MONTHLY MEASURE
Click here for the Monthly Measure, an executive summary of the recent performance activity from the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau. Detailed information includes several local and national industry barometers.

NEW BRANDING FROM THE HEART
On the most romantic day of the year, February 14, the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau unveiled a new positioning for the city - "San Antonio. Deep. In the Heart." The new identity for San Antonio embraces the spirit and pride of the citizens and culture, and aims to share that passion with a promise to potential visitors to choose San Antonio, and the experience will forever remain "deep in their hearts."
The all-encompassing effort will be evident across San Antonio and around the nation and globe as the city promotes its authentic and singular assets to potential visitors and convention planners. "Deep. In the Heart" will be conveyed through national advertising which evokes the city's unique mix of culture and history, a new website www.visitsanantonio.com, and collateral themed to reflect the passion and celebratory spirit of San Antonio. Visually, the city will now be identified with the "San Antonio. Deep. In the Heart." positioning line and a new logo which echoes the four key pillars of the brand:
-People who embody the power and spirit of the city,
-Pride that is deeply rooted in history,
-Promise of adventure, of knowledge, of welcome, of intrigue, of reward,
-Passion for San Antonio and its art, culture, sports, and entertainment.

To honor the spirit of the occasion,30,000 yellow roses were handed out to visitors and locals alike at the airport, Visitor Information Center, on river barges, and throughout downtown. Thousands of those roses were used to transform the Arneson River Theatre for the 19th annual mass wedding ceremonies hosted by the Bexar County Clerk's Office. During the ceremony, four decorated river cruises represented the four pillars of the brand: people, pride, promise and passion. Following the ceremony, some of the couples boarded river barges, while others joined the cupcake reception where mariachis continued to serenade the couples. The musicians later moved to the bridges along the River Walk and headed to the airport to welcome visitors on such a historic day. The Tower of the Americas glowed in corazon red (the color of the new logo) during the morning and night, reminding all of the passion that makes San Antonio a destination to fall in love with.

The launch of San Antonio's new brand made national news - including a huge electronic reader board in Times Square operated by international news service Reuters (pictured below). Throughout the day, photos from the mass wedding and River Walk appeared on the board, along with copy: "Deep in the Heart of San Antonio…..couples married today in mass wedding ceremonies on the iconic River Walk." The board reaches 1.5 million people daily and the image is run during optimal times i.e.; pre theater and morning rush periods. Besides this national exposure, the event was picked up by almost 20 outermarket television stations, as well as more than 30 print and online hits that have been tracked to date. Results continue to be monitored, and additional pitching of brand-related angles will continue throughout the year. Articles on the new brand are also pending in several meetings trades publications. Watch "Destination SA" newsletter for updates!

The Visitor Information Center across from the Alamo has also undergone a branding makeover including new exterior and interior signs, new uniform shirts for staff, large visual posters of San Antonio sites, enlarged street map posters, fresh paint to compliment the brand, new 'wrap' for the counter, and a high-def TV to show images of San Antonio consistent with the CVB marketing plan. Stop by and check out the updates.

TOURISM ECONOMIC IMPACT
San Antonio's hospitality industry continues to be a driving force in our economy. The latest Tourism Economic Impact Study shows hospitality had an impact of $10.6 billion in 2006, marking a 20% increase over 2004! Some 100,000 people, or 1 out of every 8 workers in the metropolitan area, are employed in hospitality. The study also updates San Antonio's visitor count at some 26 million visitors, of which 11 million stayed overnight. Released at a luncheon emceed by CVB Executive Director Scott White (pictured above) on February 20, 2008, the hospitality economic impact study was prepared by Trinity University professors Richard V. Butler, Ph.D. and Mary E. Stefl, Ph.D., and sponsored by the San Antonio Area Tourism Council, the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association, and the CVB. The study is an update to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce industry report released every two years, using data from the CVB's visitor profile research provided by D.K. Schifflet & Associates, a leader in travel industry research.

FEBRUARY: RECORD MONTH
Though the shortest month of the year, February 2008 is set to be a record-setting month for the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). The CVB booked more than 87,000 delegates for February alone-the most delegates hosted during a one month period in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center's history (built in 1968; expanded in 2001). Attributing to this record setting delegate attendance is the American Academy of Dermatology with 17,000 delegates and the Texas Music Educators Association with 23,000 delegates among others.

2008 NCAA FINAL FOUR
San Antonio is proud to be hosting it's third Men's Final Four® in a decade and looks forward to giving all participants a most memorable championship experience! Though tickets have long been sold out for the 2008 NCAA® Men's Final Four ® games, numerous activities are available for volunteers, visitors, and fans to take part in NCAA® history.

No ticket? No problem! Tons of activities, free of charge, await fans of all ages. Follow the bouncing ball to Hoop City®, participate in the ultimate hoop experience with the Dome Dribble, join other fans rockin' in the streets at The Big Dance®, enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, where music and basketball collide, at the AT&T Block Party, come see the country's best college basketball players at The DiGiorno® College All-Star Game, and don't miss the one-of-a-kind, floating pep rally on the beautiful San Antonio River Walk.

The 2008 NCAA® Final Four® festivities begin Friday, April 4, 2008 and continue until Monday, April 7, 2008. All event information including the official schedule of events, tickets and hospitality information, fan hotels, and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.saloc.org or by contacting the 2008 NCAA® Final Four® San Antonio Local Organizing Committee at (210) 820-2100.

Make Downtown Shine!
In preparation for the NCAA Final Four events, the Downtown Operations Department presents Make Downtown Shine! Volunteers from various agencies and City Departments will be sprucing up HemisFair Park, Houston Street, La Villita and Alamo Street from Houston to Durango. Projects include painting, planting and graffiti removal. Please contact Sonia Gaeta at 207-8605 or 216-9622 if you are interested in volunteering.

Saturday, March 8th
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Houston Street & HemisFair Park

Friday, March 14th
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Alamo Street

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL PRESENTS SALTIMBANCO

Cirque du Soleil will present Saltimbanco at the AT&T Center this March, but you'll get a sneak peak during First Friday on March 7th! Just look for the big green bus (pictured left)!

Stilt walkers, jugglers, and mimes will be clowning around Southtown to celebrate the upcoming engagement of the Saltimbanco tour in San Antonio. Saltimbanco explores the urban experience in all its forms: the people who live there, their idiosyncrasies and likenesses, families and groups, the hustle and bustle of the street and the towering heights of skyscrapers. The family friendly show takes spectators on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of the city. Tickets for the following shows are can be purchased by telephone by calling 210-224-9600 or online at www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Wednesday, March 12th at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 13th at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 15th at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 16th at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Click here for a complete list of events from the SACVB website.

Have an event to submit to the CVB web calendar? Click here for the submission form.

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WELCOME TO SAN ANTONIO
With 3,500 attendees, the SAS Global Forum 2008 Annual National Convention is the biggest meeting in San Antonio for the month of March. Headquartered at the Marriot Rivercenter, the SAS Global Forum group will be in San Antonio from 3/16 - 3/19.

Other groups in town include:

American Association of Airport Executives (98)
American College of Emergency Physicians - Government Services (100)
American Law Institute-American Bar Association (100)
American Modern Insurance Group (65)
American Salvage Pool Association (150)
Asian American Hotel Owners Association (2500)
Automotive Parts Associates (565)
Chiropractic Society of Texas (75)
College Newspaper Business & Advertising Managers (250)
Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives (105)
Darpa (60)
De Laval Inc (200)
Energy & Environmental Research Center (100)
Farm Equipment Wholesalers Association (35)
Independent Bankers Association of Texas (30)
Independent Bankers Association of Texas (35)
Innovative Technology Conferences (200)
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (120)
Knowledge Learning Corporation (250)
Meeting Visions, LLC (180)
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (1200)
National Association Rural Health Clinics (250)
National Business Aviation Association (350)
National Business Education Association (936)
National Dairy Herd Improvement Association (150)
National Defense Industrial Association (300)
Novus (130)
Nuclear Energy Institute 2008 Annual CNI Meeting (80)
Nucor Building Systems (700)
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity (800)
On Hold Messaging Association (100)
Precision Entry Inc. (100)
Rocky Mountain Asphalt User/Producer Group (120)
San Antonio Pop Warner Football (500)
Society of Women Engineers (200)
Special Care Dentistry Association (400)
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company (80)
Statewide Evaluation Network (20)
Texas Daily Newspaper Association (128)
Texas Public Health Association (250)
Texas Rural Water Association (900)
Texas Section American Water Works Association (2300)
The First Tee (50)
Trinity University - The Asia Network (100)
US Department of Veterans Affairs (195)
WorldMark by Wyndham (250)

Click here for a complete schedule of meetings from the SACVB website.

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60 YEARS OF NIOSA
Night In Old San Antonio is celebrating 60 years of food & fun in La Villita! This year's official NIOSA poster is a watercolor and acrylic painting featuring the historic Otto Bombach House, which is now home to the Little Rhein Steakhouse. The San Antonio Conservation Society commissioned Artisan's Gallery owner Suresh Pitamber to create the poster, which he titled "Opening Night." 250 limited-edition versions of the poster will have a pin of the NIOSA wreath shown hanging from the balcony in the artwork. Posters and tickets are available for purchase in 8x10 or 5x7 sizes at the NIOSA office ( 227 S. Presa St.) while supplies last. Visit www.niosa.org to learn more.

Pictured above: Rey Feo Fred Reyes, San Antonio Conservation Society President Marcie Ince, & Artist Suresh Pitamber.

HYATT HILL COUNTRY CELEBRATES 15th ANNIVERSARY
Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa celebrated its 15th anniversary by honoring charter employees (pictured below). Recognizing the history, success and longevity of the company, Hyatt Hill Country employees celebrated this milestone with Woodbine Development Corporation representatives, former owners of Roger-Wiseman Ranch, what is today Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, and community members. The celebration was part of Hyatt's ongoing commitment to recognize employees for their years of hard work and dedication that have helped make Hyatt Hill Country San Antonio's premier resort destination.

MEDUSA AT THE MCNAY
The McNay Art Museum has added an unusual new work to its acclaimed collection of 19th and early 20th century French sculpture. Head of Medusa, sculpted by Gabrielle Dumontet in 1906, is the museum's second bronze by a female French artist, and the first of this early modern period. According to Greek mythology, Medusa was transformed into serpents by Athene. The sculpture is a 17 inch by 14.5 inch bronze sculpture of the mythological character's tormented face surrounded by her infamous hair of serpents. Small incandescent bulbs illuminate each serpent's mouth.
The McNay is temporarily closed for renovations and will reopen on June 7, 2008 for the grand opening of the Jane and Arthur Stieren Center. For more information, visit www.mcnayart.org.

Photo credit: Collection of the McNay Art Museum, Museum purchase with the Ralph A. Anderson, Jr., Memorial Fund

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SOUTHWEST SHOWCASE
Over 480 association, meeting, and exhibition professionals attended this year's Southwest Showcase in Austin. Total attendance for Southwest Showcase, including exhibitors, totaled nearly 1000 attendees on January 31st. The Southwest Showcase has proven to be a premiere event combining focused education and a supplier showcase targeted to the needs of industry professionals, a wide range of topics featuring experts in the fields of association management, meeting planning, sales and marketing, and exhibition management. San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau was represented by 20 people including CVB staff, hotel partners and local attractions.

Pictured below from left to right: Steve Clanton (CVB), John Vlieger (CVB), Navella Pedraza (CVB), Jeremy Huvard (Contessa), Al Lomas (Sunset Station), Art Pena (Convention Facilities), Jeff Cook (Convention Facilities).

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RETIREMENT LUNCHEON
Eighteen co-workers attended a retirement luncheon honoring Rebecca Cantrell and Sue Edwards. Rebecca Cantrell (pictured right)worked 19 years as a part time Customer Service Representative and Sue Edwards (pictured left) worked 13 years as a part time Customer Service Representative for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Thank you for your years of service!

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DISNEY'S HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ON ICE
Since the award-winning "High School Musical" premiered in 2006 as a Disney Channel original movie, a swiftly growing international cohort of fans have eagerly welcomed this story in an assortment of forms. The highly popular tale has turned from movie to video game, to stage production, and now to an exciting new ice show extravaganza. Get ready to rock the ice at Disney's High School Musical: The Ice Tour, the one hundred-city international tour arrives at the Alamodome in San Antonio, March 19-23. Tickets are available at www.disneyonice.com, Ticketmaster, the Alamodome Box Office, or by calling (210) 224-9600. Ticket Prices: $46.00 / $36.00 / $24.00 / $18.00 / $14.00

Show Schedule:
Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 20, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, March 21, 2008, 1:00 p.m.
Friday, March 21, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008, 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008, 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, 2008, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 23, 2008, 1:00 p.m.

KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE
A day of remembrance, hope, inspiration, and celebration! Honoring those who have survived the battle with breast cancer, those who have lost their lives, and the families and friends who support them. The 11th Annual Susan G. Komen San Antonio Race for the Cure will be held on March 29, 2008, attracting up to 30,000 participants, to help raise money for the continued fight to end breast cancer.

Last year, and for the fourth consecutive year, San Antonio raised more than $1 million for the continued fight to end breast cancer. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday. March 29, 2008 and promises to be another huge success.

Race day schedule:
7:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony Survivor Recognition
8:10 a.m. Start Line Activity
8:15 a.m. 5K Timed Competitive Run
8:25 a.m. 5K Non-Competitive Run
8:45 a.m. Family 1-Mile Run/Walk
9:10 a.m. Competitive Runner Award Ceremony
9:30 a.m. Finish Line Celebration
9:45 a.m. Closing Remarks

To learn more about the event, register, or join a group visit www.komensanantonio.org or www.komen.org or call the hotline at 210-222-9009 for more information.

AMERICAN SPIRIT
For the third consecutive year, American Spirit chose San Antonio to host their Southern National Championship Competition! This event will brought almost 200 cheer and dance groups to the Alamodome on February 29- March 2 to test their skills against other squads in hopes of winning National recognition as well as cash prizes. San Antonio is home to over 100 cheerleading squads and there are at least 6 million cheerleaders across 38 countries worldwide.

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EAST COAST MEDIA
A recent media mission to New York and Boston promoted the city's assets, attractions and events to key members of travel and lifestyle media. Besides deskside appointments, the SACVB executed client events in both markets resulting in 24 media contacts including Successful Meetings, Everyday Food, Diversion, Physician's Travel & Meeting Guide, Travel + Leisure, Ser Padres, Travel + Leisure Family, Chocolatier, Endless Vacation, Redbook, and freelancers for Ladies Home Journal, American Heritage, Family Circle, German Life, The Globe and Mail, The Oregonian, Saveur, Wine Enthusiast, The New York Times; Cooking Light; Outside Traveler; Connecticut Bride and others.
Boston media (pictured left) included travel editor for the Christian Science Monitor, Continental Airlines In-Flight, and writers for Art & Antiques, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, Backpacker, Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Magazine, Boy's Life, Canadian Geographic, Chicago Tribune, Endless Vacation, Family Fun, Forbes Life, Health, Men's Journal, New York Post, Outside, Town & Country, Travel + Leisure, Yankee,Boston Courant; Improper Bostonian; Providence Journal; Lawrence Eagle-Tribune; Earthwatch Magazine; Spa Magazine; Independent Traveler website; AAA Horizons; Family Travel Network website, The Globe Pequot Press, American Profile, American Style, Art & Living Magazine, Body and Soul, Colored Stone Magazine, FEMALE, Hadassah Magazine, Natural Home Magazine, North Shore Jewish News, Solitaire, Travellady Magazine, The Cultural Traveler, VIA (publication of the California State Automobile Association) and others.

Immediate results include San Antonio in the February edition of SmarterTravel.com, in the April travel issue of Ser Padres (the Spanish language sister publication of Parents), and participation in a Luminaria media fam being organized by Communications by a Boston-based writer for AAA Horizons of Southeastern New England, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Christian Science Monitor, Maine Sunday Telegram, New Bedford Standard Times, New Hampshire Telegraph, RhodeIslandroads.com, Toronto Sun, TravelLady Magazine and Travelworld International Magazine.

SA IN THE NEWS

The Communications Division is reporting almost $800,000 in media value for the month of January - more than 40 articles and stories were generated. Here are a few highlight examples:
*Texas Highways - which is considered the travel magazine of Texas. The team worked with Virgil and Angela Fox, and the result includes an image of the Alamo on the front and back covers of the publication, as well as an 8-page inside story.
*Targeting the Canadian market, a large article ran in CARP (Canada's Association for the Fifty-Plus) timed with the northern cold weather. Called "San Antonio - Deep in the Heart of Texas" the 3.5-page article touted many of the city's assets.
*Following last October's media event in Chicago, UR Chicago Lifestyle writer Audarshia Townsend participated in November's cuisine-themed media FAM organized by Communications. Result: a 2-page spread in this 60,000-circulation publication "geared towards music lovers, trendsetters and fashion-forward early adopters in the Chicagoland area."
*Meetings trades continue to be an important sector for editorial outreach, and more than a dozen stories ran in trade publications in December
alone.

SUPER STAR

February's Super Star at the CVB is Communications Manager Sara Gruber. She was recognized for her hard work, can-do attitude, and positive outlook. Keep up the good work!

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DIVERSION-MEXICO: Targeting Physicians
In September 07, the Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted a Mexico Media FAM that included DIVERSION-MEXICO. This publication, like it's U.S. counterpart, targets physicians providing information on leisure destinations, the arts, sports, and other lifestyle articles of interest to this particular market segment. The readers are highly educated medical professionals with the discretionary income to enjoy travel and leisure activities both in Mexico and internationally. In addition to leisure travel physicians from Mexico often travel to the U.S. to attend international medical symposiums, conventions and seminars.
Gabriela Madrigal, editor of DIVERSION had not been to San Antonio in many years until her recent participation in this CVB FAM. The FAM's itinerary covered the Resorts/golf, the arts, medical, shopping and the hill country. Gabriela went away impressed with the destination and wanting to return and did exactly that with her family for a Christmas Vacation. The cover story on San Antonio also reflects her positive impression of San Antonio. The Hyatt Hill Country Resort provided the accommodations for this group.

SWISHY: Travel for Women
A 9-page spread in SWISHY magazine, a publication targeting young professional women and focusing on lifestyle and travel, boasts of San Antonio's shopping scene, restaurants, spas, and upscale hotels. The article was written by Jessica Servin, who was one of the participating journalists in a Mexico Media FAM in September 2008.

LUXE & CLASS: Golf in S.A.
The San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau also hosted Vicente Ochoa as part of a Media FAM last year. He has published several articles resulting from this FAM in LUXE & CLASS on San Antonio as a Golf Destination. His latest article features the Resort and Palmer Courses at the Westin La Cantera, Olympia Hills, Regency Hill Country Resort, Silverhorn Golf Club, and the Quarry. Luxe& Class is an upscale publication focusing on lifestyle, travel and leisure. Golf is a growing market segment in Mexico and given San Antonio's proximity, San Antonio is perfectly positioned to capture these visitors whose interests also include shopping and fine cuisine, all part of San Antonio's landscape for the Mexico market. Thank you to all our partners for your support with hosting journalists.

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SPECIAL SCREENING
Before "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Chicago", Renee Zellweger lit up the big screen in her first leading role in "Love & A .45." San Antonian's were treated to a special benefit screening of the 1994 film at the Santikos Bijou Theatre on February 13th. The film's Writer/Director Carty Talkington presented the film, which centers around two young lovers running from the law to Mexico. Talkington was joined by actors Brad Leland (NBC's "Friday Night Lights") and Richard Rothenberg ("Star Trek: Next Generation" ) for a Q & A session after the film (pictured below). The screening was organized by Texas Motion Picture Alliance, which schedules quarterly benefit screenings with Santikos Theatres. To learn more, visit their website at www.txmpa.org.

Pictured left to right are: Richard Rothenberg, Carty Talkington, and Brad Leland.

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SPIRIT AIRLINES
The CVB Tourism Department is currently working with Spirit Airlines, Spirit Vacations and the Aviation Department on the new flight between Ft. Lauderdale and San Antonio. Spirit Airlines has a Top 20 Deals email blast that goes out to 2.5 million in the airline's database every Tuesday. If you are interested in this opportunity please contact Sal Garza at 210-207-6763.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARNTERSHIP
A big thank you to all of the partners during the busy trade show season. Below is a short list of events:
*ABA: 90 appointments, more than any other Texas city.
*Expo Vacacciones: 12 partners, 17 scheduled appointments, and a buyer education seminar with 65 Travel Agents.
*North American Journey's Summit West: 14 appointments
*Grand Texas Trail Meeting: discussed co-op initiative opportunities with Texas cities in the international market.

COMING SOON
Mark your calendars: CVB Tourism is hosting a presentation on May 15th on how to work with International Tour Operators and Receptives. More info to come!

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