Safety and Travel Tips

Hotels near the convention center sell out fast. Being within walking distance saves time, money, and energy.

• Register + download the event app
  The AAA 2026 app is your portable guide to the convention.  The app will have our schedule, maps, and last-minute updates. You can even access CEU Manager to record your CEUs through the app.  The app will be available in early April.
• Plan your “must-dos”
  Pick your top presentations, booths, or meetings per day and leave buffer time. Convention burnout is real and we want you energized when you go back home with all the great ideas and connections you will collect while in San Antonio!
• Pack smart
  • Comfortable shoes (non-negotiable!)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Snacks or protein bars
  • Portable phone charger
  • Light jacket (for inside the venue)
  • Keep essentials in your carry-on: Badge confirmation, business cards, meds, chargers, and one outfit—just in case luggage goes rogue.

• Hydrate + eat regularly
  It’s easy to forget. Dehydration sneaks up fast when you’re walking miles indoors.
• Use a daypack, not a shoulder bag
  Your back will thank you after 8–10 hours on your feet.
• Schedule downtime
  Even 15–30 minutes off the floor can reset your energy and focus.
• Network intentionally
  Have a short intro ready (who you are + why you’re there). Follow up the same day while connections are fresh.
• Photograph everything important
  Booth numbers, slides, business cards, schedules—your brain won’t remember it all.

• Mind Your Stuff
  Zip bags, keep phones secure.
• Don’t overshare your location
  Posting what a great experience you’re having at AAA 2026 in real time? Keep it vague until you’ve moved on.
• Convention Name Badge + Identification
  Be careful leaving valuables, purses and especially IDs in meeting and hotel rooms. At a minimum, make a copy of your driver’s license/Passport in case ID’s are lost or stolen.
• Carry identification with you at all times and if you are an international delegate, have your visa with you, as well as, the number for your emergency consulate.
• Ensure you have your AAA 2026 name badge with you when entering the venueto gain entry into our meeting space.
• Cash
  Do not carry large amounts of cash with you. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or other items of value.
• Purses/Bags
  If you are carrying a bag, carry it securely under your arm.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings
  Communicate the message that you are calm, confident, know where you are going, and know what is going on around you.
• Spot the Yellow or Blue Shirts
  Located throughout the downtown area, San Antonio’s Centro ambassadors are available to help you from 6AM-10PM.
• Remove Convention IDs
  Remove your name badge and lanyards upon exiting the building.  Similarly, leave the convention totes back in the room. These are signs you are from out of town.
• Buddy System
  Periodically check on each other and agree on departure times.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or an alcohol-based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Visit our First Aid Office located inside Expo Hall 2 on the Street Level of the convention center if you feel unwell.  For medical assistance after hours, please contact the front desk staff at your hotel.
• Before you travel, evaluate your own health and that of the people you are in close contact with.  Stay home if you feel sick.

Please review our Cancellation and Refund policy here.

• Complete the AAA 2026 Survey
  Strike while your experience is still memorable.  Your insights will help shape future conventions!
• Record your CEUs
  CEU Manager is available online and through the app until May 15.  Avoid a $75 processing fee by ensuring the sessions you attended are submitted by the deadline.
• Review and organize notes immediately
  Even a quick summary helps lock in what you learned.