Industry Insider

February 2026

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Albuquerque is wrapping up another successful indoor track season. We welcomed over 950 athletes to the USA Track and Field Indoor Masters Championship this past weekend, including seven Olympic athletes, 55 world champions and nine athletes aged 90 and above. This weekend, the Lone Star Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships will take place at the Albuquerque Convention Center, marking the end of the city’s 2026 indoor track and field season. Special thanks to the City of Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, Albuquerque Convention Center, University of New Mexico, participating hotels and other partners for collaborating on this year’s indoor track season!

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the lasting contributions of our city’s Black residents. We invite you to dive deeper into Albuquerque’s rich Black culture and history, and to support Black-owned businesses all year long.

In this issue of Industry Insider, find news about grant opportunities for local businesses and updates about recent tradeshows Visit Albuquerque has attended.

Thank you for being a valued Visit Albuquerque Partner!

News

Visit Albuquerque Sales Team Attends RCMA

Senior National Sales Manager Misty Jester traveled to Lexington, Kentucky to represent Albuquerque at the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) EMERGE Tradeshow, Feb. 10-12.

Albuquerque was proud to be a valued participant in this premier industry event, reinforcing the destination’s commitment to the faith-based meetings market, strengthening relationships with key planners and increasing visibility among influential decision-makers.

During the three-day event, Misty connected with more than 50 planners of religious meetings from across the United States through educational breakout sessions and dedicated one-on-one time on the tradeshow floor, further building meaningful partnerships and future opportunities for Albuquerque.

Visit Albuquerque Attends 2026 IITA Summit

Visit Albuquerque’s Director of Communications & Public Relations, Brenna Moore, and Travel Trade & Travel Media Manager, Meg Espie, joined Holly Marquez with the New Mexico Tourism Department at the 2026 International Inbound Travel Association (IITA) Summit, held Feb. 8-12 in Niagara Falls, New York. During the event, our team participated in nearly 25 one-on-one networking appointments with inbound tour operators and travel trade professionals, creating valuable opportunities to share Albuquerque’s story, strengthen relationships, and explore future domestic and international travel partnerships.

We were grateful for the opportunity to deepen our connection with IITA and its members and look forward to what’s ahead through IITA’s "Steps 2 Success" educational program as we continue building momentum for Albuquerque in the global travel marketplace.

Destination Master Plan Highlights: Your Morning, Your Impact Event

On Feb. 13, Visit Albuquerque hosted a morning of conversation and reflection called Your Morning, Your Impact. Held at Lost Cultures Tea Bar, the event's goal was to bring together tourism industry employees to discuss big picture ideas about Albuquerque’s future. This group was given prompts for discussion, including “What is your wish for Albuquerque 10 years into the future?” and “What is your BIG idea?”

Recognizing the power of tourism to drive economic growth and enhance our quality of life, Visit Albuquerque led the creation of a 10-year Destination Master Plan (DMP) that outlines strategies for creating compelling visitor experiences and elevating Albuquerque as a must-visit destination. We appreciate all of the partners that have participated in implementing the plan thus far and look forward to working together to move the industry and city forward.

UPCOMING: VISIT ALBUQUERQUE TOURISM GRANT PROGRAM

The overarching goal of the Visit Albuquerque Tourism Grant program is to spark innovative ideas that contribute to Albuquerque’s vibrancy and build new, creative visitor and resident experiences that grow a more diverse and thriving tourism economy. To receive information when the 2026-2027 grant information has been posted, email Latka@VisitABQ.org. Applications will be accepted starting in April.

Become an Albuquerque Hospitality Games Sponsor

The Albuquerque Hospitality Games will take place March 26 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The Hospitality Games are a fun competition between members of the local hospitality industry to raise money for the Greater Albuquerque Hotel and Lodgers Association’s scholarship fund and to showcase the contribution the hospitality industry makes to our community. You can sponsor, enter a team or volunteer!

As a game sponsor, your logo will be on all the event materials and you’ll get an acknowledgment at the games and on all the posters. Six game sponsor slots are available. Purchase a sponsorship online. The deadline is March 13. Once all games have sponsors, a second sponsor slot for each game will open.

Your business can also participate in the Hospitality Games. Register your team for $225, and compete with five to 23 people. If you'd rather volunteer to help out with the Hospitality Games by being a judge, email Elise Rogers at EliseTRogers@gmail.com. For any questions, contact Joani at 505-903-0645.

Apply for a New Mexico Tourism Department Grant

Applications for the New Mexico Tourism Department’s FY27 grants are opening soon! See the below deadlines for each grant program.

Cooperative Marketing Grant Program
The Cooperative Marketing Grant Program (CoOp) is a co-funded, co-branded marketing program aimed at growing New Mexico’s tourism economy together by utilizing the strength of the New Mexico True brand. Eligible entities for the Cooperative Marketing program include local and tribal governments as well as tourism-related non-profit organizations and attractions.

March 10 - Application opens
April 7 - Application closes

Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability Program
The Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability (TEGS) program provides technical assistance, marketing and sponsorship to qualified tourism events within New Mexico to support their growth and sustainability.

March 5 - Grant Webinar, 10 a.m.
March 9 - Applications open at 8 a.m.
April 7 - Applications close at midnight

Destination Forward Program
The Destination Forward program supports the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout New Mexico. It is a competitive grant that supports the long-term destination development and rejuvenation of community-based, sustainable tourism infrastructure projects across New Mexico.

March 12 - Grant Webinar, 10 a.m.
March 16 - Applications open at 8 a.m.
April 14 - Applications close at midnight

Apply for a Grant Through the City of Albuquerque

The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency launched a new grant for businesses along Route 66 to get a fresh coat of paint. Apply for the Fresh Coat Property Improvement Grant to receive financial assistance for exterior painting projects to enhance properties within designated metropolitan redevelopment areas along Central Avenue.

Grant Details:

Small properties (400 to 3,000 sq. ft.) can receive up to $3,000.
Medium properties (3,000 to 6,400 sq. ft.) are eligible for $5,000.
Large properties (over 6,400 sq. ft.) can receive up to $10,000.
Additionally, exterior murals over 400 sq. ft. can qualify for funding up to $10,000, based on estimates

Applications close April 3.

Additionally, businesses can apply to the City's Window Grant Program to help offset the cost of repairing or replacing windows damaged by vandalism. The grant reimburses up to 80% of the total cost of window replacement or repair, with a maximum reimbursement of $3,000 per business. An additional $1,000 is available for projects that include environmentally sustainable or security-grade glass, for a potential total of $4,000 per business. Grants are open until funds are depleted.

It’s Not Too Late to Join Albuquerque Restaurant Week

Albuquerque Restaurant Week is coming up in April 2026, and restaurants and hotels can participate! Restaurants will feature special prix fixe menus (fixed-price, multi-course meals) that allow diners to experience signature dishes while discovering new favorites. Albuquerque Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to attract new diners, showcase culinary creativity and gain exposure through the New Mexico Restaurant Association’s collaborative marketing efforts, including social media promotion, press outreach and local media partnership.

Restaurants can register a single location for $695 ($495 for NMRA members). Each additional location costs $495 ($295 for NMRA members). Hotels can offer special room rates for Albuquerque Restaurant Week visitors for $100.

Learn About the Route 66 Centennial with Revamped ACE Training

Visit Albuquerque’s Albuquerque Community Experience (ACE) training program is designed to brush up your employees’ customer service skills and strengthen their knowledge of the city. With the Route 66 Centennial underway this year, ACE training classes now have more content to help your employees be prepared to celebrate and answer questions about the centennial.

Graduates will be recognized as Albuquerque Community Experience professionals and will receive a complimentary Community Experience pass that allows each of them and one guest to visit attractions throughout the Albuquerque area. The value of each ACE experience pass is more than $500! All ACE attendees from now through the end of 2026 will receive a free Route 66 Centennial branded T-shirt! Make sure your team is ready for visitors coming to Albuquerque to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road.

Don’t miss your chance to attend an upcoming class:

March 12, 2026
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Hilton Garden Inn Downtown
222 Central Ave. SE, 87102

The cost is $25 per person for Partner businesses and $40 per person for non-Partners. Take advantage of a special Route 66 Centennial discount and get three spots in an ACE training for $66. Snacks will be provided along with water and coffee. To register, call Trish Hathoot at 505-908-8178 or send an email to TKHTrainingABQ@gmail.com.

Refresh Your Knowledge of Partner Benefits at Partner Orientation

Refresh your knowledge about all the opportunities you have as a Visit Albuquerque Partner at Partner Orientation. Long-standing and new Partners are welcome to learn how to make the most of your benefits. The next Partner Orientation is:

March 18
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Visit Albuquerque offices
20 First Plaza, Suite 601, 87102

Find more Partner Orientation dates. RSVP in advance to attend.

KNOW SOMEONE WHO MADE A MOMENT MEMORABLE? NOMINATE AN EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY WORKER

Visit Albuquerque is spotlighting local hospitality workers who have created memorable, meaningful experiences through exceptional service.

We’re looking for real stories of hospitality. Tell us about the moments when someone went the extra mile, turned a challenge into a positive experience or made a guest feel genuinely welcomed in Albuquerque. Whether it was a thoughtful gesture, a creative solution or a moment of kindness that stood out, we want to hear what they did and why it mattered.

When you nominate someone, you’ll be asked to share a brief story or example that shows how this individual made a difference. Specific details help us bring these moments to life and inspire others across our hospitality community.

Fill out this form to nominate someone for recognition. Help celebrate hospitality excellence!

Upcoming Meetings and Sports Events

In March 2026, almost 28,000 people will participate in or attend meetings and sports events booked and supported by Visit Albuquerque. These events will generate an estimated $9.6 million in direct spend. Some of the noteworthy events include:

Dates	Group Name	Est. Attendance	Meeting Location
March 4-7	American Choral Directors Association Southwestern Region Conference	2,000	Albuquerque Convention Center
March 4-8	Contemporary Mosaic Art2 Conference	200	Hotel Albuquerque
March 8	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Spring ODP/YOP Training-1	495	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
March 10-14	New Mexico Activities Association Boys & Girls Basketball Championships	3,960	The Pit
March 14-15	United States Specialty Sports Association St. Patrick’s Day Tournament	3,960	Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex
March 14-15	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association - MLS Next-5	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
March 15-17	National Association for Court Management Midyear Conference	250	Albuquerque Convention Center
March 15	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Spring ODP/YOP Training-2	495	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
March 20-22	Sun Country Region Volleyball Association ABQ Bid Qualifier	6,138	Albuquerque Convention Center
March 20-21	New Mexico Activities Association Spirit Championships	5,940	The Pit
March 20	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Spring ODP/YOP Training-3	495	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
March 21-22	New Mexico Games Figure Skating	250	Outpost Ice Arenas
March 21-22	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association GA Leagues-4	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
March 23-26	Core-Mark Expo	700	Albuquerque Convention Center
March 25-28	Alpha Rho Chi Annual Meeting	150	Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque
March 26-29	Western Social Science Association Annual Conference	700	The Clyde Hotel
March 29-April 3	South West Transit Association Annual Conference	300	Albuquerque Convention Center

Bolded events are citywide events, defined as events that require a minimum of 400 room nights on peak, and will take place across the city. Although each of these events takes place in one part of town, the people who attend them will visit businesses throughout the city for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Let's come together to make their stay memorable, showcasing the best of Albuquerque’s hospitality. Your welcoming spirit can contribute to a positive experience for these visitors and foster a lasting impression of our community.