Trade Show News

Hotels along the River Walk, including the Hyatt, Marriott Rivercenter, and Westin Riverwalk, book restroom trailers during ballroom remodels to maintain convention business operations. The Henry B. González Convention Center, which hosts over 750 events annually, also utilizes multi-week trailer coverage during renovation cycles to support its operations.

Visit San Antonio is actively working to attract more conventions, conferences, and large events to the city to boost the local economy. The organization emphasizes the increased economic impact these events bring to the region. This initiative is crucial for San Antonio's competitive position in the convention market.

San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones addressed the 2027 Bond Program Resolution, which includes proposed downtown infrastructure investments. While amendments to remove or separate $35 million for arena-related infrastructure from the bond failed, the city plans to use the $1.9 billion Project Finance Zone and hotel occupancy tax funds for projects, including convention center and Alamodome improvements.

San Antonio city staff briefed the Council on October 28, 2026, regarding an $850 million, two-phase expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center and $125 million in Alamodome work, to be funded by hotel occupancy tax and a Project Finance Zone. The plan to build a new convention center hotel was dropped due to high costs.

Nike has been named the official brand partner of the San Antonio Marathon, scheduled for December 4-6, 2026. The marathon weekend directly follows The Running Event and generated an estimated $22 million in economic impact and nearly 11,000 hotel room nights in its inaugural year.

The San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association Fire & Ice Gala is set to take place on November 5, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt, San Antonio. This event recognizes exceptional hospitality professionals in the city.

Jack Johnson, a prominent figure in meetings industry advocacy, passed away, with a celebration of his life and legacy expected to take place in San Antonio in mid-November. Johnson was instrumental in advancing the argument that destination organizations provide value beyond attracting visitors, contributing to economic opportunity and community well-being. His work included the development of DestinationNEXT, a framework for destination marketing organizations.

The Black Contractors Association of San Antonio (BCASA) is hosting an in-person event on November 17, 2026, to connect contractors, subcontractors, and small business owners with public agencies for government contracting opportunities. Representatives from San Antonio Water System (SAWS), Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), and CPS Energy will provide insights into procurement processes and identifying opportunities.

A celebration of the life and legacy of Jack Johnson, a prominent figure in meetings industry advocacy, is scheduled to take place in San Antonio in mid-November. Johnson was recognized for his work in demonstrating the economic and community contributions of meetings and tourism.

Jim Mery, a San Antonio municipal government leader with 34 years of city service, has been elected President of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission for 2027. His priorities include strengthening the Commission, attracting out-of-town visitors, and engaging young adults to grow membership. Mery's extensive experience spans parks, sports and entertainment facilities, and major civic projects.

Switchback, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, will return to The Running Event (TRE) at San Antonio's Henry B. González Convention Center from December 1-3, 2026. This year's event will feature over 60 leading and emerging outdoor brands, marking the largest collection ever for the outdoor showcase. Switchback aims to provide an elevated onsite experience for outdoor specialty retailers to source products, build relationships, and gain industry insights.

The 2026 San Antonio Auto Show is currently being held at the Freeman Coliseum Expo Halls, providing attendees with an opportunity to explore a wide range of vehicles, from luxury cars to pickup trucks, including electric and hybrid models, without sales pressure. This event allows visitors to conveniently view numerous brands under one roof, examine vehicle interiors, and experience the feel of different models. It serves as an accessible platform for auto enthusiasts and potential buyers to research new vehicles.

IWF will expand its reach with the debut of IWF West, scheduled for August 25–27, 2027, at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. This new three-day trade show and conference is designed to serve the growing western and southwestern U.S. woodworking markets, offering a focused mix of exhibits, education, and networking opportunities.

HITEC 2026 in San Antonio successfully sold out its exhibit floor and attracted over 6,100 attendees and more than 400 exhibiting companies. This indicates a strong demand for face-to-face exhibitions in the hospitality industry, with CEIR forecasting 2.1% growth for the exhibition market in 2026.

The Starnet Fall Meeting is listed as an upcoming event in San Antonio, TX, from October 22-24, 2026. This event is for flooring contractors and will offer insights into managing billing and getting paid faster.

San Antonio leaders have proposed an $850 million, two-phase investment to expand the Henry B. González Convention Center, aiming to add approximately 136,000 to 209,000 square feet of exhibit, ballroom, and meeting space. This expansion is a key component of the larger Project Marvel downtown redevelopment, designed to increase the center's total footprint to about 1.6 million square feet and enhance the city's competitiveness for convention business. City officials anticipate procuring a designer in 2027, with construction potentially beginning in late 2028 or early 2029.

San Antonio leaders are proceeding with an $850 million convention center expansion, which includes a 26% increase in contiguous exhibition space and a 53% increase in ballroom space. This is part of Project Marvel, though other components like Alamodome renovations have been scaled back due to rising costs and economic uncertainty.

San Antonio leaders have proposed an $850 million, two-phase expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center, aiming to add 136,000 square feet of exhibit hall space and a 50,000-square-foot ballroom. This project is a key component of the larger $1.3 billion Project Marvel, a downtown sports and entertainment district redevelopment. The expansion seeks to enhance the city's competitiveness in attracting conventions and is estimated to generate an additional $718 million in economic impact.

San Antonio city leaders have proposed an $850 million, two-phase expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center, which would add over 209,000 square feet of exhibit, ballroom, and meeting space, potentially placing it among the top 10 nationwide. This plan is part of a larger $1.3 billion downtown redevelopment project, Project Marvel, which also includes $125 million in upgrades for the Alamodome over the next decade. The expansion aims to enhance the city's competitiveness in attracting major convention and meeting business.

The Henry B. González Convention Center expansion in San Antonio is now projected to cost $850 million, with plans to add 136,000 square feet of new exhibit space. This updated figure reflects the city's ongoing plans for the convention center.