly told the Boston Globe in 2003, “The issue to resolve was how to insert a major civic structure into South Boston, a special community with a very delicate urban fabric”. Viñoly’s solution was to create a design that, “looks like a wave that projects itself toward the water,” a gesture reinforced by the large canopy that announces the BCEC and creates a prominent outdoor space.
Completed BCEC, which opened for business in Summer 2004
The BCEC soon made an impact across various industries, hosting meetings for leading health and technology organizations as well as other notable events. Macworld returned to Boston in 2004 after meeting in New York from 1998 through 2003, and the Democratic National Convention Press Party drew 50,000 attendees to the BCEC later that month. Microsoft’s TechEd North America convened at the BCEC in 2006, followed weeks later by the Lions Club International Annual Convention.
For over 20 years, the BCEC has hosted groundbreaking, record-shattering meetings and events. Using industry-leading technology, our team and facilities bring visions to life while Boston provides an unmatched mix of culture, history, and accessibility to qualified attendees. Want to make history? Contact our sales team to learn more about bringing your event to Boston!
This blog post was written by our interns: Ashley Garcia, who is a recent graduate of Suffolk University, and Ian McGrath, who is a Senior at UMass Boston majoring in Communications and minoring in English and Psychology.
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