Chamber Events
The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce is proud to sponsor several events during the year --- some are known locally as “the” social event of the year!
We begin our year with the annual Bat Brigade trip to Santa Fe during the NM Legislative Session. While in Santa Fe, the Bat Brigade meets with various Cabinet Secretaries – the Department of Tourism, Department of Transportation, State Parks, State Land Office, and Energy, Minerals & Natural Resources are among the offices traditionally visited, visit with the Governor and Lt. Governor, and the Senators and Representatives from Eddy County. An Eddy County Reception is also hosted by the Artesia and Carlsbad Chambers of Commerce and the Carlsbad Department of Development. Plans are underway for the 2014 trip scheduled for January 26-28, 2014.
The Taste of Carlsbad features wine tasting from local wineries and food samples from local restaurants. The springtime event has included themes of Winestock, Puttin on the Ritz, the Kentucky Derby, the Wizard of Oz, Luck ‘o the Irish, Western and more! This annual fundraising event includes a silent auction and often allows attendees the opportunity to participate in events like the best hat, best leprechaun, or best hippie contest! Visit us again soon for the date and theme for the 2014 Taste of Carlsbad!
In July of each year, the outgoing Board of Directors and Council Chair are recognized for their service during the past year and the new Board of Directors – including the incoming Chairman of the Board, and Council Chairs are seated for the new fiscal year at the Annual Banquet & Meeting. Special recognition is given to the Business of the Year, the Pete Panagopoulos Ambassador of the Year is named, and the Jack Knittel Presidential Award is given by the outgoing Chairman of the Board to a fellow board member who went above and beyond during the year. The 2013 event will be on July 14 at the Pecos River Village Conference Center. Tickets will go on sale in mid-June.
New for 2013!!! The first SeptemBeer Microbrewery Festival will be held on the grounds of the Pecos River Village Conference Center on Saturday, September 14. Plans are still "brewing" so please visit this site again soon for more details!
Since 1998, the Chamber has offered members the opportunity to showcase their business in the annual Business Fair. Over 3,000 people enjoy the fair each fall --- they meet old friends, make new ones, and are given the opportunity to visit with business owners about what their business can do for them and does for Carlsbad. Businesses vary from financial institutions, florists, retirement communities, realtors, janitorial services, State and National Parks, home décor, and everything in between! The 2012 Business Fair was held on Saturday, September 22 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Pecos River Village Conference Center.
New for 2013! We're adding the first Business & Job Expo to our calendar of events. This new event will be Thursday, October 17, 2013 from 4 to 8 pm at the Pecos River Village Conference Center. Visit us again for more details!
Carlsbad is located in a Chihuahuan desert, BUT we have a river running through the heart of town! The river provides a multitude of opportunities to residents and visitors alike. One of those special events is Christmas on the Pecos. Christmas on the Pecos is created by over 100 homeowners who spend hours decorating their riverfront properties with Christmas themed lights -- from the Christmas in the Desert Southwest theme at one home to Santa’s land at another. Carlsbad residents are proud to show off their creativity and their community pride each Christmas season. From the Friday after Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, Christmas wraps itself around the riverfront, illuminated backyards, boat docks and islands with millions of spectacular lights. You won’t want to miss the sights and sounds of Christmas during this annual event.
Tickets go on sale in early October and the event is often sold out on weekends. Visit www.christmasonthepecos.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Winter Wine Festival began in 2011 and was such a huge success it is now being planned as an annual event! Held at the Pecos River Village Conference Center December 6 & 7, 2013, it is the perfect complement to Christmas on the Pecos. With New Mexico wineries showcasing their wines, specialty food vendors, and art and crafts from throughout the state, the Conference Center is a flurry of activity! Visit www.carlsbadwinterwine.com for ticket and sponsorship information.
Friday Focus is held each Friday morning from 7:30 – 9 at the Best Western Stevens Inn. This networking breakfast is a weekly staple for many of our Chamber members! The breakfast is compliments of a sponsoring Chamber member – the sponsor also has additional time during the program to share what’s new with their business, civic organization, or tell about an upcoming event. With an average attendance of 60 members each week, this is definitely a great way to spread the local business news.
