Plan Your Week

Don’t miss a thing happening during the week of HSMAI’s Commercial Strategy Conference!

The Week at a Glance | Speakers | Hotel & Travel

A little advanced planning is essential to make your time at any conference a success. HSMAI’s conference teams recommend these top strategies.

  1. Determine your goals for attending. Do you want to learn strategies and tactics to accelerate your company’s recovery? Find a new technology partner? Build brand awareness? HSMAI’s downloadable “Make Your Case to Attend” letter template and ROI Calculator can help you set focused goals so you can prepare accordingly.
  2. Plan to earn your CRME, CHDM, or CHSL! A new certification information session on Monday will answer all your questions.
  3. Add pre-conference activities to your schedule on Monday.
    • There are 9 Partner Insights sessions to choose from on Monday from 1:30 – 4:30 pm.
    • The Contact Center Roundtable will be an immersive program for those on the front lines of guest engagement.
    • A new “Emerging Leaders Reception” on Monday evening is open to emerging leaders AND those who want to mingle with them.
    • Women in Travel THRIVE is hosting an evening program and reception for the Day of Impact. All CSC attendees are invited.
  4. Come with a colleague(s). In addition to the quality time you’ll have to hash out the latest challenges at the office, you’ll have 2 (or more) sets of eyes and ears to attend concurrent education sessions and bring back actionable learnings. Group pricing is available.
  5. At least a week before you leave for San Antonio, download the conference app. You’ll get the latest schedule information and important announcements…and connect with fellow attendees
  6. Spend time in the Partner Showcase. Talk with the companies there about how their products and services can help you and your hotel(s) become more effective and efficient. Check out the companies supporting the event and will have booths onsite.
  7. Come early or stay late, and plan to have a little fun in San Antonio. The HSMAI staff team is always on the lookout for unique and memorable experiences. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just looking to explore, here are some of our favorite recommendations:

    • Step Back in Time at Camp Hotwells: Once a bustling bathhouse fueled by natural hot springs, Camp Hotwells is now a fascinating cultural and historical site. It’s a place where the past and present meet, offering a quirky, off-the-beaten-path experience that reflects San Antonio’s character.
    • See San Antonio Come Alive: Every evening at 9 pm, the San Fernando Cathedral becomes the canvas for “The Saga,” a beautiful 24-minute light show. The vibrant projections tell the story of San Antonio’s history in a way that’s both moving and magical.
    • Visit the Iconic Alamo: No trip to San Antonio is complete without a stop at The Alamo. This historic mission and battle site offers a window into Texas’s fight for independence and is a must-see for first-time visitors.
    • Explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: For a deeper dive into the region’s past, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site—showcases four Spanish frontier missions. It’s both educational and beautiful, especially if you enjoy walking or biking between the missions.
    • Shop and Savor at Historic Market Square: Known as the largest Mexican market in the U.S., Market Square is full of color, flavor, and energy. From authentic Mexican food to artisan crafts, it’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and soak in the local culture.
    • Wander the Pearl District: If you’re looking for a trendy spot to eat, drink, and explore, the Pearl is the place to be. Once a historic brewery, it’s now home to award-winning restaurants, boutiques, and a lively weekend farmers market.