Rhode Island might be a charming and storied destination that conjures images of sailing and elegant mansions in Newport, and hallowed grounds of higher education in Providence, but it’s also always evolving to keep in step with the changing expectations of meeting planners.
Providence
The word is officially out regarding Providence’s allure for groups and leisure tourists alike.
In 2014 alone, the city received numerous accolades from publications including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Architectural Digest and Saveur, and most recently, it was voted “America’s Favorite City” by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
“One thing that has certainly changed over the past few years is the positive press the city has earned recently. These publications have a national reach and it helps people consider the city in a new manner,” says Martha Sheridan, president and CEO of the Providence Warwick CVB. “The destination is always looking to improve the way it attracts business and improving the experience for meeting attendees. It’s an important piece of the puzzle in Providence.”
Sheridan notes that Providence is a group-friendly destination that is ever-appealing for visiting attendees.
“A ballroom is just a ballroom–and thankfully we have a great one–but attendees are looking to explore a bit more and experience the unique and authentic sights, sounds and flavors of a destination,” Sheridan says.
To that end, the CVB has produced a self-guided walking tour of the historic East Side neighborhood, where attendees will see some iconic New England architecture and learn some interesting anecdotes about the city’s history.
While there are several intriguing neighborhoods to visit in Providence, planners needing to book a convenient meeting or convention in the Northeast needn’t look farther than its safe, compact and walkable downtown, where attendees will find shops, galleries, restaurants and the Rhode Island Convention Center, which is connected via sky bridge to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and the Omni Providence.
“Recently we’ve seen the downtown neighborhood—sometimes referred to as “downcity”—grow to a center for shopping, dining and living, as more and more people are choosing to live downtown,” Sheridan says of the upbeat area. “Outdoor performances and alfresco dining lure lingerers outside at all hours, and creative entrepreneurs are putting their own spin on wine bars, performance venues, cafes and chic eateries.”
Situated alongside esteemed institutions including the Providence Performing Arts Center and the Trinity Repertory Company are up-and-coming hot spots.
One, The Dorrance, recently opened to much fanfare and groups can easily see why, Sheridan says, explaining that the restaurant is located within a former federal reserve building with high ceilings, huge windows and gilded sconces.
“This large space is filled by a handsome bar and tables with delicious food, and now groups can experience a splash of high-end splendor in a downtown setting,” she says.
Another new kid on the block is the Providence G building, a multiuse construction downtown.
“The building is a planner’s dream come true, with a sparkling new ballroom, a low-key gastropub, and a soon-to-be, high-end restaurant, all under one roof,” Sheridan says, adding that there is also a rooftop bar with sweeping views of the city skyline.
The Veterans Memorial Auditorium, now known as The Vets, recently underwent an extensive renovation featuring audiovisual upgrades and the addition of numerous reception and function spaces, including a boardroom, a ballroom and a gallery space.
Newport
Compared to three, five or even 10 years ago, according to Andrea McHugh, spokeswoman for Discover Newport, Newport has a host of improved offerings, including newly renovated convention hotels and boutique properties ideally suited for smaller board and executive retreats, more unique venues for off-site meetings and newly introduced experiential tour products.
Planners are looking for more than a scavenger hunt, McHugh says, citing memorable options including sailing adventures on local yachts, an event with Pour Painters that mingles a painting class and wine tasting led by a local artist and sommelier, and the recently introduced Fish’n Tales Adventures, a 90-minute excursion during which attendees explore the inner harbor and haul working lobster traps.
Newport’s lineup of improved inventory includes the Newport Marriott, which will debut a new look in April after an extensive renovation; Newport Vineyards, which will unveil changes in early 2015, including a new tasting room and porch; and Fort Adams, where newly renovated casemates, located within the walls of the fortress, can accommodate 20 to 200 attendees.
According to McHugh, the Old Quarter district in downtown Newport is an area that enjoys increasing popularity among planners, who would be hard-pressed to find a more historically significant place for attendees to explore during a walking tour.
Highlights here include the Redwood Library and Athenæum, the country’s oldest lending library; the 1673 White Horse Tavern, one of America’s oldest taverns still in operation; Touro Synagogue, the country’s oldest synagogue; and the Great Friends Meeting House, which dates to 1699 and is the oldest surviving house of worship in Rhode Island. McHugh adds that many of the sites found in the Old Quarter are available for group events.
While Newport has groups covered with the old, it also offers all the modern creature comforts to keep them happy.
McHugh notes several recent trends, including upcoming availability of free Wi-Fi in hotel rooms and conference spaces, healthy snack and meal options, as well as options for those suffering from food allergies.
To be certain these and other meeting particulars are carried through, Discover Newport implemented an initiative to customize each meeting experience, from the RFP stage to ensuring delegates are all safely boarded on their return flights.
The initiative, named Destination Experts, partners the planner with an expert meeting facilitator who is digitally and socially connected, each with their own professional Facebook page that keeps them linked to planners and the industry network.
According to McHugh, Destination Experts take a personal approach, from showcasing unconventional meeting venues to arranging tastings at local restaurants.
