Diane DiAntonio, General Manager of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), has solved countless logistical puzzles over the past 20-plus years with Boston’s Convention Centers. And each time, customers have felt heard, included, and cared for, often with plans to return in the future.
For her commitment to such creativity and customer service, DiAntonio has received the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA)’s 2024 Executive Excellence Award.
“[Diane] knows what needs to be done, and she gets it done,” said Shannon McCarthy, Managing Director for Yankee Dental Congress & Business Development. “I always know that when I go to Diane with an issue, she will find a resolution to the problem. She is truly a pleasure to work with.”
McCarthy recently worked with DiAntonio as the Yankee Dental Congress and Boston RV & Camping Expo transpired within the same week earlier this year at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC). To ensure successful events for both groups, DiAntonio synchronized multiple MCCA departments while incorporating client feedback – one of the many examples leading to her recognition from the ESPA.
Offering educational resources and networking opportunities, the ESPA is an association and voice representing event service professionals from convention/visitors bureaus, hotels, and convention centers across North America. The group advocates for the role and impact of event service professionals like DiAntonio.
With more than 27 years in the event industry, executing events on both the client and facility side, DiAntonio brings a valuable depth of knowledge and experience to the MCCA. She honed her event management skills on the client side executing tradeshows and conferences, initially working for the New England Cable Television Association, prior to transitioning to the facility side and joining the MCCA.
During the past 22 years, DiAntonio has held roles of increasing responsibility with the MCCA, starting as an Event Services Coordinator managing events at the Hynes Convention Center to her current role as General Manager. She was instrumental during the introduction of the state-of-the-art BCEC, conducting hard hat tours and transitioning clients from the Hynes to the new facility.
In her current role as General Manager, DiAntonio oversees the Hynes, the BCEC and The Lawn On D.
“Boston is one of the world’s premier destinations for meetings and events,” DiAntonio said after being promoted to General Manager. “And my focus will be to build on our long track record of success.”
After weathering the global pandemic, Boston’s Convention Centers have returned to bustling business under DiAntonio’s guidance with attendees booking a record total of room nights in 2023 (approximately 500,000). With each event, DiAntonio has helped foster inclusive spaces for all voices throughout the experience.
“Diane brings all the key vendors and stakeholders into the mix to brainstorm and collaborate, knowing we all bring a skillset and point of view to the discussion,” said Janice Bowers, Senior Vice President of Client Relationships for global events company Freeman. “She always strives to provide the best service and outcome for the end customer, ensuring they leave Boston with a successful event, great customer service, and plans to return in the future.”
DiAntonio continues to help clients tailor their events to meet their specific needs, bringing each group’s vision to life at Boston’s Convention Centers.
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