MEETINGS EAST MAGAZINE READERS RECOGNIZE FOUR PROVIDENCE WARWICK CVB

MEMBERS ON 2010 "BEST OF" AWARDS LIST

PROVIDENCE, R.I., October 28, 2010 - Four Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau members are recipients of the distinguished Meetings East "Best Of" Awards.  Chosen by the magazine's readers, winners include The Westin Providence, The Hotel Providence, Crowne Plaza Warwick at the Crossings and the Newport Marriott Hotel.

            "We are honored that four of our local members have received this prestigious recognition from the readers of Meetings East," said Martha Sheridan, President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau.  "As we strive to provide our visitors with an unrivaled meetings experience, we are extremely grateful to the planners who chose Providence/Warwick as their meeting location."  

The 10th annual Meetings East poll is based on readers' evaluation of a range of criteria, including the quality of meeting space, guest rooms, guest services and amenities, food and beverage options, high-tech services and equipment, recreational facilities and activities, efficiency and helpfulness of staff and overall value and experience.  The results are featured in the September issue of Meetings East and online at http://www.meetingsfocus.com/NewsEvents/BestOfAwards/tabid/70/Default.aspx.

Providence offers meeting planners endless possibilities for creating a distinctive visit including its rich cultural and arts scene, which features top restaurants, acclaimed theater productions and bountiful shopping. 

Elegantly designed to complement the city's historic architecture, the Rhode Island Convention Center (RICC) is located at the heart of the city's bustling downtown.  The RICC contains a 100,000-square-foot exhibition hall, a 20,000-square-foot ballroom, 23 meetings rooms and the all-glass Rotunda Room, a special function space overlooking the city.  An exhibitor's services center, state-of-the-art business center, superb in-house catering service and ten loading docks with ramp access to the show floor are also available in the RICC.

Additionally, the new VIP Program created by the PWCVB allows meeting planners to choose from more than 110 special offers to customize their events.  Examples include ice-skating parties in the heart of the city, a special ‘Taste of Rhode Island' amenity upon arrival and a complimentary hand cream treatment at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa.

For more information or to book a meeting in Providence, visit http://www.goprovidence.com/.

~ The Creative Capital ~

Providence is a vibrant and energetic destination boasting some of the country's finest educational institutions paired with a pulsating artistic landscape.  The city's history of innovation, dating back to its founding father Roger Williams, drives a strong sense of place and encourages residents and visitors alike to view Providence as a leading arts and cultural destination.  Providence seamlessly blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the graceful charm of a small town replete with internationally-acclaimed restaurants and a thriving arts scene.  Media can also visit www.louhammond.com for latest press releases and images. Follow on Twitter at LouHammondPR.