HOTEL VALENCIA
Located directly on the famous River Walk in downtown San Antonio, Hotel Valencia is in easy walking distance to many restaurants and attractions. A special room rate of $159 per night is available for the conference.
SAN ANTONIO RIVER WALK
The iconic River Walk stretches through downtown along the San Antonio River. The winding pathways and bridges connect key landmarks, hotels, and restaurants. A guided river boat cruise on Saturday afternoon is included in the conference cost.
NATIVITY PRESENTATIONS AND ANNUAL MEETING
Nativity presentations and the Friends of the Creche annual meeting are always the central events at a conference. Refer to the conference registration site for descriptions of the presentations and speakers.
A TEXAN CURATED NATIVITY EXHIBITION
A special selection of interesting and unique nativities from Friends of the Creche members in Texas will be on display at Hotel Valencia for your enjoyment.
HISTORIC MARKET SQUARE
The Market Square, also known as The Mercado, is a shopping marketplace with over 100 locally owned businesses specializing in imported, hand-crafted goods - including nativities - from Central and South America. We will visit the market on Saturday afternoon!
SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL
The oldest continuously operating cathedral in the US, San Fernando Cathedral is walking distance from Hotel Valencia. Friday night we will see "The Saga," a video show projected on the facade of the Cathedral that tells the story of the land, water, people, battles, and development of San Antonio, the Lone Star State, and the United States.
THE ALAMO
Originally a mission church, the Alamo is best known as a military stronghold for Texas independence. Within easy walking distance of the hotel, you will "remember the Alamo" after visiting this historic landmark! Go on your own or join the pre-conference visit on Friday morning.
Agenda
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Friday, November 6
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10:00 AM - Tour the Alamo - Walk to the Alamo to experience the iconic Alamo church. Established first as a mission, the Alamo later became a military stronghold for Texas Independence. After the Church visit, you will be free to explore the rest of the grounds.
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12:30 - Lunch - explore some of the wonderful culinary offerings available in the downtown area with your friends.
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2:00 PM - Historic Market Square - Explore over 100 locally owned businesses that provide a unique marketplace experience. Many of the business will have artisan-made nativities from Central and South America.
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4:00 PM - Conference Registration - Hotel Valencia. Once registered, linger over the Texan Curated Nativity Exhibition at the hotel.
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6:00 PM - Dinner - enjoy a three-course meal at Acenar, where vibrant flavors and a modern approach to Mexican cuisine come together in the heart of downtown San Antonio. (Dinner with your choice of three entries is included in your registration)
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8:30 PM - "The Saga" - Walk to San Fernando Cathedral to watch "The Saga," a video projection on the facade of the Cathedral that tells the story of the land, water, people, battles, and development of San Antonio, the Lone Star State, and the United States.
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Saturday, November 7
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9:00 AM - Presentation - "Following the Eye to the Incarnation" by Daniel Zorn.
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10:00 AM - Presentation - "Following the Star" by a guest from Oak Hills Church.
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11:00 AM - Friends of the Creche Annual Business Meeting
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12:00 PM - Lunch - Deli lunch buffet at the hotel. (Included in your registration)
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1:30 PM - Presentation - "The History and Process of Hosting a Large Community Nativity Event" by Sheryl Carroll and Jennifer Paulsen.
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2:40 PM - River Walk Cruise - Enjoy a narrated boat cruise on the famed San Antonio River Walk. (Included in your registration)
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4:00 PM - Historic Market Square - Explore over 100 locally owned businesses that provide a unique marketplace experience. Many of the businesses will have artisan-made nativities from Central and South America.
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6:30 PM - Dinner and program. (Included in your registration)
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What else is there to do in San Antonio?
San Antonio is home to many entertainment options for visitors, including 47 museums, a host of historical sites, Sea World, an excellent zoo and aquarium, and world-class BBQ joints. Should you be able to come early or stay longer, we invite you to explore some of the wonderful sites nearby.