what happens when 60,000 people come to town!

If you were in San Antonio over the 4th of July weekend you probably noticed the 60,000 people in town for the 2010 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. Planning for this convention began years ago with the expectation most meetings and events would be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, Alamodome and Hemisfair Park. Being that The RK Group LLC is the exclusive caterer at the Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center, Elias Aguirre with The RK Group LLC, Darlene Baldearenda with Circa Texas, and Travis Kowalski with Illusions Rentals and Design were involved from day one.

Aguirre says "We were prepared with a plan of action to support this convention in all ways possible with all our various companies. It really took a delicate coordination between all of our companies to help support such a large convention."

From transportation to tenting and food, The RK Group had their hand in the success of this convention. Attendees knew the "Big Meeting" would be held at the Alamodome, what they didn't know was how to get there through the unexpected rain due to Hurricane Alex. Illusions Rentals went to work constructing miles of tenting for the convenience and safety of all guests. The tenting was initially constructed due to the Texas heat, but instead used for rain cover. Also rained out was Party in the Park with less than 24 hour notice! The RK Group and Illusions Rentals went to work moving the party from Hemisfair Park into the convention center and coordinated with Downtown Operations to make the event a successful move, due to rain.

Circa Texas worked diligently with all hotels in the San Antonio area as guests were lodging as far out as Boerne, Texas. Circa set up two routes, one to service outside of I-410 and the other for inside of I-410. Both routes smoothly scheduled pick-ups and drop-offs thanks to the Circa headquarters stationed at The RK Group corporate office. Circa was also able to strategically plan the assistance of all special needs individuals attending the conference with 700 wheelchairs and scooters available for all ADA (American with Disabilities Act) attendees, as well as ADA friendly taxis.

It's estimated The RK Group LLC provided

225,000 cups of coffee

200,000 bottles of water and sodas

and enough food to feed the entire City of San Antonio!

This was the largest convention in the history of San Antonio and The RK Group was honored to be a part of such an amazing event for a truly wonderful cause.

Check out what else is happening at The RK Group by visiting our Facebook Page and Following us on Twitter!

-Rachel Kellar Co-authored by Elias Aguirre

Dancing in the Streets - RK Style!

The RK Group had guests dancing in the streets on Wednesday evening at the festive La Villita. Over 2500 guests enjoyed all the sights, sounds and flavors of an authentic street party - San Antonio style. Sizzling fajitas, frosty beverages and a variety of entertainment were scattered throughout the event site. Amusements included caricaturists, Jody Jenkins Band and line dancing with David Callaghan, sultry Leslie Lugo Band with salsa instructors, cowboy stilt walkers, mechanical bull, trick ropers, and our favorite, guitarist Galo Gutierrez. The whimsical performers of Urban 15 made quite a splash as they danced and drummed their way throughout all the plazas.

Guests were treated to a private performance on the Arneson River Theater stage of Mariachis and Ballet Folklorico dancers. Throughout the performance, colorful rivercruisers filled with travelers passed by with friendly waves and smiles – so magical – so San Antonio!

- Darlene Baldearena

A Night of Stars in Arizona!

It was a star-studded night for the USA Hosts/Circa Arizona team! Celestial star gazing, boot scootin' and fireworks for super VIP clients at the fabulous La Puesta del Sol, located on an Indian reservation East of the city. The venue offers 360 degree views of 5 surrounding mountain ranges. As the desert sun sets, a blanket of stars appear to lie just out of reach. Spectacular!!

- Darlene Baldearena

Who rocks the house?? Circa Rocks the House!!

Austin is a conundrum –trendy and hip, but classic and timeless – cutting edge to throw back, it makes no sense and yet perfect in every way. Theresa from our Circa Austin office captured Austin’s quirky soul in an event Monday night designed to give her guests a taste of what makes Austin so yummy! 8’ mirrored guitar and disco balls glistened as guests entered through a tunnel of 6’ tall hand painted guitars into a nightclub scene straight from Sixth Street. On stage, three up and coming jazz musicians, who are working to make it in the biz, entertained guests with their easy style of mixing classic jazz, rock and roll with a hint of rock-a-billy.

Then, about 20 minutes into their set, they introduce 96 year old Pinetop Perkins, one of the last great Mississippi bluesmen still performing. The room is brought to a frenzy! Pinetop’s skills at the piano are mesmerizing. He sings from deep in his heart and his fingers never stop moving. No longer touring or scheduling events, he is notorious for “dropping” in at a variety of local clubs for impromptu performances. It’s the perfect reflection of old and new – singing the blues and feeling on top of the world – Rock on Austin.

-Darlene Baldearena

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