Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1250928
S A N A N T O N I O SAN ANTONIO TOP OF MIND FOR SAVVY PLANNERS B Y S a l m a F l a x San Antonio is a blend of the past, present and the future. With a population of 1,436,697, 175 Restaurants, and 166 special event venues, this Texas destina- tion is a great place for a meeting, con- vention or conference. One of the top reasons is the city's accessibility. The air- port is only 15 minutes from downtown. The Henry B. González Convention Center, with its $325 million new expan- sion, is within walking distance of many hotel rooms. The convention center offers more than 630,000 total sq. ft. of meeting space, including 440,000 con- tiguous sq. ft. of exhibit area. Three ball- rooms, including a 40,000-sq. ft. grand ballroom, and meeting space that can be configured into up to 67 breakout rooms, high-speed Internet access in all spaces, fully digital sound systems and an on-site UPS store make the convention center perfect for meetings and events of any size. The center allows the city to meet the needs of plannners using advanced technology in an evolving meetings indus- try with innovative design, and flexible space. In addition to the Conventin Center, many area hotels also offer meeting space. There are about 45,000 hotel rooms citywide, including 14,000 rooms in the downtown area. There are another 2,860 more hotel rooms planned. There's always something to do on the San Antonio River Walk. Explore San Antonio City's Sightseeing on the Hop-on Hop-off Double Decker tour bus. The double decker tours downtown San Antonio's most popular landmarks. Tours begin every 20 minutes with pick-up stops at the Alamo, the River Walk, Pearl, Market Square, Tower of the Americas, Hemisfair Park and 14 other locations. Centrally located on Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, the Alamo fea- tures interactive tours and exhibits and hosts reenactments of the Texas Revolution. Founded in 1718 as the first mission in San Antonio, the Alamo served as a way station between east Texas and Mexico. The Alamo is one of the most important historical sites in the United States and a must-see attraction if you are visiting San Antonio. The Alamo was part of the mission station established here in 1718, its church built by Franciscans in 1744. San Antonio is known as a favorite vacation destination. Texas has more than 30 million people visiting each year. This makes San Antonio a key city in a vital state for many national associations and corporations. Meeting planners are also drawn to San Antonio thanks to its central location, year-round favorable weather, accessibility, downtown's walk ability, price, and variety of options. Texas is big enough to articulate the universal human experience by engaging other cultures. The Japanese Tea Garden is a beautiful, relaxing space and a free attraction in San Antonio. A former rock quarry, this area has been transformed into a peaceful garden with exotic plants, ponds with Koi, waterfalls, and the lovely stone Pavilion. Walkways meander through the gardens. The Jingu House is an on-site restaurant with indoor and out- door dining space. San Antonio International Airport proudly provides commercial airline serv- ice for the South Texas region. More than 10 million passengers fly into and out of historic San Antonio each year, visiting 54 non-stop domestic and international des- tinations, including Mexico and Canada on 11 airlines. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Grand Hyatt San Antonio 1,300 San Antonio Hyatt Regency Riverwalk 632 Hotel Contessa 265 The Fairmount Hotel 37 San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter 1,000 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Henry B. González Convention Center Total Meeting Space 440,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 67 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit San Antonio – (800) 447-3372 www.visitsanantonio.com African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. https://www.africanamericanchambersa.org AREA GUIDES B M & T ••• January/February 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 41 San Antonio, Texas, USA cityscape at the River walk Photo Credit: Sean Pavone