Overlooking the scenic San Antonio River Walk, the Henry B. González Convention Center (HBGCC) (900 E. Market Street) stands as a centerpiece of the city’s vibrant downtown and one of Texas’s premier event venues. Built as the San Antonio Convention Center in 1968 for Hemisfair ‘68, its name was changed in 1977 to honor Congressman Henry B. González, a respected civic leader who championed the city’s development. Right from opening the convention center has been a cornerstone of San Antonio’s hospitality and tourism industry.
The venue has more than 1.6 million square feet of space, with over 514,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space, 70 meeting rooms, and two elegant ballrooms, one being the 54,000-square-foot Stars at Night Ballroom, one of the largest in Texas. A massive $325 million expansion and modernization project (the fourth expansion in the center’s history) was completed in 2016. The city’s largest capital project turned the facility into a state-of-the-art meeting destination with added modern meeting spaces, cutting-edge technology, and striking architectural elements.
Those elements combine contemporary design with regional character. Glass walls and open-air courtyards provide gorgeous views of the River Walk, while the public art installations, with works by local and international artists, celebrate the city’s rich artistic tradition. Sustainability was also a core focus of the renovation, incorporating energy-efficient systems, natural lighting, and water conservation features that have earned the facility LEED Silver certification.
Right in the heart of downtown, the convention center is minutes from the Alamo, Hemisfair Park, and hundreds of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. The city’s famous River Walk is a relaxing, engaging way to explore the city’s historic landmarks between sessions. It is one of the most visitor friendly convention destinations in the country.
Each year, the HBGCC hosts a multitude of events, from major conventions like the Texas Music Educators Association Conference and PAX South (until its dissolution) to large-scale corporate meetings, tradeshows, and cultural festivals. As San Antonio continues to grow as a dynamic global city, the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center stands as both a symbol of its heritage and a testament to its future.
EAT
Sitting right on San Antonio’s famed River Walk, Boudro’s Texas Bistro (421 E. Commerce St) is less than 10 minutes from HBGCC. Come for its tableside guacamole and prickly pear margaritas and stay for the Texas style entrées like blackened prime rib and Gulf shrimp & grits. Website www.boudros.com.
Four minutes by car (about a 15 minutes’ walk) is Rosario’s ComidaMex & Bar (722 S. St. Mary’s St). Women and Latino owned, this vegetarian friendly location is regularly named best Mexican restaurant in San Antonio. With ceviche, enchiladas verdes, and their signature prickly pear margarita, you can’t go wrong. Website www.rosariossa.com.
SLEEP
If you don’t want to walk far to the convention center, you can’t do better than the adjacent Grand Hyatt San Antonio River Walk (600 E. Market St). The over 1,000 room hotel features a rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, an on-site Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and the live music providing Bar Rojo. Website www.hyatt.com/grand-hyatt-san-antonio-river-walk.
Hotel Contessa (306 W. Market St), a luxurious 4-star all-suite hotel, sits directly on the River Walk just 10 minutes away. Rooftop swimming pool, a fitness center, and free Wifi are just part of what you’ll get staying in one of their suites. Website www.thehotelcontessa.com.
PLAY
Adjacent to the convention center, Hemisfair Park (434 S. Alamo St), is a redevelopment of the site of the 1968 World’s Fair that offers green spaces, public art, and the landmark Tower of the Americas. Website www.hemisfair.org.
Mentioning San Antonio River Walk should tell you it is the city’s defining attraction. This city park and pedestrian street winds in and out of San Antonio culture and commerce, for an unforgettable immersion into the history of a city rich in both. Website www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com.
