Plan a one-of-a-kind meeting in culturally rich Albuquerque

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque boasts a unique multicultural heritage and history where Native American, Hispanic, Latino, Anglo and other cultural influences are a part of everyday life. That diversity creates a one-of-a-kind Southwestern culture that fully immerses visitors, from the Pueblo and Spanish-inspired architecture to the charming shops throughout the city. As a culturally rich destination, Albuquerque is sure to be an unforgettable experience for any meeting or convention.

Albuquerque offers a plethora of meeting venues that offer more than a space to gather. They also provide opportunities for attendees to immerse themselves in the city’s rich culture and learn about our heritage and traditions.

• The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is an unexpected venue that can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 500 guests. Let the backdrop of Native American pottery, murals and art inspire attendees as they experience Native American culture through tours and traditional dances and music performances.
• The National Hispanic Cultural Center has everything from outdoor plazas and a theater to meeting and banquet rooms for smaller conferences. It is home to art exhibitions and one of the largest frescos in North America.
• The Albuquerque Museum provides fascinating art and history exhibits that give event attendees an overview of the history of Albuquerque. Its proximity to the charming neighborhood of Old Town Albuquerque means attendees will have plenty to explore during their visit.

In Albuquerque, performing groups are available to bring even more local culture to meetings, conventions and other events. Add flair with traditional Mexican folk dances (ballet folklorico), mariachi bands, classical guitarists or flamenco dancers. No matter what you choose, attendees are sure to be left in awe and with a better understanding of what makes Albuquerque a special place.

Another reason Albuquerque is such a treasured destination is the cuisine. It’s high on the list of what Albuquerque is most known for and one of the first things visitors want to explore. Our culinary traditions are an extraordinary blend of hundreds of years of history, with Native American influences like blue corn and squash along with ingredients Spanish settlers brought with them from Europe and Mexico.

The defining ingredient in New Mexican cuisine is chile. Any diner will soon become familiar with the state question – “red or green?” – which asks which type of chile you prefer when you order a traditional New Mexican dish. Your answer depends on your personal taste — and for those who can’t decide, “Christmas” (or both) is always an option. For diners who don’t enjoy spicy food, brick oven pizzerias, Vietnamese cafés and even food halls with dozens of options are all popular choices.

Many restaurants throughout the city offer catering or have enough seating capacity to host large groups of people. El Pinto Authentic New Mexican Restaurant, for example, boasts some of the best New Mexican food in the city, with indoor and outdoor dining capacity and a peaceful atmosphere. Sadie’s of New Mexico has been serving the people of Albuquerque for more than 50 years and makes its own famous salsa and red chile hot sauce.

Attendees have options to choose from for meals on their own as well, with dozens of restaurants near major meetings and convention hubs. Downtown Albuquerque is home to some of the most renowned restaurants in the city. Plus, many Downtown restaurants are near active nightlife, art galleries and more. Old Town Albuquerque has an array of eclectic eateries that represent the many cultures that make up Albuquerque. Find traditional New Mexican fare, saloons, cantinas and bistros for everything from quick, casual dining to upscale fine dining. Uptown Albuquerque also has a wide mixture of local restaurants along with popular chains.