Attendee Experience

FAQs

Who do I put as the vendor in order to make the credit card payment?

Region 16 ESC is the vendor, you can find our W9 here.

I'm unable to attend GCACon with my purchased ticket. Can I receive a refund?

The Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative commits to significant upfront costs (including venue space, catering, materials, and staffing) based on expected attendance. Last minute cancellations make it difficult to adjust, and often these costs are non-refundable. This policy helps us keep registration fees affordable and ensure the best experience for all attendees.

We understand that there are many reasons for cancellations, which is why there is great flexibility prior to the cancellation date. However, once the cancellation deadline has passed no refunds are able to be given under any circumstances, for any reasons, including illnesses, acts of God, travel-related problems, acts of terrorism, loss of employment and/or duplicate purchases. Thank you for your understanding.

Full Refund: Cancel by October 16, 2026 at 11:59PM CST
50% Refund: Cancel between October 17 - October 27, 2026 at 11:59PM CST
No Refund: Cancel after October 28, 2026 at 11:59PM CST

The refund will be issued by check to the payor of registration. The refund will be issued no sooner than thirty (30) days after the final day of the event.

A non-refundable fee of $50 applies to all cancellations to cover processing and administrative overhead. This fee will be waived for internal substitutions, unless a credit card refund and new transaction are required to complete the change.

Please submit cancellations in writing to gcacon-info@gcacon.com

Can I register at the venue?

There is no on-site registration. Substitutions can be made by emailing gcacon-info@gcacon.com no later than October 28, 2026 at 11:59 pm (CST)

Can I register groups?

Yes, up to 10 individuals at a time. A unique email address is required for all registrants. You will be able to select the number of tickets desired (per type of ticket) and then proceed with registration as normal. A consolidated receipt will be sent to the first listed registrants' email address. Please note that there is no discount for group registrations.

For example, if you have 5 people who are going to the regular conference and 5 people going to the Bruman Group Pre-Con only then you will need to complete two different group registrations.

Will I receive continuing education credits for attending?

The PFE Initiative is not licensed to provide official CEU or CPE credits to attendees. You will receive a certificate with the number of contact hours you gain once the conference has concluded and a conference evaluation has been completed.

What funding sources can I use to send parents and/or educators?

Funding sources are listed on page 5 of the Conference Attendee Guide.

Do I have to stay at the host hotel?

No, you can choose any hotel accommodations you prefer. See the hotel section below for conference hotel information.

What is the dress code?

Please refer to your LEA or ESC dress code policy.

Will food be provided?

Lunch will be provided for parent day attendees only on November 10th. If you have special dietary requirements, be sure to provide this information when you register. Tea and coffee will be provided to all attendees daily.

Can my spouse and children attend too?

All attendees must be registered. To maintain an adult-focused environment, children under 18 are not permitted at the event, and childcare is not available.

What is the Parent Day event?

The Parent Day portion of the conference will have content designed for parents/guardians on the morning of November 10th! However, educators can also benefit from the information presented. Empower and connect with other parents during our parent focused breakout sessions. These sessions address topics like supporting student success, navigating school systems, engaging with school staff, and fostering positive family-school relationships. Parents/Guardians will leave with actionable strategies to make a meaningful impact in their child’s education.

If I have questions, who can I contact?

You can email us at gcacon-info@gcacon.com or call (806) 677-5186.

Hotel Information

Drury Plaza Hotel Riverwalk

105 S. St. Mary's St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$50

Amenities

Parking: $39/day
Breakfast: Free

Courtyard Riverwalk

207 N. St. Mary's St
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$50/night

Amenities

Parking: $49/day
Breakfast: Additional Charge

The Maverick by Placemakr

606 N. Presa St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$139/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$150

Amenities

Parking: $42/day
Breakfast: Not Provided

TownePlace Suites

409 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$139/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee

Incidental Charge

$20/night

Amenities

Parking: $45/day
Breakfast: Free

Home2 Suites

603 Navarro St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$139/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$50

Amenities

Parking: $45/day
Breakfast: Free

Menger Hotel

204 Alamo Plaza
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$75

Amenities

Parking: $30/day
Breakfast: Not provided

Crockett Hotel

320 Bonham St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$75

Amenities

Parking: $30/day
Breakfast: Not provided

Sonesta ES Suites Alamo Plaza

425 Bonham St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$100

Amenities

Parking: $40/day
Breakfast: Free

Fairfield Inn & Suites Alamo Plaza

422 Bonham St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$50

Amenities

Parking: $27/day
Breakfast: Free

SpringHill Suites

411 Bowie St.
San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$50

Amenities

Parking: $27/day
Breakfast: Free

La Quinta - Riverwalk

303 Blum St.

San Antonio, TX, 78205

Rates

$137/night

Last day to reserve is October 23, 2026

Daily Mandatory Charge includes 1.25% San Antonio Tourism Public Improvement District Fee.

Incidental Charge

$50/night

Amenities

Parking: $42/day
Breakfast: Free

Marketing Kit

Get ready to spread the word about GCACon 2026! We’ve gathered all the official promotional assets you need in one convenient place. Whether you’re an attendee excited to announce your arrival, an exhibitor looking to drive traffic to your booth, or a member of the media helping us share the news, these resources are for you.

Download

Building Strong Partnerships for Student Success

Join us for a professional day of learning designed for parents and guardians. This event provides the tools you need to support your student's education while offering a space to engage with experts and participate in meaningful peer discussions with other parents.

What You Will Gain:

Practical Strategies: Get helpful advice and resources to support your student’s academic progress and success.
Stronger Partnerships: Learn how to build effective working relationships with school faculty and staff.
Collaborative Dialogue: Join group sessions with other parents to discuss the real challenges and opportunities of parenting today.
Increased Engagement: Discover new ways to stay involved in all aspects of your child’s education and lead as an advocate.
Peer Community: Connect with a supportive network of parents to share experiences and build confidence in your role.

Important Detais

School Assistance: We encourage you to contact your child’s school to see how they can support your attendance at this conference.
Attendance Policy: To ensure a focused environment for adult connection and learning, this event is reserved for guests ages 18 and older.
Childcare: Please be aware that childcare accommodations will NOT be provided at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.

We value the unique contributions you bring to your family and our educational community.