Highlights from the IPW 2023 Travel Conference in Vibrant San Antonio Texas
11 Jul 2023
I recently had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Travel Association‘s IPW trade show in San Antonio, Texas. This event is the travel industry’s premier international inbound travel trade show and is designed to showcase U.S. destinations, travel products, and services to the world’s top travel buyers and media professionals from more than 60 countries.
Past IPW events have generated over 5.5 billion in future travel by connecting media writers and travel buyers with U.S. travel exhibitors that were promoting their destinations.
This year’s event had over 5,000 delegates from around the world, with over 90,000 face-to-face appointments. As a travel writer, I was excited to be part of the event and learn what’s new in the industry. My experience was nothing short of amazing and fulfilling.
Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk
This breathtaking hotel is situated right on the banks of the San Antonio River, giving you a front-row seat to the city’s most iconic attractions.
From the moment you step into the Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk lobby, you’ll know you’re in for something special. The tall ceilings, elegant décor, and friendly staff all combine to create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. And that’s just the beginning! Step out of the elevator and onto your floor, and you’ll find that each room is spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated with all the amenities you could ever need.
With the glittering lights of downtown on one side and the tranquil waters of the Riverwalk on the other, there’s no better way to experience the heart of this vibrant Texas city.
Press Brunch at the Witte Museum
Prior to our Press Tours, we were treated to a Press Brunch at the Witte Museum in San Antonio. There were food and drink vendors all over the Witte Museum property, each offering up a little taste on San Antonio.
The museum perfectly blends the beauty of art and natural history into a breathtaking landscape that will leave you in awe. With its stunning architecture, diverse exhibits, and interactive displays, this museum takes you on an enthralling journey through the centuries. From the prehistoric era, where you can gaze upon massive dinosaurs and their stories, to the pre-colonial period, where you’ll learn about the legends that shaped the state, the Witte Museum offers a deep dive into the rich history of San Antonio.
A highlight was the musical performance prior to the press conference, where two mariachi singers sang a beautiful acoustic rendition of “Cielito Lindo”, more commonly known as the “Ay, Ay, Ay, Ay song”. It was so nice to hear Azul Barrientos’ glorious voice complemented by the beautiful harmonies of 8-year-old Mateo López.
The press brunch and self-guided tour of the Witte Museum was the perfect way to kickstart the day and get us all fired up about the cultural experiences awaiting us on our Press Tours.
Opening Event: Viva San Antonio
The streets of La Villita Historic Village in San Antonio were electrified for the IPW “Viva San Antonio” opening event.
From mariachi dancers and musical acts to countless food and drink stands, the event fully immersed the delegates into the vibrant culture of San Antonio.
What a way to kick off IPW in San Antonio!
The IPW Trade Show
The actual IPW conference was held at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio. During the conference, I attended several press conferences where I learned about emerging trends in the travel industry from several destinations.
The speakers were seasoned professionals who brought their wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Attending these press conferences gave me a deeper understanding of the US travel industry, and I picked up a lot of valuable insights.
Media Marketplace & Marketplace Hall
I also had 20 business meetings during the media marketplace on the first day of the conference, where I had some amazing conversations about the various destinations they represent. It was a gantlet that left me a bit tired at the end, but happy I was able to participate.
I was impressed with the various pavilions representing the different destinations in the US. Every pavilion had something unique and exciting to offer. From the Grand Canyon to New York City, I got to learn about incredible attractions and destinations that I can’t wait to visit. The people at the pavilions were friendly and eager to share information about the places they represented. I enjoyed collecting the brochures and information packs they offered, which will come in handy when planning my next vacation. And they had some amazing swag they were happy to hand out!
Lunch Time Entertainment
If there was ever a way to make lunches more exciting, IPW might have found it. The delegates attending IPW San Antonio were treated to an extraordinary lunch filled with unforgettable entertainment that kept everyone on their feet.
On the first day, Brand USA hosted the Counting Crows, who offered upbeat renditions of their popular songs, transporting the audience to a realm of pure musical brilliance.
The second day, New York City Tourism & Conventions teased us with live snippets from MJ: Michael Jackson, Moulin Rouge, A Beautiful Noise, & Juliet, Once upon A One More Time, and Back To The Future. The performers did an outstanding job showcasing Broadway’s finest musicals.
And who could forget Dierks Bentley on the third day! Experience Kissimmee hosted the country music sensation, who put on an incredible show, filling the room with excitement and enthusiasm. Dierks’ country tunes filled the air with his unique voice that never ceases to captivate. His showmanship was on full display, and the audience sang along, making the whole experience in the room feel like a lively concert.
IPW San Antonio indeed left a lasting impression that will be cherished forever.
Networking and Relationship Building
The IPW conference also provided an excellent opportunity to network with industry professionals and vendors. During the networking events, I had a chance to meet travel agencies, tour operators, hoteliers, and providers of experiences across the US. Having face-to-face interactions was an excellent way to establish connections and solidify partnerships. It was also fun reconnecting with friends like Joanne and Marie from Explore Louisiana. I really enjoyed my press trip to Louisiana because it was so well organized by these two professional individuals.
One of the highlights of the IPW conference was experiencing the culture and cuisine of San Antonio. I enjoyed the Texan-style barbecue and the traditional Mexican dishes that the city has to offer. There were food trucks and street vendors all over, and the aroma of the food lured me to try some new tasty eats.
San Antonio is a vibrant and lively city with rich culture and history that I was thrilled to explore. The River Walk, Witte Museum, Historic Market Square, and the Alamo were some of the attractions I got to visit.
Closing Event: Let’s Texas!
The closing “Let’s Texas” party was nothing short of fabulous! Travel Texas and Visit San Antonio went all out to give the delegates a final taste of the Lone Star State. From the amazing food, endless drinks, live entertainment, and the beautiful drone light show to end the evening, it was an experience that will stay with me forever.
The best part was it was all near the Alamo, which was on my bucket list of places to visit. I got to cross that one off on this trip!
Post Tour
As part of the conference, media and buyers were invited to apply for a post-tour to experience other parts of Texas. I received my first choice – Tall Ships and Spaceships: Galveston Island and Houston. So many amazing things to see and do and awesome culinary gems in Houston and Galveston.
That’s a Wrap
Attending the IPW conference in San Antonio was an incredible and rewarding experience. I gained valuable insights into the travel industry, met inspiring professionals, learned about new destinations, and immersed myself in the city’s culture. I left the conference with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and passion for the world of travel.
See You at IPW 2024!
If you’re a travel writer (domestic or international), I encourage you to attend the IPW conference. It was the best travel conference I have ever attended and an event I hope to attend every year.
See you in Los Angeles, California from May 3rd to 7th, 2024!
Craig Silva
Craig is a passionate and seasoned travel, food, and lifestyle writer, whose words paint vivid pictures of the world's most captivating destinations. His work not only inspires others to embark on their own adventures but also fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world. He captures the essence of each locale, offering readers a glimpse into the cultures, landscapes, cuisine, and experiences that make travel so enriching. Craig is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Travel Writers Alliance (ITWA). If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
