The American Booksellers Association Winter Institute at the Albuquerque Convention Center

The American Booksellers Association’s 14th Annual Winter Institute was held in Albuquerque, January 22-25. The event drew a record number of booksellers, publishers, authors, and international guests to Albuquerque. In 2017, when ABA confirmed Albuquerque as their 2019 location, we anticipated the Winter Institute drawing 1,200 attendees and approximately 2,575 total room nights. The Institute far exceeded those expectations with 1,360 attendees generating 3,441 total room nights for the city.

The educational event, held at the Albuquerque Convention Center, featured three full days of programming including keynote presentations, educational sessions and networking receptions. One educational session held at the event featured Visit ABQ partner, Tess Coats of Spur Line Supply Co. Ms. Coats participated in the panel discussion, “Stars of Albuquerque Indie Retail,” along with Kei & Molly Textiles and a moderator representing Bookworks.

Visit ABQ’s Denise Suttle Recognized by President of Event Services Professionals Association

Each year the President of Event Services Professionals Association (ESPA) has an opportunity to recognize a member that he or she feels has shown continued support and enthusiasm for the association. There are no specific criteria for this award—it is the president’s decision to honor a member that is deserving of special recognition for their volunteer support and efforts towards the betterment of the association.

On Saturday, January 12 at the 2019 ESPA Conference, Denise Suttle, Assistant Director of Convention Services at Visit ABQ, was recognized with the prestigious President’s Award.

The President of ESPA, Amy Cabe, shared the following comments about Denise:  “I value people who are dedicated, thoughtful, resourceful and engaged. Particularly those who have been in the industry for a long time. Denise cares a great deal about her clients and their experience. She maintains her poise, patience and passion and sets a great example for all of us. I’m pleased to recognize Denise for her work.”

Congratulations, Denise!

Tania Armenta Named New Chair of the New Mexico Hospitality Association

Visit Albuquerque’s President and CEO, Tania Armenta, has been named the New Mexico Hospitality Association 2019 Board Chair. The NM Hospitality Association serves all segments of the hospitality industry, and delivers decades of combined experience to lead public policy and workforce development strategy for a more prosperous economy. The mission of the organization is to serve as the unified voice to influence and inspire a growing hospitality industry in New Mexico.

Visit Albuquerque at International Media Marketplace

International Media Marketplace (IMM) is the industry’s leading event for the media to meet travel and tourism brands. Visit Albuquerque’s Public Relations & Communications Manager, Brenna Moore, attended the event and was joined by a representative from our travel media relations agency. Together, they met with more than 45 members of the media to pitch Albuquerque as a premiere destination in the Southwest. The New Mexico Tourism Department's Public Relations Director, Aimee Awonohopay was also in attendance, ensuring that all of the state was represented. (Pictured right: Brenna Moore and Aimee Awonohopay)

Winter Warm Up Press Trip Recap

Visit Albuquerque hosted a group of five travel writers/influencers in the city earlier this month on an “Winter Warm Up” press trip. The attendees collectively contribute to a variety of top-tier media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, TripSavvy, Fodor’s Travel, The Seattle Times, Huffington Post, CNN Travel, and many others.

The press trip showcased the variety of ways Albuquerque keeps things hot, even when the weather gets cold. Attendees experienced activities ranging from a culinary bike tour with Routes Bicycle Tours & Rentals and flamenco lesson with Casa Flamenca to skiing at Sandia Peak Ski Area and trekking through the mountains with MST Adventures. Many thanks to all of our partners that were involved with this trip and came together to make it a success.

The attendees, most of whom had never been to New Mexico, were blown away by what Albuquerque and the state has to offer, and we expect to see some great coverage as a result!

Antoinette Vigil Named Deputy Secretary of Tourism for New Mexico

The New Mexico Tourism Department has announced the appointment of Antoinette Vigil as Deputy Secretary.  

Antoinette Vigil has nearly 20 years of experience in project and program management and administration of programs for business and economic development efforts, both in the public and private sector. She is the most recent Past Chair of the New Mexico Hospitality Association, served with the State of New Mexico Economic Development Department previously, and is departing from her position as Director of Economic, Business and Tourism Development for Sandoval County, charged with the coordination and implementation of short and long term objectives that promotes the County's tourism and economic growth opportunities. Antoinette’s approach was to implore principals and methods on the drivers and developments that lead to the attraction of capital investment for job creation and improvement quality of life for visitors, community and business members.

Albuquerque Represented at Religious Convention Management Association EMERGE Conference

Tabitha Stallworth of the Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel joined Visit Albuquerque’s Associate Director of Sales, Larry Atchison, at the Religious Convention Management Association EMERGE conference January 29-31. EMERGE is considered the premier industry event for faith-based meeting planners. Pictured in the Visit Albuquerque tradeshow booth are Tabitha (left) and Ms. Delores Stevens, President of the Sacramento, CA-based organization, Women Who Love GOD.

Celebrating Black History Month in Albuquerque

February is Black History Month, and Visit Albuquerque is excited to be celebrating the contributions to history and society, and the cultural vitality that the African American community has made and is making across the country, and throughout New Mexico.

This year, for the 8th consecutive year, the NM Black History Organizing Committee is hosting the New Mexico Black History Festival during the month of February and throughout the spring season. Learn more about the events during this festival at the ABQ365 Events Calendar, or at NMBlackHistoryMonth.com.

Learn more about Black History Month in New Mexico, and why it is important to celebrate not only in February, but throughout the year, in our blog post “The Who, What, Why, When, and Where of Black History Month in New Mexico,” written by Cathryn McGill of the NM Black History Organizing Committee.

You can also celebrate by supporting black-owned businesses throughout Albuquerque. Read our blog post, “How to Spend a Day in Black-Owned ABQ: Experience Albuquerque’s Soul,” written in collaboration with Mike Silva of Rude Boy Cookies.

Senate Bill 106 Signed Into Law

As reported in a statement from the New Mexico Hospitality Association:  On February 4, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed Senate Bill 106 into law, officially eliminating Exemption G from the Lodgers’ Tax Statute (Section 3-38-16 NMSA 1978).

SB 106 was included in a package of bills that were fast-tracked to Gov. Lujan Grisham’s desk after receiving bipartisan support in previous Legislative Sessions. SB 106 was nearly identical to legislation drafted to address Exemption G of the Lodgers’ Tax Statute during the 2017 Legislative Session that was vetoed despite receiving bipartisan support in both Legislative Chambers. This year’s bill, sponsored by Senator John M. Sapien, passed the Senate on a vote of 36-5 on Jan. 24 and passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 56-9 on Jan. 31.

With the expanding popularity of private vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO, Exemption G had effectively created a tax loophole that allowed many property owners to avoid paying Lodgers’ Tax on revenue generated by the short-term rental of these properties. Though some local governmental entities had entered into Voluntary Collection Agreements (VCAs) with online-booking platforms, Exemption G made negotiating and administering those VCAs difficult. Given the fact that revenue generated by the Lodgers’ Tax is essential to adequately promote tourism in local communities and with the dramatic increase in the impact of online-booking platforms, collecting Lodgers’ Tax from the short-term rental of private properties in an efficient manner is key to the continued diversification of local economies throughout the state.

“Passage of Senate Bill 106 is a tremendous victory for New Mexico tourism,” said New Mexico Hospitality Association CEO Kathy Komoll. “Removal of this outdated exemption is a first step towards creating a balanced and fair business environment for lodging and hospitality, and this will also provide more resources for communities to further promote their destination for the purpose of travel.”

The law will go into effect starting July 1, 2019.

Indoor Track & Field Season Kicks Off  

Kicking off the indoor track and field season, UNM has partnered with the City of Albuquerque for the 14th consecutive year to present several meets. The two-day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Indoor Track Invitational at the Albuquerque Convention Center, held in January, was the first of six collegiate meets the Lobos are to host, culminating with the Midwest Conference Championships. Twenty teams competed at the meet, including USC, UCLA, Colorado and New Mexico State.

The indoor track at the Albuquerque Convention Center has emerged as one of the preeminent indoor track & field facilities in the nation over the last decade. In concert with the Albuquerque Sports Commission, a division of Visit Albuquerque, and the Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque has capitalized on its unique venue and prime training location with the indoor track at the ACC. The facility has hosted several Mountain West Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships, USATF Indoor National Championships, and the NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships — the first in NCAA history to be at altitude---and will host the NCAA Indoor Championships again in 2020.

How Tourism is Helping New Mexico Thrive: Tania Armenta and Randy Randall Co-Pen Op-Ed

Industry leaders from around New Mexico recently authored letters in newspapers and publications statewide to support the $6.6 million increase in the Governor's State Tourism budget. As a part of the series of Op-Eds, Visit Albuquerque President & CEO Tania Armenta, along with Tourism Santa Fe Executive Director Randy Randall, penned the editorial “Helping New Mexico Thrive” in the Santa Fe New Mexican. The piece focuses on the impact of tourism on the state and moving the industry forward. Tania also authored a piece in the Rio Rancho Observer, "ABQ Resident Thanks 'NM True' Ad Campaign for NM's Tourism Boost." Keep an eye out for other industry leader Op-Eds in publications around New Mexico. 

Visit ABQ Volunteers Experience “Visions of the Hispanic World”

On January 23, the Albuquerque Museum generously hosted Visit Albuquerque volunteers to experience “Visions of the Hispanic World”. With an overview provided by Andrew Connors, Albuquerque Museum director, volunteers received a truly in-depth experience of the exhibit. These volunteers will continue to strongly promote visitors to attend this phenomenal exhibit. If you haven’t had an opportunity to check it out, now is the time! Visions of the Hispanic World is on display now at the Albuquerque Museum until March 31. If you are interested in hosting a Visit Albuquerque volunteer meeting or presenting at a volunteer meeting, please contact Roxane Cisneros at cisneros@visitabq.org or 222-4304.

Vote Today! Two Albuquerque Events Competing for USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Contests

Two of Albuquerque’s most popular events are finalists competing for spots in the 2019 Festivals USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice contests. Our nominees are the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show in the Best Specialty Food Festival category, and the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in the Best Cultural Festival category. Voting is open now, runs for four weeks and ends on Monday, March 11. Vote now and daily, and we encourage you to share the contest URLs with your social networks, colleagues and friends.

Vote now for the National Fiery Foods & Barbecue Show

Vote now for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Volaris Adds Second International Flight From the Sunport

Three months after beginning flights to Guadalajara through the Albuquerque International Sunport, Volaris is expanding its service to Chihuahua, Mexico. Starting June 18, the low-cost Mexico-based airline will begin twice-weekly flights with nonstop service to Chihuahua, expanding its reach from the Sunport to two cities.

5^th Annual People’s Choice Best Local Brand Award Contest! Enter BEFORE March 15, 2019

You still have time to enter the People’s Choice Best Local Brand Award Contest!

If you have a great local brand, then you should enter. No Cost to Enter. Deadline for entries is March 15, 2019. Grand prizes valued at $6,825.00 will be awarded to one commercial business and one nonprofit organization at the B2B Expo Award Ceremony on April 23, 2019. Sign up Now and Share YOUR Brand. 

Learn More

Yucca Art Gallery

New Mexico’s signature hue will be the focus of “Say It With Turquoise,” March’s theme event at Yucca Art Gallery. Featured artists Liz Huffman, Artisan Jewelry, Fran Krukar, watermedia, and Christiane Couvert, Belgian Ceramics will be present at an Artist Reception March 1, 5-7 pm. Come enjoy conversation with the artists, refreshments, and a gift raffle for unique artwork. Show runs through the month of March.

www.YuccaArtGallery.com