Partner News

Fall is in full swing here in Rhode Island, which, of course, will change in a heartbeat and it'll be time to bundle up and get a start on holiday shopping! Another change is Partner News will now be published quarterly. We'll still include all of the same info, we'll just be popping up in your inbox a little less.

Now, let's take a look at what's happening at the PWCVB and with you, our partners.

PWCVB UPDATES

Please join us for the PWCVB Annual Meeting on Monday, November 15, at the Rhode Island Convention Center, as we applaud and honor an extraordinary group of hospitality heroes. Tickets are available now through Monday, November 8.

We're still promoting our GoProvidence Pass hotel packages as part of our partnership with Rhode Island Commerce and city hotels. Guests who book and stay at participating Providence hotels receive a free $100 Visa Reward card. The cards can be used at nearly 100 participating businesses throughout the city and are a way to help boost small businesses.

The fall/winter edition of the GoProvidence Visitors Guide is now available in print and digital formats!

Speaking of fall and winter, please let us know what you've got going on! Our Fall in Providence page is live and we're beginning to shift focus to the holiday season. Are you planning to offer Thanksgiving and holiday specials? Will you be open or operating at different hours? Let us know what you've got planned!

And as always, please make sure to add any events or promotions to our online calendar. If you have any questions or difficulties, please reach out to Digital Media Manager Nick Millard.

JOLS Group Pumpkins

The annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular just wrapped up a successful run at Roger Williams Park Zoo. It will be followed up by the return of the Holiday Lights Spectacular, this year a fully walkable experience!

WaterFire continues to light up the city through early December, but if you haven’t been to one yet, you better act fast! There are only two lightings left this season, including the annual Salute to Veterans full lighting. Check out our WaterFire schedule for all the dates.

It wouldn't be winter in Providence without ice skating and bumper cars at the Providence Rink at the BankNewport City Center. Both are set to return just after Thanksgiving and are open daily through March. As always, check the weather before heading out.

The stage is set for the return of live theater in the city! “Pretty Woman: The Musical” kicked off the season at the Providence Performing Arts Center and there’s plenty scheduled through the remainder of the year — including a little show called “Hamilton.” Wilbury Theatre Company also opened its season this month at their new home, the WaterFire Arts Center. Meanwhile, Trinity Rep will be taking the stage live and in-person this month for the annual performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

Sports are finally back at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center, with the Providence Bruins hitting the ice after having to play their 2020–21 season just over the northern border. Not long after, the Providence College Friars Men’s Basketball Team will tip off their season as they work toward another Big East Conference championship and a ticket back to March Madness.

Spin, Providence's exclusive electric scooter and bike-sharing operator, is offering employer packs with special employee-only access. These benefits include discounts, free riding and parking safety tutorials, Spin gear giveaways, input on Spin Parking Hubs and more. If you're interested in offering this to your employees, please contact samuel.andrews@spinteam.pm for more information.

Check Out What's Been Cooking on "The Rhode Show"

Partner restaurants, food trucks and caterers all have the opportunity to be featured on "The Rhode Show" each Monday morning. Here's a look at the partners that recently appeared on the show:

Ricotta Cheese by Wright's Dairy Farm
Steak with Maitre d' Butter by Pot au Feu
Homemade Vegan Burger by KC's Classic Burger Bar
Lobster Mac & Cheese by The Capital Grille

A number of winter dates for "The Rhode Show" Monday morning cooking segment are still available for PWCVB members. Secure your spot through the online form now or email Marketing & Communications Manager Greg Desrosiers for more information. We're also always looking for partners to add to the "on-call list" in the event of a sudden cancellation.

SALES & SERVICES SPOTLIGHT

The PWCVB sales team is back on the road conducting sales calls and attending trade shows. In October, they attended NYSAE MeetNY in New York City, Destination Celebration in Indianapolis, Destinations East in Boston, TEAMS in Atlantic City, Sports ETA in Birmingham and PCMA Capital Chapter in Washington, D.C.

Customer site visits are making a strong comeback and currently averaging three visits per week by both new, prospective customers, as well as returning customers. Please watch for site visit itinerary notices and let us know in advance should you have time or schedule conflicts.

The PWCVB Sales & Service team has recently joined forces with the RI Convention Center team as part of a new One Team initiative. We have redefined our workflow processes and reduced redundancy in order to make us more efficient and easier to do business with. Initial customer feedback is very positive and we are seeing great results in customer satisfaction, speed to market and conversion.

The Visitor Center is now open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. It will also be open on the following select Saturdays: 11/6, 11/13 and 11/20. If you'd like your brochures or menus to be displayed at the Visitor Center, please contact Erin Degulis.