My First AMDETUR Congress and a Taste of Mexico City
By Calleigh Smith, Mobius Vendor Partners
Last month, I had the privilege of representing CustomerCount® and Mobius Vendor Partners at the AMDETUR Congress in the vibrant heart of Mexico City. Heading into my first major timeshare event, I felt a mix of nervous excitement and curiosity about what I would learn.
Over two wonderful days at AMDETUR, I had the chance to meet inspiring industry professionals and gain a broader perspective on the vacation ownership landscape in Mexico.
You know you work for truly exceptional people when nearly every time I mentioned Bob and Lisa Kobek, I was met with: “They’re incredible. You’re lucky to have them as mentors.” While I already knew this, hearing it echoed by industry leaders underscored the integrity that Mobius Vendor Partners brings to the timeshare industry, a company built on integrity, hard work, and delivering exceptional solutions for its clients.
The Congress itself was outstanding. From the TUR Talks to insightful panels and engaging presentations, I left with fresh excitement about the future of vacation ownership in Mexico and a renewed appreciation for how timeshare can enrich travel experiences. I also left with a few new friends.
Another highlight was attending the Christel House Graduation. For over 27 years, Christel House has empowered children from under-resourced communities, helping them realize their potential and transform their futures. The Mexico City school, founded in 1998, serves students from grades 1 to 12. Mobius Vendor Partners is proud to support Christel House, and it was evident how deeply the staff care about each student’s journey. The ceremony was heartfelt and a beautiful reminder of why supporting community initiatives is so important, both personally and as a company.
After the Congress and graduation, I had a few days to explore Mexico City, eager to experience the sights, tastes, and energy everyone talks about—and it did not disappoint. If you haven’t visited, I can’t recommend it enough.
My Mexico City Itinerary and What I’d Do Differently
Day One: Teotihuacan and Chapultepec Castle
My friend and I booked an Airbnb Experience to explore Teotihuacan, with a 6:30 AM hotel pickup. During the drive, our guide shared stories about Mexico City’s history, preparing us for what to expect at the temples. Teotihuacan is vast, beautiful, and humbling, and we were fortunate to climb one of the temples, which had just reopened.
The guide makes or breaks this trip, so research your host carefully for a more enriching experience.
That afternoon, we headed to Chapultepec Castle, the only North American castle to have housed royalty. The views of the city were breathtaking, although spotty cell service made translating placards tricky. I recommend downloading offline translations beforehand for smoother navigation.
We ended the day visiting some of the Best 50 Bars in North America, a personal passion of mine.
Day Two: Christel House, Pujol, and Atzlan 360
After attending the Christel House Graduation, we wandered Mexico City’s neighborhoods, stopping for lunch at Pujol (a must for foodies) and capping the afternoon with views from Atzlan 360.
That night, we explored more top-ranked bars, including Handshake Speakeasy, recently named the #1 Bar in the World. Honestly, this was almost better than Christmas morning for me and my cheeks hurt from smiling the whole time I was there.
Day Three: Xochimilco
Many friends insisted we visit Xochimilco, so we joined another Airbnb Experience for a boat ride with a mezcal tasting. The colorful gondola-like boats drifting past food vendors and mariachi bands were a sight, but the experience leaned more toward social fun than learning about the history or ecology of the canals. If I returned, I would look for a guide offering a deeper dive into Xochimilco’s cultural significance.
We wrapped up the trip with a final round of food and bar hopping before heading home the next morning.
Mexico City truly offers something for everyone. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend AMDETUR with CustomerCount® and Mobius Vendor Partners, representing a company that cares deeply about the timeshare industry’s future, while supporting communities like those at Christel House. And I’m equally grateful for the chance to soak in the beauty, food, and vibrancy of this incredible city. I will definitely be back.
