Building on success: Expanding the BCEC
June 26, 2014
It’s hard to believe that the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center opened its doors just a decade ago. However, it is clear what a success it’s been for Boston and the Commonwealth. In the last ten years, the BCEC and the Hynes together have generated more than $5 billion in economic impact and supported more than 5, 300 jobs in the area. That’s an impressive return on our initial investment of $850 million dollars.
The BCEC not only generates significant economic impact for Massachusetts, it also serves as a major engine for economic development. It allows Boston to host some of the 
most important meetings and conventions in the world that focus on our state’s key industries such as life sciences, health care, high tech, and education. When Boston hosts these events, global thought leaders come to our city to network and bring business to Massachusetts. Events hosted in Boston put the spotlight on our own innovations, technological developments, research, academic institutions and healthcare advancements.
To build on the their success, the MCCA is now working to expand the BCEC to meet market demand for Boston. Currently, there are a number of large contracts with events that will bring millions in economic impact and business development potential to Boston. But, these contracts are contingent on an expanded BCEC.
The good news is that thanks to an innovative financing plan, the MCCA can undertake this needed expansion without any new taxes or fees. Legislation to approve this financing plan is, at the time of this newsletter, passed in both the House and Senate and awaiting review by the conference committee.
The BCEC has also been a major catalyst in the development and growth of the South Boston Waterfront District. That’s why the MCCA’s vision for an enhanced and expanded BCEC is not just about making the building bigger, it also includes plans for bringing vitality and activity to the space around the convention center. The MCCA is working with planners to transform D Street with enhancements to the streetscape and open and activated space that can be used by the public.
To meet demand for more hotels near the BCEC, the MCCA has also developed two new hotels on D Street that are being built today. The hotels will bring new public space, retail, and restaurants to our neighborhood. At the same time, developers are showing very strong interest in building a new headquarters hotel adjacent to the BCEC that will facilitate current and future demand from the convention center.
Over the last ten years, the BCEC has successfully led Boston to rank among the top ten convention destinations in North America. With an expanded BCEC, and more hotel rooms, we look forward to even greater success as Boston moves up the ranks to compete with the top five destinations.
