Calendar of Events

New England Association of Drug Court Professionals is holding a two-day conference to address the impact of the opioid epidemic on courts.

The 62nd Annual Meeting of the African Studies Association is the largest gathering of Africanist scholars in the world. With an attendance of about 2,000 scholars and professionals, the conference offers 300+ panels and roundtables, plenary events featuring keynote speakers, an awards ceremony and dance party, institutional and organizational receptions and meetings, an international exhibit hall and screenings of award-winning movies from Africa, and/or by African producers.

The Massachusetts Association of Health Plans hosts its 18th annual conference. Senate President Karen Spilka delivers opening remarks.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)’s Executive Forum welcomes MassMutual CEO Roger Crandall, to talk about his vision for the future of MassMutual and comments on the state and national economies. MassMutual has been a cornerstone of the Massachusetts economy since its founding in Springfield in 1851. Register here.

The annual Thanksgiving Parade in Plymouth is one of America’s only historically accurate chronological parades, visually bringing to life America’s rich heritage representing each century from the 17th through the 21st. In showing the preservation of America’s history through the years, beginning with the Pilgrim era, we promote an appreciation among our citizens for our rich heritage. The parade is ranked the #1 Thanksgiving parade in the nation by AOL. It features beautifully decorated floats, nationally recognized Drum and Bugle Corps, re-enactment units from every period of American history and military marching units.

Plymouth 400 Presents Illuminate Thanksgiving 2019, an event focusing on young people and their ability to be that “one small candle” making a difference in the lives of many. The program begins in Plymouth Town Square with a program inside the Mayflower Meetinghouse presented by the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. It is followed by a Lighted Procession down Leyden Street to the Plymouth Waterfront. The event culminates with an inspirational main stage program, just footsteps from Plymouth Rock. A Plymouth 400 Signature Event.

Business leaders, public officials, and champions of Massachusetts will gather for MassEcon’s Team Massachusetts Economic Impact Awards Luncheon to recognize the 2019 winners. These awards honor companies from all regions of the state and multiple industries for their outstanding contributions to the Massachusetts economy. EOHED Secretary Mike Kennealy is the guest speaker.

The SBA Massachusetts District Office holds a forum entitled “Basics of Starting or Growing Your Business.” Register here.

The Massachusetts Conference for Women is the largest women’s conference in the country, featuring inspirational keynote speakers, skill-building breakout sessions and ample opportunities to develop new relationships with other women leaders. Sessions range from personal finance to health and wellness to career advancement. 

The Massachusetts Export Center’s annual Export Expo is the largest and most important export event of the year and provides a unique opportunity for service providers to meet face-to-face with key export decision makers. Learn about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities.

MassTLC hosts Tech the Halls, featuring holiday-themed sponsor booths, food, drinks, music, giveaways and more. Register here.

The Boston Red Sox hold the annual Winter Weekend fan event at MGM Springfield and the MassMutual Center. The two-day festival includes a Town Hall event, autograph sessions and photo opportunities with players, coaches and team alumni as well as panel discussions on a variety of topics. Admission information here.

The 41st Annual Mass Municipal Association Meeting & Trade Show is the largest regular gathering of Massachusetts local government officials. The two-day event features educational workshops, nationally recognized speakers, awards programs, a large trade show, and an opportunity to network with municipal officials from across the state.

Mass Beer Week celebrates the amazing craft beer made in Massachusetts. Participants include the Mass Brewers Guild, BeerAdvocate, Craft’d Events, Fat Basset Design and the Mass. Brew Bros.

Boston Design Week seeks to increase public awareness and appreciation of all aspects of design, foster recognition of the vital role design plays in our lives, and attract new audiences to a wide array of design industries and organizations.

Boston Design Week is hosting the World Design Weeks Summit, an international coalition to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, fostering the exchange of products and ideas, sustainable development and the growth of individual design events. The theme is Global Design Innovation.

The Opening Ceremony of the Plymouth 400 Commemoration is a two-hour event of historical content, musical headliners, interpretive readings, choreographed movement, original productions, and visual narratives to create a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. The Plymouth 400 Legacy Time Capsule will be introduced, and the first items will be placed inside by special guests. Honoring the past and celebrating the future, each of the commemoration themes – exploration, innovation, self-governance, religious expression, immigration, and thanksgiving – will be presented in creative ways. A Plymouth 400 Signature event.

The Ancient & Honorary Artillery Company is holding the Guernsey Cannon Dedication of the New Cannon at Burial Hill. Burial Hill was once the Old Fort that protected Plymouth Harbor.

The Mayflower, a replica of the famous ship that sailed from England to Massachusetts in 1620, is the centerpiece of a new Maritime Festival in Boston Harbor. The Mayflower will make its debut by sailing into Boston Harbor alongside the USS Constitution.

The Official Maritime Salute pays tribute to the Pilgrims’ journey on board the Mayflower from Plymouth, England, to the site of Plymouth Colony in the new world. A regatta of wooden ships, yachts, work boats, official vessels, and pleasure craft will culminate in a traditional New England lobster dinner on the waterfront. Military fanfare and maritime programming are part of the day’s festivities. A Plymouth 400 Signature event.

The Wampanoag Ancestors Walk will be led by the Wampanoag tribes of Massachusetts. Placards will be carried with the names of the original 69 villages of the Wampanoag Nation. Participants will pay homage to Massasoit and King Phillip and will stop at designated sites to bless the spots where Wampanoag ancestors walked. The walk will conclude with a drum ceremony and homage to Native souls, followed by a reception. A Plymouth 400 Signature Event.

Part of the Plymouth 400 commemoration in 2020, this State House Ceremony honors the Pilgrim forefathers and Native people who are immortalized in the historic founding of Plymouth Colony. The General Society of Mayflower Descendants, Pilgrim families, and Wampanoag families will be in attendance. A Plymouth 400 Signature event.

The Embarkation Festival is a grand cultural and arts festival to honor the traditions, cuisine, and music of Pilgrim settlers and Wampanoag people, as well as the diverse population of immigrants who have become the fabric of American life. A Plymouth 400 Signature Event.

This Indigenous People Conference addresses the legacy of colonization experienced by Wampanoag and other Native people in the (now) New England area. The Conference closes with a traditional Powwow to which all are welcome to attend. A Plymouth 400 Signature event.