Rhode Island may be small, but it ranks high when it comes to firsts. This was the first of the original 13 colonies to declare independence from British rule, the first to debut a Jewish synagogue and the first to open a water-powered cotton mill. Indeed, the Ocean State—whose official name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, the result of a merger of two former colonies—is a trove of historic sites and interesting stories.
A more recent first, however, may be of particular interest to meeting planners: Rhode Island is also the first U.S. state to receive the American Academy of Hospitality Science’s International Star Diamond Award, which recognizes suppliers, hoteliers and destinations for excellence in travel, cuisine and services. So while Rhode Island may date back 400 years, it’s clear that the state is focused firmly on the future when it comes to infrastructure, accessibility and serving the needs of its visitors.
Providence
With its historic heart and artistic bent, Providence exudes big-city style and small-city charm. This city of 170,000 is just three hours by land from New York City and only about 50 minutes from Boston. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor route links the destination efficiently with Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston via high-speed Acela trains, and air service via T.F. Green Airport is also convenient.
Beautifully maintained examples of Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian architecture are noticeable symbols of the city’s historic importance. Groups can tour the historic Rhode Island State House, John Brown House and First Baptist Meeting House, or check out the vibrant arts scene at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which houses more than 80,000 works of art.
Providence is also home to Johnson & Wales University, a major culinary institution, so it’s no surprise that gourmet cuisine is a big draw in the city. Groups may enjoy a mouthwatering visit to the university’s Culinary Archives & Museum before heading out for their own dining experience at a variety of local restaurants.
The city is increasingly well equipped to handle meetings and conventions, especially since the completion of upgrades at Dunkin’ Donuts Center, a 14,500-seat sports and event complex. Now, the facility is linked by skybridge to the adjacent Rhode Island Convention Center—which by itself offers 137,000 square feet of flexible meeting space—making it easier for groups to use both facilities together.
Providence’s 35 hotels, which have a total of some 5,500 guest rooms, are decidedly group-friendly. In fact, 2,050 rooms are within walking distance of the Rhode Island Convention Center, including the Providence Biltmore Hotel, the Westin Providence, the Hotel Providence and the Renaissance Providence Hotel. Nearby are meetings favorites like Providence Marriott Downtown.
Like most destinations, Providence has experienced a downturn in arrivals because of the current economic climate, according to Martha J. Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick CVB.
But, she notes, there are positive aspects to the challenges.
"I think the economic climate has resulted in greater partnering across the board," she says. "On the supplier side, CVBs are partnering more closely with convention facility operators and hoteliers in presenting creative meeting packages to potential customers."
And there are deals to be had, Sheridan adds.
"We are seeing a lot of value-added meeting packages," she says. "Hotels and facilities are presenting proposals that include some extras like free wireless Internet access or complimentary meeting space."
To better market the destination, Providence participates in the Capital Cities Collection, a group of four destinations (also including Baton Rouge, La.; Saint Paul, Minn.; and Raleigh, N.C.) that work together to help meeting planners.
"Capital Cities Collection has been a success in that it has effectively allowed each of the partners to share resources to effectively reach and interact with a greater number of prospective clients," Sheridan says.
Meanwhile, the city will continue to improve its group offerings, according to Sheridan.
"Providence has undergone an extraordinary transformation over the past five years, including the addition of new hotels, the renovation of the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, the revitalization of neighborhoods and retail districts, the opening of the Chace Center at RISD and continuing expansion of our arts, cultural and culinary offerings," she says. "In the next five years we will look forward to the development of new areas of the city, as we finalize the relocation of a major highway—Interstate 95."
Sheridan says the I-95 project is nearly complete, and ramps and overpasses that formerly ran through the city will be removed to allow for development of those areas and more urban open space.
Warwick
Not far from the city of Providence is Warwick, which offers 39 miles of coastline as well as enough shopping and activities to fill the free time of any delegate.
Founded in 1642, this was where the first shot was fired during the American Revolution. Today, it’s a picturesque place for boating, shopping for antiques and crafts, and visiting historic sites like the Aldrich Mansion, set majestically on a 75- acre estate on Narragansett Bay.
Warwick is strategically located for travelers, due to the fact that it’s home to T.F. Green Airport, the region’s largest. Visitors using this airport will soon have a new transportation option, thanks to a commuter rail line being constructed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
Slated to open in late 2011, the new service will run between Boston, Providence, Wickford Junction in North Kingstown and T.F. Green in Warwick. The airport train station will be part of the Warwick Intermodal Facility, which will be linked by a 1,200-foot walkway to the airport terminal.
Crowne Plaza at the Crossings and the Radisson Providence Airport are two popular meetings hotels in Warwick.
Across Narragansett Bay in the waterfront town of Bristol is Bristol Harbor Inn. The inn is part of the Thames Street Landing complex, which includes meeting space at DeWolf Tavern, located in a restored 1818 warehouse.
Newport
Planted scenically on Aquidneck Island (the original colony of Rhode Island), the city of Newport is a naturally beautiful place with memorable options for leisure and group travelers. And since it’s just 26 miles by shuttle or taxi from U.S.T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Newport offers easy access.
Visitors to Newport may enjoy strolling the lively downtown waterfront, peeking into shops filled with antiques and art, sailing the peaceful coastal waters and touring the many Gilded Age mansions built as summer homes for wealthy families like the Astors and Vanderbilts.
Many of Newport’s most popular activities provide interesting opportunities for groups. Team-building events include sailing regattas on Americas Cup racing yachts and croquet and tennis games at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Private events can also be held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame and at the historic mansions overlooking the water through the Preservation Society of Newport County. Planners can also arrange for attendees to receive great gifts, including tasty samples from Newport Chocolates, cans of New England clam chowder from the celebrated Black Pearl restaurant and dry packs of Del’s Lemonade, a favorite local beverage.
"Few places in North America are as rich in culture, architecture, history and natural beauty as Newport, Rhode Island," says Kathryn Farrington, vice president of marketing at the Newport CVB. "From its storied maritime tradition as the sailing capital of the world to its deep-rooted history covering the Colonial and Gilded Age periods, Newport has always existed as a destination that truly celebrates diversity."
Newport’s legendary appeal makes it an easier sell for delegates, according to Tim Walsh, vice president of sales at the CVB.
"Just mention the word Newport, and you will experience a multitude of responses," he says. "Most people have some fond memory of Newport, and this, coupled with the world-class meeting facilities and vendors, help carry these memories into the meeting world. Many meetings that take place in Newport experience fantastic or record-setting attendance because it does not take much to convince attendees to make the short trip to Newport."
The city offers an array of facilities for groups, including downtown convention hotels with a total of 925 guest rooms, 3,500 guest rooms throughout the county and a total of 70,000 square feet of meeting space.
"Groups meeting in Newport will always have the opportunity to feel very special," Walsh says. "Our largest property has 317 rooms, so most groups will be the big fish in a little pond. We are fortunate to have such a large number of meetings-friendly inns and B&Bs in Newport that will allow a company to take over the facility."
Larger groups, he adds, can take advantage of the fact that the convention-style hotels are so close to each other. Major meetings properties, all of which have recently completed renovations, include the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa, the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, and Hotel Viking, which is part of Historic Hotels of America.
Recent worldwide economic challenges have resulted in especially good deals for planners, Walsh notes.
"Without a doubt, now is the time to bring a meeting or event to Newport," he says. "2010 presents great opportunities for groups to hold meetings and events in Newport at rates that have not been seen in many years. The pendulum always swings from buyer to seller, and the buyer is benefiting at the moment."
The Newport County CVB’s Farrington adds that good timing can also bring bigger savings.
"For the budget conscious, don’t rule out Newport from November through April," she advises. "They are great months to nail down incredible deals on accommodations and off-site venues for special events. The city is still bustling with activities—from an outdoor ice skating rink to mansions and museums, fabulous restaurants, shops and a special event roster with something for everyone."
—Born and raised in New York State, freelancer Mark Chesnut developed an interest in nearby New England at an early age—and was particularly surprised following his first visit to Rhode Island. Rather than a tiny state with little to see, he found more than enough to justify multiple visits for both vacations and, later, for work. Chesnut is based in New York City.
