San Antonio: A New Contender for Texas' Top Convention Spot
7/15/2025
By Sheldon Smith, CEO
SAN ANTONIO – With Austin's convention center slated for a multi-year renovation, all eyes are on San Antonio as the next-in-line to host major events. But what if this is more than just a temporary solution? With its ample event space, affordable prices, and major infrastructure upgrades, San Antonio is poised to become a permanent powerhouse in the convention industry, giving its northern neighbor a run for its money.
For years, Austin has been a major player in the convention and events scene. However, with the Austin Convention Center closing its doors from April 2025 until 2029 for a massive $1.6 billion expansion, a significant opportunity has emerged for other cities to step into the spotlight. San Antonio is not just stepping up; it is making a calculated move to win over conference organizers for the long haul.
Ample Space and a Welcoming Atmosphere
San Antonio's Henry B. González Convention Center is a formidable competitor. With over 514,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 70 meeting rooms, it can comfortably host large-scale national and international events. The convention center is centrally located on the city's famed River Walk, offering attendees a unique and walkable experience with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
"The rate of return, the intent to return if a group has a meeting in San Antonio, is 65%,” said Mario Bass, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio, in a recent interview with the San Antonio Business Journal. “Once I get you here, half the battle is won.” This high rate of return speaks to the positive experience that a conference in San Antonio provides, an experience that goes beyond the four walls of a convention hall.
Affordability: A Key Competitive Advantage
In an era of rising costs, San Antonio's affordability is a major draw for event planners. While the average daily cost for a visitor in Austin is around $114, in San Antonio, it's a more budget-friendly $106, according to See Sight Tours. This cost advantage extends to hotel rates, where San Antonio consistently offers more competitive pricing for 3-star and 4-star accommodations compared to Austin. For large conferences with thousands of attendees, these savings can be substantial, making San Antonio a financially savvy choice.
Investing in the Future
San Antonio is not resting on its laurels. The city is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar transformation that will enhance its appeal as a premier event destination. Key projects include a $2.5 billion expansion of the San Antonio International Airport, which will improve connectivity and ease of travel for visitors. Downtown is also getting a major facelift with "Project Marvel," a $4 billion revitalization project that will bring new attractions, hotels, and amenities to the city center.
These infrastructure upgrades, coupled with ongoing improvements to public transportation and the city's park system, demonstrate a clear commitment to growth and a vision for a more vibrant and accessible San Antonio.
A Strategic Opportunity
Visit San Antonio is actively capitalizing on Austin's convention center closure, viewing it as a four-year window to showcase what the Alamo City has to offer. The goal is not just to fill a temporary void, but to create lasting relationships with event organizers and prove that San Antonio is a superior choice for their conventions.
As Austin's convention center undergoes its transformation, San Antonio is rolling out the welcome mat. With its impressive convention facilities, affordable prices, and a city-wide commitment to growth and improvement, San Antonio is making a compelling case that it's not just an alternative to Austin, but a permanent and preferable destination for conferences and events. The next few years will be a crucial test, but it is one that San Antonio is well-prepared to ace.
Sources:
By Sheldon Smith, CEO
SAN ANTONIO – With Austin's convention center slated for a multi-year renovation, all eyes are on San Antonio as the next-in-line to host major events. But what if this is more than just a temporary solution? With its ample event space, affordable prices, and major infrastructure upgrades, San Antonio is poised to become a permanent powerhouse in the convention industry, giving its northern neighbor a run for its money.
For years, Austin has been a major player in the convention and events scene. However, with the Austin Convention Center closing its doors from April 2025 until 2029 for a massive $1.6 billion expansion, a significant opportunity has emerged for other cities to step into the spotlight. San Antonio is not just stepping up; it is making a calculated move to win over conference organizers for the long haul.
Ample Space and a Welcoming Atmosphere
San Antonio's Henry B. González Convention Center is a formidable competitor. With over 514,000 square feet of exhibit space and more than 70 meeting rooms, it can comfortably host large-scale national and international events. The convention center is centrally located on the city's famed River Walk, offering attendees a unique and walkable experience with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
"The rate of return, the intent to return if a group has a meeting in San Antonio, is 65%,” said Mario Bass, President and CEO of Visit San Antonio, in a recent interview with the San Antonio Business Journal. “Once I get you here, half the battle is won.” This high rate of return speaks to the positive experience that a conference in San Antonio provides, an experience that goes beyond the four walls of a convention hall.
Affordability: A Key Competitive Advantage
In an era of rising costs, San Antonio's affordability is a major draw for event planners. While the average daily cost for a visitor in Austin is around $114, in San Antonio, it's a more budget-friendly $106, according to See Sight Tours. This cost advantage extends to hotel rates, where San Antonio consistently offers more competitive pricing for 3-star and 4-star accommodations compared to Austin. For large conferences with thousands of attendees, these savings can be substantial, making San Antonio a financially savvy choice.
Investing in the Future
San Antonio is not resting on its laurels. The city is in the midst of a multi-billion dollar transformation that will enhance its appeal as a premier event destination. Key projects include a $2.5 billion expansion of the San Antonio International Airport, which will improve connectivity and ease of travel for visitors. Downtown is also getting a major facelift with "Project Marvel," a $4 billion revitalization project that will bring new attractions, hotels, and amenities to the city center.
These infrastructure upgrades, coupled with ongoing improvements to public transportation and the city's park system, demonstrate a clear commitment to growth and a vision for a more vibrant and accessible San Antonio.
A Strategic Opportunity
Visit San Antonio is actively capitalizing on Austin's convention center closure, viewing it as a four-year window to showcase what the Alamo City has to offer. The goal is not just to fill a temporary void, but to create lasting relationships with event organizers and prove that San Antonio is a superior choice for their conventions.
As Austin's convention center undergoes its transformation, San Antonio is rolling out the welcome mat. With its impressive convention facilities, affordable prices, and a city-wide commitment to growth and improvement, San Antonio is making a compelling case that it's not just an alternative to Austin, but a permanent and preferable destination for conferences and events. The next few years will be a crucial test, but it is one that San Antonio is well-prepared to ace.
Sources:
- Austin Convention Center: https://www.austinconventioncenter.com/
- City of San Antonio: https://www.sanantonio.gov/
- Eventective: https://www.eventective.com/san-antonio-tx/henry-b-gonzalez-convention-center-564573.html
- KUT News: https://www.kut.org/austin/2023-11-09/austin-convention-center-expansion-timeline
- San Antonio Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2024/05/17/visit-sa-austin-convention-center.html
- San Antonio Water System: https://www.saws.org/news/saws-board-approves-rate-increase-request/
- See Sight Tours: https://seesight-tours.com/cost-of-vacation-in-austin-vs-san-antonio/