The New Mexico site inspection report in the September 1999 issue of Meetings in the West publication validates such great potential. The range of art and culture in New Mexico is vast and so are a meeting planner's options. The convention interests note the deep cultural heritage over 400 years of history that is so inviting to travelers and how the heritage can be made part of successful conventions. 2 Successful convention activities that blend meetings with local culture are being staged in Taos, Santa Fe, and Albuquerque. In Taos, the town plaza is cordoned off for indigenous food, native dancing, and local art.
Merchants keep stores open for delegates to browse and shop during evening activities.
The cultural center accommodates up to 300 delegates comfortably and has a selection of five meeting rooms. The facility boasts a restaurant, museum, gift shop with arts and crafts from pueblos throughout the state, and an on-site special events coordinator who can arrange for a story teller, flute player, and dancers. This center hosts more than 2,000 meetings annually. In addition, the Albuquerque Biological Park, with indoor and outdoor spaces in its aquarium and botanical garden is popular with locals and visitors alike. Planners noticed that New Mexico is rich in history and ethnicity, with an abundance of museums, many of which accommodate groups with artistic and cultural offerings impossible to imitate via themed decor.