FountainHead RI's Spring 2026 Educational Panel and Networking Event

FountainHead RI is proud to kick off its 2026 Spring Educational Panel & Networking Series with a leadership-focused conversation centered on the hospitality sector — an industry that is woven into the fabric of Rhode Island — shaping how residents gather, how visitors experience our state, and how communities thrive.

Rhode Island’s hospitality sector plays a vital role in the state’s economy, workforce, and cultural identity. From tourism and conventions to restaurants and local attractions, hospitality leaders shape the experiences that define Rhode Island and drive regional growth. This conversation will explore the leadership challenges and opportunities shaping the sector today.

This event will convene many of the region’s top business and community leaders to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections.

Timing for Event (this is an in person event):

• 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm - Check-in / Informal Networking
• 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Welcome + Formal Panel
• 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm - Informal Networking

Location: The Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St, Providence, RI 02903. The event will take place at the Exchange Bar, located on the second level of the Convention Center.

Parking: Plenty of parking around the convention center, either in private/public lots or utilizing open street parking.

Food/Drinks: Appetizers will be provided + cash bar onsite

Panel Topic: Leadership in the Hospitality Sector: Navigating Growth, Workforce Challenges, and Guest Experience in a Changing World

Expert Panel Members:

Moderator:

• TBD

Panelists:

1. Dan McConaghy, CEO and Executive Director of the RI Convention Center
2. Farouk Rajab, President and Chief Executive Officer of the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA)
3. Kristen Adamo - President and CEO of the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau

Thank you to our 2026 community and special event partners for making events, such as this one, possible:

2026 Community Partners:

• YOUR NAME HERE

Special Event Sponsors:

• YOUR NAME HERE

About FHRI:

FountainHead RI mobilizes capital, leadership, and partnerships to deliver lasting impact in Rhode Island and beyond. We accomplish this strategy by investing in people, places, and possibility. Specifically, we host educational panel events throughout the year that encompass informal networking, in addition to conducting live community spotlights via Facebook whereby we host a rising star, industry or community leader for a one-on-one fireside chat to learn more about what they are doing and how others can get involved. We are a nonprofit 501c3 organization, and since our inception, we have grown our community to over 1,500 business and community leaders around the country.