5 Reasons Meeting Profs Love It

Providence is an ultra-historic city thanks to its commitment to preservation. Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is a 33-acre summer estate lauded as one of the most authentic examples of the Country Place era and an ideal location to host an offsite that provides attendees with the ultimate sense of place.

For an exciting way to get to know more about Providence’s storied history, treat attendees to a food tour with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. Groups of up to 14—with the option to book multiple tour groups for a larger attendee pool—will enjoy tastings while a knowledgeable guide takes them on a journey to visit architectural icons and learn about the city’s rich arts, culture and history.

Newport is widely celebrated for its jaw-dropping harbors and coastal atmosphere, so you won’t want to pass up a sailing excursion. With Sightsailing of Newport, you can book a group of up to 49 on an Aquidneck vessel, and 13 on a Sightsailer vessel, operated by professional captains and crews. Plus, it’s easy to arrange food and drink with Yacht Charter Menus provided by local caterers.

Connecticut is rich in arts and culture history, and being home to Yale University, it’s easy to access. If you’re meeting in New Haven, don’t pass up a visit to Yale University Art Gallery, free and open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, for a look at over 185,000 artworks from the ancient era to the present day, plus rotating exhibitions, tours and educational programming to boot.

Mark Twain made Hartford his home from 1874 to 1891. Now, the gorgeous 25-room Victorian house is open to the public as The Mark Twain House & Museum. Visitors can see over 50,000 items that belonged to the author and his family. Guided tours are available for up to 14 people, and larger groups can be accommodated by splitting into smaller groups.

 

5 Places to Meet and Stay

Courtyard Providence Downtown stands in the heart of Providence, located directly across the street from Rhode Island Convention Center, plus the Providence Place Mall and blocks from the train station, making it easy to get around. The newly renovated guest rooms offer a unique, restful space with a distinct Providence feel.

3,500 sq. ft. meeting space; 219 guest rooms.

Rhode Island Convention Center stands in the heart of Providence and is easily accessible, right off I-95 and within one mile of 2,800 hotel rooms. With the values of accessibility and ease at its heart, the venue is committed to making meetings and events a breeze.

167,000 sq. ft. of event space, 37,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a 100,000-square-foot exhibition hall.

Newport Harbor Island Resort offers the best of Newport with its seaside location, plus sought-after amenities like complimentary bikes for exploring the area and Newport’s only outdoor resort pool, plus a heated indoor pool, a spa, fitness center and a variety of waterfront dining options. Freshly renovated, it reopened in April 2024.

27,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space; 257 guest rooms.

Connecticut Convention Center is an award-winning venue, spanning 30 acres of riverfront in Hartford. Ease of access is key, with Hartford’s free downtown circulator shuttle, and proximity to over 40 independent restaurants and a number of leading entertainment venues.

205,000 total sq. ft., with 19 meeting rooms totaling over 50,000 sq. ft. and a 140,000-square-foot exhibition hall.

Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center makes exploration easy with rail links to New York City and Stamford Town Center Mall within two miles. Its contemporary guest rooms, classy dining venues and abundant meeting space, such as The Garden Pavilion, make it a top-notch choice.

64,052 sq. ft. of meeting space; 484 guest rooms.