ISTE Live 25 Conference

June 27-July 5, 2025

In late June and early July 2025, SACIV had the honor of hosting over 60 international visitors from 35 countries who came to San Antonio to participate in the ISTE Live Conference.

Our esteemed visitors were attending the ISTE Live 2025 Conference, one of the world’s premier events for education professionals. Each year, the ISTE Live brings together over 16,000 educators, innovators, and leaders from around the globe to explore the latest in educational technology. It’s a place where new ideas are shared, global partnerships are formed, and teaching practices are transformed. San Antonio was the perfect setting for our international visitors to connect, engage in meaningful dialogue, and explore innovative approaches and global partnerships in education.

SACIV supported this international exchange by welcoming our visitors at the airport and ensuring their time in San Antonio was both impactful and memorable. With the help of our dedicated Citizen Diplomats, we provided cultural experiences that included visits to the San Antonio Missions, SAMSAT, the River Walk, Historic Market Square, and the Pearl District, offering insights into the city’s diverse history and vibrant culture. The program also included a celebration of America’s Independence Day, giving visitors a deeper connection to U.S. traditions and values.

Thanks to our dedicated Citizen Diplomats, the visitors' journey began on a high note at the San Antonio Airport, marked by friendly faces, thoughtful greetings, and genuine Texas hospitality. It was the perfect way to kick off their visit and set the tone for the days ahead.

We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make these first impressions truly unforgettable, especially our Citizen Diplomats: Betsy Cameron, Karla Duran, Berta Rodriguez, Erica Rempel, Lauren Rodriguez, Tony Troche, Juana Williamson, Lilly Guindy, Sofia Velazquez, Michelle Villagomez, Doug Smith, Ayad Kaisi, and Quynh Nguyen.

While in San Antonio, our international visitors explored some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, starting with the Alamo and Mission San José, both rich in history and symbolic of the region’s unique blend of cultures. They also visited SAMSAT, where they learned about San Antonio’s innovative contributions to science and technology and cheered on the San Antonio Mission's team during a baseball game. On the Fourth of July, they experienced one of the city’s true cultural treasures: Mi Tierra Café and Historic Market Square. Surrounded by vibrant murals, festive lights, and the sounds of mariachi music, our guests enjoyed authentic Tex-Mex cuisine and soaked in the lively spirit of San Antonio’s artistic heritage. The celebration continued with the City of San Antonio’s official Fourth of July event, where visitors joined locals in line dancing, tasting regional foods, and engaging with the community. This unforgettable day offered more than just sightseeing; it was a deep, joyful immersion into American traditions and the heart of San Antonio’s welcoming culture.

A big shout-out to our amazing Citizen Diplomats, Joyce Khalaf, Arindam Ghosh, Carl Gilmour, Jill Metcalfe, Bernadette Williams, Angele Pontoni, and the entire SACIV team for accompanying our visitors during cultural sightseeing, Fourth of July celebrations, and ensuring their departures went smoothly.