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Albuquerque is ready to show neighborhood hospitality to event attendees

Albuquerque’s gorgeous high-desert setting is the ideal backdrop for your next meeting or convention. With large hotels and unique venues scattered through the city, you are sure to find the perfect spot for an event of any size. Albuquerque’s Downtown and Uptown neighborhoods, in particular, are popular choices for meeting planners and attendees due to the concentration of lodging, dining and retail options in these areas.

Downtown venues

About five miles from the airport, downtown Albuquerque is full of bustling restaurants, trendy shops and art galleries and a lively entertainment district. The main artery is the famous Route 66, now Central Avenue. Downtown Albuquerque is also home to much of the city’s nightlife.

The Albuquerque Convention Center is located Downtown, and hosts not only conventions and meetings but concerts, lectures and other large events. The convention center is capable of handling more than 9,000 attendees and has 167,562 total square feet of exhibit space, a 2,350-seat auditorium, 27 meeting rooms and a 31,000-square-foot ballroom. Multiple hotels in the Downtown area serve meetings and conventions, with more than 900 hotel rooms within walking distance of the convention center. The Clyde Hotel is the largest Downtown hotel, with 382 guest rooms and 26,000 square feet of meeting space.

Downtown Albuquerque offers attendees lots to do before and after their meeting. Find dozens of food options, including a modern food hall, a short walk from the convention center. Indulge in New York-style pizza, Brazilian barbecue, traditional New Mexican fare, Spanish tapas and more. Many breweries and bars are in the Downtown area as well, giving attendees the opportunity to try locally made brews and spirits.

Downtown Civic Plaza hosts many fun citywide events, from game watch parties to family movie nights. Head to the historic KiMo Theatre for a play or a concert, or to take in the Pueblo Deco architecture and art. Downtown is also home to a number of contemporary galleries that showcase local artists.

Uptown offerings

The greater Uptown region of Albuquerque encompasses a major business center, EXPO New Mexico, and two of Albuquerque’s main shopping malls. Located about 10 miles from the airport, Uptown also includes many large hotels ready to host a meeting or convention.

The Albuquerque Marriott boasts 405 newly renovated guest rooms, 17,000 square feet of meeting space and 20 meeting rooms. The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown can also accommodate events, with 12 meeting rooms and a reception capacity of 900.

Uptown Shopping

The largest venue in the greater Uptown area is EXPO New Mexico. Home to the New Mexico State Fair each September, the EXPO grounds host a large range of events, festivals and concerts year-round. Catch a flea market every weekend, an arts and crafts show or even a sporting event at Tingley Coliseum.

Shoppers have plenty to choose from in the Uptown area. Coronado Center features national department stores and local businesses, while ABQ Uptown is an upscale outdoor shopping center with a mix of big-name retailers selling clothes, home goods and more.

There are many dining options in the Uptown neighborhood as well. From Mediterranean and Japanese to American and New Mexican, there are lots of choices for everyone, including local and national restaurants. Many dining spots in the area can easily accommodate large groups for seated meals.

Downtown and Uptown are just two of the most popular neighborhoods in Albuquerque for meetings and conventions. Check out other neighborhoods such as Old Town or Nob Hill to host your next gathering. One of our distinctive neighborhoods is sure to be the perfect fit for your group.