Well, if you are, the I hope you enjoy my little town called Providence. Here's a little bit of info for y'all that I hope makes enjoyment outside of the event a little easier. First off, I've seen a couple of comments regarding access for those with disabilities. Providence is a fully functioning late 20th century city (I love my town, but I've seen more modern cities). The hotels listed on the NN site are super duper close to the convention center. So are most of the watering holes people might repair to at the end of the day. If a group of folks are heading to another part of town and are taking the bus, most of the busses are kneeling types, the others have lifts. And the main bus depot is also pretty much outside the doors of both the hotels. If a group of newly made friends are going to the East Side on foot or you are planning to meet folks in that part of town, understand that there is a pretty big hill in the way. Also understand that, in addition to finding one of the right busses, and figuring out the schedule and then finding the right stop in the plaza, you also have the option of traveling another block to foot of the hill, where you can pick up a 'tunnel bus'. Just ask anyone where you can get the 'tunnel bus'. Several different routes use the tunnel, which terminates on a street with lots of food and drink (Thayer St.). Wait for any of them to come by. This is also a good option for anyone just not in the mood to hoof it. Mobility for sight or hearing impaired should be no worse than average and better than many locales, at least in the area around the Convention Center, (chirping crosswalks, rumble strip pads for canes for corner alerts and the like) are above average.
Microtour guide below the thing that looks, but I suppose really isn't, kinda lopsided
This is not meant to be a "Best of" list, nor is it exhaustive. Just a bit of info.
Five places to drink within walking distance to Convention Center
1. Trinity Brewhouse: they make all their own beer and serve upscale pub-grub. The fries are made with local spuds. They have a deck. And it's also owned by Dem State Senator.
2. AS220: Is it a bar? Is it a club? Is it a non-profit that runs youth programs? Is it a non-juried gallery? Is it a restaurant? Yes.
3. Blake's: Can usually accommodate a pretty large walk in crowd. Just don't go there if you think the topic of discussion is going to be how cool crime is or much cops suck, because there will likely be a couple off duty officers having a cold one.
4. The Stable: have a gay ol' time at this spot which renamed itself after a facelift a couple of years ago (used to be Wheels, for anyone that is trying to find that based on out-dated advice)
5. Muldowney's Kinda divey, kinda friendly. Occasionally has Karaoke.
Eating within a couple of blocks from the Convention Center? There is a lot, and most of it's good, but for those that like a small carbon foot print with lunch or dinner and try to support small farming, here's three:
1. AS220: cheap and fun
2. Local 121: Not so cheap and pretty nice. Good little lounge attached to it.
3. Thee Red Fez Somewhere in the middle. Real food at a good price with nice folks. In fact, I'm going down there as soon as I wrap this up
Several options for non-starbucks coffee on Westminster Street.
Have a little one in tow? We got a nice children's museum.
Gonna take an extra day or two before or after and you wanna go sightseeing, but you don't have a car? Providence can hold your attention for a sunny or rainy day or two, no problem. There's art, record stores, live music, great food, history, a zoo. If you do want explore a bit further, Newport has pretty good bus service. Yeah, yeah robber-barons, ugly past, and all that, but it's really pretty.