Great Alaska Aviation Gathering

The Alaska Airmen partner with the Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation to host a full weekend of free educational seminars for the public. Be part of a safer, better-educated flying community by participating in this event.

2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering Seminar Program Schedule Announced in January 2026

2026 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP AND IA RENEWAL- Open to all! 

Description: A one-day aircraft maintenance workshop. Seminars will be eligible for credit toward IA Renewal and/or Aviation Maintenance Technician awards program.

When: TBD

Where: TBD

Target Audience: Aircraft owners & maintenance professionals

This event is FREE but registration is required.

Are you an aviation professional? Do you hope to become one?

Make your way to the career fair to speak with aviation employers about career paths, prospects, and goals. You may even land an on-site interview!

See the full list of career fair exhibitors HERE

Show off your beautiful bird

And compete for prizes, and join us at the Alaska State Fairgrounds!

Register to fly into the Alaska State Fairgrounds on Saturday May 2nd to participate in this fun event!

Landing at the Alaska State Fair is NOT open to the public.  Registration and prior approval for landing is required.

All pilots must complete the registration in full and sign all associated waivers and prior to being approved for participation.

A temporary air traffic control tower will be in effect within 5nm of the Palmer Municipal Airport during the event

Show and Shine participants will also be required to communicate on a designated advisory frequency prior to landing at the fairgrounds.

Categories include: Slickest Super Cub, Best in the Sky(wagon), Duct Tape Masterpiece and More!

SHOW AND SHINE REGISTRATION OPENS IN SPRING 2026

TBD 2026

The 2026 event will be at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 2nd from 9 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, May 3rd from 10 AM until 5 PM.

Alaska State Fairgrounds

2075 Glenn Hwy

Palmer, AK 99645

Palmer Municipal Airport

901 S Airport Rd

Palmer, AK 99645

FREE ADMISSION - Since 1998 the Alaska Airmen's Association has kept the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering FREE for all attendees! We believe our event is important for all to attend and are happy to provide connections through our aviation family. Thank you to all our donors, members, and sponsors for helping us to keep this event free!

MEMBER VIP PARKING - Alaska Airmen members get free VIP parking in the orange lot!  See map here

PARKING FUNDRAISER $5- With such amazing crowds attending at the Palmer venue, this year we are getting some help from the local Palmer High Moose Hockey team to keeps things moving smoothly!  Contribute $5 (cash or credit) to their fundraiser and park in the red lot at the Alaska State Fairgrounds.  Prefer not to participate?  No problem, a free shuttle runs throughout the event with multiple stops throughout Palmer! SEE DETAILS HERE

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 5/1 -Sunday 5/3.

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.

CAMP WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT

Reserve a campsite (space is limited, and registration is required). REGISTER OPENS IN WINTER 2026:

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.

2026 info is still being updated - Some info may be inaccurate!

Call the office to verify or email info@alaskaairmen.org

The 2026 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 Gathering. Check out Fly-Inn.com for the best fly-in lodging accommodations.

We suggest the following establishments - prices may vary:

PALMER

Alaska’s Harvest Bed and Breakfast – 3 miles from venue (Waiting to confirm discount for 2026)

2252 N. Love Drive, Palmer, AK 99645

Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate

CLICK HERE or call 907-232-8783 to reserve

Alaska Backcountry Cottages – 6.5 miles from venue

3901 South Lindsey Cir, Palmer, AK, 99645

10% discounted nightly rate using promo code: summer

CLICK HERE or call 907-746-2225 to reserve

The Pioneer Motel – 1.8 miles from the venue (Waiting to confirm discount for 2026)

124 West Arctic Ave, Palmer, AK, 99645

Offering a 10% discounted nightly rate

CLICK HERE or call (907)745-3425 to reserve

Colony Inn – 2.1 miles from venue (Waiting to confirm discount for 2026)

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

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 $200 + Tax per standard Queen room

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 15% discounted nightly rate

CLICK HERE to reserve

SpringHill Suites Midtown Anchorage - 41 miles from venue

3401 A Street Anchorage, AK 99503

Offering a 15% discounted nightly rate

CLICK HERE to reserve

Residence Inn Anchorage Midtown - 42 miles from venue

1025 35th Avenue Anchorage, AK 99508

Offering a 15% discounted nightly rate

CLICK HERE to reserve

The Lakefront Anchorage - 45 miles from venue (Waiting to confirm discount for 2026)

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?

Email operations@alaskaairmen.org to inquire about camping on the fairgrounds. No hookups available.

The Springer RV & Campground (Booking opens January 1st, 2026)

Located at 16199 East Outer Springer Loop Palmer AK 99645 – 1.75 miles from venue

Springer Campground will be taking reservations January 2026 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 Wi-Fi 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.

The 2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will take place in Palmer at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport. The Alaska Airmen's Association provides free shuttle service during the event. There are two lines available to take you to the Fairgrounds and to the Palmer Airport for all activities throughout the Great Alaska Aviation Gathering.

ACE is located at 5901 Lockheed Avenue, North Air Park at the Anchorage International Airport.

ACE offers cargo flights, passenger and cargo charters, small package service and logistics.

ACE serves many Alaskan communities with daily air cargo flights to and from Anchorage to the following locations:

Southwestern: Dillingham, Illiamna, King Salmon and Kodiak

Aleutians: Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor, Sand Point, St. George, and St. Paul.

Southeast: Chenega, Cordova, Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Tatitlek, Wrangell and Yakutat.

Flag-stops and charters are available statewide.

For further information regarding ACE cargo services, please contact Steve Melchert, VP Cargo/Facilities/Charter Sales & Service, at 907.334.5129 or call toll-free 1.888.722.0232 in Anchorage.

For further information regarding ACE charter services, please contact Charter Sales, at 907.334.5111 or call toll-free 1.888.722.0232 in Anchorage.

https://www.aceaircargo.com/

Part 121 Cargo Airline that operates a fleet of 23 Boeing 747-400 & 6 Boeing 777 freighters, with a long history of providing cargo services across the globe.

"On Time, Anytime, Anywhere."

kalittaair.com

Ground Handling services

2026 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 TBD. 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 1st. 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.

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.

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.

*** VERY IMPORTANT! IF YOU ARE USING A CARRIER OTHER THEN FEDEX, or if you have large freight, you need to use Alaska Event Services as your freight forwarder. Alaska Event Services will receive your freight and transport it to your booth space at the Alaska State Fairgrounds. There is a material handling charge for the service and freight must be received by Monday, April 27th.

***For freight larger than 4’x 4’x 4’ please contact Alaska Event Services prior to shipping for specific information and restrictions.

Label instructions for all freight to be handled by Alaska Event Services:

GAAG/Your Company Name

Alaska Event Services

737 E 13th Avenue

Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Outbound material handling services for non-FedEx freight are also available. Please contact Alaska Event Services at (907) 345-8789 or info@alaskaeventservices.com if you have any questions at all.

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 for a FEE at the Palmer Fairgrounds.

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 2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering, to be held May 2nd and 3rd 2026 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 25th

**PRICES/DATES 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

https://palmerak.munirevs.com/

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.”

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 6/30/26.  

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

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

Finding Lodging for the 2026 Gathering - 

The 2026 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: 

*Discounts are being updated currently*

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 1st-6th, contact info@alaskaairmen.org for the 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 1st-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 1st-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 2026 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. 

The 2026 event will be at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 2nd from 9 AM until 5 PM and Sunday, May 3rd 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

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.

CAMP WITH YOUR AIRCRAFT

Reserve a campsite (space is limited, and registration is required). REGISTER HERE OPENS SPRING 2026

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

Registration Opens Spring 2026

Click on Show and Shine in the ACTIVITIES section below to see details.

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, 2026, will be processed promptly and paid exhibitor fees will be refunded. Cancellations made on or after March 15th, 2026, 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 marketing@alaskaairmen.org