2026 GREAT ALASKA AVIATION GATHERING

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

MAY 1ST FRIDAY

8:00 Fairgrounds and Airport Open to Exhibitors

12:00 CHECK IN - Alaska Airmen Association Booth

17:00- Mcfarlane Exhibitors Welcome Dinner 

81 Commercial Dr, Palmer

MAY 2ND SATURDAY

9:00 Fairgrounds and Airport Open to Public (WELCOME!)

Show and Shine Aircraft Arrive (Plaza)

10:00 Show and Shine Public Voting @10:00-13:00 (Plaza)

12:00 Alaska Airmen Association Scholarship-Award Presentations (Plaza)

14:00 Show and Shine Awards (Purple Lawn)

16:00* Water Bombing, STOL Demo, & Skydiving (Airport)

*Weather/time permitting - final at noon

15:00 After Party (Hoskins Hall)

MAY 3RD SUNDAY

10:00 Fairgrounds and Airport Open to Public

16:00 Aircraft Raffle Prize Drawing! (Plaza)

Check-in and booth set up is on MAY 1st, 2026, from 12:00 pm-5:00 pm.

Show days:

9 am-5 pm Saturday, May 2nd. Exhibitors can arrive at 8 am, one hour prior.

10 am-4 pm Sunday, May 3rd. Exhibitors can arrive at 9 am, one hour prior.

If you shipped items to the show through FedEx or Alaska Event Services, they will be inside your booth upon arrival

Parking passes, badges, and exhibitor information will be provided to you at check-in

The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering is open to the public Saturday, May 2nd, from 9 am-5 pm, and Sunday, May 3rd, from 10 am-4 pm

Exhibitors are welcome to enter the venue at 8:00 am on Saturday and 9:00 am on Sunday

Please have your booths set up no later than the public start times

MCFARLANE EXHIBITOR RECEPTION

The Great Alaska Aviation Gathering will feature a reception event on Friday night, 5-8 pm, May 1st, hosted by McFarlane.

MTA is offering secure, PCI-compliant WiFi specifically for vendors accepting payments at Alaska State Fairgrounds events. Unlike public WiFi, this service meets Payment Card Industry security standards.

Key Features:

Top network priority for smooth performance during busy times

PCI-compliant secure login with encryption

10 Mbps upload and download speeds

Unlimited access (no time, data, or session caps)

Payment platform whitelisting for faster processing

Automatic malware blocking

24/7 Palmer-based support with dedicated vendor line

Pricing:

2 devices for 5 days: $19.99

5 devices for 5 days: $49.99

How to Sign Up:

Call (907) 864-FAIR (3247) or email MTAFairWifi@mtasolutions.com

Choose your plan based on device needs

Pay by credit card over the phone

Receive secure login credentials (username and password)

 The service is designed to provide vendors with fast, reliable, and secure internet access for payment processing during fairground events.

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. 

Deadline to Receive Freight: April 27, 2026

DO NOT SHIP ITEMS TO THE ALASKA STATE FAIR ADDRESS IN PALMER, AK.

There is no staff on site to receive shipments.

OPTION 1: FEDEX SHIPPING (RECOMMENDED)

FedEx is the preferred carrier for exhibitors shipping standard freight.

FedEx Shipping Address

Use this format on all shipping labels:

Vendor Name – Booth XXX

Great Alaska Aviation Gathering

6050 Rockwell Ave

Anchorage, Alaska 99502

This is the correct address. Shipments are held at the FedEx Anchorage Hub and delivered to the event site immediately prior to the show.

FedEx Requirements

   • Deadline to receive: April 27, 2026

   • Specify on air bill: NO SIGNATURE REQUIRED

 • Clearly label: Company name and booth number

 • Include a point of contact on the outside of each shipment

• FedEx Ground: Allow 10 business days for delivery to Alaska

!! Ship no later than April 15, 2026 !!

• Shipments may appear as “Delivered” or “On Hold” in Anchorage — this is normal

 • Freight will be consolidated and delivered to the venue on Friday, May 1, 2026

Material Handling Limitations

  • No forklift available on site

 •  Freight must be movable by pallet jack or hand truck

!! For freight larger than 4’ × 4’ × 4’, contact Alaska Event Services before shipping !!

Return Shipping (FedEx)

   • Return shipping will be available at the close of the show

   • You must bring pre-printed return labels

   • Bring packing tape.

  • No printers available on site

!! It is strongly encouraged that you create your return label at the same time as your outbound label !!

OPTION 2: ALASKA EVENT SERVICES

Required for non-FedEx carriers or large freight

You must use Alaska Event Services if:

 • You are using a carrier other than FedEx, or

  • Your freight requires a forklift, or

  • You are shipping oversized or heavy freight

Alaska Event Services Receiving Deadline

!! Freight must be received by Monday, April 27th !!

   • Material handling fees apply

Alaska Event Services Shipping Address

Use this address only for freight handled by Alaska Event Services:

GAAG / Your Company Name- Booth XXX

Alaska Event Services

737 E 13th Avenue

Anchorage, Alaska 99501

Alaska Event Services will receive, store, and deliver your freight directly to your booth space.

AES Contact Information

Phone: (907) 345-8789

Email: info@alaskaeventservices.com

Outbound material handling for non-FedEx freight is also available through Alaska Event Services.

IMPORTANT NOTES (ALL EXHIBITORS)

No shipments will be accepted at the Alaska State Fairgrounds unless special arrangements have been made in advance

Show management and carriers are not responsible for lost shipments

All questions or special shipping arrangements must be coordinated ahead of time

Contact: info@alaskaairmen.org

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

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