Legends and Leaders
From the University of Texas at Austin
Leadership Gets Personal
An Evening with the Authors
Nan McRaven & Susan Engelking
About the book
Leadership Gets Personal: Finding Purpose, Transforming Lives & Never Giving Up is part of the Legends and Leaders series from the University of Texas at Austin. In its pages, Nan McRaven and Susan Engelking sit down with twelve remarkable leaders, from Brené Brown and Admiral William H. McRaven to Matthew McConaughey, to explore the moments that shaped who they became.
Through candid stories of setbacks, turning points and the people who helped them persevere, the book offers a rare, personal look at what leadership means up close. Join us for an intimate conversation with the authors, followed by a book signing.
Voices in the book
- Brené Brown
- Admiral William H. McRaven
- Alejandra Y. Castillo
- Matthew McConaughey
- Colt McCoy
- Roy Spence
- Karen Nyberg
- Linda Addison
- Amy Faith Ho
- Darren Walker
- Logan Eggleston
- Billy Ray Hunter Jr.
Kindly reply by February 1, 2027
Address and further details will be shared upon RSVP.
Airports
QRO
Querétaro International Airport
Querétaro, Querétaro
About 1 hour 15 minutes to San Miguel
BJX
Del Bajío International Airport
León, Guanajuato
About 1½ hours to San Miguel
Flights from Texas
San Antonio
Direct Viva Aerobus, several days a week
to QRO or BJX
Dallas
Direct American Airlines
to QRO or BJX
Houston
Direct United
to QRO or BJX
Austin
1 stop American via Dallas, or United via Houston
to QRO or BJX
Schedules change seasonally, so check with the airline for February dates.
From the airport
Our recommended shuttle
BajioGo
BajioGo runs airport transfers between San Miguel and the Querétaro, León and Mexico City airports. They track incoming flights, so your driver waits if you're delayed. Reserve ahead with your flight details, the number in your party, and where you're staying.
Reserve with BajioGo
- Mexico
- +52 415 185 8665
- From the U.S.
- (202) 609 9905
- Email
- bajiogoshuttle@gmail.com
Before you go
The Weather
February brings sunny, dry days in the 70s°F. Once the sun goes down, evenings turn quite cold, often dipping into the 40s.
What to Wear
Layers are your best friend. Bring a warm jacket or wrap for the evening, and something lighter for sunny afternoons in town.
Shoes
Expect cobblestone streets and charming old sidewalks. We recommend comfortable flat shoes with good grip, and please skip the heels.
Transportation
Getting around town is easy. Ubers and taxis are readily available, very affordable, and safe, so there's no need to rent a car.
Altitude & Sun
San Miguel sits at about 6,200 feet. Drink plenty of water, take it easy your first day, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Money
The local currency is the Mexican peso. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some pesos for taxis, tips and small shops.
Documents
U.S. and Canadian visitors need a valid passport. No visa is needed for a short visit.
Time Zone
San Miguel is on Central Standard Time, the same time as Texas in February.
Accommodations
Where to Stay
San Miguel has no shortage of lovely places to lay your head, from grand hotels to charming Airbnbs tucked behind colorful doors. February is a popular time to visit, so we suggest booking early.
Choosing a neighborhood
San Miguel is a beautiful colonial city with many charming neighborhoods. The most popular is the historic Centro, with its cobblestone streets, bougainvillea spilling over old stone walls, and the pink spires of the Parroquia rising above it all. Anywhere in Centro offers the shortest walks to restaurants, galleries and rooftop terraces. Staying here puts you in the middle of it all.
If you prefer a slower pace, consider the neighborhoods of Colonia San Antonio, Guadalupe or Guadiana. If you book an Airbnb, be sure to read the reviews for walking times into Centro.
Our favorite hotels
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende
Serene luxury with lush gardens, a beautiful spa and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Parroquia.
See on map
Live Aqua Urban Resort
A relaxed, contemporary resort with a spa and pool, just a short walk from the center of town.
See on map
Hotel Matilda
A stylish boutique hotel with a striking modern art collection, a few blocks from the main square.
See on map
Hotel Real de Minas
Home of the Writers' Conference, a short walk from Centro. Ideal if you're attending festival events.
See on map
Casa 1810 Centro
A welcoming boutique hotel about a minute from the main square, with breakfast included.
See on map
Casa Schuck
San Miguel's original boutique hotel, with lush courtyards, a small pool and made-to-order breakfast.
See on map
February 10 – 14, 2027
The Festival
Our evening takes place during the San Miguel Writers' Conference & Literary Festival, one of the largest literary gatherings in Latin America. If you're coming to town, it's well worth making a week of it.
About the festival
Each February, writers and readers from around the world gather in San Miguel for five days of keynote talks, panels, hands-on writing workshops and intensives, one-on-one sessions with literary agents, and evening receptions. Past keynote speakers have included Margaret Atwood, Barbara Kingsolver and Joyce Carol Oates. Most events are held at Hotel Real de Minas, a short walk from Centro.
How to register
Registration is open
If you're interested in attending the festival, registration is open online. On the festival's website you can browse the full schedule, read about the speakers and workshops, and choose the events that interest you. Questions about registration go to the festival's registrar.
- Registrar
- registrar@sanmiguelwritersconference.org
Leadership Gets Personal is a private gathering hosted separately from the festival. You don't need a festival pass to attend our evening.
