It hardly seems possible for the fittingly nicknamed Land of Enchantment to become even more bewitching, but in Northern New Mexico at least, enchantment is on the rise. While the home of Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos maintains its traditions and storied architectural structures, it works to continually elevate its status as both a leisure and a meetings destination.
Just as the area attracts an increasing number of artists who are inspired by its stunning surroundings to create everything from paintings to major motion pictures, so it attracts planners who are eager to execute events ranging from intimate board retreats to citywide conventions.
Albuquerque
Albuquerque’s recent revitalization, development and growth—including the addition of ABQ Uptown, a mixed-use facility featuring high-end shopping and dining options, and a solidified film industry presence—has been “unbelievable,” according to Linda Brown, vice president of convention sales and services at the Albuquerque CVB.
“Albuquerque has exploded with new things, yet it’s still maintained its midsize feel,” she says, adding that the city does not want to compete with Southwestern destinations like Phoenix. “It’s not like an Arizona town. We have four distinct, lovely seasons.”
During those seasons visitors are encouraged to get outside year-round. Golf outings can be arranged at area facilities such as the University of New Mexico golf course, five minutes from downtown, and at the Twin Warriors course at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa in Santa Ana Pueblo, located 25 minutes away.
For a truly unique New Mexico experience, though, planners call on outfits including Rainbow Ryders to arrange a hot-air balloon excursion.
“Groups love it,” Brown says, adding that before a ride groups can check out the Anderson Abruzzo International Balloon Museum, which opened two years ago with event space for up to 500 people inside and up to 1,000 people including its outdoor space.
“We also have the world’s largest tram that goes to the top of Sandia Mountain,” Brown says.
Groups can plan a meal either at the base of the Sandia Peak Tramway at Sandiago’s Mexican Grill or at High Finance Restaurant & Tavern, a dining option located at the top of Sandia Peak.
“One of the most exciting things to do here is to eat New Mexican,” Brown adds, explaining the state question—red or green?—which is asked at most eateries, refers to the chiles used in local cuisine. And the popular state cookie, the biscochito, can be found at Albuquerque’s standby bakery, Golden Crown Panaderia. “It’s wonderful, with anise, sugar and cinnamon—like a shortbread cookie.”
Two dining venues that frequently work with groups are El Pinto Restaurant, which accommodates up to 1,000 people for receptions, and Church Street Cafe, which resides in a 300-year-old adobe house.
Like Church Street Cafe, the Albuquerque Museum of Art & History is located in historic Old Town. The museum, which recently added an 8,000-square-foot gallery plus a large multifunction event space and an outdoor amphitheater, often hosts evening receptions.
According to Brown, most hotels in Albuquerque are upgrading. Among them, the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown is nearing completion of a $25 million renovation. Situated directly across from the Albuquerque Convention Center in the heart of downtown is the recently renovated Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, and connected to it is the recently renovated Doubletree Hotel Albuquerque.
One of most historic properties in town, La Posada de Albuquerque Hotel, is poised to reopen as the Andaluz Hotel in 2009, a block from the convention center.
Meanwhile, seven miles south of Albuquerque International Sunport, Isleta Casino & Resort recently unveiled its new 200-unit hotel and convention center, offering more than 30,000 square feet of function space.
In other news, the New Mexico Rail Runner train will begin service in December, connecting downtown Albuquerque to the historic district of Santa Fe an hour away, and also offer connecting shuttle service to Albuquerque International Sunport.
“Groups meeting here could use the Rail Runner,” Brown says. “Once they’re in downtown Santa Fe, they don’t need a car.”
Santa Fe
At the brand-new, LEED-certified Santa Fe Community Convention Center, which opened in September with 40,000 square feet of function space, planners can take advantage of the destination’s 300 days of sunshine.
“You’re almost guaranteed good weather here, so groups can use the convention center’s 10,000 square feet of outdoor space,” says Keith Toler, executive director of the Santa Fe CVB, adding that one group even held a general session outside. The courtyard is easily tented in case of inclement weather, and the rooftop terrace accommodates up to 200 people, depending on setup.
Since the center opened, environmental responsibility has been a major focus, and “green” groups are ideally suited to the facility.
Nearby group-friendly hotels in Santa Fe include the Eldorado Hotel & Spa; La Fonda on the Plaza; Hotel Santa Fe, home to a new spa; Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza; and Bishop’s Lodge Resort & Spa. About 15 minutes north of town is the new Hilton Santa Fe Golf Resort & Spa at Buffalo Thunder, with 66,000 square feet of meeting space and a Vegas-style casino, and the Tesuque-based Encantado, located 10 minutes away and featuring event space for up to 200 people.
The second-oldest city in the country, Santa Fe is about to celebrate its 400th birthday, with special events scheduled from October 2009 through the summer of 2010. At press time, events and details were still being worked out and will eventually be available at www.santafe400.net.
Groups in town during that time will be encouraged to join in the festivities, but until then, Toler says Santa Fe offers all kinds of outdoor and indoor recreational pursuits.
“We’re at 7,000 feet in the Rocky Mountains. People forget this. They think we’re a desert destination,” he says, citing skiing opportunities 20 minutes from downtown.
Additionally, mountain biking, escorted Harley-Davidson rides, classes at the Santa Fe School of Cooking and hiking are popular options. Santa Fe Mountain Adventures is one outfit that facilitates basic to elaborate activities, Toler says, including taking a hike to a clearing where delegates can enjoy live music and a picnic.
Among Santa Fe’s many off-site venues that cater to group events are Rio Chama Steakhouse, which has a private dining room that opens to a terrace with an outdoor bar and fireplace; Milner Plaza on Museum Hill, which is flanked by the Museum of International Folk Art and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture and is a great place for a sunset event, according to Toler; and Eaves Movie Ranch, a nearby film soundstage that resembles a Western town, where large groups are invited to enjoy dinner parties and dancing.
Taos
Taos, according to Jeanne Kitzman, sales and marketing manager at the Taos Convention Center, is an intriguing New Mexico destination.
“It’s very much a timeless, multicultural community, and we have museums in town that touch on these things,” she says.
The Governor Bent House & Museum, Hacienda de los Martinez, Harwood Museum of Art and Taos Art Museum, which is housed in the home of Nicolai Fechin, are among the venues of interest to art and history buffs in the group.
“There is so much to do here, and the arts community has a lot to do with that,” Kitzman says, adding that there is also a happening nightlife. “The Adobe Bar at the historic Taos Inn is known as the ‘living room of Taos,’ where there is always something great going on, including open mic nights; and at Sagebrush [Inn & Conference Center] there is a dance floor and a bar.”
Joining Sagebrush (located south of downtown) in Taos’ portfolio of meetings-equipped properties are downtown’s El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa and the Best Western Kachina Lodge & Meetings Center.
Meanwhile, the Taos Convention Center can accommodate up to 500 people.
“We get consistent feedback that people enjoy it here,” Kitzman says. “They come here to do business but also enjoy a wonderful energy in Taos. They can relax, and meeting attendees often extend their stay.”
During the winter, Taos transforms into a ski resort. Nearby Taos Ski Valley and Angel Fire Resort are both popular for group outings.
“We also have a terrific selection of gourmet restaurants,” Kitzman says, citing a few that appeal to groups, including Joseph’s Table, Lambert’s of Taos and Doc Martin’s, located at Taos Inn.
For More Info
Albuquerque CVB 505.842.9918 www.itsatrip.org
Santa Fe CVB 505.955.6200 www.santafe.org
Taos COC 505.758.3873 www.taoschamber.com
