Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545782
RHODE ISLAND AREA GUIDES OCEAN STATE REMAINS POPULAR DESTINATON FOR BLACK PLANNERS B Y S O N Y A S T I N S O N Nicknamed the Ocean State, this New England destination is surrounded by 400 miles of coastline offering a bounty of beach- side and water activities for visitors to enjoy. Rhode Island is also famous for historical landmarks like the lighthouses that dot the coast, the Cliff Walk and Gilded Age man- sions of Newport, the White Horse Tavern, Fort Adams and the Old Slater Mill. With an international airport and a loca- tion about a three-hour drive from New York City and just over an hour from Boston, Rhode Island is a prime location for both Northeast regional meetings and gatherings of delegates from farther away. PROVIDENCE The state's capital and largest city is home to its premier meeting venue, the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC), which recently completed a major renova- tion. The upgrades include new interior fin- ishes and furnishings, an improved digital and A/V infrastructure and enhanced sus- tainability. The downtown facility contains 100,000 square feet of flexible exhibit space, plus 67,000 square feet of ballroom, break- out and meeting space. The RICC is connected to the city's largest hotel, the 564-room Omni Providence, which offers nearly 23,000 square feet of event space. There are approximately 5,500 hotel rooms in the Providence area. Also connected to the con- vention center is the Amica Mutual Pavilion, a sports area with space that can hold ban- quets for up to 1,000 and receptions for up to 13,000. Two other notable event venues are the Rhode Island School of Design and the historic Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Meeting groups and other visitors to Providence can make plans to see some of the city's Black heritage attractions, such as the African American Museum of Rhode Island and an exhibit on Black entrepreneurs at the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. The self-guided Providence Walks: Early Black History Tour showcases historic homes, churches and burial grounds that tell the stories of several local African American historical figures. Depending on the timing of their stay, vis- itors may be able to catch one of the city's most popular and spectacular riverfront attractions. Presented on select evenings from May through November (and some- times December), WaterFire is a free public art experience that features a sculpture installation amid more than 80 aromatic bon- fires illuminating the three rivers coursing through downtown Providence. Music, street performers and food vendors add more lay- ers to the experience. WARWICK Located just 10 minutes south of Providence, Warwick is the state's third largest city and the site of the Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport. But it's more than just a gateway for air travelers to the bigger cities. Boasting more than 39 miles of shoreline, several beaches and a major shopping mall, Warwick is a destination unto itself. Small to mid-size groups and incentive travelers based there can explore the coastal area, shop and easily get around the areas between Providence and Boston via the commuter rail, bus lines and ferries of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority. Warwick's largest meeting venue is in the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick, which offers 45,000 sq. ft. of event space and 22 customizable meeting rooms, along with 266 guestrooms. Two other hotels with meeting and event space are the 201-room Fairfield by Marriott and the163-room Loom Hotel Tapestry Collection by Hilton. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Warwick (401) 738-2014 http://Visitwarwickri.com Interior of Rhode Island Convention Center photo credit: Rhode Iland C.C • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS OmniProvidence 564 Providence Marriott Down- town 351 Graduate by Hilton Providence 294 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Rhode Island Convention Cente r Total Meeting Space 20,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 100,000 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 20,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 23 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Go Providence – (401) 456-0200 http://GoProvidence.com B M & T ••• July/August 2026 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 48