So these days you need a local cadre that can run a convention and a convention centre?

Actually, the reverse is true, really.

We tend to judge the "modern era" of Worldcons based on several factors:

Worldcons got too large to fit (except Chicago) in a hotel space and had to add a convention center -- with all of the complications that includes

Conventions became more complex. Multiple tracks of program, exhibit, more events, films, etc. got added -- requiring more people to run things.

So many people were needed for the convention to run successfully that it became increasingly impossible to run Worldcon with nothing but local talent.

So it sounds like that even though the North East has many active fans it would be hard for them to host another worldcon due to convention centre problems?

Not at all. The problems are much more likely to be ones of affordability and interest than anything else. Although we have a lot of fans in Massachusetts, nobody's muttering about another Worldcon right now...and properties are pretty pricey, too.

But we still have a great convention center combination in the Hynes/Sheraton/Marriott, and it's likely the new convention center (BCEC) may eventually have enough hotel rooms nearby to actively consider for a Worldcon.