For the first time, U.S. Travel Association’s signature IPW comes to San Antonio, May 20-24, 2023. With the anticipated positive return of global travel, and the pent-up demand for new, authentic American cities to discover, San Antonio is looking forward to a successful IPW that will wow visitors with its culture, culinary, history, art, entertainment and natural wonders.
San Antonio has long been known as one of America’s most cultural, historic, and forward-looking destinations. The blending of cultures harkens to the founding of the city – from Indigenous, to Spanish Settlement, to Mexico, Texas as its own country, and of course the United States. Located on the cusp of the verdant Texas Hill Country, the destination also still proudly reflects the influence of German settlements, and other countries and cultures that shaped this special part of Texas. This rich history is expressed in everything from the architecture, performing arts, culinary scene and more.
As much as San Antonio embraces and preserves its past, this thriving dynamic city propels into the future with world class offerings, a robust and growing business outlook, and cutting-edge technology and development.
IPW 2023 will generate a positive impact on the San Antonio economy, with projections for more than 395,000 new international visitors and $614 million in international visitor spending in the three years following the show. In addition, IPW 2023 is anticipated to create more than 2,700 new jobs for San Antonio, and contribute $143 million in state and local tax collections.
Even as America’s seventh largest city hosting more than 41 million visitors a year, delegates will find the downtown core intimate and walkable, all flowing from the lifeline of the San Antonio River. The Rive Walk runs 20 feet below street level, and for 15 miles of glistening hotels, shops, museums, peaceful pockets of parks and public art. This treasure extends south along the Spanish Colonial Missions, which along with the Alamo, are the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas.
“San Antonio is ready to welcome all in 2023 and plans are well underway for a productive and powerfully memorable IPW and your San Antonio experience will be unparalleled,” said Marc Anderson, President and CEO, Visit San Antonio. “One thing we know for sure, you will leave San Antonio with our city in your heart – because it is the real and true warmth and hospitality of San Antonians that will stay with you forever. We cannot wait to host you next year.”
The tradeshow will meet in the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, right on the River Walk. Plans call for “Viva San Antonio,” a grand and colorful opening night in historic La Villita on the River Walk.
Just for IPW 2023, San Antonio will host an open night River Walk parade in delegates’ honor as guests dine riverside.
IPW 2023 will certainly “Remember the Alamo” on closing night – title sponsor Travel Texas will take over the grounds of one of America’s most iconic sites with the “Spirit of Texas” event. Music, food, entertainment and more will showcase the great State of Texas, and all will see up close the Alamo’s major revitalization project in progress.
One of America’s most iconic sites is undergoing a significant restoration and expansion, known as The Alamo Plan, which will encompass both preservation of historic buildings and new construction projects, all with the goals of fostering reverence and dignity at one of the most important sites in Texas history. The plan aims to memorialize those who lived, fought and died at the Alamo, and share the stories of more than 300 years of Alamo history with an enhanced visitor experience that is both moving and informative.
The new Exhibition Hall & Collections Building will have just opened in late 2022, providing five times more exhibition space than has been available. This will house the Phil Collins Collection given to the Alamo by the British rock star. March 2026 will see the opening of the world-class Visitor Center and Museum, directly across the street from the Alamo, toward the River Walk. These 40,000 square feet of gallery space for dynamic installations of the Alamo’s collection of original documents and artifacts that deepen visitors’ understanding of history, and open just in time for the Alamo’s 190th anniversary.
The Alamo Plan is just one exciting development delegates will experience in San Antonio. IPW 2023 planners are assembling an exciting line up of tours that will offer experiences for buyers and media – cultural, culinary, history, fun for all, Hill Country, adventure, and more. The State of Texas will present a thrilling slate of tours to showcase diverse and excite locales around the state.
