-Attend the 2025-
Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
May 3rd and 4th, 2025
registration opens December
-Attend the 2025-
Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
May 3rd and 4th, 2025
registration opens november
2025 info is still being updated - Some info may be inaccurate!
Call office to Verify or email outreach@alaskaairmen.org
Registration Opens November!
Why Exhibit at the Gathering?
Returning to Palmer, AK for another year! Registration for the 2025 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will open in November for Corporate Members and December for the general public.
Be where your customers are!
With over 250 public and private runways in the Matanuska Borough alone, over 10,000 aircraft owners in the state of Alaska, and 6.5 times the number of enplanements compared to the rest of the country, it is safe to say Alaska is filled with aviation enthusiasts! The Alaska State Fairgrounds and Palmer Municipal Airport present an ideal hub for aviation professionals and enthusiasts to congregate. Palmer is the gateway to Alaskan aviation. The city is within easy commuting distance of 55 percent of Alaska's population.
Expanded offerings
- Aviation career fair in Raven Hall!
- Educational seminars and maintenance workshops!
- More airplane action at the fairgrounds!
- Show and Shine- aircraft "beauty" contest
- New 60-foot gate installed to allow larger aircraft display!
- More aviation demonstrations!
- More guest speakers!
- The Aircraft Spruce Pavilion now allowing 60 additional exhibitors!
- Fly-in camping!
- The famous Anchorage Trolleys providing free shuttles to the airport venue!
About the Venue
Alaska State Fairgrounds
Located in the Matanuska Valley, the fairgrounds have over 300 acres of meeting spaces, buildings, and entertainment venues. It is well known for holding the Alaska State Fair, which had almost 300,000 attendees in 2022! The Alaska State Fairgrounds is located in the heart of the fastest growing region in the state! With more space and attendees, the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will be larger than ever before!
Palmer Municipal Airport
Free shuttle buses to the Warren "Bud" Woods Palmer Municipal Airport, located about 1 mile away from the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Interact with your customers and enjoy the aerial demonstrations at the nicely appointed airport venue with some of the most impressive mountain views of any US airport.
GET There
2024 Sponsors
HOW TO EXHIBIT
1. Choose the type of exhibit
Limited amount of Spots Available - Don't Wait!
indoor booth
For Premium Booth Placement and Advertisement Packages check out our Sponsor Page
standard indoor booth
$1000
+ Indoor Booth Space Available in the Aircraft Spruce Pavilion and Raven Hall
+ Standard booth space is 10 feet wide and 8 feet deep separated with pipe and draping
+ Each booth receives one table, Table Skirt. and one chair. Additional Rentals are available from Alaska Event Services
Jet setter booth
$500
Our new, indoor, Jet Setter booth inside the Aircraft Spruce Pavilion is perfect for those who do not plan to bring a full size display to the show.
Benefits Include:
+ One cocktail table and cocktail height chair. Additional rental options available from Alaska Event Services
+ Drapery behind provides space to hang a small banner (less than 4 feet in length)
+ 4 Attendee badges included
(Booth numbers 181,182,196,197, and 213-216, 224 & 225)
Community Vendor Booth
$500
Exhibitor space exclusive to local Alaskan vendors looking to market products and services to the Aviation and Outdoor loving customer!
+ Present your wares to 10,000+ potential customers in the Fly Market area
+ Approximately 10x10 space per vendor but accommodations can be made for those needing larger areas
+ No tables, draping, or space decoration included. Vendors are encouraged to bring their own.
+ Does not support vendors requiring a large electrical amperage draw
+ Includes: parking pass and four attendee badges. Additional rental options available from Alaska Event Services
Specialty Sponsorship Opportunities
- Trolley Bus Sponsor
- "Famous"
- Volunteer Lounge Sponsor
- Temporary Tower Sponsor
Outdoor booth
Floorplans may be subject to change
standard outdoor booth
$850
Outdoor Booth Space Available at the Alaska State Fair Grounds. The fairgrounds are appointed with paved trails and exhibitor stalls with electricity.
+ Includes 10x10 foot exhibit tent on unpaved surface and access to electricity. In tent heaters and flooring available for an additional charge upon request.
+ Each booth receives one table, Table Skirt. and one chair. Additional Rentals are available from Alaska Event Services
Aircraft Static Display
$500
+ Aircraft Static Displays (outdoor only) will be featured at both Palmer Municipal Airport and Alaska State Fairgrounds
+ FREE shuttle bus service will be provided to all attendees between both locations
+ Any additional display items must be approved in advance by Management and must include a plan to secure all items
Exhibitors interested in static display at the Alaska State Fairgrounds must be prepared to land at their own risk on a 1600 foot gravel surface and must be able to taxi through a 60 foot gate. Landing at the Alaska State Fairgrounds is authorized only after approval from Alaska Airmen Association staff.
Airport booth
$500
+ FREE shuttle bus service will be provided to all attendees between both locations
+ Benefits Include: one table and chair. Additional rental options available from Alaska Event Services.
+ You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own tent or shelter! Please be sure to share these plans with the Alaska Airmen's Association for final approval
+ No Wi-Fi or electricity available.
+ 4 Attendee badges and parking pass included
Food Vendor
$450
+ Food Vendors will be located at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and Palmer Municipal Airport -
+ Water and waste services are not available -
+ Limited availability
+ Plan to bring your generator -
+ A completed registration accompanied by payment guarantees your spot
2. Floorplan locations
check availability below
Please note: We do our best to keep floorplans current. Availability will be updated at a minimum of once per week.
Check out the NEW & IMPROVED Aircraft Spruce Pavilion!
NextGen Aviation Activity Center
Table and chair provided for those registered!
3. Read through the FAQs
Booth specifications:
-
- 8 x 10 ft. Indoor Booths include a table, table skirt, and chair. If access to an electrical outlet is needed, contact Alaska Event Services at (907) 345-8789 or info@alaskaeventservices.com.
- Outdoor Booths include a 10x10 ft. tent with walls, table, table skirt, chair and an electrical outlet. Electricity is not available at the airport.
- Wi-Fi Service is available throughout the Alaska State Fairgrounds but is not available at the airport.
- 24-hour security provided
- Note: there is a limit of 2 booths per booth type. Consider multiple booths throughout the venue for maximum exposure
Equipment Rental:
Alaska Event Services, Inc. has been selected as the show service contractor for the 2025 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, to be held May 3rd and 4th 2025 at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and Palmer Municipal Airport in Palmer, AK.
Note: Any electrical power MUST be arranged through Alaska Event Services, (907) 345-8789 or info@alaskaeventservices.com.
If you require additional services such as freight handling, electrical service, additional tables and chairs, etc., please refer to Alaska Event Services, Inc.
DEADLINE FOR REGULAR PRICING: April 22nd
DEADLINE FOR FREIGHT SHIPPING: April 26th
**PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Do I need a Special Event Business License?
- All vendors planning to sell products or services at the event must be licensed with the City of Palmer. The easiest method is to obtain a Special Event Business License.
- You can file the application directly to the City of Palmer by following the linke below
- If your booth exhibit is informational only, no application is required. You will be covered under the license obtained by the Alaska Airmen’s Association.
- If your business is already licensed in the City of Palmer, no additional licensing is required.
Do I need to collect sales tax?
- The City of Palmer requires sales tax be collected on products and services sold within the city limits. The first $1,000 of any sale/transaction is taxed at 3%. You will never collect more than $30.00 per transaction.
- Certain types of transactions are excluded. Examples are shown below and a full list can be found in the municipal code: https://palmer.municipal.codes/PMC/3.16.030
- Examples of exclusions:
- Dues or fees to nonprofit clubs, labor unions or fraternal organizations.
- Sales, rentals and services by or to the United States government, the state of Alaska, or any of their agencies, instrumentalities or any political subdivisions and federally recognized Indian tribes
- Sales of newspapers or other periodicals.
- Sales of air, train, boat, cruise line or bus tour transportation, car rentals, accommodations, or admission to entertainment events, where the service is provided outside the city, and fees or commission related to such sales.
- Sales of aviation fuel (Jet A, Jet B, low lead and others) at the Warren “Bud” Woods Palmer Municipal Airport.
How do I collect sales tax?
- Sales tax can be added as an additional line item or included in the price of an item. If included in the price, it should be noted on the invoice and any signage. See official verbiage from the City of Palmer below:
- Sales tax may be collected in one of two methods and notice of the sales tax collection must be posted at seller’s premises:
- The seller shall add the sales tax to the price or charge for the sale, rental or services, showing the tax as a separate and distinct item on any receipt, invoice, statement of account, or other records of transaction. The sales tax on more than one separately priced item may be shown as a total on the aggregate price of all items sold or rented, or services rendered, in a single transaction.
- The seller shall include the tax in the sale or purchase price and remit to the city an amount equal to the seller’s gross receipts divided by 1.0 (sales tax number) and multiplied by the sales tax percentage in lieu of stating sales tax separately and adding it to the sales price. If a seller chooses this method, a notice to customers must be displayed, stating, “All prices include the (percent) city of Palmer sales tax.”
- Sales tax may be collected in one of two methods and notice of the sales tax collection must be posted at seller’s premises:
How do I remit sales tax?
- A Sales Tax Remittance Form will be provided in your Exhibitor Packet or can be found here: https://www.palmerak.org/finance/page/special-event-sales-tax-remittance-form
- Sales Tax Remittance Forms and payment are due in the city office by 5pm on the last business day of the month following the month being reported. They must be in the Palmer office, not just postmarked. For example, Sales Tax from this event would be due in Palmer no later than 6/30/25.
- Sales tax has to be paid to the city with cash or check only, no credits or debit cards.
More information:
- The complete Sales Tax Code for the City of Palmer: https://palmer.municipal.codes/PMC/3.16.030
- Contact Information for the City of Palmer Finance Department
- Phone: 907-745-3271
Fax: 907-745-0930
Email: financedepartment@palmerak.org - Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm AKST
- Phone: 907-745-3271
The Alaska Airmen’s Association is here to assist you! If you have any additional questions or need help processing forms, please contact us at 907-245-1251 or info@alaskaairmen.org
2024 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering Shipping Information
WE RECOMMEND FEDEX. IF YOU USE FEDEX, EXHIBITORS CAN SHIP DIRECT TO THE ALASKA STATE FAIRGROUNDS VIA THE ADDRESS BELOW! Freight will be held in Anchorage by FedEx and then delivered to the venue immediately before the event.
*Your shipment may say that it was delivered or on hold in Anchorage. THIS IS NORMAL, and means it was received at the FedEx facility. Your freight will be placed in a shipping container to be consolidated and delivered to the Fairgrounds on the Thursday before the event.
DO NOT SHIP ITEMS TO THE ALASKA STATE FAIR ADDRESS IN PALMER, AK. THERE IS NO STAFF TO RECEIVE THEM.
Please arrange for your shipment to arrive April 22nd - April 29th, 2024. All freight shipped via FedEx will be held at the FedEx Anchorage Hub and delivered directly to the Alaska State Fairgrounds by container on May 2nd. There is no forklift available at the Alaska State Fairgrounds so you must package your freight so that it is able to be moved by pallet jack and hand truck. If you are shipping large freight, you need to use Alaska Event Services as your freight forwarder, (907) 345-8789 or info@alaskaeventservices.com .
Freight shipped through Alaska Event Services must be delivered by Friday, April 26th.
Specify on the Air bill: "NO SIGNATURE REQUIRED." List your company name and booth number as the recipient, in conjunction with the Gathering FedEx shipping address.
Example: Company Name - Your booth number
Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
6050 Rockwell Avenue
Anchorage, AK 99502
Is that the right shipping address?!
YES! 6050 Rockwell Avenue is the correct address to ship to. Your freight will be placed in a holding container at FedEx until it is transported to the Alaska State Fairgrounds
Please also include a point of contact on the outside of your shipment. If you are using FedEx Ground, allow 10 working days for your delivery to reach Alaska. This means you must ship by April 15th at the latest.
VERY IMPORTANT! If you are using another freight company or shipping large freight, you need to use Alaska Event Services as your freight forwarder, (907) 345-8789 or info@alaskaeventservices.com. This ensures that your freight will arrive and depart without getting lost. Show management and FedEx will not be responsible for your lost shipments. No shipments will be accepted at the Alaska State Fairgrounds unless special arrangements have been made prior to the show. Please email us at info@alaskaairmen.org with any questions.
Return shipping by FedEx will be available to exhibitors at the close of the show. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR RETURN LABELS PRINTED. There is NO printer available at the show.
Finding Lodging for the 2025 Gathering -
The 2025 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport.
The closest lodging can be found in Palmer and Wasilla, but Anchorage is only a 45-minute, scenic drive from the event.
We suggest the following establishments - prices vary:
Palmer
- Alaska’s Harvest Bed and Breakfast – 3 miles from venue
- 2252 N. Love Drive, Palmer, AK 99645
- Offering a 10% discount to 2024 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering exhibitors (no code needed)
- CLICK HERE or call 907-232-8783 to reserve
- Alaska Backcountry Cottages – 6.5 miles from venue
- 3901 South Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK, 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate, contact info@alaskaairmen.org for discount code
- CLICK HERE or call 907-746-2225 to reserve
- The Pioneer Motel – 1.8 miles from venue
- 124 West Arctic Ave, Palmer, AK, 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate for exhibitors booking through May 2nd-6th, contact info@alaskaairmen.org for discount code
- CLICK HERE or call (907)745-3425 to reserve
- Colony Inn – 2.1 miles from venue
- 325 E Elmwood Ave, Palmer, AK 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate booking through May 2nd-6th (no code needed)
- CLICK HERE or call 907-745-3330 to reserve
Wasilla
- Best Western Lake Lucille Inn – 14.9 miles from venue
- 1300 West Lake Lucille Drive, Wasilla AK, 99654
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate booking through May 2nd-6th (no code needed)
- CLICK HERE or call 907-373-1776 to reserve
- Grand View Inn – 11 miles from venue
- 2900 East Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Offering a nightly rate of $190 for a single, $210 for a double.
- CLICK HERE or call 907-352-1700 to reserve
- Alaska's Select Inn Hotel – 12.4 miles from venue
- 3451 East Palmdale Drive, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE or call 907-357-4768 to reserve
Anchorage
- Courtyard Anchorage Airport - 45 miles from venue
- 4901 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99517
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- SpringHill Suites Midtown Anchorage - 41 miles from venue
- 3401 A Street Anchorage, AK 99503
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown - 42 miles from venue
- 1025 35th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99508
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- The Lakefront Anchorage - 45 miles from venue
- 4800 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517
- More information coming soon.
- CLICK HERE or call 907-243-2300 to reserve
- Aloft Anchorage - 43 miles from venue
- 310 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
Camping or Parking your RV?
- The Springer RV & Campground (previously named Paradise RV Park)
Located at 16199 East Outer Springer Loop Palmer AK 99645 – 1.75 miles from venue
Springer Campground will be taking reservations January 2025 with large sites and pull throughs including electric, water, and sewer. Ranging from $40-60 a night. CLICK HERE to reserve. Contact them HERE or by calling 907-982-7077.
There are RV sites with 20/30/50-amp full hookups. Showers and laundry for $5, free wifi and dumping with a water fill for $10.
- Great Alaskan Holidays
Great Alaskan Holidays is the largest RV rental company, providing comfortable touring and lodging solutions to travelers visiting Alaska from around the world for over 36 years now.
Park it at the show and live in it. Travel through Alaska before the event or extend your stay to take full advantage of an opportunity you may never have again…. tour Alaska in the safety, privacy, and comfort of your own RV rental. CLICK HERE or call 907-248-7777 to reserve.
CANCELLATION AND REDUCTION POLICY – Cancellation of exhibit space must be made in writing. Exhibitor cancellation notices received by Alaska Airmen’s Association before March 15th, 2025, will be processed promptly and paid exhibitor fees will be refunded. Cancellations made on or after March 15th, 2025, are subject to the Alaska Airmen’s Association approval and will be issued a maximum refund of 80%. NO REFUNDS will be made if cancellations are made within 10 days of event.
If you have any questions Call us at 907-245-1251 or email as at outreach@alaskaairmen.org
The 2025 event will be at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 3rd from 9 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, May 4th from 10 AM until 5 PM.
Alaska State Fairgrounds
Located in the Matanuska Valley, the fairgrounds have over 300 acres of meeting spaces, buildings, and entertainment venues. It is well known for holding the Alaska State Fair, which had almost 300,000 attendees in 2022! The Alaska State Fairgrounds is located in the heart of the fastest growing region in the state! With more space and attendees, the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will be larger than ever before!
Alaska State Fairgrounds
2075 Glenn Hwy
Palmer, AK 99645
Palmer Municipal Airport
Free shuttle buses to the Warren "Bud" Woods Palmer Municipal Airport, located about 1 mile away from the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Interact with your customers and enjoy the aerial demonstrations at the nicely appointed airport venue with some of the most impressive mountain views of any US airport.
Palmer Municipal Airport
901 S Airport Rd
Palmer, AK 9964
Finding Lodging for the 2025 Gathering -
The 2025 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport.
The closest lodging can be found in Palmer and Wasilla, but Anchorage is only a 45-minute, scenic drive from the event.
We suggest the following establishments - prices vary:
Palmer
- Alaska’s Harvest Bed and Breakfast – 3 miles from venue
- 2252 N. Love Drive, Palmer, AK 99645
- Offering a 10% discount to 2024 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering exhibitors (no code needed)
- CLICK HERE or call 907-232-8783 to reserve
- Alaska Backcountry Cottages – 6.5 miles from venue
- 3901 South Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK, 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate, contact info@alaskaairmen.org for discount code
- CLICK HERE or call 907-746-2225 to reserve
- The Pioneer Motel – 1.8 miles from venue
- 124 West Arctic Ave, Palmer, AK, 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate for exhibitors booking through May 2nd-6th, contact info@alaskaairmen.org for discount code
- CLICK HERE or call (907)745-3425 to reserve
- Colony Inn – 2.1 miles from venue
- 325 E Elmwood Ave, Palmer, AK 99645
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate booking through May 2nd-6th (no code needed)
- CLICK HERE or call 907-745-3330 to reserve
Wasilla
- Best Western Lake Lucille Inn – 14.9 miles from venue
- 1300 West Lake Lucille Drive, Wasilla AK, 99654
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate booking through May 2nd-6th (no code needed)
- CLICK HERE or call 907-373-1776 to reserve
- Grand View Inn – 11 miles from venue
- 2900 East Parks Hwy, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Offering a nightly rate of $190 for a single, $210 for a double.
- CLICK HERE or call 907-352-1700 to reserve
- Alaska's Select Inn Hotel – 12.4 miles from venue
- 3451 East Palmdale Drive, Wasilla, AK, 99654
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE or call 907-357-4768 to reserve
- Lakeside Scandinavian Farmhouse – 11.1 miles from venue
- Wasilla Lake, exact location given when booked
- Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate (pre-applied with selected dates)
- CLICK HERE to reserve
Anchorage
- Courtyard Anchorage Airport - 45 miles from venue
- 4901 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99517
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- SpringHill Suites Midtown Anchorage - 41 miles from venue
- 3401 A Street Anchorage, AK 99503
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown - 42 miles from venue
- 1025 35th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99508
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
- The Lakefront Anchorage - 45 miles from venue
- 4800 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99517
- More information coming soon.
- CLICK HERE or call 907-243-2300 to reserve
- Aloft Anchorage - 43 miles from venue
- 310 W 36th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503
- Offering a discounted nightly rate
- CLICK HERE to reserve
Camping or Parking your RV?
- The Springer RV & Campground (previously named Paradise RV Park)
Located at 16199 East Outer Springer Loop Palmer AK 99645 – 1.75 miles from venue
Springer Campground will be taking reservations January 2024 with large sites and pull throughs including electric, water, and sewer. Ranging from $40-60 a night. CLICK HERE to reserve. Contact them HERE or by calling 907-982-7077.
There are RV sites with 20/30/50-amp full hookups. Showers and laundry for $5, free wifi and dumping with a water fill for $10.
- Great Alaskan Holidays
Great Alaskan Holidays is the largest RV rental company, providing comfortable touring and lodging solutions to travelers visiting Alaska from around the world for over 36 years now.
Park it at the show and live in it. Travel through Alaska before the event or extend your stay to take full advantage of an opportunity you may never have again…. tour Alaska in the safety, privacy, and comfort of your own RV rental. CLICK HERE or call 907-248-7777 to reserve.
New & Improved Platinum Pavilion
8x10 foot standard booths and new Jetsetter booths for those with smaller displays!
To be Announced Soon!
Raven Hall
To be Announced Soon!
NextGen Aviation Activity Center
To be Announced Soon!
More info soon!
2025 info is still being updated - Some info may be inaccurate!
Call office to Verify or email outreach@alaskaairmen.org
HOW TO FLY-IN
Fly into the airport, stay for the day, and fly out!
- Navigate to Warren "Bud" Woods Palmer Municipal Airport (PAAQ)
- A Temporary Air Traffic Control tower will be in effect within a 5nm radius of Palmer Airport from 9am-5pm Friday 5/2 -Sunday 5/4.
- Ground crew will be available to direct aircraft to parking.
- Please check all NOTAMs before planning to fly in. Heavy traffic and temporary runway closures should be expected.
Temporary Tower Frequency: 118.95 (2024)
Temporary Ground Control Frequency: 120.20 (2024)
Contact Palmer Flight Service on CTAF: 123.6
CAMP WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT
Reserve a campsite (space is limited, and registration is required). REGISTER HERE: 2025 Airport Camping
Aircraft camping information:
- FREE
- Pre-registration is required
- Tie-down anchors will be provided but you must bring your own rope.
- The camping surface is asphalt.
- Campfires are authorized in provided, fire-marshal-approved pits only. Bring your own firewood.
- Pets are not allowed.
- A dumpster is available on-site.
- Port-o-potties provided (no restrooms)
- No access to water.
- Shuttles into Palmer and the Fairgrounds run throughout the day Saturday and Sunday until 5 PM. There are no shuttles on Friday
Register for the Show and Shine and fly into the Fairgrounds.
Click on Show and Shine in the ACTIVITES section below to see details.