Thank you to those who were able to attend our 2015 Annual Meeting. What an amazing turnout, with over 450 partners and community business leaders! It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up with each of you and share what we have in the pipeline for 2016.

Attendees learned all about “Destination Transformation,” enjoyed sneak peeks of the Henry B. González Convention Center transformation and heard from an esteemed panel comprised of Mike Sawaya, Executive Director of Convention & Sports Facilities; Betty Bueché, Director of Bexar Heritage; and Frank Miller, Aviation Director, regarding updates on the Center’s transformation, the UNESCO World Heritage designation and the renovations taking place at the San Antonio International Airport.

During the meeting, we also enjoyed an informative message from Kevin Krone, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Southwest Airlines, on air service development, retention and recruitment.

Congratulations to City Manager Sheryl Sculley and Greg Kowalski, President and CEO of The RK Group, recipients of the 2015 Robert H.H. Hugman and Con Corazón awards. We are so proud of their achievements and contributions to the San Antonio community!

In addition, Mayor Ivy Taylor was recognized as one of our Connect San Antonio locals, advocating for San Antonio to be the host city for the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s 2016 Regional Conference. In turn, she recognized the following hometown heroes for bringing their meetings to San Antonio: Angela McClendon Johnson (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.); Dr. Steven Davis (Stem Cell Summit); the Honorable Linda Conley (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority); Scott Metzger (Brewers Association); Laura Thompson (Sistas In Business); and Dr. Linda Smith (Texas Association for Clinical Laboratory Science). The estimated economic impact to San Antonio of these combined meetings is $11.3 million! For more information on the SACVB’s Connect San Antonio program and how to get involved, visit www.visitsanantonio.com/connectsa.

As you can see, it is a wonderful and important time to be spreading the message about San Antonio. However, our competition from other destinations is also growing. We don't want to just keep up with other cities; we want to surpass them. We want San Antonio to be a standout choice for all meeting and leisure visitors. But we need your help! As this is a community-wide effort, I want you to ask yourself what's next? What do we see on the horizon? What opportunities can we be at the forefront of?

These questions have inspired the CVB to concentrate on several strategic priorities as we move forward into 2016 and beyond. I hope that it inspires you and serves as a tool in your 2016 planning. Within the report, click on our "Partner With Us" section for opportunities to team with us, and take time to explore Partners.VisitSanAntonio.com to see how your San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau is working to showcase this remarkable City on the Rise.

To those who attended our 2015 Annual Meeting – thank you. We would greatly appreciate your feedback. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out our Flash Survey.

Finally, in September 2016, San Antonio will host the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) New Ideas Annual Conference. TSAE is comprised of more than 1,000 association professionals who represent Texas-based associations and societies, as well as corporations and firms that provide services to associations. San Antonio is responsible for hosting several events and activities during the conference. We need your help to showcase the best of our destination. For sponsorship and exposure opportunities, contact Shanna Smith, Partner Communications Manager, at 210-207-6737 or by email at shannasmith@visitsanantonio.com.

Thank you for all that you do, and thank you for your continued support!

In The Heart,

Casandra Matej, CDME, CTA
Executive Director
San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau