BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 offers true crime fans an immersive two-day event at Isleta Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, featuring over 30 speakers, forensics demos, and an interactive mock crime scene.
Presented by the YouTube true-crime show Beyond The Case, the event kicks off with the BEYOND THE RIOT tour the morning of April 10 and a podcaster mingle that evening, which GOLD AND PLATINUM ticket holders may reserve for free.
The main event runs April 11–12, 2026, and serves as a major fundraiser for cold case re-investigations, including DNA testing and private inquiries.
- What are the BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 event details?
- How Much are BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 tickets?
- Who are the featured speakers?
- Are there any optional add-on experiences in 2026?
- What is BEYOND THE CRIME all about?
- Is the convention suitable for families and children?
- How can I get involved with BEYOND THE CRIME?
- Don’t Miss BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 in Albuquerque
Attendees can choose from various ticket tiers ranging from $45 to $105 (base price), with Platinum VIPs receiving exclusive access to private screenings and dinner.
Hear featured speakers such as Gabby Petito’s mother and stepmother and John Wayne Gacy’s attorney, plus podcasters, live Q&A sessions, forensics demos, vendor expo, and an interactive mock crime scene. Platinum VIPs enjoy an exclusive experience and screening.
What are the BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 event details?
- When does it happen: Saturday, April 11 & Sunday, April 12, 2026
- What times:
- 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 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.
- VIP Dinner Times: 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.
- Badge, Schedule, & Gift Bag Pick Up: Saturday, April 11, at 8 a.m.
- Where is it: Isleta Resort & Casino, 11000 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque
How Much are BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 TICKETS?
| TICKET TYPE | PRICE | WHAT IT GETS YOU |
| 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 OR Sunday) • Access to all panel discussions, vendors, the mock crime scene, meet and greets, and Q&As |
| 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, and Q&As |
| 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 Q&As • 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, • Discounts on all BEYOND EXPERIENCES • 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 Q&A’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 the vendor row, discounts on all BEYOND EXPERIENCES • Free entry into podcaster mingle & kick off event on April 10 |
- Note: On-site door prices will be higher than advance online rates.
Who are the featured speakers?
BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 keynote speakers deliver powerful true crime stories April 11-12 at Isleta Resort & Casino. These featured guests headline over 30 panels sharing survivor insights, legal perspectives, and investigative expertise.
Nichole Schmidt
Biological mother of Gabby Petito, murdered in 2021. Nichole shares her advocacy journey post-tragedy, highlighting domestic violence awareness and online predator prevention after her daughter’s high-profile case drew national attention.
Tara Petito
Stepmother to Gabby Petito. Tara recounts the family’s media storm, search efforts, and ongoing mission for justice through public speaking and victim support initiatives.
Defense attorney for serial killer John Wayne Gacy during his 1980 death row appeals. Karen reveals insider trial strategies, ethical dilemmas, and why she believes in the system’s flaws from representing one of America’s worst killers.
Additional Featured Categories
- Survivors: Personal escape stories from abductions and attacks.
- Families of the Missing: Cold case relatives seeking resolution.
- Detectives & Prosecutors: Real investigation tactics and courtroom wins.
- True Crime Podcasters: Behind-the-scenes case breakdowns.
See the full list of speakers.
Are there any optional add-on experiences in 2026?
Yes, BEYOND THE CRIME has a few add-on experiences in 2026.
BEYOND THE RIOT
BEYOND THE CRIME is offering attendees the chance to step inside the most violent prison riot in U.S. history. Attendees who purchase the separately sold ticket will board New Mexico’s Rail Runner for a scenic ride to Santa Fe, NM.
They will depart the train and immediately hop on a bus that will take them to the Old Main at the Penitentiary of New Mexico. Following the tour, ticket holders will be bused to a local New Mexican restaurant for lunch. They will then be bused back to the Rail Runner, ending their BEYOND experience in Albuquerque’s Downtown Depot.
BEYOND THE CANVAS
Led by Pat Lopez, a renowned courtroom sketch artist who illustrated landmark cases including the Oklahoma City bombing and the trials of Selena Quintanilla’s and Matthew Shepard’s killers.
Attendees join a small group lesson exploring her process and case experiences, “Beyond the Courtroom.”
PODCASTER MINGLE
A more intimate mixer with true crime podcasters and featured speakers, including the family of Gabby Petito, featuring cocktails, appetizers, and conversation.
What is BEYOND THE CRIME all about?
BEYOND THE CRIME Convention’s mission expands on uniting true crime enthusiasts for more than entertainment. It delivers inspiration through survivor stories, education via forensics and self-defense demos, understanding of unsolved cases, empowerment for victims’ families, advocacy to amplify unheard voices, and fun via interactive exhibits.
The event connects victims, missing persons’ families, prosecutors, detectives, podcasters, and fans committed to solving crimes, all while raising funds for Beyond The Case investigations, including free cadaver dog searches, DNA testing, and private inquiries. Proceeds directly support re-investigations of cold cases in New Mexico and beyond, giving families resolutions they couldn’t access alone.
Is the convention suitable for families and children?
The BEYOND THE CRIME Convention focuses on education and advocacy, but the subject matter is mature and requires parental discretion. Presentations frequently include detailed discussions of domestic violence, serial killer investigations, and cold cases. While no official age limit exists for general admission, the content is tailored for an adult audience capable of processing sensitive and potentially distressing forensic information.
The interactive mock crime scene involves realistic investigative details that may be inappropriate for younger children. Keynote sessions often feature raw survivor testimony and legal perspectives on violent crime. The Platinum VIP experience and screening are also curated for adults. All minors must have a valid badge and remain accompanied by an adult while inside the convention spaces at the Isleta Resort & Casino.
How can I get involved with BEYOND THE CRIME?
Get Involved with BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 by volunteering, vending, or sponsoring the April 11-12 event at Isleta Resort & Casino. Your participation supports true crime advocacy, cold case investigations, and community empowerment.
Volunteer opportunities: True crime enthusiasts can volunteer for setup, check-in, ushering, or cleanup shifts. Benefits include complimentary or discounted admission, exclusive access, and networking with speakers.
Exhibitor booths: Vendors and podcasters can rent tables. Features: skirted tables, chairs, badges, prime locations, and direct access to attendees.
Sponsorship levels: Sponsor packages offer logo placement, shoutouts, and VIP perks while funding Beyond The Case re-investigations. Platinum sponsors get premier booth space and stage mentions, ideal for forensics firms, podcasters, or local businesses.
Get involved with BEYOND THE CRIME.
Don’t Miss BEYOND THE CRIME 2026 in Albuquerque
The BEYOND THE CRIME Convention 2026 serves as a vital intersection between the true crime community and active advocacy. By bringing together survivors, legal experts like Karen Conti, and families like the Petitos, the event transforms interest in criminal justice into tangible support for unsolved cases.
Attendees gain direct insight into forensic science and investigative techniques while contributing to the Beyond The Case fund, which provides essential services such as DNA testing and cadaver dog searches to families seeking resolution.
Buy tickets now.
Visit the BEYOND THE CRIME Facebook page for more information.
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