The Langham, Boston
Boston, New England’s undisputed urban anchor, doubles as a premier meetings destination. Packed with historic sites, harbor scenery and distinctive event spaces, it promises to revolutionize your next meeting.
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center boasts greater network bandwidth than any domestic convention center across its 516,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space. A combination of flexibility, functionality and style sets the venue apart. Its 41,000-square-foot grand ballroom overlooks Boston Seaport, a 160-foot video board towers over the North Lobby and 82 meeting rooms accommodate any need.
The adjacent Lawn on D offers a 2.7-acre outdoor playground for dynamic, nontraditional events. In addition to the lawn itself, the space includes two pavilions offering varying amounts of space and privacy.
Additional event venues include Fenway Park, beloved home of MLB’s Boston Red Sox, with meeting space for 20 to 2,000; Blue Hills Bank Pavilion, a waterfront arena seating 5,400; Agganis Arena, Boston University’s multipurpose sports and event center, with space for up to 7,200; and Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum on Fort Point Channel, where groups of up to 250 can relive the events that ignited a revolution and even board replica 18th-century vessels.
Away from the meeting room, no attraction better demonstrates the intersection of Boston’s past and present than Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path linking 16 hallowed sites such as Boston Common, Old North Church and Paul Revere House. Groups can follow the red line in its entirety or pick and choose destinations according to interest and time.
A vestige of British hospitality in one of the United States’ most patriotic cities, The Langham, Boston offers 317 elegant guest rooms and suites overlooking Post Office Square, the Financial District and the city skyline. The property, which contains 10,000 sq. ft. of adaptable function space, recently opened the fine-dining restaurant and lounge Bond for private events and meetings.
“The hotel was built in 1922 as the original Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, and Bond acted as the main lobby,” says Dinah Saglio, public relations manager at The Langham.
Wharf Room at Boston Harbor Hotel
Newly renovated Boston Harbor Hotel not only offers 230 guest rooms and suites, but also more than 20,000 sq. ft. of waterfront function space, all imbued with character, history and richly detailed design. Each event space offers a spectacular canvas for customization.
“With dramatic 19-foot ceilings, glittering chandeliers and abundant natural light from the floor-to-ceiling windows, the 5,488-square-foot Wharf Room offers unrivaled event space in Boston,” says Heather Greenbaum, Boston Harbor Hotel’s director of public relations. A renovation set for completion this month will add approximately 1,400 sq. ft. to the Wharf Room foyer.
Boston isn’t the only meetings-friendly locale in Massachusetts. “One of the things that sets Greater Springfield apart from other destinations is what we call the Three A’s—affordability, accessibility and attractions,” says Michele Goldberg, director of marketing for Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Western Massachusetts is known for its scenic beauty and iconic attractions. Visitors flock to our region to see the sights and take advantage of outdoor adventures in this beautiful setting.”
Mass Mutual Center rendering, Springfield, Massachusetts
Family-owned Crab Apple Whitewater, based in Charlemont, guides whitewater rafting and inflatable kayak trips through the Berkshire Mountains on the dam-controlled Deerfield River. Full-day and half-day trips ranging from 5 to 10 miles plunge participants of all ages and ability levels into an immersive wilderness experience.
At Springfield’s Mass Mutual Center, planners will find 40,000 sq. ft. of contiguous exhibit space, a 15,000-square-foot grand ballroom, eight meeting rooms spread across 24,500 sq. ft. and a recently updated 8,000-seat arena, all under one roof. Numerous dining options and 900 hotel rooms lie within walking distance, including the 262-room Springfield Marriott, which offers 11,000 sq. ft. of newly renovated meeting space, plus an outdoor plaza.
Planners looking for an alternative event venue or an offsite activity should consider Springfield Museums, consisting of four art, history and science museums clustered around the Quadrangle, a meticulously landscaped central green. The complex debuted its latest addition in June: The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. Through exhibits and personal memorabilia, the museum offers a window into the world of legendary children’s book author and Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel, known to generations of readers as Dr. Seuss.
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
516,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space; 41,000-square-foot grand ballroom overlooking Boston Seaport District; 82 meeting rooms totaling 160,000 sq. ft.
Boston Harbor Hotel
Forbes Five Star waterfront hotel; all 230 guest rooms and suites newly renovated; 20,000 sq. ft. of waterfront function space.
Boston Park Plaza Hotel & Towers
Landmark AAA Four Diamond hotel; recent $100 million renovation; located in Back Bay; close to Boston Common and Faneuil Hall; 1,060 guest rooms; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.
Seaport Hotel & World Trade Center
Located in Seaport District, overlooking Boston Harbor; city and water views; 428 rooms and suites; more than 180,000 sq. ft. of event space.
Sheraton Boston Hotel
Back Bay location; 1,220 guest rooms; 70,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; 19,938-square-foot ballroom; connects to 176,480-square-foot Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center.
Taj Boston
Luxury hotel built in 1927; overlooks Boston Public Garden; 273 guest rooms; nearly 26,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space.
The Langham, Boston
Historic downtown hotel; set in former Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; 317 guest rooms and suites; more than 10,000 sq. ft. of event space accommodates groups of up to 320.
Mass Mutual Center
Springfield convention facility; exhibit halls cover 40,000 (contiguous) sq. ft.; 15,000-square-foot grand ballroom; eight meeting rooms spread over 24,500 sq. ft.; 8,000-seat arena.
Springfield Marriott
Convenient downtown Springfield location; easy access to major area attractions; 262 attractive guest rooms; 11,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space; 13 meeting rooms; 10,000-square-foot landscaped outdoor plaza; Champions Sports Bar and Currents restaurant.
Further Reading:
Small But Mighty: New England
