Live From IPW: Martha Sheridan on How Boston Balances Revolutionary History with Modern Innovation

America's birthplace of the revolution is writing new chapters while honoring its historic legacy. In this IPW 2025 episode, recorded live from the conference floor, Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of Meet Boston, joins Afar editorial director Billie Cohen to discuss how the city balances its Revolutionary War heritage with contemporary attractions and diverse neighborhoods. The conversation covers Boston's ongoing America 250 celebrations, which began early with events like the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party in 2023 and will culminate in a spectacular Fourth of July 2026 celebration featuring the World Cup and tall ships. Martha also discusses emerging neighborhoods like Allston-Brighton with its New Balance development and the Boston Art Triennial running through October, which uses public art installations to guide visitors through over 20 neighborhoods. Addressing current challenges in international tourism, Martha emphasizes Boston's welcoming message under diverse leadership and the city's continued appeal for business travelers, evidenced by major conventions like Bio bringing 20,000 scientists from around the world. She concludes by highlighting Boston's unique characteristic: the ability to experience vastly different cultures and atmospheres within a 10-minute walk between neighborhoods. What You’ll Learn The city’s governor, lieutenant governor, and mayor are all women 2023 was the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party Boston is planning a massive 4th of July celebration for 2026 and will host several World Cup matches. This year is the very first Boston Triennial, through October 2025. Boston has 23.5 (yes, .5) diverse neighborhoods. Key Moments [05:07] The city’s governor, lieutenant governor, and mayor are all women, and Sheridan credits this trio with helping make Boston an open and welcoming city. [06:01] Boston has been celebrating since 2023, which was the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. [9:02]: Allston–Brighton is one neighborhood that may be less known to tourists, and New Balance built a track there surrounded by a development with restaurants, shops, and activities. [10:37] Sheridan stresses that tourism can support community needs by creating jobs, attracting new businesses, and helps strengthen local businesses such as restaurants. Resources Read the transcript of this episode Learn more about Meet Boston Listen to Martha's podcast, Boston Found Find Meet Boston on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Read Afar’s recent Boston coverage I 🇺🇸 America 250 Update: In 2026, Boston will host seven World Cup matches and has a blowout 4th of July celebration planned. Previous Episode: Julie Coker, President and CEO of NYC Tourism and Conventions, on how the city is unlike any other in the world. Complete Series: View From Afar Also in this IPW series: Hear from Angela Val, President and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, on how the City of Brotherly Love lives up to its name. Stay Connected Subscribe to View From Afar to catch all 20 IPW episodes this week. Follow @AfarMedia on Instagram and TikTok for behind-the-scenes IPW content. Sign up for our travel industry newsletter, Afar Advisor. Rate and review the show to help other travel professionals discover these insights. Explore our other podcasts, Travel Tales, where we share first-person narratives of trips that have changed us, and ⁠⁠Unpacked⁠⁠, which unpacks a tricky topic in travel each week. This IPW 2025 special series was recorded live in Chicago. View From Afar is a production of Afar Media and a part of Airwave Media’s podcast network (email advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast). The podcast is produced by Aislyn Greene and Nikki Galteland, with assistance from Michelle Baran and Billie Cohen. Music composition from Epidemic Sound. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices