We sat down with the MassBioHub team—Bailey Nascimento (Events Manager), and Emily Hill (Sales Specialist)—to learn more about what the Hub offers to members for their event and meeting needs. Want to see it in person? Register for the Open House on September 12.
1. Give me a short and sweet overview of the MassBioHub.
Emily: The MassBioHub is one of many benefits MassBio members can utilize. The space was designed for events of all sizes and to be truly versatile for our member companies. Not only does our space allow us to adapt to your overall event vision, but our packages have been built to simplify the entire event planning process by offering packages that are inclusive of room rentals, catering, and basic technology.
2. What types of organizations have been using the Hub, and for what kinds of events?
Emily: The Hub is utilized by a variety of companies in a number of industries. As of late, we’ve seen a pattern of academic organizations utilizing Hub space as an offsite location for multi-day conferences since the Hub provides the opportunity for larger events. Additionally, smaller biotech companies have been using our spaces for their internal quarterly meetings and all-hands. These biotechs have shared that the Hub provides ample privacy for them to conduct these internal meetings, making the Hub their go-to for event needs outside of the office. In 2024 so far, the Hub has provided event space and event services to law offices, well-established pharmaceutical companies, start-ups, academic institutions, and many more. Lunch and learns, networking receptions, and panel discussions, are just a few of the types of events that have been held in the Hub so far this year.
3. Say a member anticipates needing a few different vendors. Do they need to coordinate each one?
Bailey: The MassBio Hub team works with top-of-the-line vendors in a number of fields in order to offer the best services and capabilities to our members who have booked Hub event space. Similar to the streamlined booking process, the Hub team continues to simplify the planning process by being a liaison between members and our vendors, facilitating all of the planning. Just a few of the wonderful vendors that MassBio collaborates with are Bakers Best, Midnight Brunch, and Verrex.
4. Speaking of vendors, we know that food and drink are always important. How much optionality do members have with catering and menus?
Bailey: We began working with Bakers Best this year as our new preferred catering company and have worked hand in hand with their culinary team to create a vibrant array of offerings for our members. The menus offer not only a variety of cuisines but also seasonal options that are not only delicious but fun and creative as well. Bakers Best has impressed us with their industry-leading service along with excellent presentation and willingness to customize unique offerings in order to accommodate any allergies and dietary needs.
5. No matter the size of the event, there will always be a tech component. Can the Hub accommodate these needs?
Emily: Yes! The Hub was built with modern technology capabilities and allows our members to host events with hybrid components along with additional AV needs. Each room has a screen and projector along with more than half of the spaces being built out with Zoom capabilities for any virtual needs. We also offer in-house handheld, lapel, or podium microphones along with ClickShare for presenting to our screens. Services through our vendor Midnight Brunch are also available for an additional cost if a member wants further components such as video recording and video editing.
6. Walk me through a ‘day-of’ scenario from the perspective of a member. What can they expect from the Hub team from arrival to tear down?
Bailey: Much of this information is planned well in advance during the detailing process, and a strategic agenda is created with the onsite host and me so that we are all on the same page and set up for success. We welcome onsite hosts to arrive 30 minutes prior to the event start time for basic setup with an option to add additional time if needed. Additionally, we have a one-pager that is shared with all event hosts and distributed to their attendees, which highlights the MassBio Hub address, parking, important contact information, and much more. Again, we truly strive to streamline the process before, during, and after events for our members.
7. When someone hears conference center, it’s easy to think of large, formal events. But what if it’s just me who needs a seat and a desk for a day?
Emily: I am happy you asked! We launched our Hub Hot Desking this year that allows member companies who need a workspace for the day to utilize the MassBioHub . We have two options: a work seat where members can work in an open seat available in the Commonwealth for $35.00 a day or a huddle room to work in a more private setting that can accommodate up to 5 people for $75.00 a day. You can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day in the cafe while working in the heart of Kendall Square.
8. It’s never too early to start planning for holiday parties. Why should members consider the Hub?
Emily: You’re right! The Hub might not be the first place that comes to mind for your holiday gathering, but it should be! Not only is the cost to book the Hub during the holiday season much lower than local hotels, fine dining restaurants, and other venues that charge higher seasonal pricing, but we can turn your event space into the festive locale you imagine. We’ve expanded our packages to include a new Jingle & Mingle Reception Package that includes not only festive enhancements such as decor and music but also a fabulous variety of holiday-inspired food and beverages.
9. This is great information and I want to use the Hub, but I have over 100 people; do you have a package and event space that will work for my event?
Emily: We sure do! One of our favorite event types to host at the Hub is called a Full Facility Buyout. This is when we all come together to work on your event and your event only for the day; full privacy and complete use of the Hub event spaces in any way you want. As previously mentioned, all of our packages are inclusive, but this takes it one step further and includes an all-day AV Technician, food & beverage, room rentals, etc. This package allows our member companies to get really creative with how they utilize the space and all that the Hub has to offer.
10. OK, I’m sold. How does a member get started with booking a space at the Hub?
Emily: Simply fill out the inquiry form, and we’ll take it from there! The questions in the form are designed to capture your specific event needs, streamlining the process of booking, planning, and implementing your event. We can then provide a thorough proposal and contract, leaving no detail overlooked.
Have more questions? Reach out to me directly and I’ll be happy to have a conversation.
Want to see the Hub in person? Come to the Open House on September 12 to take a tour, sample hors d’oeuvre from our catering partner, Bakers Best, sip drinks from our bartending service, Cocktails, and meet us and the rest of the Hub team.
We truly love seeing your event come to life and look forward to planning your next exciting gathering here in the Hub!