Southern New Mexico true crime aficionados are invited to head north this April for an unparalleled investigative experience. The BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 transforms the Isleta Resort & Casino into a massive hub for advocacy and forensic education on April 11–12, 2026.
Don’t miss the launch party: the BEYOND THE RIOT tour starts the morning of April 10 with a podcaster mingle in the evening. Gold and Platinum ticket holders can reserve BEYOND THE RIOT spots for free.
This two-day summit features more than 30 expert speakers, hands-on forensics demonstrations, and immersive mock crime scenes. Beyond the thrill of the investigation, the event serves a vital purpose: raising funds for the Beyond The Case initiative, which provides critical DNA testing and private inquiry services for cold cases across New Mexico.
Who are the 2026 speakers?
Gain unique insights into the criminal justice system from those who have lived it:
- Nichole Schmidt (Gabby Petito’s mother) and Tara Petito (Gabby Petito’s stepmother) share their mission for domestic abuse awareness and victim support.
- Karen Conti, attorney for John Wayne Gacy, discusses the complexities of the death penalty and legal ethics.
What are the event details?
- Dates: Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Saturday: Doors open at 8 a.m..The first panel begins at 9:10 a.m., and the final panel finishes at 4:30 p.m. The Expo Hall closes at 6 p.m., when evening events begin. The VIP dinner runs from 6:15 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.
- Sunday: Doors open at 9 a.m., and panels begin at 10:10 a.m. The final panel wraps at 3:50 p.m. The rest of the convention stays open until 5 p.m.
- Location: Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Boulevard SE, Albuquerque
- Check-in: Badge and gift bag pickup begins Saturday at 8 a.m.
What are the Admission & VIP Tiers?
| LEVEL | PRICE | INCLUDES |
| Couch Detective (1-Day) | $53.67 | Single-day access to panels, vendors, and mock scenes. |
| Couch Detective (2-Day) | $93.63 | Full weekend access to all general programming. |
| Gold VIP | $105.04 | Priority seating, fast-pass meet & greets, and host mixers. |
| Platinum PI | $122.17 | Saturday dinner, private screenings, and maximum perks. |
Ticket prices will go up on the day of the event.
Are there any exclusive event add-ons?
Yes, you can enhance your trip with these unique “Beyond Experiences”:
- Beyond The Riot: Board the Rail Runner for a Santa Fe excursion to the Old Main at the Penitentiary of New Mexico, site of the historic 1980 riot. Includes a guided tour and New Mexican lunch.
- Beyond The Canvas: A rare small group session with courtroom sketch artist Pat Lopez, who documented the trials of the Oklahoma City bombing and Selena Quintanilla.
- Podcaster Mingle: An intimate evening mixer featuring drinks and appetizers with out-of-state true crime creators.
Education, Advocacy, and Community
The BEYOND THE CRIME mission is to move past entertainment and toward action. By attending, you help fund free cadaver dog searches and advanced DNA testing for families searching for answers in unsolved cases throughout the Southwest.
Will the convention have mature content?
The convention is designed for an adult audience. While there is no strict age limit, presentations cover sensitive topics including domestic violence and serial investigations. Minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
How can I get involved?
Are you a Southern New Mexico business or creator? We are currently seeking:
- Exhibitors: Booths for vendors and podcasters starting at $150.
- Volunteers: Join the crew for setup or check-in and earn event access.
- Sponsors: Support cold case funding while gaining visibility for your brand.
Buy tickets for BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the most significant true crime gathering in the Southwest. By heading to the BEYOND THE CRIME Convention this April, you gain direct insight into forensic science while contributing to the Beyond The Case fund that provides essential investigative services to families seeking resolution. Get your passes today to ensure your spot at the panels, the mock crime scenes, and the exclusive “Beyond Experiences.”
Visit the BEYOND THE CRIME Facebook page for more information.
Posted by LasCruces.com
