February 16, 2007
Nation's State Legislators to Meet in Historic Boston for Annual Meeting in August
Meeting to provide $14 million economic boost; David McCullough to speak
DENVER - In less than six months, the Massachusetts General Court will host the nation's most substantive summit on public policy, when the National Conference of State Legislatures holds its Annual Meeting in Boston.
NCSL's "Strong States, Strong Nation" meeting, which is the country's largest annual gathering of state lawmakers and state legislative staff, takes place August 5 through 9 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.
According to the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, it will generate more than $14 million in spending in Boston and Massachusetts. NCSL estimates 7,000 guests will come to Boston, using 11 different hotels for more than 18,000 room nights. The event also brings in hundreds of international delegates.
"The NCSL Annual Meeting is a great catch for Boston and the New England region," said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, noting that it's NCSL's first visit to Boston in 23 years. "Along with significant economic benefit, the meeting will generate nationwide attention for Boston and Massachusetts."
The meeting gives the General Court the opportunity to highlight public policy success stories -- such as last year's passage of the health care reform package -- and to learn about new ideas being generated by policymakers from the other 49 states. A session about the Massachusetts health care legislation at NCSL's 2006 Annual Meeting in Nashville drew standing-room only crowds.
Lawmakers serving on NCSL's 11 Standing Committees will develop policy resolutions that guide NCSL's actions on representing state legislatures before Congress and the administration. At the forefront are immigration reform, the No Child Left Behind Act, telecommunications reform and the nationalization of state drivers' licenses (Real ID).
More than 150 policy sessions will cover an alphabet's worth of issues including childhood obesity, the economic outlook, education, trade, poverty and universal health care. The meeting attracts the nation's leading experts and authorities. Already booked for this year's event is Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough, who will put the concerns of today in perspective.
"This summit is a time for lawmakers to learn from one another, to build on the successes of others and avoid their policy pitfalls," said NCSL Executive Director Bill Pound. "It also gives state legislators and staff a chance to learn about federal legislation that could affect them, and determine the best way to make the states' voice heard in Washington, D.C."
Organization and planning is already underway for the event. This week, NCSL hired a respected Boston-based executive director to oversee planning operations. Christina Pappas, founder of Open the Door, Inc., has been instrumental in marketing Boston and New England with her more than 20 years of domestic and international experience.
Registration for the meeting is expected to open in early March. Credentialed reporters can attend the meeting for free. More information about obtaining credentials will be sent out in early spring. More information can be found online at www.ncsl.org/annualmeeting.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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