Albuquerque, New Mexico, is on an expansion mode for conventions. For example:
- The Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque plans to open a new, 50,000-square-foot convention center and 228-room hotel in December. A 12,000 square foot spa is also being added.
- The Albuquerque Convention Center is doing a $6 million renovation.
- A 295-room Doubletree Hotel next to the convention center was recently sold to American Property Management, which plans a $5 million renovation.
The Sandia expansion is a departure because the casino in the past attracted gamblers but not convention-goers. Owners of the resort say it’s a new effort to get into another type of business.
Report by David Wilkening
