Exhibitor FAQ

Where is MSA FORWARD 2022? Are all events on-site?

MSA FORWARD is taking place at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), located at 415 Summer St in Boston, MA. All education sessions, ticketed workshops, and the Expo Hall are located in the convention center. Room numbers for all events can be found online, on the app, and in the printed on-site guide.

 

The two educational excursions will be held off-site: a full-day trip to Salem on Wednesday, and a half-day private Freedom Trail walking tour on Sunday.

 

The MSA NEXT Party on Wednesday night for those who identify as a young or new professional takes place at SPIN, the original ping pong social club, just a quick 8-minute walk from the BCEC (address: 30 Melcher St, Boston, MA). The other networking parties (the MSA Friday Night Party & Silent Auction, and the Saturday Wine and Cheese Closing Session & MSA Awards) take place at the BCEC.

 

I have a question about my booth. Who do I go to for help?

Freeman is coordinating all booths and exhibits; please direct any questions to a Freeman service rep. The Freeman Service Desk is in the back of Hall B in the Expo Hall.

 

Please note that power/electric and telephone/internet is managed through the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

 

How late is the Expo Hall open at night? What time does it open in the morning?

Vendor move-in in the Expo Hall takes place Wednesday, May 18 and Thursday, May 19, 8 am-6 pm.

 

The Expo Hall will be open Friday, May 20, 9:15 am-5 pm (ribbon cutting at 9:15 am), and Saturday, May 21, 9 am-5 pm.

 

Vendor move-out takes place Saturday, May 21, 5:30-9:30 pm, and Sunday, May 22, 8 am-2 pm.

 

What meals are included in our booth registration? What about drink tickets?

Meals included in your MSA registration:

  • Breakfast on Thursday (as part of the Opening General Session & Welcome Breakfast)
  • Lunch on Thursday (as part of the MSA Membership Meeting & Luncheon)
  • Breakfast on Friday (as part of the General Session & Grab-and-Sit Breakfast)
  • Grab-and-go lunches in the Expo Hall on Friday and Saturday (lunch tickets required and included in your MSA registration) – If you forgot to reserve your lunch tickets during reservation, you can print them out at the MSA Registration Desk.
  • Grab-and-go breakfast in the Expo Hall on Saturday

Food and drink included at MSA networking parties:

  • MSA Friday Night Party & Silent Auction (Friday at 6:30 pm): Two drink tickets (followed by a cash bar), chef’s table buffet
  • Wine and Cheese Closing Session & MSA Awards (Saturday at 5 pm): Two drink tickets (followed by a cash bar), cheese and charcuterie
  • MSA NEXT Party for young professionals and industry newcomers (Wednesday at 7 pm): Two drink tickets per person (followed by a cash bar), heavy hors d’oeuvres, charcuterie, and assorted treats

What educational sessions and excursions am I allowed to attend as part of my booth package?

Registered booth personnel can attend all non-ticketed education sessions and all MSA networking events and parties. Tickets to the educational excursions have an additional fee, and can be purchased at the MSA Registration Desk.

 

I’m donating an item to the auction. Where do I bring it?

Please bring your item with completed documents to the MSA FORWARD Registration Desk by 3 pm Thursday, May 19.

 

I have a product to display (either the Product Gallery Display or the Buyer’s Choice Awards Finalist Display). Where do I bring it?

Please bring your product to the MSA HUB during Expo Hall move-in hours (May 18 and 19, 8 am-6 pm both days), along with any display materials you need (no signage or marketing materials allowed in the display). Your display area will be marked off and labeled with your company name.

 

I have extra, unused materials to get rid of. Where can I donate or dispose of these items?

You can donate clean, useable, non-perishable materials to the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority’s Conventions C.A.R.E. program. Not only will your materials be put to good re-use, but you’ll be cutting back on your event’s environmental impact by diverting waste from local landfills. Plus, it saves you the time and expense of shipping unneeded goods back home.

 

MCCA will put out blue bins at break down labeled Convention Cares -- simply leave your donations in the bin. They can include:

  • office products
  • building products
  • medical supplies
  • convention bags
  • non-perishable food
  • toiletries

What does it mean that MSA FORWARD is co-located with the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo?

These two events are being held in the same convention center, and registered attendees of either conference are welcome to visit both MSA and AAM booths in the shared Expo Hall space. MSA FORWARD registered attendees may also attend the AAM General Session and keynote presentations at no added cost.

 

If I’m vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19, do I still need to wear a mask?

We are following health and safety protocols determined by AAM and the City of Boston. As of February 18, Boston is no longer requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for indoor venues. While Boston has also lifted indoor masking requirements, at this time, MSA and AAM encourage attendees to wear masks while in the convention center when not eating or drinking. If needed, masks are available at the MSA Registration Desk (thank you to Original Source for donating!).

 

If you're attending an educational excursion, we recommend bringing a mask with you. Masking guidelines vary per museum, venue, and transportation.






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