Newport is a memorable destination, and planners can make sure attendees remember their trip long after they return home with a variety of unique gifts.
The Newport Visitor Information Center (401.845.9123; www.gonewport.com) is a great place to start if planners are looking to send meeting attendees home with a memento of their time in Newport. Golf shirts with the official Newport logo, in varying colors and sizes, are available at the center for $20 to $25 each, or planners can contact a salesperson at the Newport County CVB for assistance.
Planners are also encouraged to contact a sales manager at the Newport County CVB if they’d like delegates to enjoy savings when they’re in town. The Destination Coupon Book (401.849.8048; www.gonewport.com) offers more than $500 in coupon savings at area attractions, restaurants, retail shops and special events. The original price for the coupon book is $5, but a special $4 price is extended to meeting planners working with groups.
Newport Chocolates (401.841.8975; www.newportchocolates.com), a local chocolatier, offers a Hospitality Box featuring a chocolate sailboat, lighthouse and shell. There are also chocolate pineapples that come with the story of the pineapple as a symbol of Newport hospitality. Corporate gifts are also available, such as the Newport Chocolate Signature Box, including a gourmet caramel chocolate pretzel and other chocolate goodies inside an illustrated keepsake box.
For $5.95 per can, planners can send meeting attendees home with a taste of Newport. The Black Pearl (401.846.5264; www.blackpearlnewport.com) is a popular Newport restaurant that packages its famed clam chowder, which is locally produced with huge chunks of Rhode Island clams, potatoes, cream, dill butter and special spices. Black Pearl T-shirts in varying colors are also for sale.
A tour of Newport’s mansions is a must for most groups visiting the destination. The Preservation Society of Newport County (401.847.1000; www.newportmansions.org) sells “mansion trivia” playing cards featuring all manner of fun facts about the summer cottages of the gilded age for $3.95 a pack.
Del’s Lemonade (401.463.6190; www.dels.com), a popular “state drink” of Rhode Island, comes in buckets filled with 15 individual packets for $16. Del’s also sells other fun items, from T-shirts and caps to Frisbees, key chains and beach towels.
—Carolyn Blackburn