SOUTHWEST REGION
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As a unique destination, Truth or Consequences is a good fit for small meetings that allow their attendees sufficient free time to enjoy its hot springs and stroll downtown galleries. “We are not what one would call a ‘typical’ convention town,” says Gina Kelley, executive director of the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway Visitor Center. “We don’t have a convention center, and have few restaurants and limited entertainment options. That said, we frequently host meetings of nonprofit boards and state agencies, as well as yoga and artist retreats.”
Located approximately three blocks north of downtown is the 7,000-square-foot Truth or Consequences Civic Center; the multipurpose venue includes the Ralph Edwards Auditorium, with tiered and floor seating. Another venue, the Albert Lyons Event Center, has a capacity of 219.
Truth or Consequences has a wide variety of unique venues for small meetings, including outdoor space at some of its hot springs hotels, the Grotto at Truth or Consequences Brewing, the El Cortez Theater, and others, Kelley notes. Groups can choose from chain hotel properties, the newest of which is Holiday Inn Express on Date Street. According to Kelley, the city is known for its downtown hot springs properties, most of which are renovated 1930s motor courts or apartments. These properties offer unique charm, but most have fewer than 20 rooms each. “We have had groups come into town that have booked rooms at multiple properties,” Kelley says.
In nearby Elephant Butte, restaurants Los Arcos and the Clubhouse at Turtleback Mountain Resort offer enough space to host groups.
Groups can enjoy a walking tour of the city’s murals (60 at last count), Geronimo Springs Museum, fishing and boating outings at Elephant Butte Lake, and day hikes in the surrounding area. Spaceport America, located 32 miles east of Truth or Consequences, puts on a full slate of interesting events.
