What began as a simple idea around a conference table in Downtown Providence, has grown into one of Rhode Island’s most buzzed-about networking events—with a monthly waitlist and a growing community of passionate professionals.
When the Heart of Rhode Island Networking Event began in March 2022, event organizer, Debra Honor, hoped it would be a space where business professionals could connect and grow their impact. With so many networking groups already out there, no one could have predicted just how quickly this one would take off.
Turns out—it had legs. And wings.
“We had between 12 and 15 people in that conference room when we started,” said Honor, who has been steering the event since its inception, with some help along the way. “We just wanted to create space for meaningful connection. Now, three years later, we’re watching something truly magical unfold—something we never could have fully imagined.”
For several years, Heart of Rhode Island found a home at Plant City, in Downtown Providence. The space allowed the event to grow steadily, while staying centrally located and accessible. Word-of-mouth spread quickly, and with consistent sponsorships and an increasingly loyal base of attendees, it became clear: Heart of Rhode Island was something special.
But, the magic had outgrown the space.
“As attendance kept growing, I started looking for a new venue to call Heart of Rhode Island ‘home,’” Honor explained. That’s when John Pagliarini of Machado Consulting suggested the CIC Building at 225 Dyer Street, where his office is located. “Within 48 hours of that conversation, everything fell into place. It was just one of those moments where the networking we fostered worked in real-time.”
The CIC location—now the official home of Heart of Rhode Island—offers more space, natural light, and a layout that encourages movement and interaction. Located on the second floor, it comfortably holds up to 150 guests, and even includes access to CIC tenant businesses, allowing for even more networking synergy. And with warmer weather ahead, the possibility of hosting events outside is also on the horizon.
“We love seeing new faces!” said Honor. “It’s the opportunity to meet new people and connect with friends alike. Our events have gotten so popular that we have had to start waiting lists. If someone can’t attend, there’s always someone ready to grab that open seat.”
Sponsorships have become a key feature of each month’s event. Sponsors get time at the podium, exposure on social media before and after the event, and beginning soon, an opportunity to be featured on Heart of Rhode TV. There’s even a designated space for food and beverage vendors to showcase their offerings.
Sponsorships for Heart of Rhode Island have remained at $500 since the event’s inception in 2022. To keep up with rising costs and expanded offerings—including promotional visibility, enhanced tech capabilities, and the launch of Heart of Rhode TV—sponsorship will increase to $600 starting in 2026. Despite the change, interest remains strong: all 2025 spots are sold out, and several 2026 months have already been claimed. Sponsors receive spotlight recognition before, during, and after the event, including a speaking opportunity, social media promotion, and high-impact networking with a packed room of engaged professionals.
To help with the growing logistics, Honor formed a committee of consistent attendees and committed networkers: Cathy Andreozzi, Dawn Apajee, Mark Berger, Aaron Bishop, Ray Conover, Debra Honor, Stephanie McNamara, John Pagliarini, Stacey Silva, and Bridget VanDemark.
Registration is required and handled through Eventbrite. The cost to attend is $5, plus applicable fees. Emails are sent when registration opens, and regulars know to move fast because tickets go quickly.
More details can be found by visiting the Heart of Rhode Island LinkedIn and Facebook pages, which are also growing quickly. As of this writing, there are nearly 250 followers on LinkedIn and 136 on Facebook, with a new website in the works.
Join both pages here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13184552/ and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/914499050629797
As Honor says: “This isn’t just a networking event—it’s a community. And, as long as people are showing up, supporting each other, and sharing their stories, Heart of Rhode Island will keep growing—one connection at a time.”
