It鈥檚 time to spit shine those cowboy boots 鈥� this year鈥檚 Pinnacle conference will be held July 24鈥�28, 2023, at the Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas.
Ahead of the conference, check out SA国际传媒鈥檚 pre-show coverage and discover top attractions and amenities offered by this year鈥檚 host city 鈥� from history to entertainment to dining.
Do you have a favorite San Antonio spot you鈥檙e hoping to hit while you鈥檙e in between educational sessions? Share your tips in the comments, and be sure to send your photos and conference highlights to editor@ems1.com to be featured!
Looking ahead to Pinnacle 2023
As Pinnacle conference-goers prepare to descend upon the Texas Hill Country en masse, we鈥檙e looking ahead at this year鈥檚 event lineup and what鈥檚 in store for attendees.
In a preview Q&A, Anthony Minge, EdD, program co-chair, spoke with SA国际传媒 about the preparation, focus and notable events planned for this year鈥檚 conference. The venue and location are one of the big draws, Minge said.
鈥淭he JW Marriott resorts are known for being family friendly, so attendees can bring their spouses or whole family along and enjoy the week of learning, networking and overall rejuvenation,鈥� he told SA国际传媒. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the perfect balance of business and pleasure, relaxation and fun.鈥�
Fitch & Associates鈥� Anthony Minge shares a sneak peek of this year鈥檚 keynotes, social events and more
Why San Antonio?
As the seventh-largest city in the country, San Antonio offers something for everyone, whether you鈥檙e a historical buff or a food connoisseur (tip: Tex-Mex is your best bet, here!).
History & culture
-
鈥淩emember the Alamo鈥�: Tour an authentic piece of Texas history by visiting the Alamo, one of five Spanish missions built in the 1700s, which are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. However, the Alamo, specifically, holds a special place in the hearts of all Texans.
For 13 days, beginning on Feb. 23, 1836, nearly 200 defenders of Texas鈥� independence fought against 4,000 Mexican troops as they attempted to storm the mission during the Battle of the Alamo. Though the Alamo鈥檚 defenders were unsuccessful, the Mexican army鈥檚 refusal to take prisoners inspired many Texans to join the cause for independence, which was ultimately won later that year.
- River Walk: If you鈥檙e only able to do make it to one tourist attraction while visiting the city, the San Antonio River Walk is the obvious choice. The 15-mile-long river runs through the heart of downtown, and visitors can board a boat via GO RIO San Antonio, the river鈥檚 floating transportation system, to take in the sights from the water.
- La Villita Historic Arts Village: Immerse yourself in San Antonio culture when you visit La Villita or 鈥渢he little village,鈥� where artisans and craftworkers sell blown glass, jewelry, clothes and other handmade items. The area was one of the city鈥檚 original settlements, and was a major hub during the Texas revolution.
Entertainment
- Six Flags Fiesta Texas: Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a non-stop celebration of San Antonio and South Texas. It鈥檚 designed around four themed areas: The Mexican town of Los Festivales; the German village of Spassburg; the 1920s cowboy boomtown of Crackaxle Canyon; and the small Texas town of Rockville which includes a 鈥�50s -鈥�60s seaside boardwalk. Themes are carried out by entertaining musical shows and exciting rides including water rides and massive roller coasters.
- Louis Tussaud鈥檚 Plaza Wax Museum: This unique attracition houses more than 225 life-like characters in four themed sections 鈥� Hollywood, Horrors, History and Religion.
- Ripley鈥檚 Believe It or Not! Odditorium: Proving that truth can be stranger than fiction, Ripley鈥檚 is known for providing exhibits that showcase the ultimate in odd and bizarre like a two-trunked elephant, a 512-pound iron meteorite and locks of Marilyn Monroe鈥檚 hair, among other oddities.
- Morgan鈥檚 Wonderland: Designed specifically for individuals with special needs, but open to those of all abilities, Morgan鈥檚 Wonderland is the world鈥檚 first ultra-accessible family fun park. Morgan鈥檚 Wonderland is completely wheelchair-accessible, features more than 25 elements and attractions including rides, playgrounds, gardens, an eight-acre fishing lake, 18,000-square-foot special-events center, 575-seat amphitheater and picnic and rest areas throughout the park. The park also features Morgan鈥檚 Inspiration Island, the world鈥檚 first and only ultra-accessible splash park.
Dining
When it comes to Texas cuisine, particularly in San Antonio, Tex-Mex reigns supreme. But the city is a foodie鈥檚 heaven, with a variety of restaurants to match any craving. Check out these top-rated San Antonio dining options and leave your suggestions in the comments.
- For breakfast, try The Guenther House: This offers both American and Tex-Mex fare, and is open for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Location: 205 E. Guenther Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78204
Cost: $$ - For Tex-Mex, try Casa Rio: Established in 1946, for Tex-Mex in the city.
Location: 430 E. Commerce Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205
Cost: $$ - For Italian, try Battalion: Located in a beautifully restored firehouse, this will hit the spot for anyone looking for some authentic Italian cuisine.
Location: 604 S. Alamo Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78205
Cost: $$$ - For steaks, try Myron鈥檚 Prime Steakhouse: Steak is synomyous with Texas 鈥� hence all the cows. Myron鈥檚 is known for ; check them out!
Location: 10003 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, Texas, 78231
Cost: $$$ - For country cooking, try M.K. Davis Restaurant: Customers rave over the chicken fried steak at , as well as the atmosphere.
Location: 1302 N. Flores Street, San Antonio, Texas, 78212
Cost: $$
See you at Pinnacle!
Conference season is now back into full swing; make the most of your time
