U.S. Conference of Mayors cancels Providence meeting, citing $2M loss

The U.S. Conference of Mayors canceled its scheduled meeting in Providence. This decision was reported to result in a loss of over $2 million in direct spending for Rhode Island. The cancellation was announced on the same day that 1,400 motor-vehicle administrators were attending an international conference in Providence, which generated $1.6 million in return business.

The event highlights the substantial economic value of large conferences to the visitor economy. Rhode Island has recently hosted other major events, including a $2.48-million primary care conference and a biomedical innovation symposium with nearly $2.5 million in direct spending.