MONTHLY MEASURE
Click here for the latest 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.


DEEP IN THE HEART. SCORES BIG

Almost a year from its launch, the city's new positioning campaign has garnered even more exposure for the city with some major industry kudos. "San Antonio. Deep in the Heart" scored silver in two Adrian Award categories: "New Brand Image Campaign" and the "New Brand Advertising Series."
Adrian Awards are presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI), an international organization of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of hospitality, travel and tourism. The Adrian Awards honor creative brilliance and best practices in hospitality, travel and tourism related marketing.
"We are thrilled with this honor, especially coming from such a prestigious organization like HSMAI," said Scott White, Executive Director, San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau (SACVB). "What's also so satisfying is that our brand is resonating with our visitors and also with locals; that it is grounded in authentic San Antonio and reflects our city's history, heritage, people and passion through all our marketing efforts."
San Antonio's entry outlined the birth of the brand and campaign development from the foundation of interviewing key local hospitality, arts, historic conservation, business and political community to capture the essence of San Antonio. The SACVB and Bromley Communications team worked to create an image that captured the authenticity and promise of San Antonio in a way that would create an emotional appeal and connection with consumers. The launch, February 14, 2008, was strategically timed with Valentine's Day to maximize the brand messaging, that San Antonio is "Deep. In the Heart."
In its fifth decade, the HSMAI Adrian Awards have grown into the world's most renowned and prestigious advertising, public relations and web marketing competition, specifically tailored for the travel industry. The 2008 competition attracted over 1,300 entries from around the world.

Pictured at from left to right are Ernest Bromley, Chairman and CEO, Bromley Communications; Scott White, Executive Director, SACVB; Sandy Smith, Marketing Director, SACVB; Jeff Moraglia, Group Creative Director, Bromely Communications

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

To celebrate the one year anniversary of the brand, the SACVB is once again partnering with Bexar County to host the 20th annual mass weddings at Arneson River Theatre. Last year, some 440 couples exchanged vows on the River Walk throughout the day. Reverend Joe Sullivan will again preside over the free ceremonies, as he has for the past 20 years, with help from Judge Irene Rios for a few bilingual ceremonies.

Group mass weddings schedule for Saturday, February 14
Arneson River Theatre
12:01 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m. Renewal of Vows only.

A valid marriage license must be presented before the ceremony in order to be wed. There is no fee for participating in the Valentine's Day group weddings. For further information regarding marriage license requirements, call the Bexar County Clerk's Office at (210) 335-2216. Marriage license forms can also be found online.

In addition to celebrating the group weddings at the Arneson River Theatre, the SACVB is marking the one year anniversary of "Deep. In The Heart" with mariachis at the airport and at the Visitor Information Center across from the Alamo. Locals and visitors alike will receive a single yellow rose along with the Valentine's Day serenade.

MLK MARCH - LARGEST IN THE NATION

More than 100,000 people turned out for the annual MLK March in San Antonio's east side, making it the largest march honoring the late Civil Rights leader. Students, families, young and old marched along the east side the day before President Barack Obama historic presidential inauguration. Speakers and entertainers came in from all over the nation for the weekend events. A special thank you to the Marriott Rivercenter for hosting MLK entertainers and speakers. Photo of MLK march provided by the City of San Antonio Communications department.

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FROM SERVICES TO SALES

John Anthony Sanchez joins the SACVB Sales Team as an Account Executive. John brings over two years of experience from the Service side where he was a Convention Services Manager for over two years. Prior to joining the CVB, John was an Assistant General Manager for Drury Hotels and a Convention Services Manager for Holiday Inn.

REMEMBER PASSKEY RATES

Passkey continues to be the software used by the SACVB for processing hotel reservations for groups using three or more hotels and at least 800 rooms on peak night. The cost to hotels is $8.00 per actual reservation for calendar years 2009 - 2010, and $9.00 per actual reservation for calendar years 2011 - 2012. Passkey continues to upgrade its product with features such as wait lists, smart alerts and group campaigns that can be used to encourage longer stays in San Antonio. For more information, contact Janis Kelly, Housing Manager, at janiskelly@visitsanantonio.com.

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Dee Dee Poteete, Director of Communications, has been appointed to the Communications Committee of the U. S. Travel Association (formerly TIA - the Travel Industry Association of America). In addition, Poteete is serving this year as the Sponsorship Committee Chair for the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) national meeting in October in Guadalajara, and as Media Marketplace co-chair for the the Central States SATW meeting in Atlanta in April. The U.S. Travel Association is a non-profit trade organization that represents and speaks for the common interests of the $740 billion U.S. travel industry. Based in Washington, D.C., U.S. Travel is a public voice and political liaison for the entire industry. U.S. Travel promotes increased travel to and within the United States through marketing initiatives, including the Discover America® brand as well as serving as advocates with the U.S. government to ease travel procedures. U.S. Travel is the authoritative and recognized source of travel research, arming its members with powerful and exclusive statistics and analyses on the size and economic impact of the industry as well as in marketing and other areas. The Society of the American Travel Writers represents more than 1,300 professional journalists, photographers, and media relations professionals in North America.

UK CELEBRITY CHEF SHOOTS IN SA

UK Celebrity Chef Phil Vickery and his film crew for the ITV1 This Morning show took San Antonio by storm earlier this month, as part of "Phil Vickery's USA Food Tour" - which also highlighted Miami and New Orleans. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk hosted the group whose shoot included an emphasis on authentic cuisine, the birth of chili con carne, and our multicultural offerings. A highlight was cooking in the kitchens of Mi Tierra with Michael Cortez. The show airs daily on ITV1 and is the top nationwide morning show in the UK. Plus, ITV1 is the biggest commercial television network in the UK. Seen by 3.5 million viewers daily; an exposure value for San Antonio of $1 million plus is anticipated. While in Texas, Cooking with Chef Phil also went to Texas Ranch Life and Houston. The CVB Communications team and Bromley Communications PR spent intense time with the crew January 9-11, shooting Market Square, La Villita, the River Walk and more.

SA IN THE NEWS

"Best Southern City - 2009 Readers' Choice Awards," Southern Living, Jan 2009
San Antonio is a favorite city among readers of Southern Living. It ranked No. 7 in a list of best southern cities, according to the magazine's survey.

"Primer Impacto," Univision, Dec 2008
Tony finds the true meaning of "Bienvenidos en San Antonio!" in this segment called "De Mochila con Tony en Texas."

"Top 10 Christmas Towns," HGTV, Dec 2008
No snow? No problem! "An exhilarating south of the border twist" gives Christmas in San Antonio a unique vibe, with families making tamales to mariachi Christmas carol serenades.

Over 25 San Antonio Hotels and Restaurants Among AAA Four Diamond Award Winners

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MISSION TO MEXICO

In December the SACVB coordinated a Citywide mission to Mexico that included several city departments and private sector participation from various sectors outlined in a Mexico Strategic Initiative for the City of San Antonio. Local leaders representing tourism, medical, business, arts/culture, and education attended concurrent business seminars in both Monterrey and Mexico City. Following the day's business seminars, all sectors came together with their Mexican counterparts for a signature gala and fashion show in each city. Participating City departments included International Affairs, Economic Development, Aviation, Cultural Affairs, and representatives from Bexar County.

Monterrey- December 2, 2008
For the Monterrey mission the SACVB worked directly with the office of the Governor of Nuevo Leon. The Governor expressed a strong interest in this program and his staff participated in the planning of both the seminars and the evening's gala event. The Governor's office is provided the venue for the Gala, Hornos3, one of Monterrey's icon's, this building once housed the furnace of the northern Mexico's largest steel mill. The building was recently restored as part of the International Forum. 365 guests attended the Gala event in Monterrey.

Click here for a video link to the Monterrey Gala.

Mexico City - December 4, 2008
In Mexico City we worked with several organizations including the Museo de Arte Popular, and in particular it's founder, Sra. Maria Teresa Arango, one of Mexico's prominent business families. Mrs. Arango helped develop the invitation list for the event. The business seminars took place in the Nikko Hotel.

Frances Schultschik, SACVB Director of Mexico/Latin America Strategic Initiatives, is pictured above speaking to guests before the Fashion Show at the Mexico City gala.

Attendance at the Gala at the Museo de Arte Popular was 320, which included some of Mexico City's prominent business community. Both galas garnered extensive media coverage in Mexico's leading publications.

MEDIA OUTREACH

On January 20-22, SACVB Mexico/Latin America Director Frances Schultschik returned to Mexico City and hosted a media luncheon attended by 44 media outlets, including consumer magazines, daily publications and a number of niche market media including medical and golf. In addition to the media luncheon the SACVB conducted individual appointments with select publications. Several publications committed articles for 2009 and in the coming weeks, we'll be working with our partners to schedule their site visits to San Antonio. These publications include Travel & Leisure and Caras Golf.

Pictured left to right: Frances Schultschik, Director Mexico/Latin America Relations, SACVB; Francisco Dominguez, National Corporate Manager USA, AeroMexico; Jill Metcalfe, Director, Casa de San Antonio, Mexico City.

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Lure in Spanish
SACVB Marketing has created a lure brochure in Spanish (cover pictured right), customized and targeted for the Mexico market. Copy and images reinforce San Antonio's hotels and resorts, River Walk, arts and museums, attractions, cuisine, shopping, golf and Hill Country region. The brochure is part of the CVB's strategy to drive awareness and demand for San Antonio as a leisure destination in order to increase the number of visitors from key Mexico markets. Distribution is primarily through the CVB's Tourism Division and Mexico/Latin America Division.

Branding Toolkit
Take advantage of the Branding Toolkit created for you! This resource gives you tools to incorporate and strengthen the San Antonio brand in your internal and external communication.

Strategic Partnership with Miles Media
Please note CVB Marketing is working with strategic partner Miles Media to develop and enhance a number of strategic tools, such as the Destination Guide for Meeting & Travel Professionals, the Travel & Leisure Guide, and a new in-market guide. We appreciate your cooperation in providing Miles Media with the most up-to-date information about your businesses for these important publications.

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ITMI PROMOTION

Working to attract more leisure group business SACVB Tourism Sales worked collaboratively with the Professional Tour Guide Association of San Antonio and area attractions, organizing a destination promotion for the International Tour Management Institute (ITMI). 180 ITMI members had pre-conference fam trips on Sunday, January 25, visiting the city and some of its principle attractions. We thank the following anchor partners on their hosting contributions and staffing the fam trip: The San Antonio Botanical Gardens, The McNay Art Museum, The Witte Museum, and The Buckhorn Museum.

In addition, 15 hotels, 6 attraction and shopping venues staffed the SACVB booth at the ITMI Marketplace Symposium in San Marcos, TX, on January 27 and 28. Thanks to all partners who participated.

GLOBAL CONFERENCE IN S.A.

Collette Vacations, based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, chose San Antonio for their 2009 Global Sales Representatives & Tour Managers Conference January 12 - 18 at the
Drury Plaza Hotel. This year's conference was the first time where both the largest tour operator sales and tour management teams in the industry met together simultaneously with the corporate staff. Collette Vacations, a twenty + year client of San Antonio has two annual series into our city each year. Tourism Department Sales Managers Carla Norwood and Sal Garza hosted the 185 attendees at an evening event at Sunset Station Tuesday evening, January 13. Interactive food & drink stations high- lighted San Antonio's Tex-Mex cuisine.

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San Antonio was well-represented at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah earlier this month. Both NESA (North East School of the Arts) and Harlandale High School were invited again this year to participate in the festival's annual "Students at Sundance" program. While at the festival, students attended workshops, screenings and had an opportunity to meet filmmakers from around the world.

The Harlandale students also had lunch withSan Antonio native and well-known actor Jesse Borrego. The San Antonio Film Commission organized this impromptu get together. Jesse filled the hour-long lunch with stories about breaking into the film industry and making a difference in a world flooded with media. Thanks to Jesse for taking time off from his busy press and screening schedule for LA MISSION. Jesse is pictured left and center with Peter and Benjamin Bratt before the sold out premiere for the film.

CINEFESTIVAL

Actor Wilmer Valderrama from "That '70s Show" is making a special appearance at this year's CineFestival for the screening of "Days of Wrath." Valderrama plays an angry gang member in film which also stars Ricardo Antonio Chavira and Laurence Fishburne. "Days of Wrath" screens at the Guadalupe Theater on Saturday, February 7 at 7 p.m.

CineFestival is a program of the Guadalupe Cultural Artrs Center in it's 31st year. The film festival, which features latino films, kicks off Thursday, February 6 and wraps up Sunday, February 9. A four-day festival pass, which includes entry to all the films, VIP seating, workshops and gala celebrations, is available for $30. Individual screenings are $8, $6 for students, military and GCAC members.

For more information visit www.cinefestivalsa.org.

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The Alamodome hosts cheerleaders from coast-to-coast on February 6 - 8 to stake their claim on the Southern All-Star National title and the Small Gym National title. There will be dancing and cheering throughout the building on two floors as teams vie for International open bids and the championship title. Tickets are sold at $30 for a weekend pass, $35 at the door, $20 for adult day passes, $15 for students and senior citizens, and FREE for children 6 and under. For more information on the event, please visit www.cheerpower.com.

KLRN WINE FESTIVAL

The best wines from vineyards around the world will be available to all who attend the KLRN Fine Wine and Cuisine Tasting on February 22, 2009. Wine lovers from everywhere will gather in the San Antonio for this annual event that offers more than a typical tasting. Champagne and fine cuisine will pair perfectly with the delectable, rich wine samples. Hundreds of domestic and imported wines will be up for sampling. Forty of San Antonio's finest restaurants and caterers will give participants a taste of their delicious creations, including: Canyon Café, La Hacienda De Los Barrios, Los Patios, and Valentino's di Olmos. Tickets are available for $40 in advance at your local H-E-B, or for $45 at the door. More information on the event is available online at www.sawinefest.com.

BIGGEST HOME & GARDEN EVENT OF THE SEASON

The last weekend of February promises to be a dream weekend for those looking to work on their dream home. The 29th Annual San Antonio Home & Garden Show will host top-notch experts and celebrities to present free how-to seminars from Friday, February 27 thru Sunday, March 1. There will be fantastic giveaways including the first 100 guests daily to visit the South Texas Growers booth will receive a free plant. You can shop the Arts, Gift, and Gourmet areas to find the perfect accessories for your home, then go tour thousands of square feet of breathtaking garden displays. Four stages will be on display all weekend long: the Celebrity Stage, the Garden Stage, NARI Stage and the Cooking Stage. To see more of the endless opportunities for this year's "True Garden Show", please visit www.sanantoniohomeshows.com. Tickets prices: Adults (17 and up) $8.50, Children 16 and under free, Friday Only (65 and older) $5.00

PALLADIUM NIGHTS

On Saturday, February 7, the Ballet Hispanico & the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra unite in "Palladium Nights" - a celebration of the irresistible rhythms of the Mambo, the Cha Cha, and the Merengue capturing the excitement of a night at a legendary club. The show explores the art of jazz dance - from its African roots, to swing and tap, to Latin and modern. New York's finest companies and choreographers will be featured in the show playing at the Lila Cockrell Theatre. The show begins at 7:30 pm and tickets are priced at $55, $45, and $35 call. To purchase tickets, call ARTS San Antonio at (210) 226-2891, visit TicketMaster online, or email InfoArtsSA@ArtsSanAntonio.com.

HERE COMES THE BRIDAL FAIR

San Antonio's largest bridal fair is moving into the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on February 8 from noon - 5 p.m. Walking down the aisle this year will be fashion shows like no other before to help the brides-to-be find their dream dresses. There will be over 250 vendors and extravagant prizes to be won! The Wedding Fair is expected to be the largest bridal gala of the year. February is "the" month for spring and summer brides to start planning for the big day. A full list of attending wedding vendors is available online at www.weddingfairshow.com. Regular admission is $13, but by ordering your tickets online, you will avoid long lines the day of the show and save $3. Early registration also enters you to win door prizes worth thousands of dollars and show specials offered by the many vendors.

MODEL TRAIN SHOW

Over 40,000 people are expected to attend the World's Greatest Hobby Model Train Show this year! This is believed to be the largest number of people ever to attend a model train show in the United States. The World's Greatest Hobby on Tour is a model railroad show designed to appeal to the masses and to introduce the general public to the hobby in an exciting, family-oriented atmosphere. The show features 50,000 square feet of huge operating model railroads, a giant riding train for kids, 200 booths of manufacturers and retailers, 100 Thomas the Tank Trains for kids to run, DCC controlled railroads for adults to run, demonstrations, seminars, and new products. The show will be at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center on February 21st and 22nd, 2009 and is open on Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 16 are free. Registration provides access to the show for both days. More information on the show and preregistration can be found online.

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TMEA MAKING MUSIC IN S.A.

Please welcome the 2009 Texas Music Educators Association Clinic/Convention and the 23000 attendees from February 11-14, 2009. TMEA brings concerts, workshops for band, orchestra, vocal, elementary and college educators. The annual meeting also fills two exhibit halls with booths representing all facets of the music education industry. The 2009 TI:ME Music Technology Conference will be held in conjunction with the TMEA Clinic/Convention, offering attendees even more opportunities to learn about the latest technology offerings for music educators. For more information visit www.tmea.org.

Other meetings in San Antonio include:

A+ Events (3500)
Ace Hardware Company (20)
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc (250)
American Cheer Power (5000)
American College of Emergency Physicians - Government Services (125)
American College of Osteopathic Surgeons (90)
American Contract Manufacturers Show (1000)
American Law Institute-American Bar Association (100)
American Neuropsychiatric Association (350)
American Society of Diagnostic & Interventional Nephrology (400)
Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (20)
Association of Destination Management Executives (150)
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (300)
Association of Public & Private Developmental Disabilities Administrators (80)
Brooks City-Base (400)
Cequent Performance Products (263)
Chemetall (14)
Christ in Youth (120)
Cordstrap USA Inc. (45)
Cyber Events Group/Provident Point (150)
DogWatch Hidden Fence Systems (137)
Frequency Specific Seminars (100)
Idealease Inc. (250)
Inland Press Association (146)
Kids 'R' Kids Schools of Quality Learning (220)
Licensing Executive Society (300)
Let's Start Talking (50)
Life Impact Ministries (30)
Mentor Graphics Corporation (1000)
Mitsubishi Materials USA, Inc. (170)
Mosaic (40)
National Association of Credit Management Midwest (60)
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (120)
Oakwood Worldwide (390)
RE/MAX of Texas (700)
Renewable Fuels Association (3000)
Rutgers University (175)
SEARCH - The National Consortium for Justice Information & Statistics (30)
STRIPES, LLC (1000)
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (1600)
Sports Car Club of America (450)
Texas Association of Counties (300)
Texas Association of School Business Officials (1200)
Texas Club of Internists (120)
Texas School Public Relations Association (350)
US Department of Labor (45)
US Department of Justice (175)
US Marine Corp (300)
US Military Entrance Processing Command (75)
Volunteers of America Inc (120)
Wound Ostomy Continence Nursing Certification Board (15)

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

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LET'S RODEO!

The country's top cowboys come to San Antonio each February for the nation's largest rodeo - the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. From February 5 - 22, cowboys, families, and music acts take over the AT&T Center and Freeman Coliseum. The official kickoff event was the Cattle Drive from Houston Street to the Alamo on Saturday, January 31st.

GENOME AT THE WITTE

The microscopic world of DNA becomes larger than life at the Witte Museum. Genome: The Secret of How Life Works is on view in the Kathleen and Curtis Gunn Gallery February 7 - May 25, 2009. This family-fun exhibit explores human genetics through interactive displays including an eight-foot-tall, 25-foot-long genetic model of the DNA double helix (pictured right) and a Discovery Theatre, a Hereditary Slot Machine, and a Cookie Factory. Genome is made possible by Pfizer Inc and was produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in collaboration with the National Human Genome Research Institute. There is a $3 surcharge in addition to the museum general admission. For more information call 210-357-1900 or visit www.wittemuseum.org.

ON AND OFF FRED

More than local 50 artists are participating in the annual 2009 On and Off Fredericksburg Road Studio Tour on Saturday, February 14 - Sunday, February 15. The tour takes place On & Off Fredericksburg Road in San Antonio's famed Deco District, along a section of the celebrated Old Spanish Trail Auto Highway. Participating artists live and work in the Monticello Park, Jefferson, Woodlawn Lake, Los Angeles Heights/Keystone, Beacon Hill, and Alta Vista neighborhoods. Bihl Haus Arts is hosting the kick off party on Friday, February 13, 6:00 - 6:00 p.m. with snacks, live music, and artists. All events are free and open to the public. Visit the tour website for more information including a downloadable map and images of each artist's work: www.onandofffred.org.

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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MORE MEETING SPACE IN S.A.

The amount of meeting space in San Antonio has grown by 10,000 square feet. The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa added the additional meeting space to bring the resort's total space up to 43,000 square feet. Located adjacent to The Hill Country Golf Club, the Rogers-Wiseman Pavilion has indoor and outdoor capabilities for exhibits, receptions, golf events, and other social gatherings. The new space can accommodate groups of up to 700 people in a meal setting and up to 1,000 people reception style.

NEW LEADERSHIP AT GCAC & UTSA'S ITC

UTSA's Institute of Texan Cultures and the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center have both announced the appointments of new executive directors. Timothy J. Gette begins his duties at ITC on February 9. The native Texan returns to the Lone Star State from the Virginia Museum of Natural History where he served as exeucitive director. Prior to that, Gette was the chief operating officer of the Dallas Museum of Natural History and director of operations of the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas.

WATERMARK SPA RECEIVES MOBIL 4 STAR AWARD - AGAIN!

For the fifth consecutive year, the Watermark Hotel & Spa wins a Mobil Four-Star Award. The Watermark is the only hotel to receive this honor from the Mobil Travel Guide. To meet Mobil Travel Guide’s Four and Five-Star status, properties must meet or exceed the publication’s service standards. The Travel Guide then sends inspectors unannounced to various properties to conduct undercover service evaluations. This honor comes only weeks after the readers of Conde Nast Traveler included the Watermark on its Gold List, ranking it one of the world’s best hotels. The hotel opened in 2003 and is part of the Omni Hotels chain based in Irving, Texas.

CARNAVAL DE S.A. IN D.C.

URBAN-15's Carnaval de San Anto shared a historic moment with President Barack Obama during his inauguration in our nation's capitol on January 20, 2009. Chosen from a pool of applicants, the San Antonio performance group was one of only two groups from Texas selected to perform in the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade. URBAN-15 previously performed at the inaugurations of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The SACVB along with corporate sponsors, local businesses, and members of the community donated funds to take 49 members to Washington D.C. to represent San Antonio at the inaugural event.

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Newsletter Information
From The Heart is a collaborative effort of the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Convention, Sports and Entertainment Facilities.

Our Mission is "To promote and market San Antonio as a premier visitor and convention/meeting destination for the purpose of positively affecting the city economy."

For more information, or to be removed from this newsletter list, email us at CommunityRelations@VisitSanAntonio.com, or call Marketing & Communications division at (210) 207-6737.