Rhode Island Digital Government Summit 2025 Banner

Overview

The Digital Government Summit is an event that brings together public sector leaders and technology professionals to explore innovative solutions to solve government problems. Key themes include cybersecurity, digital transformation, AI implementation, data governance, and fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Attendees will benefit from expert discussions, peer networking, and insights into the future of government technology. Join us and let’s improve the future of government together!

A message from our Keynote Speaker

We are excited to welcome the amazing e.Republic team back to Rhode Island in May 2025 for our second Digital Government Summit. This event offers the opportunity to unite public and private sector thought leadership on ways to leverage technology and data to digitally transform the way Rhode Island conducts business is a rare and exciting opportunity that I am hopeful you can join us for.

– Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Information Officer, State of Rhode Island

Speakers

Brian Tardiff

Brian Tardiff

Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Jessica O. Matthews

Jessica O. Matthews

CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

Founded award-winning power and data infrastructure tech company credited with inventing an energy generating soccer ball and revolutionizing vision AI in energy efficiency.
Mission-driven leader who values positive social impact and inspires audience to use innovation and technology to meet everyday needs.
Recognized as Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs, 30 Under 30 list for Forbes and Inc., and Scientist of the Year by Harvard University.
Powerhouse speaker dedicated to using technology to change the world
Innovation, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility have always been intrinsic to Jessica O. Matthews, even from a young age. At just 19, she invented SOCCKET, an energy-generating soccer ball that reflects her vision for a better world. Matthews was inspired by her experiences in Nigeria, when she noticed the reliance on dangerous diesel generators during power outages. She addressed a community need and created a safer alternative that harnesses power from an everyday activity to provide a source of light.
Her invention of SOCCKET exemplifies Matthews’ unique blend of altruism and a disruptive technological mindset that encourages her audience to embrace innovation and actively contribute to positive change. She channeled these qualities into founding Uncharted, an award-winning sustainable-infrastructure company that empowers small and under-resourced cities. As CEO, she takes her social responsibility seriously, creating solutions that enhance access to energy, water, air, and transit. Notably, Matthews has revolutionized vision AI in energy efficiency, developing technology that employs “smart photos” to visually assess homes. These photos then determine potential savings on energy bills and qualifying rebates. Matthews is committed to preserving the unique identities of the cities she serves, asserting that citizens shouldn’t have to "leave where they are from to get where they are going."
Exclusively represented by Leading Authorities speakers bureau, Jessica O. Matthews captivates audiences with her engaging presentation style. A relatable, down-to-earth speaker, she refers to herself as a “blend of Beyoncé and Bill Nye the Science Guy.” Her enthusiasm engages audiences, and she often jumps rope on stage to demonstrate her innovations in an interactive way. This personable approach allows her to connect deeply with her audience, fostering an honest dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in innovation. Matthews leaves audiences feeling inspired and motivated to create solutions that disrupt the status quo and encourages them to meet the needs of real people and communities. Her ability to tailor her message to resonate with the unique interests and experiences of each audience ensures that her insights are both relevant and impactful.
Jessica’s success in entrepreneurship led to a White House invitation from President Barack Obama to represent small companies for the signing of the America Invents Act in 2012. In 2016, she raised what was at the time the largest Series A round ever raised by a black female founder in history and was selected to ring the NASDAQ opening ceremony bell, representing all Forbes 30 Under 30 alumni. In 2021, Jessica was officially appointed by Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm to the Electricity Advisory Committee. As a member of the Smart Grid subcommittee, she plays a key role in advising the Department of Energy on the ways we can modernize our nation’s electric delivery system, specifically focusing on accelerating the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the U.S.
A dual citizen of Nigeria and the United States, Jessica has a degree in psychology and economics from Harvard University, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and is listed on over 12 patents and patents pending. Her list of accolades includes Fortune’s Most Promising Women Entrepreneurs, Forbes 30 Under 30, Inc. Magazine 30 Under 30 and Female Founders 100, Harvard University Scientist of the Year, One Young World Entrepreneur of the Year, the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, and Black Women Tech Talk’s Tech Trailblazer Award. She has appeared on the cover of Forbes and Forbes Africa, as well as featured in Marie Claire, Wired, Inc., TechCrunch, The New York Times, and Fast Company, among others.

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Doug Alexander

Doug Alexander

Director, Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies, Rhode Island College

Douglas Alexander, CISSP, serves as the Director of the Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies at Rhode Island College, where he spearheads initiatives in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence education. With advanced degrees from Princeton University and the Rochester Institute of Technology, Mr. Alexander brings over 27 years of experience in technology and cybersecurity to his role. Throughout his career, he has held key leadership positions across a variety of sectors, including K-12 educational technology, community broadband, and systems engineering. In his current capacity, he is dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of Rhode Island's cybersecurity and AI workforce, fostering connection, innovation, and resilience in the field.

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Nick Craig

Nick Craig

Director of Information Technology, City of Newport 

Nick Craig is the Director of Information Technology for the City of Newport, RI. He has been working for the department since 2021. Prior to moving into the public sector, Nick was the Chief information officer for a regional fastener distributor for 12 years, where he developed skills inside and outside of the technology scope. Nick has also been the sole proprietor of an IT consulting business since 2007. After graduating from Moses Brown, a preparatory school in Providence, he studied in numerous areas, including journalism, mechanical and material engineering, network engineering and cybersecurity at Indiana University, Clark University, Bristol Community College, and Purdue. Nick created programs for small businesses to attract talent, manage in-house IT infrastructure, and to educate teams on how to effectively develop and deploy software solutions. It was the success of these programs that urged him to seek opportunity to develop similar strategies in the public sector. Nick currently sits on the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program committee, the Aquidneck Island Broadband Consortium, and actively seeks involvement in opportunities to improve local government access to funding and support for a broad range of IT infrastructure.”

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Scott Gausland

Scott Gausland

Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Scott Gausland leads the newly formed Data, Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (DAAI CoE) within the Enterprise Technology Strategy & Services (ETSS) Division of the Department of Administration. The DAAI CoE will serve Rhode Island state agencies as the innovation hub for data, analytic and AI projects by providing strategic direction, policy formation, and technology recommendation. The DAAI CoE will also manage the development of the Integrated Data System that will connect and make available data from different state agencies to better inform policy and improve efficiencies. Scott is also charged with developing a statewide data governance program which will create standards for state agencies on classifying and sharing data.
Scott joined state service in 2004 at the Rhode Island Department of Education. He created the K12 student ID system and went on to develop several data collection platforms. Scott designed and developed a comprehensive data warehouse system, single sign-on portal and procured and installed several server farms as their Sr. Database Administrator before being promoted to CIO in 2019. Previously Scott held positions as a software engineer at American Power Conversion and as a technical sales rep at IBM.
Scott graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bryant University in 1993 with a BS in Marketing and went on to earn his MBA at Bryant in Computer Information Systems in 2001.

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Rebecca Lebeau, MPH, Ph.D

Rebecca Lebeau, MPH, Ph.D

Director of Data and Analytics, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island 

Dr. Rebecca Lebeau, M.P.H., Ph.D., serves as the Director of Data and Analytics at The Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), where she spearheads data governance and data sharing practices across agencies. With a steadfast commitment to collaboration and transparency, Dr. Lebeau leads efforts to integrate diverse data systems, ensuring a more comprehensive understanding of populations across the state.
Dr. Lebeau directs a dynamic team of analysts, guiding initiatives aimed at synthesizing data from various sources to inform policy development, program management, and operational strategies within the healthcare sector. Through her leadership, she establishes and upholds robust data governance frameworks, ensuring the responsible and ethical use of data in decision-making processes.

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Laurie Schaeffer

Laurie Schaeffer

Interim Chief Information Officer, Rhode Island College

Laurie has over 25 years of experience in higher education, developing business-aligned technology strategies and building high-performance IT teams. She is a leader in launching and managing secure mission-critical enterprise systems and infrastructure and successfully integrating disparate systems. She became a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2015, a Certified ScrumMaster in 2021, and earned a Master of Science degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2022 in Project Management. 
In December 2023 she came to Rhode Island College from Connecticut College, where she served as the Associate CIO, Enterprise Systems. In the role at Conn College, she led the IT Portfolio and Project Management Office, as well as many strategic initiatives to move applications to software as a service or Cloud hosted solutions. 
During her time in the Asst. CIO role at RIC, she worked closely with then CIO, Pamela Christman, the Information Technology Services department, and campus partners to enhance project management and governance of critical technology projects.
When Pam departed in October 2024, Laurie stepped into the Interim Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Officer position at RIC. In the CIO role she has focused her efforts on several strategic initiatives including improvement of Information Security, development of an ERP Strategy, and modernizing systems to provide streamlined and more efficient services to the RIC community.

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Elise Swearingen

Elise Swearingen

ETSS Client Experience Lead (OCM), Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island

Elise Swearingen holds a Master of Science in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution from Creighton University School of Law and has worked in the public sector for nearly two decades. Throughout her career in Municipal and State government, Elise has brought to bear her unique background and knack for fostering cooperative environments to create strong, successful teams and advance collective priorities. She's a proven collaborator, an electrifying speaker, and a trusted, pragmatic leader who readily deploys humor and grace to the benefit of user adoption and utilization

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Jonathan Womer

Jonathan Womer

Director, Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island

Director Jonathan Womer has a strong record of public service, both in Rhode Island and in the nation. From 2015-2021 he served as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget at the RI Department of Administration, where he worked collaboratively with the Governor and General Assembly to develop and implement the annual budget for the state. During his previous tenure at DOA, he also redesigned business processes, implemented a cloud-based budgeting system, established the state’s fraud data analytics section, and created a cohesive statewide rule-making process.
Director Womer has also served as Deputy Director for Management and Chief Information Officer for the North Carolina Office of the Governor, as Associate Vice President for Finance and Economic Analysis at the University of North Carolina, and most recently as Senior Advisor to The Policy Lab at Brown University. He holds a BA in Public Policy from Duke University and both a Master of Public Policy and a Master of Science of Information from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

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Agenda

Wednesday, May 7

8:00 am Eastern

Registration and Morning Refreshments

Grand Ballroom Foyer

9:00 am Eastern

Opening Remarks

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

9:10 am Eastern

General Session – IT State of the State

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

Join this in-depth discussion on the state of IT in Rhode Island and the key factors driving digital transformation. This session will explore how technology is impacting policy and investment, the future of data, and updates on the state's AI Task Force. The session will also highlight opportunities for cross-jurisdictional collaboration, shared resources, and leveraging existing state research and contracts to drive efficiency and innovation.

Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Jonathan Womer, Director, Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island

9:40 am Eastern

Keynote – Find Your Fight: Innovating When the Odds Are Against You

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 – 5

In moments when challenges feel insurmountable, and the odds are stacked against us, how do we find the will to fight—and win? In this powerful and energizing talk, Jessica O. Matthews shares how the most groundbreaking innovations often emerge from struggle, uncertainty, and adversity. Drawing from her own journey as a pioneering entrepreneur and inventor, Jessica explores how resilience, creativity, and relentless problem-solving can transform even the toughest setbacks into opportunities for impact and growth. This session will help you reframe challenges as opportunities for breakthrough innovation, develop resilience during moments of struggle, and uncover determination to keep fighting for transformative solutions.

Jessica O. Matthews, CEO of Uncharted, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur, Trailblazing Energy Advocate

10:40 am Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Grand Ballroom Foyer

11:10 am Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Organizational Transformation: Driving Culture, Security, and Change

Grand Ballroom Salon 1

Successful organizational transformation requires a strategic balance of leadership, communication, and cultural adaptation. This session explores how IT leaders can drive and sustain culture change, strengthen cybersecurity awareness, and effectively align stakeholders with emerging technologies. Attendees will gain insights into managing risk, optimizing resources, and balancing investments in people and technology to ensure lasting organizational readiness.

Moderator: Sandy Furtado-Nardozza, Deputy Chief of IT, Agency and Enterprise Applications, Non-Health, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Nick Craig, Director of Information Technology, City of Newport

Laurie Schaeffer, Interim Chief Information Officer, Rhode Island College

Elise Swearingen, ETSS Client Experience Lead (OCM), Department of Administration, State of Rhode Island

Strategic and Operational Optimization: Maximizing IT Partnerships for Government Efficiency

Grand Ballroom Salon 2

An effective IT strategy is crucial for state and local governments to deliver reliable services while maximizing limited resources. With constrained budgets and rapidly evolving technology, optimizing IT partnerships is key to maintaining high-quality, consistent services. This session will explore the best practices for managing outsourcing agreements, enhancing vendor collaboration, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity protocols. Attendees will gain valuable insights into managing legacy systems, navigating funding challenges, and sustaining modernization efforts while balancing risk, efficiency, and strategic investments.

Gabriele Fariello, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology Services, University of Rhode Island

Nicole Nelson, Director, Information Technology Systems, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island

Carlos Zambrano, Director of Information Technology, City of East Providence

12:10 pm Eastern

Lunch

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

1:00 pm Eastern

Interactive Session – Real-World Cyber Attack Simulation: Preparing Defenders for the Frontline

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 – 5

There’s no substitute for real-world experience when it comes to preparing for cyber incidents. In an ideal world, analysts would be able to gain experience long before ever stepping foot into a Security Operations Center (SOC), but that simply hasn’t been the reality. This session offers a realistic cyber-attack tabletop exercise, immersing attendees in the intensity and dynamics of an actual attack. By engaging in this scenario, participants will develop the skills and confidence needed to respond effectively when real cyber threats occur. Join us to gain the critical experience that can make all the difference in a high-stakes environment.

R. Mike Tetreault, Interim Chief of Cyber for Region 1 – New England and Cybersecurity Advisor for Rhode Island, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

1:40 pm Eastern

Short Break

Please proceed to the concurrent sessions.

1:45 pm Eastern

Concurrent Sessions

Hype vs. Value: Understanding Usefulness and Managing Risks

Grand Ballroom Salon 1

As AI and emerging technologies rapidly evolve, state and local governments must balance innovation with practicality, governance, and risk. This session explores real-world AI applications, data governance strategies, and budget-conscious approaches to adoption. Attendees will gain insights into distinguishing hype from impactful use cases, ensuring responsible implementation, effective data governance, and preparing for the operational impact of these emerging technologies.

Moderator: Scott Gausland, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Tim Henry, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Rhode Island College

Rebecca Lebeau, Director of Data and Analytics, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, State of Rhode Island

Future-Ready Workforce

Grand Ballroom Salon 2

As the public sector adapts to resource constraints, evolving skill demands, and technological advancements, organizations must strategically upskill their workforce to optimize productivity. This session will explore effective approaches to succession planning, leadership development, and technical training to address these evolving needs. Attendees will gain valuable insights into leveraging emerging tools, such as AI, modernizing skill development strategies, and preparing the next generation of IT professionals for a rapidly changing landscape.

Moderator: Doug Alexander, Director, Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, Rhode Island College

Congressman Jim Langevin, Distinguished Chair, Institute for Cybersecurity & Emerging Technologies, Rhode Island College

Exclusive Briefing for Industry Partners

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

Hosted by: State of Rhode Island

Sandy Furtado-Nardozza, Deputy Chief of IT, Agency and Enterprise Applications, Non-Health, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Osiris Gonzalez, Deputy Chief of Infrastructure, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Nathan Loura, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

Michael Lombardi, IT Sourcing Manager, State of Rhode Island

Ramesh Madhavan, Chief of IT Sourcing & Contracts, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

2:45 pm Eastern

Networking Break in the Exhibit Area

Grand Ballroom Foyer

3:15 pm Eastern

Bits and Bytes – The Art of Incidence Response

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

Rhode Island’s Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services (ETSS) will provide invaluable insights into effective incident response, communication strategies, and the importance of resilience in managing the aftermath of the recent cyber-attack. This case study presentation will feature ongoing efforts, highlighting the tangible steps to enhance cybersecurity resilience and mitigate future risks. Discover Rhode Island’s resilience and determination in overcoming cyber adversity!

Nathan Loura, Chief Information Security Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

3:35 pm Eastern

General Session – The New Data Paradigm: Revamping the Government Data Infrastructure for the Future

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

The future of government hinges on its ability to harness, manage, and protect data effectively. In this session, presented by the Center for Digital Government, we’ll explore the shift toward a modernized data infrastructure that prioritizes interoperability, scalability, and security. From breaking down data silos to leveraging AI and cloud-based solutions, this presentation will highlight key strategies for future-proofing government data ecosystems.

John Matelski, Executive Director, Center for Digital Government

4:15 pm Eastern

Closing Remarks

Grand Ballroom Salon 3 - 5

Brian Tardiff, Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer, Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services, State of Rhode Island

4:30 pm Eastern

Networking Reception in the Exhibit Area

Grand Ballroom Foyer

Network with your colleagues and discuss technology solutions with the event exhibitors.

5:00 pm Eastern

End of Conference

Conference times, agenda, and speakers are subject to change.

Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick

801 Greenwich Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 732-6000

Get Directions To
Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick

Advisory Board

Government Representatives

Doug Alexander
Director
Institute for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies
Rhode Island College

James Bradley
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology
Community College of Rhode Island

Christine Cabral
Chief of Staff
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

Philip Carlucci
IT Director
Management Information Services Division
City of Warwick

Nick Craig
Director of Information Technology
Information Technology
City of Newport

Bob DaSilva
Mayor
City of East Providence

Gabriele Fariello
Chief Information Officer
Information Technology Services
University of Rhode Island

Paul Fontaine
Chief Information Officer
Providence College

Lori Ann Fox
IT Director
Information Technology
South Kingstown

Sandy Furtado-Nardozza
Deputy Chief of IT, Agency and Enterprise Applications, Non-Health
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

Scott Gausland
Chief Data and Analytics Officer
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

Garth Hoxsie-Quinn
Supervising GIS Specialist
DOA-Division of Statewide Planning
State of Rhode Island

Terrance Jackson
Director of Information Technology
eGov & IT
Rhode Island Department of State

Gary Jarvis
Deputy Chief of Technology
Information Technology
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority

Christopher Keith
VP Information Technology and CIO
Brown University

Olivia King
State Coordinator, Health Information Technology
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
State of Rhode Island

Jacques Laflamme
Chief Information Officer
New England Institute of Technology

Chuck LoCurto
Vice President for Information Services and Chief Information Officer
Bryant University

Nathan Loura
Chief Information Security Officer
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

Nicole Nelson
Director, Information Technology Systems
Executive Office of Health and Human Services
State of Rhode Island

Arul Rangaraju
Chief of IT Portfolio and Projects, Office of Digital Excellence
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

Laurie Schaeffer
Interim Chief Information Officer
Rhode Island College

Jim Silveria
Chief Information Officer
City of Providence

Brian Tardiff
Chief Digital Officer/Chief Information Officer
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

R. Mike Tetreault
Interim Chief of Cyber for Region 1 – New England and Cybersecurity Advisor for Rhode Island
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Beth Tyler
Deputy Chief of Health Applications
Division of Enterprise Technology Strategy and Services
State of Rhode Island

Eric Yelle
Det. Lieutenant
Computer Crimes Unit / JCTF
Rhode Island State Police

Carlos Zambrano
Director of Information Technology
City of East Providence

Industry Representatives

Joe Colangelo
Named Account Manager
Fortinet

Registration Information / Contact Us

Event Date: May 7, 2025

Open to Public Sector only.

Registration - Free

If you represent a Private Sector organization and are interested in Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Heather Earney.

Contact Information

For registration and general assistance contact:

Sherri Tidwell
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1382
E-mail: stidwell@erepublic.com

For assistance or questions concerning Sponsor Logos or Logistics please contact:

Mireya Gaton
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 296-2617
E-Mail: mgaton@erepublic.com

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact:

Heather Earney
Government Technology
Phone: (916) 932-1339
E-mail: heather.earney@erepublic.com

Venue

Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick

801 Greenwich Ave
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 732-6000

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Room Block

Room Rate: $149/night, single or double.
Rate Cut-Off Date: Friday, April 4, 2025.

To Make a Reservation:

Phone: (401) 732-6000 and reference Rhode Island Digital Government Summit.
Online: Group Reservation Link

If you experience issues booking online, call the hotel directly for assistance.

Rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note, once the room block is full, you will need to make other arrangements for your accommodations with the hotel directly or at a nearby hotel.

Map and Directions

https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/warwick/wrwri/hoteldetail/amenities

Event Parking

Self-parking: complimentary
Valet parking: N/A

Parking fees subject to change without notice.