Erik Amend, Acting FAA Alaska Regional Administrator

Erik has over 30 years of aviation-related operational, policy, and leadership experience. He currently serves as the Acting Regional Administrator for the Alaskan Region. Previously, he was the Acting Deputy Executive Director in the FAA’s Office of Aviation Policy and Plans, leading the development and implementation of civil aerospace system policies targeting key goals and priorities.

As Executive Manager in the UAS Integration Office, Mr. Amend directed the safe integration of new entrants into the National Airspace System. He led National Drone Safety Awareness Week, UAS Symposiums, and “Know Before You Fly” partnership agreements.

Before joining the FAA, Mr. Amend held a number of leadership roles at United Airlines over a fifteen-year period. Mr. Amend holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and is a certified Project Management Professional.

Prince Dalal, National Weather Service Alaska Aviation Weather Unit and Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center

Prince is a Meteorologist at the Alaska Aviation Weather Unit and Anchorage Volcanic Ash Advisory Center. He's been forecasting for the Alaska Airspace for almost 2 years now. He enjoys playing sports and staying outdoors as much as possible. He looks forward to meeting and learning from aviation professionals during the gathering.

Mike Ginter, Senior Vice President, AOPA Air Safety Institute

Mike Ginter has been a GA pilot since earning his Private pilot's license at the age of 18. He served 27 years in the US Navy flying the Lockheed S-3 Viking and accumulated 555 carrier landings and over 5500 hours in various military and GA aircraft. Mike is a Commercial pilot with Instrument, Multi, and Single Engine seaplane ratings, and owns a Beechcraft A-36 Bonanza and a Cessna 172.

Stef Goza, Recreational Aviation Foundation

Stef Goza learned to fly as a teenager in Iowa and eventually found her way north to Alaska, where the freedom of backcountry flying became part of her everyday life. She serves as one of the Alaska State Liaisons and the Etiquette Chair for the Recreational Aviation Foundation and the Chair of her local 99s Chapter. With a background in leadership, mentoring, and community outreach, she brings a practical approach to aviation advocacy, working to strengthen connections within the general aviation community. Stef enjoys exploring the backcountry with her husband and capturing the beauty of their adventures through her award-winning photography. 

Steve Johnson, Supercub.org

Steve "sj" Johnson is a Gold Seal CFI/CFII/MEI with over 6,700 hours and nearly 2,000 hours of dual given, specializing in backcountry and advanced instruction. He founded SuperCub.Org, the largest online community dedicated to Piper Super Cubs and backcountry flying, and was the 2000 Kansas City FSDO Flight Instructor of the Year. Steve and his wife Laura make their home in Bentonville, Arkansas—where over 100 grass strips lie within 100nm of their base at KVBT. 

Jim McClay, Director, Airspace, Air Traffic, and Security, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

Jim joined AOPA in August of 2020 and serves as Director, Regulatory Affairs, focusing on Airspace, Air Traffic, Security and Emerging Technology. Prior to joining AOPA, he spent over 13 years as part of NBAA's Air Traffic Services team at the FAA Air Traffic Control System Command Center. He also has experience as an airline dispatcher and as a scheduler for a Fortune 500 corporate flight department. He has a degree in Marketing from Liberty University and is an instrument-rated private pilot.

Tim Roehl, President, GAMI/Tornado Alley Turbo/G100UL

Tim Roehl is the Co- founder and President of General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) and Tornado Alley Turbo, Inc. (TATI), both of which are located on the Ada, OK Regional Airport. GAMI and Tornado Alley Turbo have developed several noteworthy FAA Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) ranging from GAMIjector® fuel injectors, Turbonormalizing Systems for several aircraft models and G100UL® High Octane, Unleaded Avgas. GAMI operates one of the most sophisticated piston engine test facilities in the world at their Ada, OK location. GAMI’s G100UL is the only broadly certified, high octane, unleaded aviation gasoline approved on every piston engine in the FAA’s TCDS System.

As President of GAMI and TATI, Mr. Roehl has an extensive, 35+ year background in aerospace manufacturing and FAA Certification. He is an instrument rated, private pilot and airplane owner and enjoys flying a turbonormalized Beechcraft Bonanza B36TC and a 1956 Beechcraft T-34B Mentor.

Judson Rupert, Fellow Engineer, Lycoming Engines

Jud Rupert, Fellow Engineer, has worked for Lycoming Engines for the past 15 years in various Engineering roles. He is an FAA licensed private pilot and A&P mechanic. He has a B.S in Aerospace Engineering from Penn State University and M.A.S in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In his spare time, he enjoys building his Hatz Classic experimental biplane and is an avid outdoorsman and hunter.

Adam White, Government Affairs Advocate, Alaska Airmen’s Association

Adam White is the Government Affairs Advocate for the Alaska Airmen’s Association. He grew up in Georgia, where his first real job as a kid was washing and refueling airplanes at the local airport, within a short time he was a mechanic’s apprentice and flying whenever he could. Adam came to Alaska in 1995 after earning a BS in Aviation Technology from LeTourneau University where he also earned his pilot and mechanic certificates. He holds CFII, Multi, and Seaplane ratings, and is an Itinerant Pastor flying his Maule M7 throughout the Interior visiting homesteads, fish camps, and villages. Adam is actively involved in the aviation community of Fairbanks and the Interior; he lives in Nenana with his wife and is the father of three adult daughters.

2026 GREAT ALASKA AVIATION GATHERING

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

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)

The Alaska Airmen's Association has partnered 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.

The 2026 Great Alaska Aviation Gathering Seminar Program Schedule is in the button below. 

2026 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP AND IA RENEWAL

This event is 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: 8am-5pm,May 1st
• Where: Hoskins Hall, Alaska State Fairgrounds
• Target Audience: Aircraft owners & maintenance professionals

This event is FREE, no registration required. 

• Build & test airplanes
• Assemble LASER-cut airplanes
• See a working 3D Printer & CNC mill
• Fly Civil Air Patrol Flight Sims
• Fly Alaska Drone Racing League Sims
• Learn how airplanes fly
• Rivet like Rosie & take your project home
• Make a spark plug key chain and learn about piston engines
• See how aircraft instruments work
• Learn to talk like a pilot
• Preflight a real airplane
• Fly a kite with Alaskitters! (Saturday only)

 FREE for all kids! Parents love it! 

More information to follow soon!

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!

Current Career Fair Exhibitors:

Pegasus Aviation Services

United States Coast Guard

Future Employers - Sign up HERE

Email marketing@alaskaairmen.org to check career fair availability!

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.

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 4%. 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