Proposal for an Swap & Meetup in Providence, R.I.
On a Saturday in May 2027

What

With an all-clear from John, Bill and Jill of the Yankee Pole Cat Insulatoir Club, I’d like to organize a hobby swap / meetup / gathering in Providence, RI. An afternoon of chatting, meeting new friends, and helping expand the hobby to wider audiences. I would have my collection of hobby-related publications out for general browsing. Previously, I brought them to the 2025 National and they seemed to be a hit! I’ve also shown insulators at the Narragansett Brewery Tap Room and Providence Public Library—people flip from knowing nothing about them to instant fans!

While a city, Providence is easy to navigate, and the space I’d host in is large with both street and lot parking. PVD is more of a big town than a small city.

That said, I’m only going to do this if there is genuine interest. I want it to be worth everyone’s time and energy! Please read on and let me know if you’re a Yes or Maybe.

With appreciation,
Ben Sisto
ben.sisto@gmail.com

When

Early May, 2027. Looking at both Saturday May 1st and May 8th as possibilities. Bill suggested a start time of 8:00 or 9:00 am. I am thinking 9:00 am =)

Where

  • 50 Sims (map)
    50 Sims Avenue, Providence, RI
    50sims.com

  • Large former industrial plant turned artists-and-maker space

  • Huge roll gate with direct sidewalk access; no stairs or ramps

  • Lots of insulators down the street / around the neighborhood.

  • Multiple setup areas depending on scale; all first floor and accessible.

  • Also in the: my gallery, bike repair shop, vintage clothing, ceramics, and a CNC training spot; I think their students would love insulators.

Who?

My name is Ben Sisto. I am an artist, dad, and event organizer. I have a small gallery space called OPEN that shows original artwork, collections, and more. I’m a NIA member and got into the hobby through printed ephemera over the last few years. I’m interested in archives, communities, and fun events.

Space Amenities

  • Plenty of street parking; large lot but first come-serve

  • Clean restrooms

  • Complimentary water filling station (filtered)

  • About six tables on site. Based on # of people who sign up, I will apply for a grant to fund getting more tables, snacks, etc. I can’t promise it won’t be ‘Bring your own table’ but my hope is to take care of it for you.

Right On Sims Ave

Participant Fees / Donations

  • Having not done this before, I am not charging fees. The only requests that may go out, depending on scape, would be optional and to chip in for extra rented tables, pizza, etc. Bill and the Pole Cats’ club are also generously offering to help offset costs, too!

Make a Weekend of It

Audience and Promotion

I would be promoting on ICON, taking two ads out in Drip Points (one open call, one general promo). I will place up posters around the city, share on email lists, Reddit, etc—would be marketed as a general audience event. Open to having early bird times for more serious collectors, too.

It’s possible one or more neighborhood events will line up. There are Farmers Markets, Fleas, and an Open Studios program, but schedules are not yet known. There will for sure be people who just stroll in to see something new.

Because of RISD, Brown, the city’s history as an industrial revolution hotbed, Providence is packed with curious people who like some mix of design, glass, engineering, telephony, rail history, manufacturing history, and collectables. Bringing a YPC event to the city will pique a lot of new interest. Good moment to offload your cheaper pieces for newbies!

Providence is easy to get to from CT, MA, and NH and will provide great access to hobbyists from east of Boston, being only half the distance to Manchester, CT.

Nashua, NH: 65 Miles
Boston, MA: 40 Miles
Plymouth, MA: 40 Miles
Central Cape Cod: 70 Miles
Manchester, CT: 55 Miles
Worcester, MA: 35 Miles
New Haven CT: 85 Miles

Parking is pretty easy in the area. Large [P] shapes in the map above represent lots; the smaller Ps indicate there’s meter-free street parking along Sims Ave. It extends around the corner to Harris Ave at the south.

Would You Like to Participate?

Fill out the form below, or email Ben via ben.sisto@gmail.com, whichever is easier for you.

Thank you!

Above: Two poles right outside the main venue door