Find the Right Convention Center: MCCA Venues, Parking, Events & Contacts
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority manages major convention facilities in Boston and Springfield. Use this guide to identify your venue, avoid outdated building names, compare parking arrangements, find public transportation and understand how to plan an event or contact the correct team.
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) is an independent public authority of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It owns or oversees convention venues, related event properties and parking facilities. Its main role is supporting conventions, exhibitions, conferences and regional economic activity.
Important: MCCA is not the name of a single building. Your event may take place in Boston’s Seaport, Boston’s Back Bay or downtown Springfield.
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority: Role & Responsibilities
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority is a public authority established under Massachusetts legislation. Its responsibilities include operating major convention facilities, attracting large events and supporting economic activity across the state.
What the authority manages
- Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston’s Seaport District.
- John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston’s Back Bay.
- MassMutual Center in Springfield.
- Boston Common Parking Garage.
- Related event facilities and outdoor venues, including The Lawn on D and Lot on D.
| Organization | Massachusetts Convention Center Authority |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MCCA |
| Organization type | Independent public authority of Massachusetts |
| Administrative location | 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 |
| General telephone | 617-954-2000 |
| General email | info@massconvention.com |
| Event sales telephone | 877-393-3393 |
| Event sales email | sales@signatureboston.com |
| Official website | massconvention.com |
The former Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) was officially renamed the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in 2025. Older event confirmations, hotel listings, maps and PDFs may still use BCEC. Both names refer to the Seaport venue at 415 Summer Street.
Which Massachusetts Convention Center Should You Visit?
This is the most important decision. Boston has two different major MCCA convention centers in separate neighborhoods, while MassMutual Center is in Springfield, more than 80 miles west of Boston.
| Venue | City / area | Address | Main use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center | Boston Seaport | 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210 | Large trade shows and conventions |
| Hynes Convention Center | Boston Back Bay | 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115 | Conferences, exhibitions and business meetings |
| MassMutual Center | Springfield downtown | 1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103 | Conferences, sports and entertainment |
| Boston Common Garage | Boston Common | Zero Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116 | Public vehicle parking, not a convention venue |
Going to the Seaport?
Look for MCEC, Thomas M. Menino Convention Center or the former BCEC name.
Correct destination: 415 Summer Street.
Going to Back Bay?
Look for Hynes Convention Center, Prudential Center or Boylston Street.
Correct destination: 900 Boylston Street.
Going to Springfield?
Look for MassMutual Center, its arena or convention facilities.
Correct destination: 1277 Main Street.
Looking for parking near Boston Common?
Use Boston Common Garage, which is a public underground parking facility rather than an event building.
Correct destination: Zero Charles Street.
Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center — Boston Seaport
Venue address & contact
415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210
Phone: 617-954-2000
The Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center is the large waterfront-area convention facility formerly known as Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
It offers approximately 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space, along with substantial meeting and function facilities. It is designed for major trade shows, conventions, conferences and corporate events.
What visitors should know
- The building’s former BCEC name may appear on older event materials.
- There are multiple exhibition and meeting areas; check your assigned entrance.
- Parking is available in the South Parking Lot when space permits.
- Some events may direct drivers to alternative off-site parking.
- Nearby Seaport hotels and restaurants are convenient for multi-day events.
- Admission, registration and opening hours depend on individual events.
South Parking Lot: how to enter
- Approach the convention center from Summer Street.
- Turn onto East Side Drive.
- Continue past the valet area along the building.
- At the end of the building, turn right and follow the ramp downward.
- Turn left at the bottom of the ramp to reach the South Lot entrance.
- Follow parking staff instructions and event-specific signage.
Published South Lot price: $35 for regular vehicles and $70 for oversized vehicles. Parking is first come, first served and may be limited during major conventions.
If the South Lot fills, visitors may be directed to another facility. Unless specifically arranged, nearby third-party garages are independently operated and have separate prices and access rules.
John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center — Boston Back Bay
Hynes address & phone
900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115
General MCCA phone: 617-954-2000
Hynes Convention Center is in the Back Bay neighborhood near Prudential Center, Copley Square, hotels, restaurants and shopping.
Its venue specifications include approximately 176,480 square feet of exhibition space, 38 meeting rooms, a 24,544-square-foot ballroom and a multipurpose auditorium.
Best public transportation options
| Transit stop | Line / service | Visitor guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Hynes Convention Center | MBTA Green Line | Walk toward Boylston Street and the venue entrance |
| Prudential | MBTA Green Line E | Connected area through Prudential Center |
| Back Bay | Orange Line, commuter rail and Amtrak | Walk toward Copley Place / Prudential complex |
| Copley | Green Line | Walk toward the Boylston Street convention district |
Hynes Convention Center subway station is not step-free accessible. Travelers needing an accessible subway journey should check an alternative station such as Prudential and current MBTA elevator information.
Parking near Hynes
Hynes does not provide a universal public parking charge. Most visitors use independently operated Back Bay garages.
| Garage | Location |
|---|---|
| Prudential Center Garage | 800 Boylston Street |
| Garage near Sheraton Boston | 39 Dalton Street |
| Copley Place Garage | 100 Huntington Avenue |
| Auditorium Garage | 50 Dalton Street |
Garage rates depend on arrival time, parking duration and reservation conditions. The official Hynes directions also state that parking is not allowed in the building’s front driveway.
For detailed arrival steps, the correct MBTA station, parking choices and hall layouts, see our Hynes Convention Center Boston visitor guide.
If your ticket specifically refers to Boylston Street or you need help locating the entrance, our Hynes Convention Center Boylston Street directions and parking guide explains the local approach.
Official Hynes Visitor DirectionsMassMutual Center — Springfield, Massachusetts
MassMutual Center address & phone
1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA 01103
Administration: 413-787-6610
Box office: 413-787-6600
MassMutual Center is an MCCA-owned arena and convention complex in downtown Springfield. The facility is managed by MGM Springfield.
It contains approximately 100,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and an arena with approximately 8,000 seats. It hosts conferences, sporting events, performances, exhibitions and private functions.
Convention Center Carpark: 2026 information
The new Convention Center Carpark adjacent to MassMutual Center opened to the public on March 31, 2025.
The five-story parking facility provides:
- 817 vehicle spaces.
- Approximately 350,000 square feet of parking structure.
- Electric vehicle infrastructure and charging facilities.
- Convenient downtown event parking near MassMutual Center.
Parking is generally paid. Specific rates may vary by event, date and advance-purchase arrangements, so no single guaranteed daily price applies to every visitor.
Public transportation to Springfield
Springfield Union Station provides regional rail and bus connections, including Amtrak services. The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) serves Springfield and surrounding communities.
Visitors staying downtown can compare walking, local transit or a short vehicle transfer to the arena.
Official MassMutual Parking & DirectionsMassachusetts Convention Center Authority Parking: Prices Compared
MCCA-related properties do not share one parking rate. Each venue and garage has its own access arrangements, vehicle restrictions and payment policies.
| Parking location | Published charge / arrangement | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Menino Convention Center South Lot | $35 regular / $70 oversized | Limited first-come spaces |
| Hynes-area garages | Prices vary by garage | Most are third-party operators |
| Springfield Convention Center Carpark | Event-dependent pricing | 817 spaces; advance booking may be available |
| Boston Common Garage | $14 first weekday hour; $38 weekday 10–24-hour rate | Separate underground public garage |
Boston Common Garage rates
Boston Common Garage is operated as a separate public parking facility at Zero Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116.
| Published parking period | Charge |
|---|---|
| Weekday 0–1 hour | $14 |
| Weekday 1–2 hours | $20 |
| Weekday 2–3 hours | $26 |
| Weekday 3–10 hours | $30 |
| Weekday 10–24 hours | $38 |
| Weeknight 0–1 hour | $12 |
| Weeknight 1–3 hours | $16 |
| Weeknight over 3 hours, eligible period | $20 |
| Eligible weekend over 3 hours | $20 |
| Special late-night online reservation | $5 when conditions are met |
Late-night $5 condition: The published discounted rate requires an online reservation, entry after 9 PM and exit by 8 AM the next morning.
Garage contact: 617-954-2098.
Garage email: BCG@Propark.com.
Although MCCA oversees the garage, it is located beneath Boston Common. Do not navigate there expecting to park directly beside the Menino Convention Center or Hynes.
Massachusetts Convention Centers: Locations, Maps & Transportation
The Boston venues serve different neighborhoods, while Springfield is a separate city. Always navigate using the exact venue address from your ticket or meeting confirmation.
Boston Seaport — Menino Center
415 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Useful transport includes MBTA Silver Line access to the Seaport District, taxis and rideshares from Logan Airport, and local walking from waterfront hotels.
Seaport DirectionsBoston Back Bay — Hynes
900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA
Useful MBTA stops include Hynes Convention Center, Prudential, Copley and Back Bay, depending on the starting line and accessibility needs.
Back Bay DirectionsSpringfield — MassMutual Center
1277 Main Street, Springfield, MA
Springfield Union Station, PVTA buses, city parking and nearby hotels provide visitor travel options.
Springfield DirectionsBoston Common Garage
Zero Charles Street, Boston, MA
Best for parking near Boston Common, Beacon Hill and nearby downtown destinations, rather than convention-center entrance parking.
Garage DirectionsBoston venue map
Map showing the Seaport location. The Back Bay and Springfield venues are separate destinations.
From Boston Logan International Airport
| Your destination | Suggested travel planning |
|---|---|
| Menino Convention Center | Compare Silver Line service, taxis and rideshares to the Seaport District. |
| Hynes Convention Center | Use a suitable MBTA connection or Back Bay airport bus service; check current routes. |
| MassMutual Center | Plan intercity transportation to Springfield; it is not a Boston airport neighborhood destination. |
| Boston Common Garage | Navigate to Zero Charles Street for vehicle access, not 415 Summer Street. |
For transit routes, accessible stations, current fares and service alerts, use the MBTA trip planner.
MCCA Events, Tickets, Calendar & Visitor Admission
MCCA venues do not use one universal public admission policy. Events are produced or managed by different organizers, so the exact schedule, ticket rules, security procedures and entry times differ.
| Visitor question | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Does MCCA sell tickets for every event? | No. Event admission is generally handled through the relevant organizer or authorized ticketing channel. |
| Are convention events free? | Some are free, others require paid admission, registration or professional credentials. |
| What are the opening hours? | Public entry is determined by each event’s schedule. |
| Can I bring a large bag? | Follow the venue and event-specific security policy. |
| Can I enter all halls with one badge? | Only if your event’s registration rules permit it. |
| Is parking included? | Not automatically. Event validation and parking packages vary. |
| Can I bring food? | Outside food and sampling rules may be restricted; confirm with the organizer. |
| Are accessible accommodations available? | Coordinate building access and event-specific support in advance. |
How to check an MCCA event
- Find your event’s official name and date.
- Check which city and venue are listed.
- Verify the complete street address.
- Review the organizer’s ticketing or registration instructions.
- Confirm the assigned entrance, registration time and room.
- Check transit, parking and accessibility arrangements.
- Save your event confirmation and organizer contact details.
For upcoming listings, the MCCA official website provides an events calendar. For ticket purchases or event-specific changes, follow the individual event organizer’s official instructions.
How to Book an MCCA Convention Center for Your Event
Organizations can inquire about major exhibitions, corporate events, conferences and other meetings. Event rental pricing depends on venue selection, dates, space requirements and contracted services.
Which venue is suitable?
| Event requirement | Venue to consider |
|---|---|
| Large exhibition with major booth space | Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center |
| Back Bay conference with connected business amenities | Hynes Convention Center |
| Springfield convention or large arena event | MassMutual Center |
| Outdoor community or event programming | Ask MCCA about Lawn on D or other appropriate event properties |
Prepare these details before asking for a quote
- Event type, title and organizer.
- Preferred dates and alternative dates.
- Estimated attendee and exhibitor count.
- Required exhibit hall, ballroom and meeting-room space.
- Floor plan and seating configuration.
- Setup, rehearsals and teardown schedule.
- Audiovisual, power, internet and rigging requirements.
- Catering and food service requirements.
- Loading dock, shipping and exhibitor service needs.
- Guestroom blocks and accessibility requirements.
Event-planning process
- Choose your city: Boston or Springfield.
- Select a venue: Match your event’s size and needs to available space.
- Review capacity: Compare floor plans, banquet layouts and exhibition requirements.
- Prepare an inquiry: Include dates, expected attendance and technical needs.
- Contact the sales team: Request availability and a written proposal.
- Review costs: Check rental, labor, equipment, catering and service charges.
- Verify contract terms: Review deposits, deadlines, cancellation conditions and insurance.
- Finalize event operations: Coordinate floor plans, exhibitor access and attendee instructions.
Boston convention sales contact
Signature Boston / MCCA venue sales
Phone: 877-393-3393
Email: sales@signatureboston.com
Official Boston Event Planning & SalesFor MassMutual Center event inquiries, contact its Springfield event team using the venue’s official website and published administration number.
For Exhibitors: Floor Plans, Loading, Utilities & Vendor Services
Event exhibitors need to distinguish the public visitor entrance from approved freight and service entrances. Technical arrangements vary substantially among MCCA venues.
Before shipping materials
- Confirm the official receiving address.
- Check show move-in and move-out dates.
- Use approved freight and loading arrangements.
- Request electrical and internet service where needed.
- Confirm booth height and rigging restrictions.
Before opening your booth
- Confirm the approved booth layout.
- Check fire exits and aisle clearances.
- Review sampling and catering restrictions.
- Arrange required vendor documentation.
- Confirm accessibility and safety requirements.
Official documents to obtain
The appropriate documents may include floor plans, venue capacity charts, exhibitor service manuals, electrical ordering information, insurance requirements and current vendor policies.
For example, the Hynes room capacities and floor-plans PDF identifies ballroom sections, exhibit areas, meeting rooms, elevators, escalators and other venue facilities.
An official floor plan or published utility specification does not automatically authorize a particular exhibitor’s installation. Use the current event manual and approved contractor procedures.
Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Contact Directory
| Department / venue | Contact | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| MCCA general information | 617-954-2000 info@massconvention.com | General organization and venue questions |
| Signature Boston sales | 877-393-3393 sales@signatureboston.com | Boston meeting and convention inquiries |
| Menino Convention Center | 415 Summer Street, Boston | Seaport venue and visitor directions |
| Hynes Convention Center | 900 Boylston Street, Boston | Back Bay venue information |
| MassMutual Center administration | 413-787-6610 | Springfield venue inquiries |
| MassMutual Center box office | 413-787-6600 | Arena ticketing questions |
| Boston Common Garage | 617-954-2098 BCG@Propark.com | Garage access, parking and reservation assistance |
For a specific conference: Use the organizer’s attendee-support contact for badges, session changes, tickets and registration. MCCA general information is not necessarily the event’s ticket office.
Before Visiting: Quick MCCA Event Checklist
Attendee checklist
- Confirm correct venue and city.
- Check the full street address.
- Save event ticket or registration.
- Identify the correct entrance.
- Review parking or MBTA service.
- Check event-specific security policies.
- Allow time for badge collection.
Organizer checklist
- Confirm venue capacity and dates.
- Review the approved floor plan.
- Coordinate exhibitor loading.
- Arrange required utilities.
- Confirm catering and vendor conditions.
- Plan accessible event access.
- Distribute correct visitor directions.
10 FAQs About Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
1. What is the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority?
The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) is an independent public authority that owns or oversees major convention centers, event properties and related parking facilities in Massachusetts.
2. Which convention centers does MCCA operate?
MCCA oversees the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center in Boston and MassMutual Center in Springfield.
3. What happened to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center name?
The Boston Convention & Exhibition Center was renamed the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in 2025. It remains at 415 Summer Street in Boston’s Seaport District.
4. Where is the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority located?
MCCA’s main administrative location is associated with 415 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02210. Its event venues have different addresses in Boston and Springfield.
5. How much does parking cost at the Menino Convention Center?
The venue publishes South Parking Lot charges of $35 for regular vehicles and $70 for oversized vehicles. Spaces are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Is Hynes Convention Center the same as the Menino Convention Center?
No. Hynes Convention Center is at 900 Boylston Street in Boston’s Back Bay. Menino Convention Center is at 415 Summer Street in the Seaport District.
7. Is MassMutual Center owned by MCCA?
Yes. MassMutual Center in Springfield is owned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and managed by MGM Springfield.
8. Does MCCA operate Boston Common Garage?
Yes. Boston Common Garage is an MCCA-owned public parking facility beneath Boston Common, located at Zero Charles Street, Boston, MA 02116.
9. How do I book an event at an MCCA convention center?
Select the venue, prepare event dates and space requirements, and contact the relevant sales team. Boston venue inquiries can be directed to Signature Boston at 877-393-3393 or sales@signatureboston.com.
10. How can I find MCCA event dates and tickets?
Check the official MCCA events calendar for listings. Ticket purchases, attendee registration, entry times and event-specific rules are generally provided by the individual event organizer.