Venues · Rigging and LED
MCEC Boston: convention LED, rigging, power and haze
The Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (MCEC, formerly BCEC) is at 415 Summer Street, Boston, Massachusetts. MCCA’s Event Planning Guide 2026.1 separates Exhibit Halls, Grand Ballroom, lobbies and meeting rooms; Hynes conditions are not this building’s drawing.
Does a supported portal avoid exclusive rigging?
No. Section F includes flown and supported truss and motors, assembly, installation and crank-up operation in Exhibit Halls and Grand Ballroom. The ERSP inspects and approves equipment; a client’s prefabricated system needs prior approval. Meeting rooms prohibit aerial rigging, while the ERSP operates their supported crank-ups and truss.
Obtain room-specific CAD points and WLL and submit complete weights, reactions, elevations and orientation. The 1,500 lb point limit applies to North Lobby and Grand Ballroom Pre-Function, not every roof. The exception for aisle signs below 150 lb on catwalk railings does not authorize flown LED. If points or weight change, hold the new revision until accepted.
What must be separated between freight, floor and power?
Freight goes through the dock; hand-carry is limited to one item, one time, without carts or mechanical assistance. Do not use passenger elevators for flight cases. Carts in meeting rooms and ballroom carpet require plywood, Masonite or Visqueen; protection does not increase floor capacity. Confirm support loads, wheels, freight elevator and route before dispatch.
MCCA provides electricity exclusively. Order voltage, phases, current, connector, rehearsal hours and connection responsibility. The Electrical Rigging Package adds connection labor, but overhead electrical service for a rotator, motor or illuminated sign is ordered separately. Confirm both orders before energizing; if one is missing, keep the affected equipment disconnected.
Can haze be used in a booth or meeting room?
Hazer/Fogger limits authorized use to ballrooms and Exhibit Halls used for general sessions or special events; it prohibits use in individual display areas and meeting rooms. MCCA acceptance, a Boston Fire Department permit and firefighter detail for rehearsal and event are required. Coordinate detection and charges with the venue; do not disable detectors yourself.
For lasers, the guide requires Licensee and MCCA Public Safety approval and Massachusetts DPH registration/approval. Confirm the current process and equipment, LSO and temporary-use documents with DPH; a haze or rigging permit does not establish coverage. Without effect and schedule acceptance, return to operation without emission.
Frequently asked questions
Are 14 and 21 days a single rigging deadline?
No. Page 50 distinguishes Licensee and exhibitor orders and package pricing, with references to 14 and 21 days. Obtain the schedule and quote for the order type; a discount does not establish engineering approval.
Can a floor cable ramp cross a doorway?
Page 49 requires cables crossing a doorway to be flown and does not accept cable trays as a substitute. Review the route with the venue and authorized provider; do not lay cables across a doorway or improvise a roof point.
Official documentation
Confirm the revision and appendices for the contracted space. Published data do not establish installation acceptance or replace permits or inspections.