SAN ANTONIO.

New Space in Convention Center

San Antonio is basking in the glory of a newly expanded convention center, more than 6,800 new hotel rooms since 1995, and other new projects that continue to increase its popularity as an association meetings destination. San Antonio's appeal is obvious. A readymade theme party the city is a delightful mix of cultures, cuisine, arts, and events that make it one of America's most colorful cities.

San Antonio's beautiful River Walk--the heart of the city--showcases some of the finest hotels, dining, shopping, and entertainment options found anywhere. Plus, more meetings-oriented hotels have opened recently along the 2.5-mile River Walk. The $50 million Westin River Walk opened late last year with 474 guest rooms and ample meetings facilities, while a 410-room Adam's Mark hotel opened recently in a converted office tower on the River Walk with 21,800 square feet of meeting space. Overall, downtown San Antonio offers more than 9,000 committable rooms.

Located within a brief stroll of the hotels at the River Walk is the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, which completed Phase I--the new construction--of its $193.8 million expansion and renovation project last fall. Among the specific improvements and additions to the center include 83,000 square feet of new meeting room space; a 43,000-square-foot, hotel-quality ballroom overlooking downtown San Antonio; 24 new loading docks; a new 9,000-square-foot, full-service banquet kitchen; the latest in high-tech sound, lighting, and audiovisual equipment; and aesthetic touches such as plazas, fountains, and waterfalls complementing the River Walk.

When renovations to the original facilities are completed in early 2001, the convention center expansion project will offer 444,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space. Overall, the expansion increases the facility's building footprint from 540,000 gross square feet to more than 1.3 million square feet. A concurrent project that is extending the River Walk to HemisFair Park also is scheduled for completion in early 2001.

Two other quality meeting and exhibit facilities are located in downtown San Antonio as well. The city's newest multipurpose facility--the Alamodome-- offers a combination of fixed, movable, and retractable seating that can accommodate up to 77,000. The $186 million Alamodome was designed to provide the ideal setting for a variety of expositions and group events. It offers 160,000 square feet of contiguous floor space and breakout meeting space totaling 30,000 square feet.

The historic Municipal Auditorium and Conference Center recently underwent a four-year, $13 million restoration project that restored it to its original 1926 grandeur. Total seating capacity for the auditorium is 4,904, and six meeting rooms with removable walls can seat 100 theater style. The center floor of the facility's main level offers 8,000 square feet for banquets or exhibits, and its lobby can accommodate 1,000 people for a memorable reception.

Adam's Mark San Antonio: Landmark Building, Luxury Amenities

The luxurious new Adam's Mark in downtown San Antonio is an impressive addition to the city's famous River Walk. Transformation of the landmark National Bank of Commerce building in downtown San Antonio into the new Adam's Mark was an ambitious 18-month project that preserved the historical significance of the 20-story building while creating an "open lobby" feel for the new hotel.

The result is a spectacular, 410-room, luxury hotel in a great location. All of the hotel's dining and entertainment is centrally based in the spacious lobby, creating a dynamic atmosphere that welcomes guests and beckons then to join in.

Upstairs, the hotel offers 21,800 square feet of richly adorned meeting space that is equipped with the latest technology in lighting and communication tools. The 8,200-square-foot ballroom includes luxurious arches accented with beveled mirrors and crystal sconces, reminiscent of the chandeliers in the lobby.

The third floor is a full-scale health club, pool area, and sundeck with a great river view. Guest rooms offer elegant furniture and modern amenities such as two-line phones for computer-modem access.