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We are excited to announce the next CMA Gathering will be in San Antonio, Texas 17-20 October 2024 |
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Meet McAlisters from all across America in a casual social setting!
Search for Your AncestorsFind New Cousins
Explore our Past
Take Great Sightseeing Tours
Exchange Genealogical Information
Enjoy Exciting Entertainment
Relax in the Hospitality RoomHear Bagpipes
Listen to Local and National Speakers
Revel at the BanquetSee the Auction & Bazaar
If you have never been to one of our Gatherings, now is the time! If you have attended a Gathering before, you know how much fun we have.
Gathering Program
CMA 2024 Gathering Program Trifold (Note that the program may be subject to last-minute adjustments.)
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Banquet/Dinner Show
At the 2024 Gathering, Saturday night will feature a banquet, including our traditional Procession of the Haggis, and a dinner show that you will not want to miss!
We have a special guest, Tom Jackson, an internationally known historical entertainer, who is sure to captivate your attention. Performing in period costume, he will examine San Antonio's early history (including the Alamo) and the Scots' influence in the region. (According to Andrew Dunrossil in "Scots Casualties at the Battle of the Alamo, Scottish Field, 2 November 2018: "... 80% of the men who died at the Alamo in 1836 were Scots or of Scots descent....")
In addition, we have secured the San Antonio Pipes and Drums Band, an area tradition for the past 37 years, to perform for us at the banquet. They will make you proud to be a Scot! We expect the banquet and dinner show will stay in your memory long after the 2024 Gathering!
Registration
Registering for the 2024 Gathering is an easy 3-step process.
Step 1
Complete the first section of the registration form (link below), identifying the individuals for whom you are registering and determining the registration fees for the Gathering and Banquet. Save the completed form to your computer for your record.
Step 2
Use the PayPal button "PAY NOW" on the registration form to pay your registration fees. (You do not need a PayPal account to use the button; simply click on the "PAY NOW" button and use your personal credit card as a "guest.") After paying, email a copy of your completed registration form (step 1) to registration@clanmcalister.org.
While we prefer the efficiency of on-line registration, as an alternative you can mail a printed copy of the registration form, along with a check made out to "Clan McAlister of America," to Jean Stewart, CMA Gathering, PO Box 231742, 5003 Westfields Blvd, Centreville, VA 20121-9997.
Step 3
You must contact the Holiday Inn San Antonio-Riverwalk directly to make your room reservations. The link on the registration form will allow you to do so on-line, or you can call using the hotel telephone number also included on the registration form.
The special CMA group rate of $145 (plus state and local taxes and fees) is good for the nights of 12-21 October at the hotel (checking out no later than 22 October). The special rate is automatically applied if you use the on-line link to register for your hotel room; if you telephone the hotel, be sure to mention the CMA group code "Y24" to get the special rate.
CMA 2024 Gathering Reservation Form
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Thursday is probably the best day to arrive for the Gathering if you are flyinng or driving some distance. If you are only an hour or two away, you may want to arrive on Friday morning. The Opening Session begins Friday morning at 9:00 AM.
Keep in mind that the hotel has made our special room rate available for the nights of 12-21 October if you would like to come early or extend your stay for sightseeing.
Thursday, October 17
Registration will begin around noon, but organizers will be there all afternoon. The Hospitality room will also be open for you to meet 'n greet.
Friday, October 18
The Opening session will begin at 9:00 AM, lunch break (on your own) at around noon. The meeting will run until 5:00 PM. Dress is business casual.
Saturday, October 19
We will begin at 9:00 AM and run until around 4:00 PM (lunch on your own). The banquet and dinner show will begin promptly at 6:00 PM. Dinner dress is "Sunday dress." Suggestions: Women - a nice dress or slacks with nice blouse; men - suit or slacks and dress shirt. Kilts are always welcome.
Sunday, October 19
From 9:00 - 9:30 AM, we will have the closing ceremony with the Kirkin O' the Tartan Service.
Probably not! The airppport is only 9 miles from the hotel and you can easily take a taxi or ride-share to the hotel. The hotel is right on the Riverwalk which is very convenient to numerous restaurants and sights. Keep in mind that the hotel also charges a daily rate for you to park your car.
Linda Frank by email at LMFrank201@gmail.com.
Absolutely! There will be times available for you to pre-schedule for Genealogy/DNA questions. You can sign up for this at registration.
Yes, the Holiday Inn San Antonio-Riverwalk has a Full American Breakfast buffet that they have offered to us for a reduced price of $20 per person OR $10 for a Continental Breakfast (Danish, yogurt, fruit, and a drink). The discount applies from 12-21 October to those Gathering attendees checked into the hotel on those dates. Tickets for the discount will be given to you when you check in. They also offer an "a la carte" menu.
Yes, Holiday Inn San Antonio-Riverwalk Hotel has given us a special rate of $20 for overnight self-parking. (The normal rate is $27 per night.)
We will be adding more FAQs as they come up. If you have questions, please email the Gathering Committee at cma-gatcom@clanmcalister.org.
Things to Know
- The hotel's back entrance leads directly onto the River Walk.
- The distance from the hotel to the Alamo is about 1/3 of a mile (about a 10-minute walk).
- CMA Gathering attendees receive a parking rate of $20/day for self-parking from 12-21 October.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
- The in-hotel restaurant overlooks the River Walk, while dozens of other restaurants, offering a large variety of cuisines, are within easy walking distance.
Things to do in and around San Antonio, Texas
Visit San Antonio 2024 (The Official Visitor's Guide)
The "Show Us Your Badge" Program -- San Antonio businesses offering discounts for conference participants; by wearing your conference badge at the participating restaurants, you receive great discounts and special offers.
Website for San Antonio Meeting Attendees -- complete local information from maps, transportation, attractions, events, dining to special discounts but without hotel listings!
Printable Downloads of San Antonio Maps & Discounts
San Antonio Retaurants & Nightlife