BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 invites true crime enthusiasts to a specialized two-day summit at the Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque. Moving beyond standard entertainment, this event focuses on forensic education, interactive crime scene analysis, and active advocacy.
Produced by Errez Entertainment and the YouTube program Beyond The Case, the convention functions as a primary fundraiser for cold case re-investigations. Proceeds facilitate critical resources like DNA analysis and private investigative services for families in need. Attendees can access the event through tiered ticketing ($45–$105 base), with single or double day access, and exclusive VIP experiences.
Highlights include insights from more than 30 speakers, including legal experts and high-profile victim advocates (Gabby Petito’s mother and stepmother and John Wayne Gacy’s attorney), live forensic demonstrations, meet and greets, and a dedicated vendor expo.
Get tickets. View the full list of speakers.
When is the 2026 BEYOND THE CRIME Convention?
The BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 happens on Saturday, April 11, and Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. All ticket holders can check in at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, to collect their badge, schedule, and goodie bag.
Don’t miss the kickoff event: the BEYOND THE RIOT tour, beginning the morning of April 10, and a podcaster mingle that evening. GOLD AND PLATINUM ticket holders may reserve for free.
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.
Where is the 2026 BEYOND THE CRIME Convention?
The 2026 BEYOND THE CRIME Convention will take place at Isleta Resort & Casino on 11000 Broadway Boulevard SE, in Albuquerque. Get to Isleta Resort & Casino by following I-25 South, past downtown and through Albuquerque. Take Exit 215 for NM-47/Broadway Boulevard.
How Much are Tickets?
| TICKET TYPE | PRICE | VALID FOR: |
| Standard: Couch Detective – ONE DAY
|
$53.67
Pass price $45, plus a $4.87 Event Brite fee and $3.80 sales tax |
Entry for ONE day of the event (Saturday)
Access to all panel discussions, vendors, the mock crime scene, meet and greets, & QAs |
| Standard: Couch Detective – TWO DAY | $93.63
Pass price $80, plus an $8.07 Event Brite fee and $6.63 sales tax |
Entry for both convention days (Saturday AND Sunday)
Access to all panel discussions, vendors, the mock crime scene, meet and greets, & QAs |
| Gold VIP: Two-Day | $105.04
Pass price $90, plus an $$8.98 Event Brite fee and $$7.44 sales tax |
Entry for both convention days (Saturday AND Sunday)
Priority ballroom seating to all panel discussions and QA’s, priority access/fast pass to meet and greets, private meet and greet with Beyond The Case hosts, 15 percent off one Beyond The Case merch item, access to vendor row, and access to mock crime scene, access to the vendor row, discounts on all BEYOND EXPERIENCES, and free entry into podcaster mingle & kick off event on April 10 |
| Platinum VIP: Two-Day | $122.17
Pass price $105, plus an $10.35 Event Brite fee and $8.65 sales tax |
Entry for both convention days (Saturday AND Sunday)
VIP Viewing Party on Saturday with Beyond The Case hosts, with dinner, cash bar, true crime trivia, exclusive screening of Beyond The Case, prizes, and more. Priority ballroom seating to all panel discussions and QAs. Priority access/fast pass to meet and greets, and a private meet and greet with Beyond The Case hosts. 15 percent off one Beyond The Case merch item. Access to the vendor row, access to the vendor row, discounts on all BEYOND EXPERIENCES, and free entry into podcaster mingle & kick off event on April 10 |
- Ticket prices will be higher at the door.
Who are the featured keynote speakers & experts?
The 2026 speaker lineup provides a comprehensive look at the justice system, from personal survival to complex litigation.
- Nichole Schmidt: Mother of Gabby Petito. Nichole discusses her transition into national advocacy, focusing on domestic violence prevention and legislative change.
- Tara Petito: Stepmother of Gabby Petito. Tara addresses the realities of navigating a high-profile missing persons case and the importance of community-led search efforts.
- Karen Conti: Former defense attorney for John Wayne Gacy. Karen provides a rare look into the ethical demands of death row appeals and the intricacies of the American legal system.
What are the other sessions?
- Survivor stories: First-hand accounts of resilience and escape.
- Investigative tactics: Professional workshops led by active detectives and prosecutors.
- Podcaster row: Technical breakdowns and storytelling from top true crime creators.
What optional add-on experiences are offered for 2026?
Yes! BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 offers several exclusive add-on experiences for ticket holders.
BEYOND THE CANVAS
Join Pat Lopez, acclaimed courtroom sketch artist known for covering high-profile trials such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the cases of Selena Quintanilla and Matthew Shepard. This small group session dives into his technique, storytelling, and behind-the-scenes insights from the courtroom.
BEYOND THE RIOT
Take an unforgettable journey inside the story of the most violent prison riot in U.S. history. This separately ticketed excursion begins aboard New Mexico’s Rail Runner for a scenic ride to Santa Fe, followed by a guided bus tour of the historic Old Main at the Penitentiary of New Mexico. After the tour, participants enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Albuquerque’s Downtown Depot.
PODCASTER MINGLE
Connect with popular true crime podcasters and event speakers, including members of Gabby Petito’s family, during an intimate evening featuring cocktails, appetizers, and candid conversation.
What’s the mission?
The core objective of BEYOND THE CRIME is to bridge the gap between public interest and tangible results. By attending, you support the Beyond The Case fund, which provides free cadaver dog searches and advanced DNA testing for unsolved cases throughout New Mexico and the Southwest.
Attendance Guidelines & Participation
The convention explores mature themes, including violent crime and forensic details. While there is no strict age limit, parental discretion is highly advised. All minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Can the community get involved?
- Volunteering: Assist with operations in exchange for discounted access and networking opportunities.
- Exhibitors: Booths range from $150 (Podcaster Row) to $650 (premium expo space).
- Sponsorship: Local businesses and organizations can support cold case funding through various logo placements and VIP packages.
Support Cold Case Investigations in New Mexico
BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 combines the intrigue of true crime with the power of advocacy to solve real-world cases. Join investigators and survivors at the Isleta Resort & Casino this April to help bring resolution to families in need.
Visit the BEYOND THE CRIME Facebook page for more information.
This article was posted by Jess
