Justice-minded residents across the Four Corners have an opportunity to join a regional movement this spring. The BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 is set for April 11–12 at the Isleta Resort & Casino.
This isn’t just an event for fans; it’s an immersive investigative summit featuring more than 30 speakers and hands-on workshops designed to sharpen your understanding of forensic science.
Hear from noteworthy speakers such as Gabby Petito’s mother and stepmother, John Wayne Gacy’s attorney, and participate in a small-group session with Oklahoma City bombing courtroom sketch artist Pat Lopez.
Enthusiastic investigators can get in on the action early: 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.
For those making the trip from the northwest, your participation carries significant weight. Revenue generated by the convention fuels the Beyond The Case fund, nurtured by the evocative Beyond the Case YouTube show, which provides specialized resources like cadaver dog teams and advanced DNA testing for cold cases throughout the Southwest. It’s a chance to move from the armchair to the front lines of advocacy.
What are the BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 event details?
- Dates: Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Hours: 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.
- Location: Isleta Resort & Casino, Albuquerque, 11000 Broadway Boulevard SE
- Morning Check-in: Badge and gift bag pickup opens Saturday at 8 a.m.
How much are tickets?
Online registration is recommended to avoid higher door prices on the day of the event.
| REGISTRATION LEVEL | PRICE | WHAT’S INCLUDED |
| Standard: One-Day Pass | $53.67 | Single-day access to panel tracks, vendors, and mock scenes. |
| Standard: Weekend Pass | $93.63 | Full Saturday and Sunday admission to all general sessions. |
| Gold VIP | $105.04 | Priority seating, expedited meet & greet lines, and host mixers. |
| Platinum VIP | $122.17 | Saturday night dinner, exclusive screenings, and full VIP perks. |
Get tickets.
What are the 2026 events?
This year’s programming bridges the gap between legal strategy and victim advocacy:
- The Gabby Petito legacy: Nichole Schmidt and Tara Petito share their personal journey and their work in domestic abuse prevention and survivor support.
- Inside the Gacy appeals: Defense attorney Karen Conti offers a look at the final days of John Wayne Gacy and the ethics of high-stakes criminal defense.
- Courtroom illustration: Pat Lopez, the artist who sketched the Oklahoma City Bombing trials and other noteworthy cases, hosts a small group session titled “Beyond the Canvas.”
Special “Beyond Experiences”
Tailor your convention weekend with these unique, separately ticketed add-ons:
- BEYOND THE RIOT: A Santa Fe excursion via the Rail Runner for a guided, historical tour of the Old Main at the Penitentiary of New Mexico.
- PODCASTER MINGLE: Join a private social hour with cocktails and appetizers alongside nationally recognized true crime creators.
The BEYOND THE CRIME mission: advocacy through education
BEYOND THE CRIME aims to empower the community to help solve the unsolved. By attending, you are directly supporting families who lack the financial means for private investigations or DNA analysis. Please note that the convention features realistic mock crime scenes and mature discussions; parental discretion is advised for all attendees.
Buy Tickets for BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026
Don’t miss the chance to join the most comprehensive true crime gathering in the region. Whether you’re interested in the science of forensics or the power of survivor stories, your presence at the BEYOND THE CRIME Convention at Isleta Resort & Casino, south of Albuquerque, helps fund the search for answers in cold cases across the Southwest. Buy your badges today to guarantee access to keynote sessions, interactive exhibits, and exclusive experiences.
Buy tickets now.Visit the BEYOND THE CRIME Facebook page for more information.
