Partner Connection

September 2026

Events
Partner Kudos
Social Media Spotlight
Partner Opportunities
Partner Benefit Highlight
New & Renewing Partners

Events

Improve Your Team’s Customer Service Skills and Knowledge of Albuquerque

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. Graduates of the program can answer guests’ questions about things to do and places to visit. The program also provides training on topics such as first impressions, effective communication and handling conflict. Graduates will receive a commemorative lapel pin and a certificate recognizing their completion of the program.

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

Monday, Sept. 14
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Lapis Room in Old Town
303 Romero St., Suite 107, 87104

The cost is $25 per person for Partner businesses and $40 per person for non-Partners. In honor of the Route 66 Centennial, anyone who registers three employees from the same organization will be charged $66 for all three registrations. Snacks will be provided along with water and coffee.

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 special tips and training in preparation for the Route 66 centennial plus a free branded T-shirt! Make sure your team is ready for visitors coming to Albuquerque to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road.

Seating is limited, so register your employees now!

Congrats to the ACE graduates from the August class at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Albuquerque North/Journal Center.

Graduates: Srini Vasan and Elaine Williams from Visit Albuquerque; Elizabeth Kirkland from Wheels Museum; Tisha Aldredge from the UNM School of Medicine; Robert Avalos, Sara Davison and Dawnee Johnson from Fairfield by Marriott; Santiago Alomia, Yvette Martinez-Baggerly, Marlene Andrade, Spencer Taustine and David Alexander from the Albuquerque Convention Center; Allen White from ABQ Tours; Jace Sawyers and Raina Torres from Albuquerque Marriott Uptown; Keyanna Wilson, Evelyn Taylor, Angel Sedillo, Megan Gill, Brad Merill and Manuel Tabarez from SpringHill Suites by Marriott ABQ North/Journal Center; and Frances Chavez from Hilton Garden Inn Journal Center.

Learn How to Make the Most Out of Balloon Fiesta

As Balloon Fiesta approaches, it's time to prepare your business to shine during one of our busiest tourism seasons!

Join us for an educational session where we'll share marketing and communication tips to help you attract and engage the thousands of visitors flocking to the city. From creative promotional ideas to leveraging social media, we’ll cover a range of tangible ideas for your business. Plus, we'll provide brief customer service training to ensure your team is ready to offer top-notch hospitality during this busy time.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
9201 Balloon Museum Dr. NE, 87113

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:

Wednesday, Sept. 16
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.

Register for the 2026 Visit Albuquerque Annual Meeting

Join us for Visit Albuquerque's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at the Albuquerque Convention Center. All Partners are welcome to attend this free event that recognizes the impact of travel and the tourism industry in Albuquerque. We’ll reflect on the progress made over the past year and preview the road ahead, focusing on the opportunities that shape our path forward. Network with Board members, fellow Partners and Visit Albuquerque staff. Register now to attend.

Network at a Partner Pop-In Event

Connect with fellow Visit Albuquerque Partners at a Partner Pop-In. These offer a more personalized networking opportunity paired with an activity at a local business. The next Partner Pop-In will take place:

Thursday, Oct. 22
2 p.m.
Next Chapter Studio
109 Hermosa Dr. SE, 87108

Tickets are $25 and include a lesson on creating risograph prints. Register to attend.

Partner Kudos

Farm Shop Named Most Charming Local Grocer

Food & Wine recently named the Farm Shop at Los Poblanos one of America’s most charming local grocers. Congratulations on the recognition!

Breweries Win New Mexico Craft Beer Awards

The New Mexico Brewers Guild named the winners at its inaugural New Mexico Craft Beer Awards. Multiple Visit Albuquerque Partners were recognized, including:

Flock of Moons Brewing Company, First Place in Amber Beers for Waning Crescent, Vienna Lager
Sidetrack Brewing Company, First Place in IPA and Best of Show Award for Basecamp IPA, West Coast Style India Pale Ale
Canteen Brewhouse, Third Place in IPA for Exodus, West Coast Style India Pale Ale

Campo Receives Michelin Recognition

Campo at Los Poblanos received multiple recognitions from Michelin. Joseph Simonson received the Southwest Exceptional Cocktails Award, and Christopher Bethoney received the Michelin Mindful Voices recognition. Campo also received a Michelin “Recommended” restaurant award, meaning they will be recognized in the Michelin Guide. Congratulations on the honor!

Wolf ‘n’ Swallow Celebrates One Year in Downtown Albuquerque

Wolf ‘n’ Swallow is celebrating one year in its East Downtown location. Kudos!

Lapis Room Celebrates 5 Years

Lapis Room is celebrating five years in business in Old Town. Way to go!

Snapdragon Tea Turns 5 Years Old

Snapdragon Tea turns five years old this month. Congratulations!

Social Media Spotlight

DowntownABQ Mainstreet

DowntownABQ MainStreet and Arts & Cultural District is ramping up their social media presence with well-edited videos, engaging content and interesting topical subjects. Check their page for inspiration on how to create consistent content worthy of virality.

A screenshot of DowntownABQ Mainstreet's Instagram page.

Partner Opportunities

REACH TRAVELERS BY ADVERTISING IN VISIT ALBUQUERQUE’S OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE

Advertising sales are underway for Visit Albuquerque’s 2027 Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide, an essential planning resource that travelers use before and during their visit to Albuquerque. The ad reservation deadline is Nov. 6. Put your business in front of tens of thousands of potential customers by advertising in this trusted resource that is designed to help travelers discover where to stay, shop, dine and experience the best of Albuquerque.

This year’s advertising sales are being managed by Lisa Saturday of Miles Partnership, Visit Albuquerque’s marketing partner. If Lisa contacts your business about advertising opportunities, be assured that she is working on behalf of Visit Albuquerque to help our Partners connect with visitors. For advertising rates and details, contact Lisa at 303-867-8301 or send an email to Lisa.Saturday@MilesPartnership.com.

Apply for Outdoor Recreation Grants

The Trails+ Grant program is a statewide initiative by the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division that invests in trails and outdoor infrastructure. The Trails+ Grant funds planning, development and improvement of outdoor space, including trails, river parks, wildlife viewing areas, trailheads and signage. Applications close Sept. 30. The Trails+ Grant is open to a wide range of public and nonprofit entities in New Mexico, including:

Tribes, Pueblos and Nations
Municipalities and Counties
Nonprofits (Tier 1 and Tier 2 only)
Public schools, preschools and districts
Public colleges and universities
Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Acequia and Land Grant Associations

Find more information on the Trails+ Grant program.

The Outdoor Equity Fund helps ensure equitable access to the outdoors for all youth in New Mexico. This grant supports transformative outdoor experiences that foster stewardship and respect for New Mexico’s lands, waters, and cultural heritage while connecting youth to career pathways in the outdoors. The Outdoor Equity Fund is open to a wide range of public and nonprofit entities in New Mexico, including:

Tribes, Pueblos and Nations
Municipalities and Counties
Nonprofit organizations
Public preschools, K-12 schools
Public school districts
Public colleges and universities

Find more information on the Outdoor Equity Fund.

Bring a Visit Albuquerque Partner Event to Your Business

If you are interested in hosting a Visit Albuquerque Partner event at your business or organization, fill out this form to indicate your interest. Events include Business Exchanges, Partner Pop-Ins, ACE classes and more. No matter the size, you can host an event! We look forward to working with you to shape an exciting event for Visit Albuquerque Partners.

Get Your Ad on Visit Albuquerque's Website

The DTN Paid Content program offers a variety of placements on Visit Albuquerque's website, and programs can be tailored to meet your specific marketing and budget needs. The DTN team offers free creative services to help get your program running quickly, easy access to performance reporting and a friendly support team.

You can contact DTN at Advertising@DTNads.com or call 855-801-5905 if you’re interested.

Tell Us About Your Route 66 Centennial Specials

Is your business planning something special for the Route 66 Centennial? Whether it’s a new activity like TourABQ’s Route 66 Speakeasy Tour, a special food item like Duran Central Pharmacy’s milkshakes in commemorative pint glasses, or a special item like Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway’s centennial stickers, we want to know about it. Send your centennial celebrations and promotions to Marketing@VisitABQ.org.

An image of the Route 66 Centennial shakes offered at Duran Central Pharmacy. The Route 66 Centennial sticker from the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.

Submit Your Event to the ABQ365 Calendar

Visit Albuquerque’s ABQ365 Events Calendar offers a great opportunity to promote your events! The one-stop, all-ABQ encompassing calendar features primarily arts, entertainment and culture-focused events, appealing to both locals and visitors.

Event listings offer a great opportunity for additional exposure and promotion, and can help keep your business top-of-mind – for free!

Submit your events.

Create a Coupon to Bring in Customers

Bring in new customers with a great deal at your business! If you have a current coupon or special, submit it to us and we’ll feature it on our popular Specials & Coupons page and our digital savings pass. These promotions are also spotlighted during major events, meetings and conventions happening in Albuquerque, giving your business even more exposure.

When you submit a coupon, you input your own valid dates and can tailor offers for specific events or seasons, giving you full control of your offers on our site.

Submit your coupons and specials.

Partner Benefit Highlight

Optimize Your Visitors Guide Listing

With production of the 2027 Official Albuquerque Visitors Guide around the corner, it’s time for you to update your listing to make sure the correct information gets printed. Log in to the Visit Albuquerque Extranet to ensure your listing has the most current information for your business.

New & Renewing Partners

Thanks To Our New & Renewing Partners

Visit Albuquerque’s Partners help support our mission to market the city as a top-choice destination for leisure travel, meetings and sporting events. Our thanks to the following Partners that recently joined or renewed their partnership with Visit Albuquerque. We appreciate your commitment to making Albuquerque a great place to visit and to live!

New Partners

Renewing Partners