Boston Convention and Exhibition Center

venues

Conventional Wisdom

Situated in the revitalized South Boston Waterfront, the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) casts a massive shadow across the neighborhood with its distinctively flared roofline that is visible from a mile away. Constructed in 2004, the 1.6-million-square-foot venue has 516,000 square feet of contiguous exhibition space and 82 meeting rooms, though that figure is set to change dramatically by 2019. A 1.3-million-square-foot expansion is underway that will add exhibit and meeting space as well as an additional ballroom and a hotel, a project officials hope will lure a new group of trade shows to take advantage one of the country's oldest cities.

Where to Sleep
The 793-room Westin Boston Waterfront is attached to the BCEC, and three additional business-class hotels are within walking distance. The majority of Boston's hotels are located a mile away in the downtown area, though shuttles to the venue may be available. The Boxer Boston and the Harborside Inn are popular with budget-minded travelers.

What to Eat
Few lunch spots are adjacent to the BCEC, though a 15-minute walk will get you to Yankee Lobster Fish Market, considered one of Boston's best kept secrets. Impress clients and groups with dinner at nearby Menton, which offers a fusion of French and Italian cuisine. The historic Liberty Hotel downtown has an array of unique spaces for large gatherings.

How to Get There
Boston Logan International Airport is 3.4 miles from the BCEC, and taxi fares run an average of $25 one way. Shuttle service is available from several local providers for an estimated $18, and Boston has convenient options for public transportation (www.massport.com). A parking ramp is attached to the venue and costs $15 daily, though downtown shuttles and taxis are plentiful for those not driving.


Exhibitors may assemble and dismantle their own exhibits so long as the work is done by full-time employees of the exhibiting company. Power tools may be used.		The BCEC is the exclusive provider of rigging, electrical, telecommunications, cleaning, and plumbing services. It is the preferred provider of security services.
Levy Restaurants is the exclusive food and beverage provider for the BCEC, and no outside items may be brought into the venue.	Boston features an array of unique locales for off-site events, including the Gem Italian Kitchen Nightclub and Lounge, the Harvard Club of Boston, and the prestigious John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
	Exhibitors will be allowed to hand carry one item (one time) in or out of the facility without being required to use the loading dock.
Material handling may be performed by exhibitors using two- or four-wheeled trucks that are hand operated.		Booths with a covered area larger than 300 square feet may be required to install automatic fire protection.
The BCEC is outfitted with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the facility.