We look forward to welcoming you to the
Historic New England Summit in Providence, R.I.
We’re here to make your Summit experience a great one!
Registration and Guest Relations
When you arrive at The VETS, members of our Summit team will greet you at the main entrance on the Avenue of the Arts circle. This entrance is accessible to general seating for all sessions. Please visit the Summit Registration Desk in the lobby to check in and receive your nametag before breakfast.
Breakfast will be available starting at 8:00 a.m. both days in the Renaissance Hotel Symphony Ballroom directly adjacent to The VETS. Please plan to check in before heading to breakfast. On Friday, you can go directly to breakfast at the Renaissance if you have your nametag.
The Summit Registration Desk and nearby Guest Relations Desk open at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and will be staffed for the duration of the Summit.
The Program
For detailed program information, including sessions, speakers, and timing, please visit our Summit Program page. Program information also will be available at the Registration Desk. During the Summit, the QR code on your nametag will take you directly to the Summit program and other up-to-the-minute Summit news.
Meals
Breakfast and lunch will be served at The Renaissance Hotel Symphony Ballroom which is directly next to The VETS and members of the Summit team will be on hand to guide you.
Breakfast:
Breakfast will be available starting at 8:00 a.m. both days, Thursday and Friday, in the Renaissance Hotel Symphony Ballroom directly adjacent to The VETS.
At breakfast on Friday morning, we are offering a Special Affinity Breakfast opportunity for folks who wish to join us. Engage in peer-to-peer discussions centered on the key themes of the Summit, including Accessibility, Placemaking, Climate Action, Inclusive Development, Education, and an exclusive affinity group tailored for our student attendees. Share your ongoing projects and collaborate, regardless of whether you operate in a small team of two or a larger group of 200.
Lunch:
Box lunches are provided on both days at the Renaissance Hotel Symphony Ballroom. Choices will be available for those with dietary restrictions.
WiFi
You can connect to The VETS’ public wifi during the Summit using the network name “VETS-Guest” with no password required. The Renaissance Hotel Symphony Ballroom where meals will be served has public wifi available using the network name “Renaissance Guest” with no password required.
Accessibility
We want to ensure that the Summit is an inclusive and positive experience for all. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Assisted Listening Devices
We are coordinating with The VETS to offer assisted listening devices free of charge. We will also set several assisted listening devices aside at registration, and these will be available to attendees on a first come, first serve, basis.
Captioning
Captioning will be available for all sessions via a monitor on the left side of the auditorium.
Format
The Summit is held entirely in plenary, with morning, afternoon, and lunch breaks. We understand that audience members may want additional breaks, and we welcome attendees to come and go as needed during sessions.
Gender Neutral Bathrooms
Accessible restrooms, including an all-gender restroom, are located on the level below The VETS lobby near the coat room.
Parking
Accessible parking is located in the lot directly in front of The VETS, and is available on a first come, first serve basis.
Physical Accessibility
The VETs Auditorium maintains accessible seating and entryways. Lower levels and restrooms are accessible via an elevator off the main lobby. All spaces used for the Summit will be accessible. For more information, visit The VETS Accessibility page.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at the Summit. Per The VETS service animal policy, service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness at all times.
Directions and Parking
The VETS is located at One Avenue of the Arts, Providence, R.I., with easy access from Route I-95.
Parking Options:
- Paid parking is available in the Providence Place Mall garage located directly behind The VETS.
- On-street parking is available on Francis and Smith Streets.
Public Transportation
Providence offers multiple transportation options, and the downtown train station is within easy walking distance to The VETS.
BUS LINES
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (known as RIPTA) provides convenient public bus transportation throughout the state. For specific routes and more information, visit RIPTA.com.
For information on bus lines serving Providence from throughout the northeast, visit GoProvidence.com.
RAIL SERVICE
Amtrak www.amtrak.com phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL
Providence is conveniently located on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor route, which runs from Boston to Washington, D.C. and back. High-speed Acela service easily transports passengers from New York City to Providence in about two hours and 30 minutes. The Providence train station is located at 100 Gaspee Street, in the heart of the downtown area.
MBTA www.MBTA.com phone:800-392-6100
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs low-cost, round-trip rail service from Boston to downtown Providence and to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport in Warwick.
Dining Options
The VETS is conveniently situated within easy walking distance or a short drive from numerous fantastic dining options in Providence. To make your choice easier, we’ve put together a list of our personal favorites.
Covid Protocol
The health and well-being of all who participate in the Summit is of the utmost importance. Please do not attend the Summit if you are experiencing symptoms. If you are not able to join us due to illness, contact guest relations at (617) 994-5905 to receive a link for virtual participation.
Hand sanitizer will be available in high-traffic areas. Masks are not required but are welcome should you choose to wear one. If you experience symptoms during the Summit and need to leave, you may receive a link for virtual participation for the remainder of the Summit by calling guest relations at (617) 994-5905.
We look forward to seeing you in Providence!
