Shipping to the Show?
2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering
Exhibitor Shipping Instructions
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 recommended 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
EVENT SET-UP DATE AND TIME
Alaska State Fairgrounds
Set up for vendors and exhibitors will open:
Friday, May 1st (noon - 5 pm)
Address
Alaska State Fairgrounds
2075 Glenn Hwy
Palmer, AK 996455 pm
Booth Specifications & Equipment Rental
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**
Planning to sell at the show?
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 link 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
Exhibitor Travel & Lodging Discounts
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.
LOCATION AND DATE
The 2026 event will be at the Alaska State Fairgrounds and the Palmer Municipal Airport on:
- Saturday, May 2nd (9 AM - 5 PM)
- Sunday, May 3rd (10 AM - 5 PM)
- Sunday festivities begin one hour later than Saturday!
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!
Address
Alaska State Fairgrounds
2075 Glenn Hwy
Palmer, AK 99645
Palmer Municipal Airport
Free shuttle bus services will be provided to and from 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.
Address
Palmer Municipal Airport
901 S Airport Rd
Palmer, AK 9964
FLY-IN!
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 REFUND POLICY
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
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