After visiting 8 hotels in San Antonio, I chose El Tropicano Riverwalk for several reasons: its casual and energetic atmosphere; accessibility of Riverwalk by trolley or river taxi; multiple areas to mingle, snack and walk around during conference breaks; on-site massage therapist and full gym; and, an unbeatable nightly rate of $95!

Splashes of brilliant colors, tropical plants and Salsa background music in the lobby welcomed me and then convinced me that this energetic atmosphere would keep us refreshed for the entire conference weekend. The hotel recently completed a multi-million dollar renovation making it one of five hotels with the largest conference settings. I know you’ll enjoy the two BST reserved verandas for conference breaks during the day and visiting with friends later in the evenings. There is one located close to the conference room and another one located on the second floor close to the guest rooms. When you’re ready to explore the sites, you can quickly catch the trolley at the pick-up just across the street. Or, you can walk down one level and hop on the River taxi.

Mangos Restaurant is conveniently located across from our conference room, which offers a quick and affordable buffet lunch Thursday and Friday and also a full menu throughout every day. The Tiki Bar and Expresso Café are perfect options for lite meals and snacks while chatting with new friends. The Tiki also has live music on Friday nights.

Speaking of food . . . Concerned about missing your fitness regimen during the conference? Well, the hotel gym, Strive, is the best-equipped gym I’ve seen in a hotel. You’ll find both training machines and free weights, as well as Spin Bikes and cardio machines. Additionally, there’s a full size swimming pool and a yoga room. So, don’t worry about missing your workout routine during our conference weekend. You will be able to squeeze in a few sets of bicep and hamstring curls or even complete your full workout of yoga or jogging.

You can book your stay by calling 1-866-293-1842 and identify our society along with the conference date for the great rate of $95! If needed, our code is BIO. This rate is guaranteed until September 30^th!

Conference Di$counts

• $20 off if you refer someone who joins BST
• $40 off if you refer someone new to the conference or bring someone back who hasn't attended the conference in last 2 years.
• $40 off if you are a 1^st Time Attendee to our conference
• $50 off if you are from another state
• $40 off for Early Bird 1, postmarked by September 19^th
• $20 off for Early Bird 2, postmarked by October 3^rd

The theme for our conference this year has 3 concepts. The major emphasis, Beyond Texas, is on expanding and enlarging our society by focusing on the surrounding states and inviting those therapists, researchers and students to join our society. Be encouraged to brainstorm and think of whom you can invite to the conference - particularly friends from the surrounding states. And, what about a conference di$count for bringing a friend?? Be sure to read the Sneak Peak section about saving money!

The second part of our theme, Beyond Status Quo, encourages us to move out of our comfort zone and challenges us to try at least 1 new theory or technique presented at the conference. The goal is to boldly pursue our passion for Biofeedback; status quo is not good enough!

And lastly, but just as valuable, is Beyond Workshops. This friendly note reminds us to get away from the conference room and recharge our souls! Revitalize your spirit while visiting with friends from both Texas and beyond on the beautiful Riverwalk.

It has been such a pleasure and delight to organize this year's conference, and I can hardly wait to see you in San Antonio! Have you marked your calendars, arranged for travel (Hotwire.com has some great deals) and called all your friends to invite them? It's going to be great conference. See you there!

Natalie Thomas, LPC - Program Chair

Scenes from our conference hotel & convention center

Plan ahead for the workshops:
October 30-31 & Nov 2

El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel,
$95 per night

San Antonio

San Antonio's old-Spanish flavor, multicultural heritage, numerous plazas and delightful fall weather makes it one of Texas' most picturesque cities - and perfect for our 34th Annual BST Conference! This year, our conference is at the El Tropicano Hotel Riverwalk. The Riverwalk, or Paseo del Rio, is the city's crown jewel and is known for its festive atmosphere, lush green walkways and energetic night life. It's located in the heart and soul of the Alamo City.

There's no better place for when you want to take a break from workshops and conference rooms than the Riverwalk . There are dozens of restaurants serving everything from Mexican to Italian, from fine dining to simple snacks. Of course there's more to do on the River than just eat! Lighten up your Friday evening at the Rivercenter Comedy Club located inside the mall. If you're in the mood for art with some local flavor, trek over to La Villita, a historical neighborhood featuring a collection of shops, restaurants and art galleries. Local artisans make many of the goods, and you can pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir for affordable prices. Want to explore the river? Take a River Walk boat cruise. The guides will tell you more than you can read in a guidebook - and it's so relaxing! For those of you who would rather shop, visit the Rivercenter Mall. After our Saturday night dinner and social at Casa Rio, stretch your legs to the music at Polly Esther's, offering three levels and four decades of dance hits. Aztec on the River is another hot spot for those who want to visit a historical landmark and a theatre at the same time. Built to resemble an Aztec temple, a real organ plays along to documentaries played on the big screen. There's also a tour of the adobe-walled Spanish Govenor's Palace. Oh, and remember the Alamo!

So, mark your calendar and hop aboard a river cruise to enjoy the sights of the Paseo del Rio with BST.