Investigators, legal professionals, and those passionate about solving real-world crimes from Ruidoso, Alto, and beyond are invited to a landmark event this spring. The BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 arrives at the Isleta Resort & Casino on April 11–12, offering a comprehensive look into the world of criminal justice, survivor resilience, and forensic science.
Check out the BEYOND THE RIOT tour starting the morning of April 10 with a podcaster mingle in the evening, which Gold and Platinum ticket holders can reserve for free.
Every ticket purchased helps finance the Beyond The Case initiative, by the Beyond the Case YouTube show, which provides critical resources like DNA analysis and private investigative services to families of the missing and murdered throughout New Mexico. Join us to bridge the gap between interest and active advocacy.
Buy your tickets today.
When and where is BEYOND THE CRIME 2026?
- Dates: Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Times: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- 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.
- Venue: Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Boulevard SE, Albuquerque
- Registration: Badge and gift bag pickup begins Saturday at 8 a.m.
What are the ticket tiers and pricing?
Avoid higher rates at the door by buying your passes online in advance.
| TICKET LEVEL | TOTAL PRICE | ACCESS SUMMARY |
| Couch Detective (1-Day) | $53.67 | Entry for Saturday; includes all panels and vendors. |
| Couch Detective (2-Day) | $93.63 | Full weekend access to all general sessions and mock scenes. |
| Gold VIP | $105.04 | Priority seating, fast-pass meet & greets, and host mixers. |
| Platinum PI | $122.17 | Saturday dinner, exclusive screenings, and maximum perks. |
Which keynote speakers are appearing this year?
This year’s lineup features over 30 voices from across the legal and investigative spectrum:
- Victim advocacy: Hear from Nichole Schmidt and Tara Petito (mother and bonus mom of Gabby Petito) regarding their national mission for domestic violence awareness.
- Legal ethics: Defense attorney Karen Conti reveals the insider perspective of representing serial killer John Wayne Gacy on death row.
Are there any optional “Beyond Experiences” available?
Enhance your convention trip with these exclusive, separately ticketed add-ons:
- BEYOND THE RIOT: A historic excursion via the Rail Runner to Santa Fe for a guided bus tour of the Old Main at the Penitentiary of New Mexico.
- PODCASTER MINGLE: An evening social featuring appetizers and cocktails with visiting true crime podcasters and speakers.
- BEYOND THE CANVAS: Pat Lopez, Oklahoma City bombing courtroom sketch artist, leads a rare small group session.
How does this event support cold case advocacy?
BEYOND THE CRIME unites the community to support those searching for answers. Your attendance funds cadaver dog searches and investigative testing for cold cases that have gone silent. Please be advised that the subject matter is mature, featuring realistic mock crime scenes and raw survivor testimony; parental discretion is recommended.
Ready to buy tickets for BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026?
Secure your spot at the Southwest’s premier true crime and advocacy event. By joining the BEYOND THE CRIME Convention at Isleta Resort & Casino this April, you are supporting the Beyond The Case fund and helping provide resolution to families across New Mexico. Don’t miss this chance to learn from world-class experts and contribute to tangible investigative work.
Buy tickets now.
Visit the BEYOND THE CRIME Facebook page for more information.
Posted by Ruidoso.com
