政府調查稱會展業對麻州經濟發展貢獻大

               (Boston Orange 摘譯) 麻州政府3月20日公佈效益分析調查結果，稱會議展覽中心等場所，對麻州經濟影響重大。

               麻州行政及財務辦公室表示，2024年6月，麻州府聘請頂峰諮詢 (Pinnacle Advisory)調查麻州會議展覽行業狀況，查察影響麻州會議中心管理局 (MCCA)等相關行業營運的因素，以及未來發展機會。

               該調查結果稱，MCCA在美國會展行業享有盛譽，極具競爭力。包括波士頓會議展覽中心 (BCEC)，海恩斯會議展覽中心 (HCC)，以及麻州互惠中心 (MassMutual Center)等，對麻州經濟有重大貢獻，在2024會計年度中的直接、間接，以及誘導性支出，達到11.5億美元，支持了近 11,500 個全職工作崗位，並創造了 6,110 萬美元的稅收收入。

               MCCA收購了BCEC旁的C、D 和 E 地段，將可支持BCEC的未來發展，至於未來是否擴大合作，以及合作方式值得探討。

               頂峰諮詢建議，MCCA應和麻州經濟發展廳，春田市及波士頓市等外在機構，以及麻州居民合作，以協調經濟發展的優先順序，培養人才，發揮更大效益。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Makes Public the Results of a Comprehensive Market Analysis of Convention Industry 

Independent Study Examined Economic Needs and Opportunities at Massachusetts Convention Center Authority Facilities Across the State 

BOSTON — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced the findings of an independent analysis of the current and projected convention center industry conditions in Massachusetts. The analysis, conducted by Pinnacle Advisory, provides insights into factors impacting the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), including financial performance, competitiveness, capital planning, sustainability and decarbonization, climate resilience, community engagement, emergency response, and transportation.  

The administration commissioned this analysis in June 2024 to help inform the administration, as well as MCCA leadership and its board, on future strategic planning for vital assets, including the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), the Hynes Convention Center (HCC), the MassMutual Center, and the Boston Common Garage. Pinnacle Advisory is a Massachusetts-based firm specializing in hospitality consulting and asset management.  

“The MCCA is a powerful economic driver, bringing business, jobs, tourism and cultural assets to Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This independent analysis will be invaluable to the MCCA leadership team and our administration as we collaborate with the community to create an updated vision for our convention spaces, maximizing these facilities’ potential to boost Massachusetts’s competitiveness, advance equity, and meet our climate goals.”   

“Our administration is grateful to have this timely and comprehensive assessment of the conditions that enable the success of Massachusetts’s convention center facilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to have this thorough, independent review in hand as we continue partnering with Executive Director Marcel Vernon and the MCCA Board to chart a sustainable and strategic course forward for the MCCA.”   

“From creating jobs to purchasing goods and services from local businesses, convention centers strengthen the Massachusetts economy and contribute to the fiscal health of the communities where they’re located,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, a member of the MCCA Board. “With Pinnacle's analysis, we’re well-positioned to find the best path forward to enhance the positive benefits of these facilities in Massachusetts now and into the future.”   

“The analysis contained in the Pinnacle Report provides valuable insight to ensure that the convention centers we oversee serve as a vibrant hub for events, tourism, and continued economic impact. We thank both Governor Healey and the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for their vision in commissioning this valuable study, and look forward to working with the MCCA Board of Directors and our stakeholders to review and assess the thorough analysis provided in the report," said MCCA Executive Director Marcel Vernon.  

In addition to analyzing the industry conditions that currently affect MCCA facilities, this study examines the merits of future opportunities, including full expansion of the BCEC Exhibition Hall and Meeting Space. The study concludes that expansion would be beneficial only if paired with increased local hotel capacity.  

Among the study’s findings and recommendations:  

• The MCCA has developed a strong reputation and competitive standing in the national market.   

• The BCEC, HCC, and MassMutual Center have significantly impacted Massachusetts' economy, with Fiscal Year 2024 seeing $1.15 billion in direct, indirect, and induced spending, supporting nearly 11,500 full-time equivalent jobs, and generating $61.1 million in tax revenue.  

• MCCA-owned properties ("Lots C, D, and E") adjacent to BCEC were acquired with the intention of supporting the future strategic vision for BCEC. Pinnacle's analysis determined that these parcels offer development opportunities, but decisions about their future should be made consistent with a long-term strategy for BCEC, including whether and how it expands. 

• To align economic development priorities, the MCCA should engage and collaborate with external stakeholders including the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development, the cities of Springfield and Boston, and residents of the state.