Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1503289
THE RIVER CITY PROVIDES ATTENDEES TOP LEVEL ACCESSIBILITY WITH ITS WORLD RENOWN WALKABLE DOWNTOWN B Y S O L O M O N J . H E R B E R T I I In San Antonio, they mean business. They also know how to have fun. The city is rich in history, bursting with culture, and booming with modern attractions. This region is renowned as a truly unique des- tination and is ready to host you and your group. Discover some of the top reasons why San Antonio is the premier meeting destination for groups of all sizes. The Henry B. González Convention Center (HBGCC) is right on the banks of the world-famous River Walk and has the footprint, technology, and the flexibility to host nearly any event imaginable. The HBGCC has 514,000 square feet of con- tiguous exhibit space, 86,500 square feet of column-free multipurpose space, 70- plus meeting rooms, and two ballrooms (one of which is the largest in Texas). Just minutes from downtown, The Red Berry Estate is a storied lakeside mansion that was lovingly restored and reopened in late 2020. The Red Berry Estate now has 15,000+ sq. ft. of enter- taining space, including a Mansion Ballroom, a spacious Lakeside Ballroom, and a Casino with Bar & Lounge, as well as new outdoor spaces capable of host- ing large groups, including a new Lakeside Veranda, Lakeside Lawns and Lakeside Fountain areas. The restored 12-acre lake provides an unrivaled event backdrop, featuring in-lake fountains and views of downtown. The venue accom- modates motor coaches and is supported by the award-winning event professionals at Rosemary's Catering and The RK Group. Consider a stay at one of 45,000 guest rooms, with nearly 14,000 located downtown and 6,500 within walking dis- tance of the convention center. From lux- urious downtown hotels, to boutique inns, to spacious Hill Country resorts, San Antonio's lodging options are varied in style, location, and affordability, making the city the ideal meeting destination for groups of all sizes. Adding to San Antonio's repertoire of exceptional hotels, the Thompson San Antonio Hotel and The Arts Residences opened in February 2021 and is a $116 million mixed-use hotel-condominium tower on the San Antonio River Walk. The 20-story 337,000-plus-square-foot mixed-use development is across the River Walk from the esteemed Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. This 162- room Thompson Hotel is one of a collec- tion of design-forward, boutique lifestyle hotels and resorts. As a top leisure destination in the nation, San Antonio boasts a vibrant mix of culture and cuisine, legendary architec- ture, moving history, and 300 days of sun- shine a year. For small and large groups alike, San Antonio offers a variety of unique venues, nightlife, and family-friend- ly attractions to give your guests plenty of social elements for a truly unique (and totally fun!) meeting or convention experi- ence. Conference attendees can tee off at more than 50 area golf courses or they can check out the city's several high-pro- file theme parks for thrilling rides, live shows and entertainment, and plenty of family fun. SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Splashtown, Schlitterbahn, and Morgan's Wonderland are fan favorites for all ages. Guests should consider the San Antonio Zoo, in historic Brackenridge Park, with new exhibits debuting seasonally. Conveniently located in south-central Texas, San Antonio is an easy trip for groups coming in from either coast. The San Antonio International Airport has recently increased non-stop service by 50% and is just eight miles from down- town. The walkable city makes it easy to get around. Jump on an open-air river taxi with GO RIO Cruises, or walk, or bike around the compact downtown district and adjacent neighborhoods with ease. B M & T ••• July/August 2023 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 62 AREA GUIDES S A N A N T O N I O Henry B. González Convention Center • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort 1,002 Grand Hyatt San Antonio 1,003 Hilton Palacio Del Rio Hotel 485 The Westin Riverwalk San Antonio 473 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Total Meeting 514,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 183,712 sq. ft. Largest Ballroom 54,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 72 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit San Antonio – (210) 244-2000 www.meetings.visitsanantonio.com photo credit: HBGCC