Revitalized Providence Sees Meetings Boom

Future bookings at the Providence (RI) Convention Center increased 105% in 1997, reports the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau. To achieve such growth, Providence has invested one billion dollars in reshaping the city. In addition to the new convention center, developments include a revitalization of the waterfront, a new downtown mall, and expansion of T.F. Green Airport. City leaders predict the boom will continue. Hotel occupancy rates have soared, and the city has