Industry Insider

March 2024

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The spring season is here, and we look forward to the opportunities and growth in the industry during the start of this busy travel period. We are eager to welcome visitors to Albuquerque for exciting spring and summer activities.

March is also Women’s History Month. Each March, we recognize the accomplished and inspiring women in our community and throughout history who have helped shape Albuquerque into the city it is today.

This month’s Industry Insider includes a link to the Stakeholder Survey to provide input in the Destination Master Planning process, grants that are available, an exciting update from the Sandia Peak Tram and recent awards Visit Albuquerque has won.

Thank you for being a Visit Albuquerque Partner!

News

Take the Stakeholder Survey for the Destination Master Plan

Visit Albuquerque is underway with the process of developing a Destination Master Plan, and your input is needed. The DMP process is designed to incorporate views and thoughts from a broad base of stakeholders across the city. As a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry or the business community, you can participate in a survey that will inform the DMP and give directions for priorities and recommendations.

The survey should take 15-20 minutes, and you can complete it here. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Visit Albuquerque Sponsors Wi-Fi at Four Airports

Thanks to additional funding from the Albuquerque Tourism Marketing District, Visit Albuquerque will have an advertising presence at four additional airports from April 1 to October 31 this year. We will sponsor the free wi-fi service at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Chicago Midway, John Wayne Airport in Orange County, and Los Angeles International Airport.
When approximately one-third of the travelers who use those airports try to connect to free wi-fi, they will first see a splash screen with Visit Albuquerque's branding. When they click on the "CONNECT TO WI-FI" button on the splash screen, they will view a 15-second commercial for Albuquerque. After the video plays, travelers will be connected to wi-fi and have the option to click through to Visit Albuquerque's website or go elsewhere online.

Sales Team Attends STEM Society Meeting

Visit Albuquerque’s Senior National Sales Manager Tabitha Stallworth attended the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives’ CEO Meeting in late February. She had the opportunity to meet with executive directors of STEM societies in educational sessions. Visit Albuquerque also co-hosted a dinner with Helms Briscoe, Providence Warwick CVB, and Destination Madison. Customers at the dinner included the American Association for Anatomy, the Association for Women in Science, the Society for Personality, the American Association for Public Opinion Research and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, among others.

Applications for New Mexico True Grants Are Open

Applications for the New Mexico True grant programs for FY25 are now open. The Destination Forward Grant Program supports the development and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects throughout the state. Applications close April 10. The Tourism Event Growth & Sustainability program provides technical assistance, marketing and sponsorship to qualified tourism events to support their growth and sustainability. Applications close April 16.

Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway Reopens

The Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway is back up and running after two months of maintenance to install a new motor, an updated drive and control system, new cameras and new weather technology. During the maintenance process, the Tram kept people informed with a six-part video series. Congratulations on the informative series, and on the newly improved tram! The tram and TEN 3 are running on regular operating hours.

Ascend ABQ Applications Are Open

Applications for the Albuquerque International Sunport’s Class of 2024 Ascend ABQ Concession Program are now open. Ascend ABQ allows small businesses to purchase short-term, low-risk leasing options at the Sunport. The goal is to diversify the concessions available to travelers going through the airport while supporting local businesses. Go to this website for more information and to apply. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

UNM Lobos Win Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship, Compete in NCAA Tournament

The University of New Mexico men’s basketball team won the Mountain West Conference Tournament Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 16. Visit Albuquerque’s new 30-second commercial for leisure travel aired nine times on the CBS Sports Network during the tournament March 14-15.

With the conference championship win, the Lobos secured a spot in the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately, they lost to Clemson in the first round. It was an exciting season, and we're proud of the Lobos!

Visit Albuquerque Wins Three Advertising Awards

Visit Albuquerque videos recently won three New Mexico Advertising Awards, also known as Addy awards. The competition is sponsored by the New Mexico chapter of the American Advertising Federation and recognizes excellence in ad creativity, design and execution. The video spots were produced with local production company Inspirado and are designed to inspire people to visit our city. The Visit Albuquerque anthem video won the Judge’s Choice Award and a Gold Addy in the category of Internet Commercial for a single spot of any length. Our 30-second leisure video won a Gold Addy in the category of Regional/National Television Advertising for a single spot up to 2 minutes in length. After winning at the local level, these entries will be forwarded to district competition where they will be up against Addy winners from Arizona, Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. If successful at the district level, our entries will compete for American Advertising Awards at the national level.

Upcoming Meetings and Sports Events

In April 2024, 31,600 people will participate in meetings and sports events booked and supported by Visit Albuquerque. These events will generate an estimated $11.4 million in direct spend, and some of the noteworthy events include:

Dates	Group Name	Est. Attendance	Meeting Location
April 1-3	Ben E Keith Food Expo	1,100	Albuquerque Convention Center
April 2-5	New Mexico Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Annual Conference	150	The Clyde Hotel
April 3-7	National Catholic Commission On Scouting Biennial Conference	150	Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North
April 5-6	New Mexico Activities Association Spirit Championships	5,940	The Pit
April 5-7	USSSA - United States Specialty Sports Association Easter Baseball Tournament	2,772	Jennifer Riordan Spark Kindness Sports Complex
April 10-13	National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs National Championships	2,400	Albuquerque Convention Center
April 10-14	Comparative Cognition Society (CCS) 2024	250	Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town - A Heritage Hotel & Resort
April 12-13	New Mexico Activities Association State Choir Competition	3,960	Local High Schools
April 12-13	New Mexico Activities Association State Powerlifting Championships	1,815	Local High Schools
April 12-13	New Mexico Activities Association JROTC State Championships	1,650	Local High Schools
April 15-18	University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration	400	The Clyde Hotel
April 15-18	American AgCredit Town Hall Meeting	100	Albuquerque Marriott Hotel
April 16-18	National Center for Farmworker Health Inc	250	Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town - A Heritage Hotel & Resort
April 17-20	Society of Architectural Historians 77th Annual International Conference	400	Albuquerque Convention Center
April 17-21	Mankind Project USA Gathering of Elders	120	Hotel Albuquerque at Old Town - A Heritage Hotel & Resort
April 18-21	USA Gymnastics Level 6, 7 and 8 Region 3 Meet	3,630	Albuquerque Convention Center
April 18-21	Showbiz National Talent 2024	100	DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque
April 19-20	New Mexico Activities Association State Band Competition	5,610	Local High Schools
April 21-24	Entomological Society of America Southwestern Branch Annual Meeting	160	Crowne Plaza Albuquerque
April 29-May 5	National Science Teaching Association Junior Science and Humanities Symposium	500	Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque

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 in February. Each of these events take place in one part of town, but 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.