About Us

The Authority was created in 1987 pursuant to its enabling legislation (RI General Laws 42-99) for the purpose of constructing, managing and operating a facility to hold conventions, trade show, exhibitions, displays, meetings, and other events, as well as related facilities (parking garages, hotels, offices.) In 2005, amendments to the enabling legislation authorized the Authority to issue $92.5 million in authority bonds to purchase and renovate the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

The facilities are leased to the state and the authority manages them under a sublease agreement, contracting the actual facility management to SMG. Headquartered in Philadelphia, SMG provides facility services to more than 180 venues in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Europe.