Aviation Expo 2026 in Seattle is a 4-day event featuring an aviation marketplace, tours, plane spotting, seminars, and experiences for aviation enthusiasts of all kinds. It will take place from July 8 – 11, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

The event will include:

• Collectibles Marketplace: A large show and sale featuring airline memorabilia, models, artifacts, and rare collectibles. Additionally, as part of this marketplace, there will be aviation schools, airports, and airline hiring desks.
• Exclusive Tours: Behind-the-scenes tours of local airports, aerospace factories, and aviation facilities.
• Plane Spotting: Multiple spotting events are planned during all 4 days of Aviation Expo. More information about these spotting events will come out in 2026. Reserve one of our “Airport View” hotel rooms for nonstop aviation action from your hotel room.
• Photography Seminars: Sessions on the art and technique of plane spotting and aviation photography, including tips on locations, equipment, safety, and legal considerations.
• Social Media & Content Creation Workshops: Seminars on building and growing an aviation-themed Instagram or YouTube channel, with strategies for content, engagement, and community building.
• Seminars on Airplane Manufacturing: Behind-the-scenes presentations, such as how GeminiJets and other manufacturers create model airplanes.
• Historical Exhibits: Displays highlighting airline and aviation history, including artifacts, uniforms, and archival materials.
• Airport Diorama Workshops: Hands-on seminars and breakout sessions on how to design, build, and display your own airport diorama, with expert instructors and live demonstrations.
• Career & Education Opportunities: Airline hiring desks and aviation school enrollment stations where attendees can meet recruiters, explore aviation career paths, and sign up for training.
• Aviation Day (Youth Engagement): A special day with informal, one-on-one meet-and-greets for kids and young adults with pilots (private, military, regional, mainline), flight attendants, mechanics, and air traffic controllers—no formal presentations, just honest conversations and Q&A with one on one interaction.
• Expert Panels & Industry Seminars: Discussions and presentations by aviation professionals, historians, and industry insiders on a range of aviation topics.
• Live Demonstrations: Interactive demos related to aviation technology, collectibles, and hobby activities.
• Networking Events: Opportunities for enthusiasts, collectors, spotters, and professionals to connect, share, and collaborate.
• Discount Programs: Special admission discounts for military personnel (active and retired), airline and interline employees, and aviation industry staff. Additionally, discounts are available at local restaurants within a short distance from the hotel, where attendees and exhibitors can dine if they prefer not to eat at the hotel.

Click here for our demographics for the show, which outline the target audience we are aiming to attract. Click here for info on exhibiting at the show and why you will want to be there as an exhibitor. Interested in having a booth at our Aviation Marketplace? Click here to get on our email list for exhibitors. Click here to register to attend Aviation Expo 2026 Seattle!