Industry Insider

January 2026

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Welcome to 2026, when America celebrates not just the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation, but also the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Following several years of preparation and planning with our partners at the City of Albuquerque Arts & Culture Department and others, Visit Albuquerque is shifting into high gear as the Route 66 Centennial officially begins! As thousands of visitors from around the world come to Albuquerque to celebrate the Mother Road, we encourage you to capitalize on this incredible event with special promotions and events.

There are other notable anniversaries happening this year, including Hotel Parq Central turning 100 years old, the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway turning 60 years old, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center turning 50 years old and the Downtown Growers' Market turning 30 years old. We can't wait to celebrate these landmark anniversaries this year.

Thank you for your continued support throughout 2025. We’re excited to promote the city that we love alongside each of you.

Thank you for being a valued Visit Albuquerque Partner!

News

Stay in the Know During the Route 66 Centennial with “The Roadrunner” Newsletter

With the Route 66 Centennial underway, subscribe to Visit Albuquerque’s “The Roadrunner” eNewsletter, your guide to everything Route 66-related. This monthly email includes coverage about authentically Albuquerque stories along the Mother Road and features upcoming centennial events and exclusive interviews. Subscribe to be in the know.

Submit Locations for Monopoly: Albuquerque Edition

An Albuquerque edition of the Monopoly board game will be debuting this year, and the company that is creating it, Top Trumps USA, is looking for local businesses and attractions to be a part of the game. The official MONOPOLY: Albuquerque Edition board will replace the board game’s famous streets such as Boardwalk, Atlantic Avenue and Park Place with the best of Albuquerque’s cultural and outdoor sites, historic landmarks and businesses. They’ll be placed alongside Albuquerque-themed Community Chest and Chance playing cards to ensure each detail of the game pays homage to Albuquerque. In addition to spots chosen by the public, local businesses also have an opportunity to sponsor a property.

Businesses and nonprofits can email Albuquerque@toptrumps.com for consideration to be included in the game. Additionally, the general public can fill out this form to submit feedback about which locations should be included as squares on the board.

The final board game will debut at a launch party in November 2026. It will be available at local retailers as well as online at toptrumps.com and on Amazon.

Katie Hubbard, Sales Executive with Top Trumps USA Inc., with Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Mr. Monopoly.

Sales Team Attends PCMA Conference

The Visit Albuquerque team recently attended PCMA Convening Leaders 2026, one of the premier gatherings for the global meetings and events industry. Tania Armenta, President & CEO and Angie Jepsen, Vice President of Sales, Services & Sports were on site engaging with industry partners, gaining insights into emerging trends and reinforcing our destination’s value in a highly competitive marketplace.

In addition to attending educational sessions and meetings, our team co-hosted a well-attended networking reception alongside our partner destinations, Madison and Providence. The reception created a relaxed, welcoming environment for meaningful one-on-one conversations and relationship building. The team is eager to continue conversations with connections made within the months ahead.

Visit Albuquerque Attends ABA Marketplace

Travel Trade & Travel Media Manager Meg Espie attended ABA Marketplace in Reno, Nevada, from Jan. 10-13, 2026, representing Visit Albuquerque as a first-year delegate. On Sunday alone, Meg held 27 one-on-one appointments with tour operators and travel professionals from across the country, many of whom expressed strong interest in bringing future group business to Albuquerque. These meetings provided valuable opportunities to showcase the destination, strengthen awareness of Albuquerque as a group-friendly city and begin meaningful sales conversations that will continue beyond the show.

Throughout the remainder of the Marketplace, Meg connected with fellow DMOs and travel professionals on the exhibit floor and participated in educational sessions focused on current trends, challenges and opportunities within the group travel industry. These sessions offered practical insights that will help inform Visit Albuquerque’s ongoing travel trade strategy. The experience was both productive and energizing, and it reinforced the value of our continued presence at this group travel marketplace.

Participate in the Hometown Explorer Content Creator Program

Visit Albuquerque is launching a local content creator ambassador initiative called the Hometown Explorer Content Creator Program. We are looking for Partners who would be interested in participating in this endeavor. The goal of the program is to connect Visit Albuquerque Partners with local content creators through shared interests, resulting in expanded audiences for both parties. One-day itineraries will be created for local content creators to experience multiple Partner businesses throughout the city and create social media content highlighting those businesses to their audience. This program will take place between January and March 2026.

If you are interested in participating in the program, please fill out this form by Jan. 31.

Albuquerque Skyline at Sunset cropped

Be a Part of 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.

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:

Jan. 28, 2026
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visit Albuquerque offices
20 First Plaza, Suite 601, 87102

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

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:

Feb. 12, 2026
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Flue Shop @ The Railyards
777 1st St. SW, 87102

The cost is $25 per person for Partner businesses and $40 per person for non-Partners. 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.

Attend Your Morning, Your Impact Event

Connect with colleagues and Visit Albuquerque staff to collaborate on the Albuquerque Destination Master Plan and find out how you can play a role in making Albuquerque shine for visitors, residents and local businesses. Recognizing the power of tourism to drive economic growth and enhance our quality of life, Visit Albuquerque has created a 10-year Destination Master Plan (DMP) that outlines strategies for creating compelling visitor experiences and elevating Albuquerque as a must-visit destination. This plan, fueled by insights from over 2,300 stakeholders and rigorous research by industry specialist JLL, will guide our efforts to make Albuquerque a premier destination in the Southwest.

Feb. 13, 2026
7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Lost Cultures Tea Bar
1761 Bellamah Ave. NW, 87104

Upcoming Meetings and Sports Events

In February 2026, more than 37,000 people will participate in or attend meetings and sports events booked and supported by Visit Albuquerque. These events will generate an estimated $8.6 million in direct spend. Some of the noteworthy events include:

Dates	Group Name	Est. Attendance	Meeting Location
Feb. 5-8	New Mexico Agriculture Education & FFA Leadership Conference	450	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 5-6	New Mexico Activities Association State Chess Competition	330	Ramada
Feb. 6-7	UNM Track & Field NM Collegiate Classic	1,280	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 7-8	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association State Cup u12-u14 - Round 2	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
Feb. 7-8	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association TnT Spring Blast	1,980	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
Feb. 13-14	UNM Track & Field Don Kirby Elite Invitational	1,600	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 14-15	United States Specialty Sports Association President’s Day Tournament	2,574	Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex
Feb. 14-15	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Power Ford NM Rapids Cup	6,452	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
Feb. 14	Great Southwest Track & Field Championships Great Southwest Indoor Meet	1,287	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 14-15	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association GA Leagues-3	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
Feb. 18-20	America’s Poison Centers Leadership Meeting	220	Hotel Albuquerque
Feb. 19-22	USA Track and Field Masters Indoor Championships	2,375	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 20-21	New Mexico Activities Association State Wrestling Tournament	2,013	Rio Rancho Events Center
Feb. 20-21	New Mexico Activities Association State Swimming & Diving Championships	1,568	Albuquerque Academy Natatorium
Feb. 21-22	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association Classic FC Spring Cup	8,415	NM Soccer Tournament Complex
Feb. 23-26	National Association of Truck Stop Operators 2026 Connect	700	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 24-27	Alliance for Innovation and Transformation Forums & Reps Meeting	100	Central New Mexico Community College
Feb. 24-26	K12 Six National K-12 Cybersecurity Leadership Conference	300	Hotel Albuquerque
Feb. 24-26	Boys & Girls Clubs of America MyClubHub Academy	500	Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque
Feb. 26-28	Lone Star Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships	600	Albuquerque Convention Center
Feb. 28-March 1	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association MLS Next-4	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields

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.

Hospitality Spotlight

Amanda Turri, Taproom Manager

Great hospitality goes beyond service — it’s about creating a welcoming experience for every guest. This month, we recognize Amanda Turri, the taproom manager at Sidetrack Brewing Company, for her commitment to the community and her staff.

Her coworkers say she connects with strangers and regulars with ease, making Sidetrack a welcoming place for everyone. Amanda organized countless events and fundraisers to help the community and those in need. “Amanda is one of the hardest working women I know in the industry ... I've witnessed her kindness reach around the taproom with ease and grace,” said Brenda Leyba.

We celebrate Amanda Turri for her outstanding contributions to Albuquerque’s hospitality industry!

Know someone who deserves a spotlight? Fill out this form to let us know. 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. 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.