Massachusetts Convention Center Authority

The meeting covered several key agenda items. The Strategic Plan update focused on positioning the MCCA for market competitiveness, innovation, and inclusive engagement to enhance regional influence and economic growth. Department updates included finalizing the employee handbook, reviewing standard operating procedures, preparing for a background check review, presenting FY26 EEO and recruitment data, and announcing the unveiling of new exterior signage at the Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center. The IT department successfully launched an LTE & 5G Distributed Antenna System (DAS) at the Boston Common Garage in collaboration with T-Mobile. Performance reports detailed contract closures and room night statistics for the Boston Convention and Marketing Center, noting strong short-term bookings for AI-focused technology events. The MassMutual Center/MGM Springfield update highlighted sales activity, including new conference bookings and upcoming anchor events like Stars on Ice and Disney on Ice. The Administration, Finance & Personnel Committee addressed the FY25 Audit, resulting in the unanimous acceptance of the Financial Statements and Auditor's Report, a review of the September 2025 Year-to-Date Budget to Actual Income Statement, and a presentation of the draft Internal Audit Charter. The Development and Construction Committee approved a major construction contract for the Low-Sloped Membrane Roof Replacement at the MCEC for $20,550,000.00, and authorized a network support maintenance renewal contract with WorldCom Exchange, Inc. (WEI).

The Development and Construction Committee meeting agenda included discussions and votes on the Low-Sloped Membrane Roof Replacement project and the Juniper Support Maintenance Agreement renewal. The roof replacement project involves removing the aging low-slope membrane and installing new, high-performance roofing systems, including replacement of expansion joints and flashings, in preparation for future solar panel installation. The lowest bid received was $20,550,000.00 from H. J. Russell, with established MBE participation. For the maintenance agreement, the committee recommended renewing the contract for network equipment support with WorldCom Exchange Inc. (WEI) for an amount not to exceed $289,853.32, leveraging the state's ITT72 Contract and achieving an estimated cost savings of up to $100,000 by moving to A1 licensing.

The Development & Construction Committee meeting addressed two main agenda items. The first involved the presentation and subsequent recommendation for approval of the comprehensive plan for the low-sloped membrane roof replacement, authorizing a construction contract with H.J. Russell for $20,550,000.00. The second item concerned the annual renewal of the Juniper network support maintenance agreement, resulting in a recommendation to authorize a contract with WorldCom Exchange, Inc. (WEI) not to exceed $289,852.32.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of John Barros as the new Interim Executive Director of the MCCA, highlighting his vision for economic development and community engagement. Key discussions included the Boston Convention Marketing Center Performance Report, which covered recent sales activity and long-term bookings. The Administration, Finance & Personnel Committee report reviewed November year-to-date financials, discussed the Q2 2026 Forecast versus the 2026 Budget, and addressed findings from the CliftonLarsonAllen audit, noting remediation progress on a material weakness concerning account reconciliation. The Development & Construction Committee reported on the MMC Chiller Ice Plant Replacement; the Authority authorized a construction contract with Kleeberg Mechanical, Inc. for $4,301,777.00 to replace the aging R-22 refrigerant system. Furthermore, the Authority voted to authorize the negotiation and execution of contracts with eight firms selected via RFP to provide Consulting Engineering and Architectural Services for capital improvement projects over a three-year term.

The committee meeting will focus on the compliance of MMC Sidewalk Improvements (MAAB).