5 fun facts about Boston from an overexcited UK HubSpot partner

As a UK HubSpot partner, we’re probably a tad overexcited about attending Inbound 16 in Boston come November. The term “wheee!” has been used a few too many times in the office lately. We’re just a couple of months off now, and already dusting our suitcases.

However, we still have plenty of unanswered questions. Will there be snow? What will happen with Trump? Do we need to pack trainers to hotfoot it from talk to talk? (Don’t worry, we ran a charity 10km earlier this year, so we’re pretty much ready for action!)

JAN 2017 UPDATE: We've made it! Six & Flow is delighted to now be a platinum tier HubSpot agency, the second agency in Manchester to earn this prestigious title. We also became the first officially Certified HubSpot Trainer agency in the whole of the UK, and one of only a handful in the world. Read more here.

1. The history

Boston is more or less the oldest city in the US. For a UK HubSpot partner like us, it may not quite compare to medieval castles and Stonehenge – but it’s pretty impressive, nonetheless. In fact, the Lonely Planet refers to Boston as “one enormous outdoor history museum.” The Freedom Trail winds its way around the city, taking visitors around numerous historic sites significant to America's fight for independence from Britain.

2. It’s a hive of intellectual activity

Boston is a cultural capital – it’s even had a nickname of “The Athens of America” since the 19th century. Today, the city benefits from museums, art galleries, libraries and buzzing musical and theatrical scenes. Prestigious academic institutions in Boston include MIT and Harvard.

3. The food

Less of a cultural highlight, more due to our gluttony – we can’t wait to sample all the seafood Boston has to offer. From cod to lobster to oysters, we’ll take the lot, thanks. Preferably in the Seaport District, accompanied by spectacular harbour views (and a few napkins, just to be safe). After all, we’ll be busy at Inbound and burning plenty of calories!

4. The US election

Making our visit even more interesting, we’ll be in Boston on the night of the US presidential elections. Naturally, a little UK HubSpot agency like us doesn’t have a favourite candidate (though if we did, their name wouldn’t rhyme with ‘jump’…) but we can’t wait to sit and experience this historic moment with the nation. Popcorn to the ready!

5. Boston is the centre of all things conferencey

HubSpot’s Inbound conference is certainly in good company. Dozens of major events are being hosted in Boston throughout autumn, and Dylan Martin at BostInno recently reviewed the city’s bulging calendar of tech conferences.

On September 29, TEDxCambridge will be held at Boston Opera House, where visitors will enjoy what is thought to be one of the largest TEDx conferences in the world. This event “celebrates the remarkable innovation, creativity and inspiration found within New England and beyond.” Presentations will cover science, design, technology, business, education and the arts.

The following month, on 16 October, 2016 Forbes Under 30 Summit will bring together thousands of young entrepreneurs. This year, organisers are “more than tripling its size and scope” as an event, and hosting celebrity speakers like Sir Richard Branson and Jessica Alba.

Just one day after this, Women Entrepreneurs Boston Week will kick off. From 17 October, a weeklong celebration will take place across multiple venues to commend Bostonian female entrepreneurs. Workshops, debates and networking aim to help women entrepreneurs “learn new skills to build and scale their businesses.”

All of these events (and Inbound too) share common themes of innovation, creativity and ambition. All in all, this creates an electrifying atmosphere that we can’t wait to soak up.

Help a UK HubSpot partner out

This concludes all that we know about Boston, actually. We’d love to hear any insider tips from returning visitors or local residents. If you’re headed to Inbound16 too, why not give us a shout, we’d love to meet for a coffee. And maybe some help with directions.

Working with a HubSpot partner agency can complement the technical side of the software and introduce a hugely effective inbound marketing campaign that can take your business to the next level of growth.