Inside Look at San Antonio's Convention Center with Executive Director Patricia Muzquiz CantorInside Look at San Antonio's Convention Center with Executive Director Patricia Muzquiz Cantor

Located on the River Walk in San Antonio, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center stands out as a beacon for dynamic events and innovation in the heart of Alamo City. At the helm of its operation is Patricia Muzquiz Cantor, executive director of the convention and sports facilities department for the City of San Antonio. 

At Cvent CONNECT 2025 in June, we sat down with Muzquiz Cantor to find out what’s new at the convention center. 

Patricia Muzquiz Cantor, executive director of the convention and sports facilities department for the City of San Antonio

What did we learn? Muzquiz Cantor's leadership is not only about overseeing operations but also crafting innovative experiences that leave a lasting impression. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is more than a venue; it’s a gateway to the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere of San Antonio, where service and hospitality shine brightly.  

Read curated highlights from our conversation or watch the full interview. 

An Expansive Vision 

Muzquiz Cantor shared insights into the ongoing expansion and future aspirations for the convention center. "Right now, we are undergoing a feasibility study on possibly expanding the convention center by another 200,000 square feet of exhibit space, adding more meeting rooms and another large ballroom," she said.  

Diverse Events and High Occupancy 

"We’re at 73% occupancy and host around 300 events with over 750,000 delegates annually," she said. The center is capturing larger, quality business opportunities, maximizing benefits not only for the facility but also the local community by boosting hotel occupancy and overall economic activity, she said. 

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The exhibit hall at Cvent Connect 2025, which was held June 9-12 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center

Delivering Unique Experiences 

Visitors to the convention center are offered more than typical event spaces; they encounter creativity at every turn. "Clients are gravitating more towards spaces that are dynamic, collaborative, and technology-advanced," she said. Muzquiz Cantor recounted how ballroom spaces have been transformed to provide unique attendee experiences—from bull riding setups to roller skating rinks. 

A Proud Team and Prime Location 

"Our people are what set us apart. Our clients look for our event managers because they know they’ll get quality service," she stated proudly. With about 250 full-time employees, the convention center's team plays a vital role in its smooth operation. Additionally, she highlighted the strategic advantage of the center’s location. "You leave the convention center and you're steps away from the River Walk, the Alamo, shopping, and dining options," she said. 

The convention center is located along the San Antonio Riverwalk

A Warm Invitation 

When asked what she would want event organizers to know, her response was heartfelt: "Come and visit us. We take pride in our facility, and we are constantly improving the way we service our clients." 

The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is named as after the former U.S. Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, who is credited with having paved the way for other Hispanics to succeed in politics.

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