Providence Is Ready to Host Netroots Nation

From June 7-10, thousands of progressive bloggers, political activists, labor leaders, grassroots organizers and journalists will flock to Providence for Netroots Nation conference - one of the nation's most powerful political events of the year.

Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman will deliver the keynote address for the conference, which will also feature the AFL-CIO's Rich Trumka, the Agenda Project's Erica Payne, and Ai-jen Poo - the director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance who Time magazine recently named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2012.

"It is an honor to have the opportunity to host the best minds in America's progressive movement," said Mayor Angel Taveras. "The Netroots will play an important role in November as our nation makes a choice to move forward or go back, and Providence is very pleased to be at the center of the conversation about how we can build on the work we have accomplished in the last four years."

The Westin Providence, the Biltmore and other local hotels are heavily booked in advance of the conference, which will bring thousands into the city for four days of panel discussions, training sessions, keynote addresses, film screenings and social events.

A Waterfire will be held on Saturday, June 9, and Mayor Taveras has invited Netroots' attendees to explore the city and enjoy Providence's world-class restaurants and cultural venues.