Industry Insider

November 2025

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That chill in the air means the end of the year is quickly approaching. We hope you and your business experience a successful holiday season. We’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude for all your work throughout the year, your partnership and your support. Visit Albuquerque has put together a Small Business Holiday Gift Guide to encourage shopping locally.

This issue of Industry Insider includes news about awards recently presented to Visit Albuquerque Partners and a new addition to the Visit Albuquerque sales team.

Thank you for being a valued Visit Albuquerque Partner!

News

Visit Albuquerque Welcomes New Sales Manager

The Visit Albuquerque Sales, Services and Sports Division is pleased to welcome Shonna Begay to the team as a Senior National Sales Manager. Shonna comes to the team with a wealth of experience in hotel sales and operations and a passion for Albuquerque. With a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management, Shonna is excited to join the team and contribute to the great work Visit Albuquerque does in the community.

Visit Albuquerque and Partners Win TopHAT Awards

Visit Albuquerque and some Visit Albuquerque Partners won TopHAT awards on Nov. 18 from the New Mexico Hospitality Association. Visit Albuquerque received an award for Most Innovative Marketing Campaign for “Route 66 Centennial in Albuquerque: The Trip of a Century.” This campaign is in partnership with the City of Albuquerque Arts & Culture Division to drive visitation for the Centennial.

Members of Visit Albuquerque accept the TopHAT Award for Most Innovative Campaign.

The Visit Albuquerque Partners that received TopHAT awards are:

Elizabeth Echols, Chief Steward, Isleta Resort and Casino: Back-of-of-House Food & Beverage
Debra Griego, Club Lounge Attendant, Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown: Front-of-House Food & Beverage
Catherine Hatcher, Senior Catering Manager, Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown: Back-of-House Hospitality
Scare-a-Ton Halloween Fundraiser at Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown: Community Engagement
Joesolie Ramos, Corporate Director of Sales & Marketing, Total Management Systems: Hospitality Professional of the Year (tie)
Cheyenne Seres, Dual General Manager, Holiday Inn Express and TownePlace Suites Albuquerque Old Town, Sun Capital Hotels: Hospitality Professional of the Year (tie)

Congratulations to everyone who won an award. At the award ceremony, NMHA CEO Kathy Komoll was honored for her work with the organization. She retires at the end of the month. Visit Albuquerque congratulates Kathy on her retirement and expresses gratitude for everything she has done for the organization and industry.

Season 2 of "Absolutely Albuquerque" Wins Emmy

Season 2 of “Absolutely Albuquerque” won a 2025 Emmy Award from the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The award was given in the category of Lifestyle Content. The series, which showcases the city’s people, attractions, activities and neighborhoods, was filmed and directed by local video production studio INSPIRADO. Visit Albuquerque sponsored Season 1 and Season 2 of “Absolutely Albuquerque,” both of which can be viewed on the Very Local app.

Visit Albuquerque Partners Honored with 505 Awards

The Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance announced the honorees for the 7th annual 505 Awards that honor organizations and individuals who make exceptional contributions to the economic growth of Albuquerque. Visit Albuquerque Partners who were recognized were Jennifer Baker from Rio Bravo Brewing, who received the Small Business Champion Award; Mike Canfield, the past President & CEO of the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and current President & CEO of Valliant Consulting Group, who received the Lifetime Leadership Award; and Ron Patel from New Mexico United, who received the Chair’s Distinguished Service Award. In addition, Visit Albuquerque sponsored the Advocate of the Year Award, which was presented to Bill Keleher of Smidt, Reist & Keleher, P.C. Bill is championing the effort to establish a Business Improvement District for Downtown, which will mean a stronger visitor economy and help Visit Albuquerque attract meetings, conventions and events to the city. Congratulations to all the award recipients!

Members of the Visit Albuquerque Board of Directors celebrate Mike Canfield’s 505 Award from AREA. Left to right: President & CEO Tania Armenta; Board member Monique Fragua; Chair Ben Abruzzo; Past Chair Mike Canfield; Chair-Elect Mindy Jensen; and Board member Councilor Renee Grout.

Visit Albuquerque President & CEO Tania Armenta (far right) poses with Bill Keleher (tan jacket) and his family members at the AREA 505 Awards, where Keleher was named Advocate of the Year.

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.

Attend a Recap Presentation of the 2025 Balloon Fiesta

Join Visit Albuquerque for an insightful webinar examining the local hospitality industry’s performance during the 2025 ExxonMobil Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta®. We’ll explore how this year’s attendance and lodging occupancy compared with trends from the past decade. We’ll also share key findings from our latest visitor survey, offering a clear profile of who attends the Fiesta and what drives their experience.

In addition, you'll hear from leaders of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, who will be on hand to provide updates and answer your questions.

To attend the webinar, register here. Questions must be submitted in advance.

Prepare for 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 upcoming Route 66 Centennial in 2026, 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 also 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:

Dec. 10, 2025
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fire of Sandia
1710 Central Ave. NW, Suite C, 87104

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.

NOMINATE AN EXCEPTIONAL HOSPITALITY WORKER TO BE RECOGNIZED

Visit Albuquerque is spotlighting local hospitality workers who have provided exceptional customer service. We are looking for hospitality workers who have gone above and beyond in the industry and who go to great lengths to be the best ambassadors for Albuquerque. Fill out this form to nominate someone for recognition. You’ll be asked to briefly describe why the individual is exceptional. Help celebrate hospitality excellence!

Upcoming Meetings and Sports Events

In December 2025, about 4,900 people will participate in or attend meetings and sports events booked and supported by Visit Albuquerque. These events will generate an estimated $1.98 million in direct spend. Some of the noteworthy events include:

Dates	Group Name	Est. Attendance	Meeting Location
Dec. 1-5	National Farm to School Network 2025 National Farm to Cafeteria Conference	800	Albuquerque Convention Center
Dec. 5-7	American Cornhole League Albuquerque Open	1,250	Albuquerque Convention Center
Dec. 6-7	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association ECNL Regional League -1	1,426	Mesa Del Sol Soccer Fields
Dec. 13-14	New Mexico Youth Soccer Association ECNL Regional League -2	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.