Springfield - The 2025 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism will take place on March 18-19, 2025, at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. It will highlight the strength of Massachusetts’ tourism sector and the potential for additional growth over the next two years with major events like Massachusetts 250, FIFA and Sail Boston. The conference will include a highly anticipated conversation between bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand and Governor Maura Healey about how Massachusetts stories inspire tourism through books and film.  

“The Massachusetts story is one of revolution and innovation, health and education, and freedom and inclusion. This is the story we share through our travel and tourism sector, which drives billions in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As we celebrate Massachusetts 250 and prepare to host major events like the FIFA World Cup and Sail Boston, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase our revolutionary spirit and all that we have to offer here in Massachusetts on a national and global stage. I look forward to highlighting all of these exciting upcoming events at the Governor’s Conference, as well as join in conversation with bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand about the role of film tourism in telling Massachusetts’s story. We’re also proud to be hosting this important conference in Western Mass, a region that played an essential role in the American Revolution and contributes so much to our economy and communities, especially in arts, culture and outdoor recreation."

“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together as a state and celebrate the places, stories, and revolutionary spirit that defines us,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By partnering with tourism leaders, we can amplify this moment-inviting visitors and residents alike to engage with our history in new and meaningful ways. Through collaboration and strategic storytelling, we can showcase Massachusetts as the birthplace of the American Revolution and a dynamic destination where history continues to inspire us all.”

The statewide Massachusetts 250 campaign that inspires visitation and engagement with the state’s revolutionary history will be featured during the conference. As the nation approaches its 250^th anniversary, with many Massachusetts milestones happening in 2025, this initiative highlights the places and people that helped shape Massachusetts and the country. At the conference, a panel featuring experts from the Clark Art Institute, the Concord Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts will explore how destinations, museums, and tourism leaders can engage with Massachusetts 250 to attract and welcome visitors. Through a Museums 250 lens, panelists will present strategies for immersive storytelling, regional collaboration, and community engagement-ensuring this historic milestone creates memorable experiences for residents and travelers alike. 

This year’s conference will feature an eagerly awaited conversation between Governor Maura Healey and Elin Hilderbrand. The celebrated bestselling author is known for her captivating novels set in Nantucket and seaside New England, including “The Perfect Couple,” which became an incredibly popular Netflix limited series in 2024. Hilderbrand will discuss her writing career, her deep connection to Massachusetts’s coastal communities, and the role of storytelling in shaping tourism and regional identity. 

“When visitors step into the scenes of their favorite films and shows, they support local businesses, hotels, and cultural institutions-turning cinematic storytelling into a powerful engine for economic development and destination appeal,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We eagerly anticipate Elin’s insights into how narrative shapes cultural character and boosts tourism-fostering a sense of belonging that strengthens our communities.”

FIFA events and Sail Boston are revenue-generating opportunities that position Massachusetts on the global stage. Both events, set for the summer of 2026, offer significant economic impact through international tourism, hospitality, and global exposure. The conference will discuss how these marquee events allow Massachusetts to capture the hearts and minds of international audiences.

“Massachusetts is the ultimate place to root for the home team-and your own. From our hometown teams to global events like FIFA and Sail Boston, our state is where legendary teams and fans come together for world-class competition,” said Kate Fox, executive director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “As we roll out the welcome mat for these big international events, we are excited to offer unforgettable sporting moments and exceptional destination experiences that showcase the best of Massachusetts.”  

The conference will also feature discussions on destination marketing, sustainable development, and collaboration between the public and private sectors to support Massachusetts’s economic growth. It is expected to attract a diverse group of tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, and state officials, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into the future of Massachusetts tourism. 

“We are thrilled to welcome tourism these 300 plus professionals from across the Commonwealth to Western Mass,” said Mary Kay Wydra, president of Explore Western Mass. “This conference is also a great opportunity for local businesses to attend and learn more about how they can benefit from tourism marketing, the third largest industry in Massachusetts. We’re ready to welcome these 300-plus leaders to Springfield next month.”

To learn more about the Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, visit https://massgovernorsconference.com/.