November 2, 2026 (RUIDOSO, NM) — Two Ruidoso honorees have received 2026 New Mexico Hospitality Association Top HAT Awards recognizing leadership, service and community engagement within New Mexico’s tourism industry.
Eddie Ryan, Manager of Events & Strategic Partnerships for the Village of Ruidoso, was named Tourism Professional of the Year, while Downshift Brewing Company received the Community Engagement Award.
The statewide recognition highlights two distinct contributions to Ruidoso: Ryan’s work building partnerships and coordinating events and opportunities for the community, and Downshift’s sustained commitment to community service, charitable giving and creating spaces where people can come together.
Tourism Professional of the Year: Eddie Ryan
Eddie Ryan, Village of Ruidoso Manager of Events & Strategic Partnerships, received the 2026 New Mexico Top Hat Award for Tourism Professional of the Year.
Ryan brings 35 years of event-industry experience to his role with the Village of Ruidoso, where he serves as a central point of contact for special events and film productions.
His work involves coordinating across Village departments, community organizations, businesses and outside partners to help organizers navigate the many requirements involved in bringing an event or production to Ruidoso, including permitting, venues, road closures and public safety planning.
During his tenure, Ryan has helped bring a range of events and film projects to the community, including IRONMAN 70.3 Ruidoso, the XTERRA Gold Series Qualifier, the Sierra Blanca Burro Bonanza, the Summer Concert Series and multiple film productions.
He also secured a multi-year agreement to bring the XTERRA World Championship to Ruidoso. The international championship returned to the United States for its 30th anniversary in October 2026.
Ryan serves as the Village’s liaison to the Lodgers’ Tax Committee and Ruidoso Midtown Association and as a film liaison for both the Village of Ruidoso and Lincoln County. He also works with partners including the New Mexico Tourism Department and New Mexico Film Office.
In supporting Ryan’s nomination, XTERRA Americas Director Steve Andrus recognized his knowledge, leadership and collaborative approach, describing him as a passionate leader and valued partner.
Community Engagement: Downshift Brewing Company
Downshift Brewing Company partners Jamey Rupley, left, and Eddie Gutierrez accept the 2026 New Mexico Top Hat Award for Community Engagement, recognizing the company’s commitment to community service and engagement in Ruidoso.
Downshift Brewing Company’s award recognizes a record of community involvement extending well beyond its day-to-day business operations.
Owners Eddie and Shelby Gutierrez and partner Jamey Rupley have developed Downshift’s Ruidoso locations as gathering places for residents and visitors while supporting local organizations, community programs and neighbors during difficult times.
That commitment has been especially visible during the fires and flooding that have deeply affected Ruidoso and surrounding communities in recent years. During periods when residents were displaced and first responders and recovery crews were working throughout the area, Downshift helped provide meals to people who needed them. According to its Top Hat nomination, those efforts have totaled more than 30,000 meals.
Since January 2025, Downshift has also provided approximately $80,000 in charitable and in-kind support and assisted more than 20 organizations and agencies. Those efforts have benefited organizations including HEAL and The Nest, the Community Foundation of Lincoln County, Food 4 Kids, Adaptive Sports, the Humane Society of Lincoln County and other local and regional groups.
Community engagement is also part of Downshift’s year-round programming. Regular events range from live music, open mic and singer-songwriter nights to run clubs, game nights, arts programs and community gatherings. The company’s nomination reports more than 1,000 events hosted since January 2025.
The company employs 45 people, while its owners also participate in community organizations and Village advisory committees.
Recognizing Service and Community
The Top Hat Awards recognize individuals, businesses and organizations contributing to New Mexico’s tourism and hospitality industry.
For Ruidoso, this year’s two awards recognize contributions that take different forms: the partnerships and experiences that help connect people with the community, and the commitment to showing up for neighbors when that community needs support.
The Village of Ruidoso congratulates Eddie Ryan and Downshift Brewing Company on their 2026 Top HAT Awards and thanks them for their continued contributions to Ruidoso.
About the Top HAT Awards
The Top HAT (Hospitality and Tourism) Awards are hosted annually by the New Mexico Hospitality Association to recognize excellence, leadership and service across New Mexico’s tourism and lodging industries.
