Convention Center Boston: Events, Parking, Hotels & Map

Boston, Massachusetts • Seaport District • 2026 Visitor Guide

Visiting Boston Convention Center: Events, Parking & Directions

Planning to attend a trade show, conference, exhibition or business meeting in Boston? Find the correct convention center, official event calendar, parking rates, MBTA routes, nearby hotels, entrances, accessibility information and practical visitor instructions.

Official Address 415 Summer St
Regular Parking $35
Closest MBTA World Trade Center
Neighborhood Seaport

Boston Convention Center: Address & Official Name

The main Boston Convention & Exhibition Center is now officially named the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC). It is located at 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, in the South Boston Seaport District.

Correct Seaport Venue

Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center

415 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210

Former name: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC).

Neighborhood: South Boston Waterfront / Seaport.

Phone: 617-954-2000

Different Boston Venue

Hynes Convention Center

900 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02115

Neighborhood: Back Bay, near Prudential Center.

Hynes Convention Center is not the same building as the convention center on Summer Street.

If your ticket mentions Boylston Street, use our Hynes Convention Center Boston visitor guide for that location.

Important 2026 name change: The former BCEC was renamed in honor of former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino in July 2025. Old tickets, hotel websites, PDFs and conference maps may still say BCEC. BCEC and MCEC refer to the same Seaport convention center at 415 Summer Street.

Which Convention Center Does Your Event Use?

Venue Name on Ticket Where You Should Go
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center / BCEC 415 Summer Street, Seaport
Thomas M. Menino Convention Center / MCEC 415 Summer Street, Seaport
Hynes Convention Center 900 Boylston Street, Back Bay
Prudential Center event area Confirm the specific address and event space
Boston Common Garage Public parking at Zero Charles Street, not a convention center

To understand the public authority responsible for Boston’s major convention venues, their official contact details and the differences between properties, see our Massachusetts Convention Center Authority guide .

Boston Convention Center Events & 2026 Schedule

The Menino Convention Center hosts professional conferences, industry conventions, exhibitions, corporate meetings, gaming conventions and other large-scale events.

The official Signature Boston calendar identifies which events use the Seaport convention center and which are held at Hynes Convention Center.

Upcoming Events: Published Late-2026 Examples

Dates Event Venue
November 2, 2026 Marine Corps Luncheon Menino Convention Center
November 5–7, 2026 Society of Women Engineers Annual Conference Menino Convention Center
November 16–19, 2026 Rockwell Automation Automation Fair Menino Convention Center
October 26–27, 2026 Clio Cloud Conference Hynes Convention Center, not Seaport

These are selected published event-calendar entries, not a complete schedule. Event dates, venue assignments, public access and times can change.

How to Check an Event’s Tickets and Opening Hours

  1. Open the official event calendar. Select the relevant month and identify your event.
  2. Confirm the venue. Check whether the listing says Menino/BCEC or Hynes.
  3. Find the organizer’s official event page. Look for admission, registration and ticket information.
  4. Check event opening hours. Confirm registration desk hours separately from exhibition or session hours.
  5. Review access instructions. Save your assigned hall, entrance and event policies.
  6. Complete registration with the organizer. Keep your ticket, QR code or attendee confirmation.
Tickets are event-specific: The convention center does not have one universal admission ticket or fixed opening schedule for all events. Some conferences are industry-only, while other events offer public admission.

Boston Convention Center Parking Rates & South Lot

Officially published parking at the Menino Convention Center costs $35 for a regular vehicle and $70 for an oversized vehicle at the South Parking Lot.

Standard Vehicle

South Parking Lot

$35

Published regular-vehicle parking charge.

Parking is first come, first served. Capacity can be limited during large conventions.

Oversized Vehicle

Oversized Parking

$70

Published parking charge for oversized vehicles.

Follow staff instructions regarding vehicle type, available spaces and access.

Where Is the Convention Center South Parking Lot?

The South Lot is behind the convention center. Its driving approach is different from the pedestrian main entrance at 415 Summer Street.

How to Reach South Lot Parking

  1. Navigate toward 415 Summer Street. Approach the convention center using the current highway and local street signs.
  2. Turn onto East Side Drive. Use the signed vehicle approach from Summer Street.
  3. Pass the passenger drop-off area. Continue along the side of the convention building.
  4. Reach the end of the building. Turn right and proceed down the parking ramp.
  5. Turn left at the bottom. The South Parking Lot entrance will be ahead.
  6. Follow the parking attendants’ instructions. Check payment information and the pedestrian or shuttle route to your entrance.
Parking is not guaranteed. The official operator says parking is limited and offered first come, first served. If the South Lot fills, visitors may be directed to another facility.

Nearby Alternative Parking

Alternative parking may be available at the Boston Marine Industrial Park garage and independently operated Seaport and Waterfront parking facilities.

Parking Option What to Know
MCEC South Parking Lot Official on-site lot; $35 regular and $70 oversized; limited spaces
Boston Marine Industrial Park Garage Possible off-site alternative; check availability and operator pricing
Omni Boston Seaport Garage Hotel-area garage with separate operator rates and restrictions
Westin Boston Seaport Parking Hotel parking arrangements; check public access and pricing
Other Seaport Garages Compare total event-day rates and walking distance

Important Parking Rules

  • Do not assume the South Lot has an available space when you arrive.
  • Do not assume the same price applies to nearby private garages.
  • Overnight and 24-hour parking are not permitted in the venue’s South Lot under the published planning policy.
  • Do not assume unlimited re-entry with one parking payment.
  • Accessible parking is available in the South Lot near the building.
  • Some events may provide their own sponsored parking arrangements.
  • Exhibitor freight and trucks use separate procedures.

Should You Drive or Take Public Transit?

Driving May Be Better If…

  • You are arriving with several passengers.
  • You have bulky personal luggage.
  • You are traveling from an area with limited transit.
  • You have a verified parking arrangement.

Public Transit May Be Better If…

  • You are traveling from downtown Boston.
  • You are arriving via Logan Airport.
  • You want to avoid event parking fees.
  • You are staying near an MBTA station.

How to Get to Boston Convention Center by MBTA

The nearest useful MBTA rapid-transit stop is World Trade Center station on the Silver Line.

The station connects with South Station and provides a practical way to reach the convention center without driving into the Seaport District.

Starting Point Recommended Approach
South Station Silver Line toward World Trade Center, or walk along Summer Street
Logan Airport Silver Line SL1 to World Trade Center, with current service confirmed
Downtown Crossing Red Line to South Station, then Silver Line or walk
North Station Connect through the MBTA system to South Station and the Silver Line
Back Bay Connect toward South Station or use a direct taxi/rideshare
Amtrak / commuter rail Arrive at South Station, then walk or use Silver Line

World Trade Center Station to MCEC: Walking Steps

  1. Exit at World Trade Center. Use the appropriate Silver Line station exit.
  2. Go toward Level 2. Follow signs toward World Trade Center Avenue and the Menino Convention Center.
  3. Continue along World Trade Center Avenue. Follow the marked pedestrian path.
  4. Cross Summer Street at the signal. Follow pedestrian markings toward the convention center.
  5. Enter the building. Check event signage for your hall and registration desk.

Walking From South Station

The venue’s published visitor directions describe the convention center as approximately a 10–15-minute walk from South Station.

Use Summer Street toward the Seaport District and continue to 415 Summer Street. Actual walking time depends on your exit, walking pace, traffic signals and event entrance.

Accessibility tip: World Trade Center station has elevator access, but elevators can occasionally be unavailable. Check current MBTA accessibility and service alerts before traveling if you require a step-free route.

Boston Logan Airport to Convention Center

Public Transit

Silver Line SL1

Use the Silver Line SL1 service from Logan Airport toward South Station and exit at World Trade Center.

Check which airport terminal stop serves your arrival and confirm current schedules and fares.

Direct Vehicle

Taxi or Rideshare

The venue describes Logan Airport as approximately 5–10 minutes away by taxi under favorable traffic conditions.

Actual travel time may be longer because of airport queues, tunnel congestion and event traffic.

Driving Directions to 415 Summer Street

Boston’s Seaport District is accessible from I-90, I-93 and local routes. The most suitable approach depends on your origin, traffic, vehicle type and the specific parking entrance.

From Logan International Airport

  1. Follow signs for I-90 West and the Ted Williams Tunnel.
  2. Take the signed South Boston/Seaport exit.
  3. Follow local signs toward Congress Street and D Street.
  4. Continue toward Summer Street.
  5. Use East Side Drive for South Lot parking.

From Western Massachusetts

  1. Travel eastbound on I-90.
  2. Follow the signed South Boston/Seaport exit.
  3. Continue toward Congress Street and D Street.
  4. Approach Summer Street.
  5. Follow convention center parking signs.

From I-93 North or South

Follow current exit signs toward the Seaport District, South Station or I-90 connections as appropriate for your approach.

Use live navigation because Boston’s ramps, one-way streets and traffic arrangements can change.

From Downtown Boston

Approach the Seaport via the signed Summer Street or appropriate waterfront route.

If driving to an off-site garage, enter that garage’s actual vehicle entrance instead of 415 Summer Street.

Important: Driving to the main convention center entrance is different from driving to the South Parking Lot. Use the parking route when you intend to leave your vehicle.

Boston Convention Center Map & Location

The venue is on Summer Street in Boston’s Seaport District, close to World Trade Center station, Seaport hotels, restaurants and the South Boston Waterfront.

Nearby Areas You Should Recognize

Seaport District

Hotels, restaurants and waterfront attractions around the convention center.

World Trade Center

A nearby Silver Line station and important pedestrian approach.

South Station

A regional rail, Amtrak, subway and bus transportation hub.

Hotels Near Boston Convention Center

For multi-day conventions, staying in the Seaport District may reduce transportation costs and make it easier to return to your room between sessions.

Hotel Address / Access Best For
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport 450 Summer Street; adjacent to the convention district Large conferences and full-service stays
The Westin Boston Seaport District 425 Summer Street; convention-center skybridge connection Convenient event access
Aloft Boston Seaport District 401 D Street area; nearby outdoor walk Modern, casual business travel
Element Boston Seaport District 391 D Street area; nearby walk Suites and extended stays
Seaport Hotel Boston 1 Seaport Lane; Waterfront area Business and leisure travel
Renaissance Boston Seaport District 606 Congress Street Full-service hotel accommodation
Residence Inn Boston Downtown/Seaport 370 Congress Street Longer stays and in-room kitchens

Which Hotel Should You Book?

Convenient Access

Westin Boston Seaport

A practical option for convention visitors who prefer a connected route and want to reduce outdoor walking during bad weather.

Full Service

Omni Boston Seaport

Well positioned for large conventions, business travelers and visitors seeking hotel dining and extensive amenities.

Longer Stay

Element Boston Seaport

Useful for guests who want suite-style facilities and a walkable Seaport location.

Waterfront Stay

Seaport Hotel Boston

Suitable for travelers combining a conference with restaurants, waterfront attractions and time in Boston.

How to Compare Hotel Costs

  1. Check the convention’s hotel block. Look for official negotiated event room rates.
  2. Compare the full room price. Include taxes and mandatory charges.
  3. Check parking separately. Hotel valet and overnight rates may be different from convention center parking.
  4. Confirm the pedestrian route. Some properties are connected while others require an outdoor walk.
  5. Read cancellation conditions. Group reservations and ordinary hotel bookings may have different terms.
Hotel pricing: Nightly rates vary significantly by event dates, conferences, room type and availability. A hotel being close to the convention center does not mean parking or breakfast is included.

Convention Center Entrances, Halls & Floor Plans

The Menino Convention Center is a large building with multiple exhibition halls, meeting rooms, lobbies, pedestrian connections and event-specific registration areas.

How to Find Your Event Hall

  1. Read your registration confirmation. Find the exhibition hall, meeting room or ballroom number.
  2. Look at the event’s official map. Confirm whether the event uses Hall A, B, C or another function space.
  3. Check your assigned entrance. The North Lobby, hotel-connected routes and other entrances may serve different areas.
  4. Find registration first. Badge pickup may be in a lobby rather than inside the exhibition hall.
  5. Allow extra walking time. Large conventions can use multiple sections of the property.

Visitor Entry vs. Exhibitor Loading

Attendees

Use public entrances identified by your event. Carry the required badge, ticket or confirmation.

Exhibitors

Follow your event’s exhibitor service manual for shipping, loading docks, advance warehouse procedures and permitted setup times.

Event floor plans may identify hotel skybridges, the North Lobby, exhibit halls, meeting rooms and parking connections. Use the version published for your specific show because registration locations can differ.

Accessibility, Wheelchair Access & Visitor Assistance

The convention center offers accessible event facilities and parking spaces, but the most suitable entrance and accessible route can depend on your event hall.

Check the assigned accessible event entrance.
Confirm accessible spaces in the South Lot.
Use a suitable MBTA station and verify elevator status.
Ask about wheelchair assistance before arrival.
Confirm accessible seating with your organizer.
Allow time for security and registration.

How to Arrange Assistance

  1. Identify your event. Save the organizer’s name and event dates.
  2. Call the convention center. Explain your arrival method and assistance needs.
  3. Verify the route. Ask about elevators, entrances and the correct registration location.
  4. Contact the event organizer. Discuss seating, interpretation or other event-specific accommodation requests.
General Convention Center Phone 617-954-2000
General Venue Email info@massconvention.com
MBTA reminder: Check current elevator and station accessibility information before departing. A generally accessible station may have temporary elevator outages or service changes.

Booking a Convention, Trade Show or Meeting in Boston

Organizations planning an event at the Menino Convention Center should work with Signature Boston and the relevant venue sales and planning teams.

What You Should Prepare Before Requesting Space

Preferred event dates and alternatives.
Estimated number of attendees.
Required exhibit hall and meeting room space.
Exhibitor and freight requirements.
Audiovisual and internet needs.
Food, beverage and catering needs.
Accessibility and security arrangements.
Hotel room-block requirements.
Expected budget and payment arrangements.
Setup, event and dismantling dates.

Step-by-Step Event Planning Process

  1. Confirm the type of event. Define exhibition, conference, meeting or special-event requirements.
  2. Estimate attendance and capacity. Include delegates, vendors, exhibitors and event staff.
  3. Prepare preferred dates. Include move-in and move-out dates, not just public opening days.
  4. Request venue information. Contact the official Signature Boston sales team.
  5. Review layout and service needs. Discuss floor plans, electrical service, internet, freight and event staffing.
  6. Review contract conditions. Verify price, availability, deposits, insurance and cancellation arrangements.
  7. Finalize the venue agreement. Complete the official contracting process and coordinate event production.
Convention Sales 877-393-3393
Convention Sales Email sales@signatureboston.com

Nearby Attractions, Food & Visitor Tips

Boston’s Seaport District has restaurants, waterfront pedestrian areas, hotels and cultural attractions useful for visitors with free time around an event.

Seaport Restaurants

Numerous restaurants and cafes operate around Seaport Boulevard, Congress Street and the waterfront.

For lunch during a major convention, check opening times and consider event-related queues.

Boston Harborwalk

A waterfront pedestrian network with access to harbor views and parts of the Seaport neighborhood.

Useful for a short walk before or after convention sessions.

Institute of Contemporary Art

A well-known Seaport arts destination for visitors interested in combining a convention trip with sightseeing.

Fort Point District

An area near the convention center with restaurants, historic industrial buildings and waterfront connections.

Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors

  • Boston Seaport can become congested during large events.
  • Check the weather, especially in winter and during coastal storms.
  • Allow time for convention registration lines and security.
  • Carry a phone charger for long conference days.
  • Do not assume every event allows food or beverages from outside.
  • Confirm re-entry rules if leaving for lunch.
  • Check whether your hotel includes parking.
  • Use public transportation where it is convenient for your trip.

Visiting Hynes Instead?

If your event is scheduled in Back Bay rather than Seaport, our Hynes Convention Center Boylston Street entrance, parking and MBTA guide explains that separate location and its Prudential Center connections.

Before You Go: Boston Convention Center Checklist

Confirm whether your event is at MCEC or Hynes.
Save 415 Summer Street if attending the Seaport venue.
Confirm the event date and opening time.
Save your registration confirmation or ticket.
Check the correct hall and entrance.
Review official South Lot parking availability.
Budget $35 regular-vehicle parking if driving.
Check public transit and MBTA service alerts.
Confirm hotel and overnight parking arrangements.
Bring necessary identification if required by the event.
Check event-specific bag and re-entry policies.
Allow extra time for traffic and registration.

Boston Convention Center: 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the address of Boston Convention Center?

The Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, formerly Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, is located at 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210, in the Seaport District.

2. What is the new name of Boston Convention and Exhibition Center?

The venue was renamed the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in July 2025. The former BCEC name and current MCEC name refer to the same Seaport convention center.

3. How much is parking at Boston Convention Center?

The published South Parking Lot charges are $35 for regular vehicles and $70 for oversized vehicles. Parking is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

4. Is there overnight parking at Boston Convention Center?

The official convention center planning guidance does not permit 24-hour or overnight parking in the South Lot. Use a separately operated garage that explicitly allows overnight parking.

5. What MBTA station is closest to Boston Convention Center?

World Trade Center station on the MBTA Silver Line is the closest useful rapid-transit stop. Follow the exit toward World Trade Center Avenue and cross Summer Street to the convention center.

6. How do I get to Boston Convention Center from Logan Airport?

Take the Silver Line SL1 toward South Station and exit at World Trade Center, or use a taxi or rideshare to 415 Summer Street. Check current transit and traffic conditions.

7. What hotels are near Boston Convention Center?

Nearby options include Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, The Westin Boston Seaport District, Aloft Boston Seaport District, Element Boston Seaport District and Seaport Hotel Boston.

8. Where can I find Boston Convention Center events?

The official Signature Boston event calendar lists events at the Menino Convention Center and Hynes Convention Center. Ticket requirements and hours depend on individual event organizers.

9. Is Boston Convention Center the same as Hynes Convention Center?

No. The Menino Convention Center is at 415 Summer Street in Seaport. Hynes Convention Center is a separate venue at 900 Boylston Street in Back Bay.

10. What is the phone number for Boston Convention Center?

The main telephone number for the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center is 617-954-2000. Convention and event planning inquiries can be directed to 877-393-3393.

Official Boston Convention Center Sources

The following primary resources provide venue contact information, event listings, parking instructions, travel options and planning materials.

Information reviewed October 25, 2026. Parking charges, venue access, public transport, hotel costs, event schedules and admission conditions may change. Check event-specific details before traveling.

Independent visitor guide. Convention-center.org is not operated by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority or Signature Boston. Event registration, parking operations and venue contracting are managed by their respective providers.