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A Vision for the Future
AirVenture Site Plans
The growth of AirVenture has been phenomenal. Whether considered in terms of grassroots aviation-enthusiast participation, or commercial presence, or national and worldwide prestige, the event continues to gain importance to all who come. Today, without a major site renovation or modification since the mid-1990s, the site's evolution is beginning to lag behind the demands of its increasing prominence.
That's why in the fall of 2005 EAA assembled a task force to gather the ideas and address the concerns from EAA members and other AirVenture participants. The goal: to enhance the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration experience and ensure AirVenture's continued stature as the destination that embodies the spirit of aviation.
The process began with research focusing on the EAA community's priorities and concerns for the future of their convention site. Through surveys and focus groups, EAA members weighed in on what is most important.
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| This artist's concept drawing envisions how the main gate and "show center" segment of the grounds might look after improvements. Note how the large "spoke" thoroughfares branching out from the main-gate circle create better directional navigation and more direct lines of sight to exhibits, features, and attractions. |
Although some elements of the site layout will continue to evolve, this rendition shows an important fixture of the site design: the "X" thoroughfares intersect at the main gate and create more direct linkage among the campground, the museum facility, the parking areas, the forums and educational facilities, exhibits, and the site's other major content areas. |
The result is a 10-year, $17-million project to comprehensively redesign and upgrade the AirVenture site. Despite all the changes laid out in this plan, the team developing this vision strictly adhered to the primary directive that EAA's members and leaders have unequivocally imparted: do not alter the culture of the event. EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is, first and foremost, aviation's family reunion. It's a gathering of the community of aviation's most passionate participants.
The plan prioritizes improving amenities and the overall experience for EAA's members and AirVenture visitors. Among the first scheduled improvements, slated for completion over the next two years, are: a revised layout providing for more efficient navigation of the site; new pathways and roadways to better separate pedestrians and vehicles; new way-finding signs; upgraded on-site transportation equipment and facilities; upgraded shower and bathroom facilities on the grounds and in camping areas; hundreds more electrical hookups for campers; campground social pavilions; and expanded wireless Internet access.
These phase-one plans also include construction of a facility that would link the existing north exhibit hangars, significantly increasing the available indoor exhibit space.
The site-design team identified upgrades from which everyone may benefit. For example improvements to exhibitor facilities mean that, for EAA members and other visitors, there will be more to see and the ability to see it in greater comfort, in a more spacious facility, in a controlled climate, and with more appealing restrooms.
Look for more specific information about the AirVenture site-improvement plan at the EAA Welcome Center during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008, July 28 - August 3. The display will include a revised site map and artists' concept drawings.
More information
This comprehensive site-enhancement project is still in its infancy and the plan will undoubtedly undergo modification as it moves forward. We will update this Web page as information becomes available and decisions are made, so please check back frequently.
If you’d like to speak with someone about becoming a donor or sponsor, please feel free to contact Elissa Lines at 920-426-6101. Or, you may direct these inquiries, or any other questions or comments, to communications@eaa.org.
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