Henry B. González, San Antonio: rigging, services and loading

Which documents apply to the contracted space?

The official planner resources link the operational policy, floor plans, service provider policies, dock procedures and fire requirements. These are production documents; visitor information does not establish installation capacities. Request the version applicable to the contract and event date.

Official plans distinguish rooms and configurations. Published seating capacities are architectural estimates and change with staging and equipment. Ceiling height and seating capacity do not establish rigging capacity. Request a dimensioned plan, identified points and the complete equipment route for the selected design.

Who may hang loads, and what still needs approval?

The policy distinguishes items weighing less than 250 lb from those over 250 lb. This determines service and review requirements, not the allowable load of a point. Even a light load requires approved points and an accepted lifting method.

For technical planning, submit the suspension layout and combined equipment, truss, motor, cable and accessory loads at each point. Request allowable loads, distribution conditions, working height and acceptance of the complete assembly; the reviewed policy does not resolve those values for your installation.

Which services are exclusive or preferred?

A preferred AV provider does not make all audiovisual services exclusive. The policy permits another AV provider and allows a supervised, paid patch into house sound. Review the official list and service provider policies before contracting.

Which layouts and deadlines need coordination?

The exhibit layout goes to the Events Services Coordinator and Fire Marshal for approval before move-in. The fire document linked by the venue requires receipt of plans, revisions, engineering documents, certificates and applications at least 15 calendar days before the first public day. Confirm the applicable channel, scope and schedule; this deadline does not promise approval.

Written banner-location requests have a separate deadline: 30 days before the event under the policy. Do not treat it as a deadline for all rigging. Keep exits, aisles and fire equipment clear; changes affecting egress or protection require renewed review and inspection before opening.

How do trucks and equipment enter?

The public address is 900 E. Market Street. The shipping page specifies 237 Tower of the Americas Way, San Antonio, TX 78205, for exhibit/dock deliveries, labeled with event, exhibitor and booth. Confirm dock, bay, appointment and receiver within contracted dates; loading and unloading on Market Street are prohibited.

The east docks for Halls 1–2 and west docks for Halls 3–4 are restricted areas requiring authorization, ID check-in and a daily wristband. East Gate 1 is exit only, and opening it requires assigned police staffing under venue rules. Personally owned vehicles receive a 20-minute unloading pass unless otherwise agreed with the organizer.

The 2026 policy prohibits parking, unloading or equipment staging in fire lanes and on dock ramps. The 2024 dock sheet includes a prior-approval exception: do not treat it as current permission. Agree on traffic and waiting areas outside those zones; the organizer coordinates staffing and any off-site marshalling yard.

How is the route across terrazzo and other floors checked?

The policy restricts pallets and pallet jacks on terrazzo and calls for suitable carts with rubber or polypropylene wheels. It also requires covering black lift-equipment tires and protecting the floor beneath metal framing or plates. Submit the route and protection system for acceptance before dispatch.

These measures do not establish structural capacity. For ground-supported LED, towers, lifts and scenery, provide total weight, wheel or support loads, contact area and planned movements. Request floor limits and protection compatibility for each surface; do not infer allowable loads from the appearance of the floor.

What review do haze, cold spark and lasers require?

The fire document marked revised 2024 requires prior written Fire Marshal approval for the listed effects. Pyrotechnics, cold spark and flame effects require an operational permit and a pre-show demonstration. Confirm current applicability, operator qualifications, documents and inspection for the specific effect.

If fog or haze affects detection or requires temporary impairment of a protection feature, the document requires approval and a fire watch throughout that impairment. Production personnel must not disable detectors on their own. For lasers, verify beam routing, exposure controls and operator registration with the authority and venue.

Fire-safety approval does not replace venue acceptance; the venue may restrict the effect. Appendix fees are labeled 2024: request current charges rather than treating them as a confirmed budget.

What should be resolved before mobilization?

Assemble the accepted room and egress layout, approved suspension, assigned power, provider scopes, floor protection, loading appointments and operating responsibilities. Include testing sequence, changes, pre-opening inspection and removal. This is a planning recommendation, not an authorization issued by GLMedia.

Distinguish the venue, authority, organizer and each contract. The policy section titled Staging covers vehicle waiting and traffic; risers appear in a different section. A logistics rule does not establish approval for a performance stage.