On Site: The Ultimate Planning Guide For Trade Shows in San AntonioOn Site: The Ultimate Planning Guide For Trade Shows in San Antonio
What you need to know about this South-Central Texas city if you plan, attend, and exhibit at business events.
August 22, 2025
This summer, we spent three days in San Antonio to check out what the city has to offer for events and trade shows. Here’s what you need to know about this South-Central Texas city if you plan, attend, and exhibit at business events.
Context: I’ve visited San Antonio once in 2017 to attend Expo! Expo!, International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition. During that trip, I stayed for an extra night to meet up with a friend who lived nearby. This year, I timed my visit with Cvent Connect, so I could see the convention center and hotels in action.
What we learned: Once attendees and exhibitors arrive at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, there’s so much to do within walking distance or a short ride away (read on).
Hot spot: In 2025, San Antonio has hosted the NCAA Final Four, Shakira, and Cvent Connect—not to mention the annual Fiesta San Antonio, the city’s signature festival that features parades, block parties, the Oyster Bake, and live music on multiple stages. This year’s 11-day Fiesta San Antonio was held April 24-May 4.
The San Antonio River Walk is located steps from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
Located downtown, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center has five exhibit halls with approximately 514,000 square feet of contiguous space.
Getting there: Undergoing a $2.5 billion expansion and renovation that’s expected to be complete in 2028, the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) broke passenger records in 2024, with more than 11 million, according to a report by SAT. SAT currently offers nonstop service to 48 destinations, operated by 11 airlines, according to data from Flightsfrom.com. There was one direct each day from my hometown, so I took it both ways. The convention center is located less than 10 miles from the airport.
Where to meet: The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center has five exhibit halls with approximately 514,000 square feet of contiguous space. Notable features: Situated on the River Walk, steps from restaurants, attractions, shopping, and more; centrally located in the city with 15,000 hotel rooms within walking distance; the center’s expansive and open lobby that housed Cvent registration and live entertainment, the massive Stars At Night ballroom with gorgeous lighting on the ceiling and an outdoor terrace, outdoor lunch cafe (not open during our visit), green space and park adjacent to convention center. The last renovation was in 2016, and the facility is currently looking to expand.
Where to stay: In downtown San Antonio, there are approximately 15,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of venues like the Alamodome and the Convention Center, according to the San Antonio Express News. With 48,000 hotel rooms citywide, there are plenty of options, but here’s what we got to see during our stay:
Kimpton Santo San Antonio. We stayed at this hotel that’s been open since August 2024. Notable: A popsicle offered at check-in; a living room in the lobby for lounging or meeting up with colleagues; drinks at the lobby bar (free drink ticket given at check-in); free coffee/tea service in the morning in the lobby bar; Nespresso machines in the room; a speakeasy in a schoolhouse building; a historic courtyard where NAFTA was signed; Dean’s Steakhouse, a high-end restaurant with oyster bar and private dining room on the upper level that overlooks the restaurant; an inner courtyard off the lobby with murals; meeting space with windows; and more. Despite the warmer summer temps, it was an easy walk to the Convention Center.
Dean's Steakhouse at Kimpton Santo San Antonio
Tenfold rooftop restaurant and bar at Kimpton Santo San Antonio
Hotel Emma. We toured this historic hotel that was once a 19th century brewhouse but is now a 146-room hotel on the River Walk on the northern edge of downtown. Notable: In 2019 during the "Here We Go Again" tour, Cher stayed at the hotel and mentioned it in a tweet, calling it "one of the most unique, beautiful hotels ever." Be sure to check out the library and browse the historic photos on the walls. Have a drink in the hotel's Sternewirth bar, known for its sophisticated, industrial-chic ambiance. Reserve one of the nooks with curtains for more intimate seating. Even if you don’t stay at Hotel Emma, host a private event in the Emma Koehler suite, which features a 718-square-foot terrace that has a fireplace and a dining table for eight.
The St. Anthony. We squeezed in a quick tour of this Marriott hotel that’s located a few blocks from the convention center. Notable: Be sure to check out the iconic 1927 Steinway concert grand piano situated in the hotel’s Peacock Alley, an elegant lobby lounge and gathering space. Visit the St. Anthony Club for a handcrafted cocktail or the Cabana Bar by the rooftop infinity pool for stunning city views.
The library at Hotel Emma
This suite at Hotel Emma can host private events.
What to do
Have drinks and tapas at sunset at Tenfold, a year-round, open-air rooftop bar located on the 10th floor of the Kimpton Santo San Antonio.
Stroll the River Walk for food, drinks, shopping, running, walking, or hop on a river cruise. On a recommendation from a local, I dined at Boudro’s. Ask for a table by the River Walk if you like to people watch and weather permits. Try the Prickly Pear Margarita and the guacamole that’s made table side.
Stop at the Pearl. Located along the San Antonio River, this vibrant mixed-use development features a wide range of restaurants, shops and cultural venues.
Check out the view from Tower of the Americas, a 750-foot observation town located in Hemisfair Park, next to the convention center. Have a drink or dine at sunset.
Walk through Hemisfair Park. Located next to the convention center, the park features an expansive open green space ideal for large-scale events. Check out the colorful murals.
Stop at the Alamo. A short walk from the convention center, this historical landmark is must-see when visiting San Antonio. Construction began last October on the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, which will offer visitors an immersive journey through eight galleries spanning the Alamo’s 300-year history. Completion is planned for 2027.
The entrance to the Alamo
Pearl in San Antonio
Off-site events
Pullman Market — We had a lunch at Fife & Farro, a pizza and pasta restaurant, and a tour of the market with Afrika Spencer, senior events and corporate sales manager for Pullman Markets. Some fun ideas for groups include making tortillas, pizzas, guacamole, or ceviche, she said. They also offer a mezcal tasting. For smaller groups, the Nicosi Dessert Bar has 20 seats that hug the kitchen, fostering one-on-one dialogue with the chefs.
Creamery — Cvent hosted an off-site event at this district that offers a variety of food & beverage venues, from a rooftop garden and sports bar to an underground ultra lounge and intimate social club.
1902 Nightclub — Located downtown on the east side, the former train depot features dramatic and colorful 16-foot stained glass window, filling the hall’s grand staircase and vaulted ceilings. Cvent hosted its closing night reception in the building’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Casa Hernan — Chef and Owner Johnny Hernandez has converted his former residence into a quaint restaurant that features curated art, authentic equipales chairs from Guadalajara, and wooden statement pieces. We attended a group dinner here with live music, as well as Casa Hernan favorites like the Flautas De Pollo and Cantina Margarita.
Fife & Farro at Pullman Market
Dessert at Nicosi at Pullman Market
Want to know more? Check out the Visit San Antonio 2024 Annual Report.
