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The WTS-Boston Chapter held its March Luncheon Seminar on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Wyndham Boston Beacon Hill. The panel was moderated by Julia Campbell of the City of Boston and featured Erika Mazza (MBTA), Amy Yandle (City of Boston), and Amy Getchell (MassDOT). Drawing on their broad and deep professional experience, the panelists shared insights into planning mega events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

WTS-Boston President Sarah Bergman opened the event by welcoming approximately 170 attendees from both the public and private sectors. She emphasized the importance of advancing women in the transportation industry and highlighted how this work aligns with WTS-Boston’s core values.

The panel began by outlining the many stakeholders involved in planning a global event of this scale and the respective roles of the City of Boston, MassDOT, and the MBTA. Amy Getchell highlighted the complexity created by the number of scheduled events, the tight planning timeline, and the overlap with other major activities taking place at the same time, including concerts, sporting events, Harborfest, and Tall Ships. Erika Mazza noted that, given the scale of the event and the number of stakeholders, many decisions are being made at the local level - an approach she highlighted as a strength. Local teams bring an unmatched understanding of the region, its infrastructure, and how New Englanders move through and experience the city.

Panelists encouraged attendees and the general public to use public transportation when traveling to event venues and shared that a comprehensive transportation plan is currently being developed, with MassDOT looking forward to sharing details in the near future. The discussion also addressed how the City of Boston is preparing to welcome travelers from around the world, including considerations for multilingual communication. Amy Getchell noted that MassDOT is developing highway signage featuring universal symbols to help guide visitors to event locations. Beyond transportation planning, Amy Yandle discussed additional preparations such as fan marches, watch parties, and other initiatives designed to support local communities and enhance the overall visitor experience. Panelists also spoke about the importance of understanding how different fan groups celebrate and planning ahead to accommodate those patterns.

Throughout the discussion, all panelists emphasized the importance of their teams in making this work possible. While each panelist is leading significant efforts related to World Cup planning, they expressed appreciation for the colleagues who have stepped up to manage their day-to-day responsibilities. Panelists noted that this collective support has been critical to maintaining continuity, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that both ongoing operations and World Cup planning efforts continue to move forward successfully.

As the event concluded, panelists responded to audience questions regarding how local residents can support these efforts. They encouraged attendees to avoid driving during peak event times when possible, to be welcoming hosts, and to help visitors navigate the city, contributing to a positive and memorable experience in New England.

WTS-Boston extends special thanks to the Programs Committee for planning and executing this successful event, as well as to the event champions and leadership team for ensuring a smooth and engaging luncheon

For additional photos, please visit:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/wts_boston/albums/72177720332756166/with/55170867757

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