We were able to get some time with Amanda Ciarlone, one of Visit San Antonio’s National Sales Managers to gain insights on her favorite parts of the city and why she thinks it is the perfect spot for you next event.
How long have you lived in San Antonio?
AC: I actually live in New Braunfels, a suburb of San Antonio and home to Schlitterbahn. We moved our family to the area seven years ago.
What brought you to San Antonio?
AC: We moved here from New York in 2010 because my husband got a job here. We jumped at the opportunity to move back to Texas, because it is a great place to work, live and raise a family.
What meetings, conventions and event markets do you primarily handle?
AC: I get to work closely with our friends and clients in the Southeast and Southwest, through New Mexico.
What do you love about working for Visit San Antonio?
AC: This is a big question! I am an extremely family-oriented person and when I joined the Visit San Antonio team, I quickly felt like I was a part of another family here at work. I am so blessed to be a part of a group of talented and warm colleagues and serve as an ambassador to the best convention destination in the U.S. We are all working together to positively impact the economy of our city. I also enjoy the relationships with our partners, who are some of the finest hospitality professionals in the country.
Why should people host their next event in San Antonio?
AC: You will not find another destination that is as authentic and welcoming as San Antonio. We are the perfect backdrop to any meeting or convention. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is a premier facility of its kind and our hotels offer first class service and accommodations. When you couple these things with our incredible culinary scene, attractions and culture, I promise, you won’t find the San Antonio experience anywhere else.
When you’re not busy selling San Antonio, what do you like to do in your free time?
AC: I’m a mom of three (Cate, 11; Jack, 8; Sam, 8 Months), so I dedicate most of my free time to my kiddos. If I find an hour in the week for myself, I love going to hot yoga. As a family, we spend a lot of time enjoying live music at Gruene Hall and exploring the culinary scene. We like to go to Canyon Lake, the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers and Schlitterbahn. Can you tell we like the water?
Describe San Antonio is three words:
AC: Diverse. Inviting. Festive.
Now for a few speed round questions:
Flour or Corn? (Tortillas)
AC: Flour.
What is your favorite “hidden gem” in San Antonio?
AC: I am a huge fan of Pharm Table in Downtown San Antonio. I’m not a vegetarian, or a vegan yet I enjoy eating locally sourced, healthy food when I can.
Ready to start planning your next meeting, or need a scoop on the best way to float the Comal River? Reach out to Amanda by email at AmandaCiarlone@visitsanantonio.com.
Be on the lookout to meet more of our Visit San Antonio Sales Staff, and in the meantime, kick-off your event planning by visiting our website: http://meetings.visitsanantonio.com/.