Boston is a premier destination for world-class conventions, and 2026 is shaping up to be an extraordinary year for the city. From the historic gathering of the World Philatelic Expo to cutting-edge technology and seafood summits, the "Cradle of Liberty" will be a global stage for industry leaders and enthusiasts alike.

Hub of Innovation: A Guide to the Major Expos in Boston for 2026

1. Boston 2026 World Expo (Philatelic)

Dates: May 23 – 30, 2026

Venue: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC)

This is the "heavyweight" event of the year. Occurring only once every decade in the United States, this international philatelic exhibition will coincide with the U.S. 250th Anniversary festivities.

• Scale: Over 350,000 square feet of exhibition space.

• Highlights: A competitive exhibition of 3,500 frames of rare stamps, a massive dealer bourse, and participation from postal administrations worldwide.

• Family Friendly: Features "Stamp Collecting Merit Badge" workshops for scouts and youth activities throughout the week.

2. Seafood Expo North America / Seafood Processing North America

Dates: March 15 – 17, 2026

Venue: BCEC

Boston has long been the seafood capital of the U.S., and this expo is the largest of its kind in North America.

• Focus: It brings together thousands of buyers and suppliers from around the world for fresh, frozen, and packaged seafood, alongside the latest in processing and packaging technology.

• Conference: Includes over 30 expert-led sessions on sustainability and supply chain trends.

3. Tech & Innovation Showcases

Boston’s identity as a tech hub is reflected in two major spring events:

• TECHSPO Boston 2026 (May 12 – 13): Hosted at the Hyatt Regency, this expo focuses on the intersection of business and technology, featuring AdTech, MarTech, and SaaS innovations.

• Rapid + TCT 2026 (April 14 – 16): Returning to the BCEC, this is North America’s largest additive manufacturing (3D printing) event. It is a must-attend for engineers and designers looking at the future of production.

4. Key 2026 Industry Calendar