The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (PWCVB) was joined Tuesday by Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, Providence Mayor Brett P. Smiley, special guests, and partners across the state for its annual meeting at the Rhode Island Convention Center.
This year, it’s all in the details, as the PWCVB honored the hospitality heroes who continuously exceed expectations and create memorable experiences for visitors, convention groups and Rhode Islanders alike.
During this year’s awards ceremony, the PWCVB was proud to honor the Mile of History Association, known as MoHA, with the James McCarvill Leadership Award, named for the late RI Convention Center Authority Executive Director. MoHA’s members were recognized for their tireless work revitalizing and maintaining Benefit Street, including a recent project to develop signage throughout the neighborhood.
Mark Brodeur, the Vice President of Tourism for the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation, was inducted into the PWCVB Hall of Fame for his decades of dedication to the industry, beginning with his early years working as a tour guide.
The Partner of the Year Award was given to The Capital Grille and its managing partner Chris Phillips for being a longtime reliable and supportive partner of both the PWCVB and the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.
Victoria Patriarca of the Rhode Island Convention Center was named Hospitality Sales and Service Partner of the Year for consistently earning praise from PWCVB clients and providing exceptional service that boosts the region’s reputation.
The John Gibbons Sports Champion Award, named for the late Rhode Island Sports Commission Executive Director, was given to Megan Antaya of the Providence Marriott Downtown for showing exceptional dedication to and passion for sports service.
This year, the PWCVB gave a special award to the Honorable Chief Judge Frank Caprio, recognizing him as a Tourism Champion for being a true goodwill ambassador for the City of Providence and capturing the hearts of people all over the world.
The PWCVB also honored 28 frontline industry workers, nominated by the leadership at their organizations, with Hospitality Hero Awards. They are:
- Josh Antuna, Archery Host at Archery Games
- Jonathan Campion, Bartender at Bally’s Tiverton Casino & Hotel
- Manny and Raul Colon, Housemen at Bally’s Twin River Casino Resort
- Christopher Manfredo, Bartender/Barback at Bally’s Twin River Casino Resort
- Emma Corcoran, Server at Crow’s Nest
- Eriq Isom, Customer Service Representative at Fogo de Chao
- Alberto Gomes, Busser at Fred & Steve’s Steakhouse
- Bryan Sawyer, Chief Operating Officer at Gloria Gemma Foundation
- Surania Montes De Oca De Amarante, Front Desk Agent at Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Downtown
- Jeanet Yanez, Laundry Attendant at Hilton Garden Inn Providence
- Vilma Rodas, Housekeeping Supervisor at Hilton Providence
- Jairo Padrino, Banquet Captain at Hotel Providence
- Odena Gutierrez Chacon, Room Attendant at Hotel Viking
- Marie Smith, Banquet Lead at Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
- Quilcia Moronta, Barista at Omni Hotel
- Nicholas Vitale, Senior Account Executive at PEAK Event Services
- Claudia Hatfield at the Providence G Pub
- Michael Houston, Engineer at Providence Marriott Downtown
- Patricia Sammartino, Tour Guide at Providence Tour Company
- Adam Good, Group Housing and Sales Coordinator at Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
- Scott Leonard, Engineering Supervisor at Residence Inn Providence Downtown
- Angie Fields, Server at Rooftop at the G
- Seth Brown at Sarto
- James Louis, Guest Service Agent at The Dean Hotel
- Jeffery Gauvin, Server at The Vig
- Brandon Rivera, Director of Sales at TPG Hotels, Resorts and Marinas
- Frank Garguilo, Busser at Wicked Good Bar & Grill
