Photo Credit: Matt Klinger, MAD PIX PRO
Northstar Meetings Group's 2025 Destination East event brought more than 120 event planners and suppliers together for three days of education, networking and activities in picturesque Providence, R.I. The event was hosted on Sept. 7-9 in partnership with the Go Providence Warwick CVB, the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Graduate by Hilton Providence.
Attendees were gifted customized event shirts courtesy of Go Providence upon arrival. The registration lounge included a CSR activity from the With Grace Initiative, which invited participants to decorate blankets for children with pediatric cancer. Aubrey Reichard-Eline, cofounder and president of the initiative, spoke at the welcome reception about her daughter's battle with cancer and the importance of giving back with purpose and positivity.
On the second day, local artist Barnaby Evans led a session on "Building Tourism Through Art: Lessons From the Creative Capital." Evans shared the history of the public arts event he founded in 1994, WaterFire, which brings bonfires, performers and live music onto the city's three rivers, and has brought millions of people to the city over the past two decades.
In the afternoon, planners and suppliers met for one-on-one appointments and then explored the city's many group offerings. Some ventured out for a walking or boat tour, while others enjoyed a distillery tasting at the Industrious Spirit Company. Those who were feeling competitive headed to the interactive gaming venue Level99. The evening ended with a rooftop reception and live music at Providence G.
The final day kicked off with "The Engagement Formula: Behavioral Psychology and the Power of Event Design," from Megan Janel Zimmer, founder of the experience-design firm Deeply Human. Zimmer's session focused on how planners can design intentional gatherings and improve the attendee experience by eliminating points of confusion, frustration and boredom. According to Zimmer, optimal engagement also requires ensuring that participants feel safe and valued throughout the meeting.
Next year's Destination East will be held at the Windrose on Hudson in Ossining, N.Y., July 29-31.
The generous sponsors who helped make this event possible include the Go Providence Warwick CVB, Rhode Island Convention Center, Graduate by Hilton Providence, Meet Boston, Awesome Alpharetta, Ocean Properties OPAL Collection, Visit Montgomery, Madison Avenue Inc. and PC/Nametag.
The following photo highlights were taken by Matt Klinger of Mad Pix Pro.
Visit Northstar's calendar to view upcoming events and register your interest. For more ideas about things to do in Providence, R.I., before or after an event, read our Hot List.