The students are back in town and we're all slipping into our fall routines, which isn’t that bad. We're so lucky to have the best of each season here in Rhode Island. While I’ll miss summer, I am looking forward to the leaves changing ... and soup ... oh glorious soup! But before I get too far ahead of myself, here's an update on what's happening here at the PWCVB and with you, our partners.
PWCVB NEWS
Halloween has upped its holiday game over the years and Providence certainly has a lot to offer for anyone looking for spooky fun. The PWCVB is promoting all things wicked on our Halloween page and through email blasts, online ads, social media and more. An online contest is underway as well, giving away coveted Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular tickets and a dinner at CAV.
The PWCVB's Annual Meeting is coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 7, in the Rhode Island Convention Center at 4:30 p.m. Look for your invitation soon.
PWCVB Vice President of Sales Tom Riel recently started a Downtown Convention Committee. This committee will work to ensure that the Rhode Island Convention Center and hotels in the immediate downtown area surrounding the convention center are all working collaboratively to bring in the best business.
The Fall/Winter issue of GoProvidence is printing. Keep your eyes peeled for the new issue, which will be available Oct. 1.
And, as always, be sure to add your events to our online calendar. If you have any questions or difficulties please reach out to PWCVB Digital Media Manager Nick Millard.
PARTNER UPDATES
Anthony Tarro from Siena, Matt Varga from Gracie’s, and a small PWCVB contingency traveled to Ireland this month to participate in annual food festival “A Taste of West Cork." The PWCVB partnered with Norwegian Airlines and the city of Cork, in an effort to promote Rhode Island to Irish tourists and groups.
There's a new mural in town, located on the east-facing wall at 32 Custom House Street (the side of Knead Doughnuts). The Avenue Concept partnered with the Tomaquag Museum in Exeter to research and develop the concept for this large-scale piece, called "Still Here." The work is a collaboration between acclaimed muralist Gaia and artist Lynsea Montanari, a member of the Narragansett tribe and an educator at the museum (who also happens to be depicted in the mural). Be sure to check it out when you're in the neighborhood.
Festival Ballet Providence School has entered a new chapter in its history with Vilia Putrius as its new director. A leading dancer with Festival Ballet Providence for 11 seasons, Putrius was appointed school director last month, taking over for Mary Ann Mayer who stepped down to pursue another opportunity in dance education.
Believe it or not, Garden City Center has been open for 70 years. This amazing outdoor shopping center will be holding a celebration on Sept. 26, which will include food from participating restaurants, music and historical photos from the 1940s and 1950s. The event supports the Cranston Historical Society and admission is $20.
The next full lighting of WaterFire is on Saturday, Sept. 22. Check out our WaterFire page for more dates and start planning your night out in Providence.
IN THE NEWS
There's a lot of great news in the press about Providence and our destination in general. Check out some recent headlines below:
“15 Romantic Weekend Getaways That You Need To Book ASAP” — Women’s Health
“Hoteliers Brand, Market Signature Scents on Property” — Hotel News Now
“15 Sensory-Friendly Family Attractions in the U.S. You and Your Little Ones Will Love” — Popsugar.com
“Where to Find the USA's Best, Most Indulgent Doughnuts” — Far & Wide
“Providence Getaway: The Rhode Island Capital Is Rich in Culture and Eats” — amNewYork
“The 11 Best Restaurants in Providence” — Time Out
“Why It's Now Cheaper Than Ever to Fly Across the Atlantic” — CNN Travel
WHAT'S COMIN' TO THE PROVIDENCE/WARWICK AREA
September 21–26
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence 2018 Conference
400 Attendees
Twitter: @NCADV
Facebook: NationalCoalitionAgainstDomesticViolence
September 28–29
Boston Open DanceSport
New England Open Ballroom Dance Championship
300 Attendees
Rhode Island Convention Center
Facebook: BostonOpenDanceSport
September 28–30
Myriam Groupe Charismatique
Convention Charismatique 2018
1,000 Attendees
Rhode Island Convention Center
October 4–6
National Precast Concrete Association 53rd Annual Convention
250 Attendees
Rhode Island Convention Center
Twitter: @NationalPrecast
Facebook: NationalPrecast
October 5–8
Rhode Island Sting Girls Hockey
2018 Columbus Day Invitational
2,100+ Attendees
Rinks Throughout Rhode Island
October 8–11
Association of Forensic Quality Assurance Managers
2018 Annual Training Conference
120 Attendees
Hilton Providence
Facebook: AFQAMnews