Since 1995, the United States – Spain Council and the Fundación Consejo España –Estados Unidos meet annually, alternating between the United States and Spain at a Forum to discuss salient topics pertaining to trade, defense, investment, economic growth, the role of Spain in the European Union, technology, immigration, and energy. These meetings invite speakers from the highest levels of government in both countries, experts in fields of particular interest, academia, as well as major financial institutions and industrial companies worldwide.
Welcome to San Antonio
It is an honor and privilege to host the XXIV Annual United States – Spain Forum in my home state of Texas! San Antonio is also a special place for me. Beyond being born here, I have had the honor to represent parts of the city as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.
The history of San Antonio reflects the ongoing strong relationship we have always had with Spain. Founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission and colonial outpost, San Antonio became the first chartered civil settlement in now-Texas in 1731. San Antonio today is still influenced by its Hispanic past of the Spanish Empire and Mexican Republic through the city’s culture, traditions, and architecture. As the 7th largest city in the United States, San Antonio’s rich history compliments its rapid and recent growth into a more contemporary scene.
San Antonio is home to The Alamo, one of the most well-known Spanish missions in Texas, as well as an important base during the Texas Independence War. Alongside the Alamo, San Antonio has four other Missions that are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the Riverwalk (or Paseo del Rio), one of the nation’s largest urban ecosystems, to the modern and contemporary Pearl, San Antonio offers a unique insight of Spain’s empire in North America as well U.S. progression in the last couple of decades.
Our team is working very hard to design a program that will highlight both the U.S. and Spain’s impact in and on the city. Chairman Lladó Arburúa and I look forward to a very rich discussion on the important topics of cleaner energy, tech innovation, and entertainment.
It is my honor to host the forum this year and give you the opportunity to visit and explore this wonderful city. There is no doubt you will be amazed by San Antonio’s historic, contemporary architecture, it’s culture, and its wonderful people who comprise the soul of this wonderful city!
Congressman Joaquin Castro
Honorary Chairman
San Antonio, Texas
November 1 & 2, 2019
Moment of silence in recognition of Dr. Alfonso “Chico” Chiscano
136 E Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
Once a 19th century Brewhouse, Hotel Emma is an extraordinary 146-room hotel in downtown San Antonio & the flagship for Pearl's culinary and cultural community on the northern edge of downtown San Antonio.
Pearl Stable
307 Pearl Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78215
Pearl Stable provides a uniquely elegant site for social occasions and business events. With an intriguing history as the former home for the Pearl Brewery's draft horses in the late 19th century, The Stable has been meticulously renovated to preserve the charm and integrity of the original structure while providing state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and communication technologies for weddings, receptions, entertainment and other events.
Classic Rooms |
Landmark and Artesian Kings |
136 E. Grayson St, San Antonio, TX 78215
**Accessible Guest Rooms Available**
Complimentary self-parking (open parking and closed garage parking)
Valet parking - $20 a day, $21.69 for the night
Please call 1-877-801-6134 and let the reservation agents know you’re making a reservation for the XXIV United States – Spain Forum. They will provide you rooms types still available and what the going rate is for the room.
Restaurants and Bars located on the Pearl Brewery Campus:Blue Box Bar Botika The Boiler House Texas Grill and Wine Garden The Granary ‘Cue & Brew Cured Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery Bakery Lorraine Local Coffee Lick Honest Ice Creams Green Vegetarian Cuisine High Street Wine Co. | The Bottling Department, San Antonio’s first food hall, includes:Bud’s Southern Rotisserie Fletcher’s Hamburgers Maybelle’s Donuts Tenko Ramen The Good Kind |
You will need a passport, brief bio, and headshot to complete registration. Please have these ready.