The New Mexico Hospitality Association’s Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism is coming back after a two-year hiatus. 

It is set to happen May 16 and 17 at the Albuquerque Convention Center. 

Registration opened Thursday morning.  

The two-day conference will begin with registration at 8 a.m. May 16 and end at 10 p.m. May 17.  

The event will include a Hall of Fame dinner May 17, honoring the lifelong achievements of professionals in the tourism and hospitality industries. Keynote speakers include Cabinet Secretary Jen Paul Schroer from the New Mexico Tourism Department, along with Acting Cabinet Secretary Ricky Serna from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.  

“We are so excited, once again, to host the Governor’s Conference in person and in partnership with the New Mexico Tourism Department,” NMHA CEO Kathy Komoll said in a press release. “As an association who advocates and provides educational opportunities for the hospitality industry, we invite all hospitality-related businesses to take advantage of the networking opportunities, sessions and exposure that this conference will provide.”  

The tourism and hospitality industry “are about people and connection – something we have missed greatly over the past couple of years,” Schroer said.  

“The New Mexico Tourism Department is happy to support the return of the conference and the opportunities for collaboration and professional development this event provides for the industry,” she said. 

Although the agenda is still being finalized, thought-provoking breakout sessions will include:  

  • “The Importance of Digital Branding for Your Business”  
  • “Mental Health in the Workplace”  
  • “Developing Workplace Policies that Support Recruitment and Retention”  
  • “Maximizing SEO Optimization” 
  • “Driving Business Through Outdoor Advertising” 

Presenters, facilitators and panelists for breakout sessions will include representation from the NM Tourism Department, Department of Workforce Solutions, NM Economic Development’s Outdoor Recreation Division, Navajo Nation Tourism and the NM Broadcasters Association, among others.  

The event will also include a Vendor Expo and Media Auction, providing an opportunity for businesses to reach NMHA members. The conference is available to NMHA members and nonmembers. 

Members will receive a reduced rate; however, nonmembers who become NMHA members during registration will also receive the reduced rate. Additionally, NMHA is offering members a 10 percent discount off of their conference fees for each business they sign up as a new NMHA member.  

To register, visit https://newmexicohospitality.org/nmhaevents/.  

The Governor’s Conference, presented by New Mexico True, is also sponsored by Visit Albuquerque, Navajo Nation Tourism Department and Visit Las Cruces.  

For more information, visit http://newmexicohospitality.org or contact Kathy Komoll at 505-506-8624 or [email protected].